Patent Description:
A bone reamer is used to prepare a bone for receiving an orthopedic implant. For example, a surgeon may place the cutting head of a bone reamer against the glenoid cavity of a scapula. The surgeon would rotate the reamer using an external rotatable drive source such that the cutting teeth rotate to remove bone from the glenoid surface. Since the cutting head is of a substantially constant uniform diameter, the surgeon typically removes a relatively small amount of bone and moves the cutting head away from the glenoid surface to inspect the cut surface. If additional bone must be removed, it is necessary for the surgeon to again insert the cutting head through the opening formed in the soft tissue and against the glenoid surface to be cut.

Currently, bone reamers are typically fabricated as modular units that are sold in a set of an array of diameters. These reamer tool sets are manufactured with reamer cutting heads providing bore sizes ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM> in <NUM> increments sometimes totaling over <NUM> sizes. Since it is desirable to achieve a close prosthetic fit, a wide array of reaming tools of varying sizes are required to be on hand to provide the most precise cut and optimum bore diameter.

Reamers have historically been comprised two components, a one-piece reamer cutting head and a reamer shaft that connects to the reamer head assembly. The one-piece reamer cutting head is machined from a single block of metal into a hollow cylinder incorporated with a series of protruding blades that emerge from the outer surface of the cylinder.

Currently, reamer cutting heads are typically manufactured from a single piece of biocompatible metal. Traditional reamer cutting heads are fabricated using intricate precision machining techniques that create the central cylinder and the series of protruding reamer blades. This manufacturing process is time consuming and is not cost effective.

Because of their high cost, traditional cutter heads are typically reused multiple times. Over time, as these reamer heads are used and reused, the cutting blades become dull. Therefore, the reamer cutting blades are required to be sharpened and/or replaced. However, sharpening or replacing adds additional cost. In addition, reusable devices increase the possibility of infection. There is a high likelihood that the sterilization process may not remove all possible infection agents such as bacteria and the like.

Unfortunately, there is no simple way to evaluate cutting efficiency after these reamer tools have been used and reused. Many times it isn't until the surgeon uses the reamer again that they become aware that the reamer is cutting incorrectly. In many cases an ineffective, dull, or contaminated reamer tool is not detected until well into the reaming procedure or even after the procedure is complete. Good surgical outcomes are largely dependent on the use of a sharp, sterile reamer that is in optimal condition. Poor surgical outcomes such as a damaged or cracked glenoid can occur as a result of using dull or damaged reamers.

Preparing an articulation surface in a bone structure to receive an orthopedic implant often requires at least a two-step, and often a three-step, reaming and drilling process. This is because many orthopedic implants have multiple bone fixation structures for securely engaging the bone structure that the implant is being attached to.

Further, surgeons have varying preferences of the bone reamer head configuration because of limited surgical exposures. In order to meet varying surgeon preferences, the kits for performing bone reaming may have to contain bone reamers with various outer profiles to address exposure issues and bone quality wherein each additional reamer head profile would increase the cost of the kit. Alternatively, multiple kits, wherein each kit has a specific shaped reamer configuration, could be supplied, which would also increase the cost of each kit.

From <CIT>, there are known low profile offset reamers, which include reamer heads with outer diameters that are substantially greater than the overall height of the working portion, which includes the reamer head, a reamer coupler, and a working tip that supports the reamer head and reamer coupler.

What is needed in the art is a cost-effective single use bone reamer with a novel blade and assembly head design. Also, what is needed in the art is a bone reamer that can prepare the bone in one reaming procedure. Further, what is needed in the art is a bone reamer that has an adjustable outer profile that can meet the varying surgeon preferences.

Aspects of the present invention provide bone reamers for shoulder arthroplasties.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bone reamer comprising: a shaft having a first and a second end, the second end configured to connect to a power source; a head comprising: a rear face connected to the first end of the shaft, a cutting face on an opposing side of the head relative to the rear face, and a perimeter portion having an inner perimeter diameter and an outer perimeter diameter, the outer perimeter diameter defining outer boundaries of the rear face and the cutting face; a blade member disposed upon the cutting face and extending at least across the inner perimeter diameter of the perimeter portion, the blade member comprising: a first blade portion having a first cutting edge, and a second blade portion having a second cutting edge, the first and second cutting edges being disposed on opposing sides of the blade member; and a center drill bit disposed on the cutting face between the first and second blade portions of the blade member, the center drill bit and the blade member being concentric with a center axis of the reamer, and at least two cutting pegs disposed symmetrically around an inner circumference of the cutting face, the inner circumference being concentric with the center axis and having a smaller diameter than the outer perimeter diameter of the perimeter portion.

Optionally, each of the at least two cutting pegs comprise: a peg body having an upper end portion extending away from the cutting face of the head; and a peg cutting blade disposed on the upper end portion, the peg cutting blade operable to cut through bone as the bone reamer is rotated.

Optionally, the at least two cutting pegs comprise at least <NUM> pegs.

Optionally, the perimeter portion includes a first removable member, the first removable member comprising: a first end having a breakable connection to an adjacent first section of the perimeter portion, the first end configured to break off of the first section when a predetermined torque is applied to the first removable member; and a second end that is spaced apart from an adjacent second section of the perimeter portion, the second section of the perimeter portion having rounded surfaces disposed between the rear face and the cutting face of the head.

