In a particular implementation, an apparatus configured to measure bone temperature during drilling includes a processor and an infrared (IR) sensor coupled to the processor and configured to measure temperature data indicating a temperature at an interface between a drill bit and a bone of a patient.

The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.

Cutting instruments and related methods are disclosed herein in which the diameter of the retrograde cutting blade can be adjusted to any of a plurality of diameter settings, allowing the same instrument to be used to form holes of different diameters. The limit diameter can be preset such that, during the cutting operation, the user need not be concerned with selecting the appropriate diameter, but rather can simply deploy the cutting blade until the preset limit is reached. Cutting instruments are also disclosed in which the retrograde cutting blade is distinct from the forward drilling tip and protected within a cavity formed in the body of the instrument when not in use, as are instruments in which the user is given visual and/or tactile feedback to confirm desired positioning of the cutting blade.

A method and apparatus for preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Disclosed is a unit for reaming of the surface of joint cartilage and of periarticular bone of an acetabulum and femoral head, used in orthopaedical surgery, being used as equipment to prepare the surface of cartilage and periarticular bone for endoprosthesis implantation. The unit is has at least two burrs with a slanting end of the cutting blade and an arc shape, ending with a ball-shaped pivot, placed in the guides of a matrix, whereas each of the burrs is placed in a channel of a shaped body, whereas the body is connected by a joint with the unit's drive mechanism.

A surgical device may include a tube and a cutting blade movable between a first position in which the cutting blade is concealed inside the tube and a second position in which the cutting blade is exposed through a sidewall of the tube.

A stylet control system for selectively advancing and retracting a stylet includes a stylet having a first end and a second end, the second end being threaded, a screwdriver defining a bore for receiving a portion of the stylet and having a screw-engaging end for engaging a screw, the stylet being rotationally fixed relative to the screwdriver. The system includes a control device having a passage for receiving the screwdriver and having an inner portion defining a lumen for receiving the portion of the stylet, the inner portion being threaded for engaging the threaded second end of the stylet, when the screwdriver is rotated in the first rotation direction and the control device is prevented from rotating, the screwdriver advances the screw in the first axial direction and the stylet retracts in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.

Drilling devices, systems, kits and methods for drilling cartilage defects are disclosed. A system includes a handle device having an adjustable shaft collar rotatable to adjust a drill set distance between the adjustable shaft collar and the handle. The handle device can include a distal drill guide extending from the handle at an end opposite the adjustable shaft collar. The system includes a drill collar attachable to a drill bit and configured to remain stationary along a length of the drill bit once attached. The system includes a rotatable disk positionable between the adjustable shaft collar and the drill collar. The rotatable disk can include a central hole sized to accept the drill bit.

A medical device for treating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient by providing at least one artificial hip joint surface. The medical device comprises a prosthetic part or a bone plug adapted to be placed in a hole in the pelvic bone and a supporting member connected to said prosthetic part or bone plug, wherein the prosthetic part or the bone plug is adapted to be inserted into said hole from the abdominal side of the acetabulum and oriented, during the insertion, such that the concave interior surface is facing in the direction towards the caput femur. Wherein the medical device comprises an artificial caput femur surface or artificial acetabulum surface, and wherein a largest cross-sectional distance of said artificial caput femur or acetabulum surface is smaller than said hole, such that said artificial caput femur surface can pass through said hole.

A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.