A method for verifying the calibration of a digitizer during a computer-assisted medical procedure is provided utilizing a tracked digitizer and a secondary tracking array (e.g., a bone tracking array). A medical system for performing the computerized method for verifying the calibration of a digitizer during a computer-assisted medical procedure is provided. A method for verifying the calibration of a tracking array relative to a feature with the system includes a first calibration definition and a second calibration definition transmitted to the tracking system. A first feature and a second feature together are assembled. The calibration is verified by computing the deviations between the tracked position of the first feature and the tracked position of the second feature using: a recorded position and orientation of the first and second tracking array, and the uploaded first calibration definition and the uploaded second calibration definition.

A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery. The improvement relates to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Some of the improvement relate to controlling the selection of which data to display during a procedure and/or how the data is displayed to aid the surgeon. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled automatically to improve the efficiency of the procedure. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure.

This system comprises: at least one vibrational sensor which is operable to produce data each time an impact application device applies an impact from a user to the prosthetic component during assembly between the prosthetic component and with the support member, the produced data representing acoustic vibrations generated in the air and/or material vibrations generated in the impact application device, an analysis unit which is configured both to calculate a frequency characterization of the vibrations for each impact applied by the impact application device to the prosthetic component, from the corresponding data produced by the at least one vibrational sensor, and to compare the frequency characterizations that are respectively calculated for successive impacts so as to provide at each of the successive impacts either a first indication when the assembly between the prosthetic component and the support member is not fully seated or a second indication when the assembly between the prosthetic component and the support member is fully seated, and a user interface which provides feedback to the user based on the first and second indications.

A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

A system and process for performing orthopedic surgery is provided that uses a patient's existing implant as a registration tool in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The systems and processes may be used with computer assisted systems or navigation systems to aid in the removal of bone, bone cement, or a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The removal of the prosthesis may be done by conventional methods, with navigation systems, robotic assistance or articulating hand held systems. The removal of bone and/or bone cement may be performed with navigated systems, robotic systems, articulating hand-held systems and combinations thereof.

Devices, systems, and methods for automatically exchanging a first end-effector on a robot arm with a second end-effector housed in a docking station. The first end-effector has a clamp that either engages or disengages the robot arm based upon an application of force of the robot arm onto the end-effector. The clamp has a spring loaded clip that disengages the first end-effector to allow the robot arm to move away from the released first end-effector. The robot arm is configured to automatically move to a port of a docking station housing the desired second end-effector using magnetic coils on the robot arm and the docking station to guide the robot arm.

The subject matter includes systems, methods, and prosthetic devices for joint reconstruction surgery. A computer-assisted intraoperating planning method can include accessing a first medical image providing a first view of a joint within a surgical site as well as receiving selection of a first component of a modular prosthetic device implanted in the first bone of the joint. The method continues by displaying a graphical representation of the first component of the modular prosthetic device overlaid on the first medical image, and updating a graphical representation of the first component based on receiving positioning inputs representative of an implant location of the first component relative to landmarks on the first bone visible within the first medical image. The method concludes by presenting a selection interface enabling visualization of additional components of the modular prosthetic device virtually connected to the first component and overlaid on the first medical image.

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for robotic insertion of a screw, a rod, or another component of a surgical implant into a patient are disclosed. Synchronous insertion of screws is performed by multiple surgical robots or a single surgical robot having multiple arms and end effectors. The movements of each robotic arm are coordinated into position in preparation of the insertion of multiple surgical implant components at the same time or in the same surgical step. The insertion of the surgical implant components is performed while monitoring the insertion progress. The insertion is completed autonomously or in coordination with a surgeon.

A system and method for inserting and aligning an acetabular cup in the human pelvic bone, including selectively combining aspects of a vibratory BMD3 and an axially-impacting BMD4, including initially utilizing BMD3 vibratory insertion to partially insert and perfectly align the acetabular cup into the pelvis, and subsequently switching to a BMD4 controlled impaction technique to apply specific quantifiable forces for full seating and insertion, wherein the proven advantages of the vibratory insertion prototype with the advantages of the controlled impaction prototype are combined in a single device.