The present invention relates to an implant system that comprises an implant, a handle configured to removably receive the implant, and, in some embodiments, a spacer tool configured to be mounted on the implant. In further embodiments, a k-wire is employed to guide the implant to a desired location. The handle has a hole for receiving a first portion of the implant. Using the handle to implant the implant, along with an associated spacer, provides a quick and convenient method for implanting the implant as described herein and in the associated drawings.

A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to surgical cutting systems having a surgical tool and a powered hand piece. The surgical tool can include a cutting tool having a coupling portion for selective connection to a drive pin of the hand piece. The coupling portion defines a tang that is configured to promote self-alignment of the cutting tool and the drive pin during connection of the cutting tool and the hand piece, thus promoting ease of use.

A medical instrument includes a handpiece, an electromechanical transducer disposed in the handpiece, and an electrical circuit disposed at least partially in the handpiece for supplying alternating electrical current of a predetermined frequency to the transducer. A probe is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting vibrations generated by the transducer to an operative site in a patient. A switching device is mounted to the handpiece and is operatively connected to the circuit and the transducer for enabling the supply of power to the transducer during a motion of the probe in a preselected direction relative to the handpiece and for disabling the supply of power to the transducer upon a termination of motion of the probe in the preselected direction.

A portable and passive safety intraosseous device to allow for direct introduction of medications, etc., within the intermedullary space of a subject patient's bone or, if needed, the removal of certain substances from such a subject patient's bone. Such a device permits direct drilling and placement of a cannula within the subject bone with access external to the subject patient's skin, permitting, as well, connection of a tube for such introduction/removal purposes. The ability to provide a passive safety unit allows for facilitated utilization in, for instance, emergency situations with the entire device provided for utilization thereof. The device includes a drilling component with a permanently attached stylet and a removable cannula, a power supply for a single drilling operation, a mechanism to draw the stylet back into the drill component after use and disengagement from the cannula, and an automatic closure that activates with the separation of the cannula.

A method, and devices for facilitating the method, for shoulder replacement surgery. The method entails establishing a mechanical support in a the anatomical neck plane of the proximal humeral head, fixing a jig to the mechanical support, where the jig supports a drill guide with its axis perpendicular to the anatomical neck plane, adjusting the drill guide it coincide with the axis of the humeral head, drilling a hole through the humeral head for insertion of a shaft which will support and rotate a reaming bit. The reaming bits used to resurface the humeral head and the glenoid fossa are inserted through the back of the patient, through a gap created between two easily separated muscles, rather than through a gap cut through the subscapularis muscle on the front of the joint. A suitable jig is provided to facilitate the method.

A surgical tool that includes a sterilzable handpiece that receives an aseptic power module. The handpiece includes a data tag that contains data identifying the type of handpiece. The power module includes a reader that reads the data from the data tag. Based on the type of handpiece the power module selectively actuates the power generating unit internal to the power module. Specifically, the power generating unit is actuated to output energy having the appropriate characteristics for the type of handpiece to which the power module is attached. In many versions of the invention, the data tag is mounted to the latch integral with the handpiece. The power module also interprets the receipt of the data from the handpiece as an indication that the power module is properly latched into the handpiece.

A surgical tool that includes a nose through which a cutting accessory extends. The nose is formed with an enclosed channel through which irrigating fluid is flowed. The enclosed channel has a helical shape such that as the channel extends longitudinally along the nose, the channel curves around the nose and the cutting accessory disposed in the nose.

Drill bits for cutting bones adjacent to soft tissue are disclosed. According to one example, the drill bit includes a working portion having a top cutting surface including a first top cutting surface and a second top cutting surface. The second stop cutting surface has an angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit that is less than an angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit of the first top cutting surface.

An adaptor for coupling a surgical tool to a handle having a drive mechanism for operating the surgical tool is provided. The adaptor includes two telescopically connected segments, a first segment being for engaging the surgical tool and a second segment for engaging the handle. When the first and the second segments are telescopically collapsed they operatively link the surgical tool with the handle drive mechanism while preventing user contact with potentially non-sterile regions of the handle and/or tool.