Optionally, the perimeter portion includes a second removable member, the second removable member comprising: a third end having a breakable connection to an adjacent third section of the perimeter portion, the third end configured to break off of the third section when a predetermined torque is applied to the second removable member; and a fourth end that is spaced apart from an adjacent fourth section of the perimeter portion, the fourth section of the perimeter portion having rounded surfaces disposed between the rear face and the cutting face of the head.

Optionally, the first and second removable members each form a circular arc spanning an angular range of between <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

Optionally, the head is composed solely of polymer material; and the shaft comprises: a cylindrical outer shell having a hollow central core, the outer shell composed solely of a polymer material, and a metallic sleeve disposed within the hollow central core.

Optionally, the shaft comprises a length, and wherein the hollow central core extends for the length of the shaft.

These, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

Generally stated, disclosed herein are bone reamers and methods of making the same. Further, surgical methods for using the bone reamers are discussed. The methods do not form part of the invention as claimed.

In this detailed description and the following claims, the words proximal, distal, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior and inferior are defined by their standard usage for indicating a particular part of a bone or implant according to the relative disposition of the natural bone or directional terms of reference. For example, "proximal" means the portion of a device or implant nearest the torso, while "distal" indicates the portion of the device or implant farthest from the torso. As for directional terms, "anterior" is a direction towards the front side of the body, "posterior" means a direction towards the back side of the body, "medial" means towards the midline of the body, "lateral" is a direction towards the sides or away from the midline of the body, "superior" means a direction above and "inferior" means a direction below another object or structure.

As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. " Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in the first figure of each embodiment.

Similarly, positions or directions may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or surfaces. For example, as the current bone reamers, implants, devices, systems and methods are described herein with reference to use with the bones of the shoulder, the bones of the shoulder and upper arm may be used to describe the surfaces, positions, directions or orientations of the bone reamer, implants, devices, systems and methods. Further, the bone reamers, implants, devices, systems and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to one side of the body for brevity purposes. However, as the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirrored about a line of symmetry (midline), it is hereby expressly contemplated that the bone reamers, implants, devices, systems and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described and/or illustrated herein may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured or otherwise altered for use or association with another side of the body for a same or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the bone reamers, implants, devices, systems and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described herein with respect to the right shoulder may be mirrored so that they likewise function with the left shoulder and vice versa. Further, the bone reamers implants, devices, systems and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to the shoulder for brevity purposes, but it should be understood that the implants, devices, systems and methods may be used with other bones of the body having similar structures, for example the lower extremity, and more specifically, with the bones of the ankle, foot, and leg.

Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like or analogous components throughout the several views. Particularly, <FIG> illustrate various views of a bone reamer <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Additionally, <FIG> illustrate various views of an implant <NUM> that is inserted into a bore hole and circular groove formed by the bone reamer <NUM>. Additionally <FIG> shows various steps and devices utilized in a method of preparing a bone for an orthopedic implant.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a bottom perspective view (<FIG>), a top perspective view (<FIG>), a top view (<FIG>), a bottom view (<FIG>) and a side view (<FIG>) of a bone reamer <NUM> is depicted in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The bone reamer includes a shaft <NUM> and a head <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> is configured to connect to a power source (not shown). In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> has three flat surfaces <NUM> that are configured to fit into the jaws of a drill chuck. However, several other configurations may be used to connect to a power source. For example, the second end <NUM> may be indirectly connected to a remote power source via transmission system.

The shaft <NUM> includes a cylindrical outer shell <NUM> having a hollow central core <NUM> (best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>). The hollow central core <NUM> extends through the entire length of the reamer <NUM>. A metallic sleeve <NUM> may be disposed within the hollow central core <NUM> within the shaft <NUM>. The metallic sleeve <NUM> provides structural support to the shaft <NUM>, and may be composed of such metals as, for example, stainless steel. As will be explained in greater detail within, the metallic sleeve <NUM> and hollow central core <NUM> are sized to slidably receive a pin <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>), which is used to accurately position the reamer <NUM> during the glenoid preparation process.

In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the reamer <NUM> or to make the reamer <NUM> economically disposable, the outer shell <NUM> may be composed solely of plastic/polymer materials. Such materials may be, for example, nylon, polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone, polyetherimide or polycarbonite.

The head <NUM> includes a rear face <NUM>, a cutting face <NUM> and a perimeter portion <NUM>. The rear face <NUM> is connected to the first end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. In this exemplary case, the rear face <NUM> is integrally connected to the shaft <NUM>. The cutting face <NUM> is on an opposing side of the head <NUM> relative to the rear face <NUM>.

In order to make the reamer <NUM> economically disposable, the head <NUM> may be composed solely of plastic/polymer materials, such as, for example, nylon, polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone, polyetherimide or polycarbonite. As provided above, the hollow central core <NUM> of the reamer <NUM> passes through the head <NUM> to enable the reamer <NUM> to be slid over the pin <NUM> (See <FIG>) for purposes of accurately positioning the reamer <NUM> during use.

The perimeter portion <NUM> has an inner perimeter diameter <NUM> and an outer perimeter diameter <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>). The outer perimeter diameter <NUM> defines the outer boundaries of the rear face <NUM> and the cutting face <NUM>. Additionally, the upper surface to the perimeter portion <NUM> is a part of the rear face <NUM> and the lower surface of the perimeter portion <NUM> is a part of the cutting face <NUM>.

A blade member <NUM> is disposed upon the cutting face <NUM>. The blade member <NUM> extends at least across the inner perimeter diameter <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>. However, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the blade member <NUM> extends entirely across the outer perimeter diameter <NUM> such that it is flush with the outermost boundaries of the perimeter portion <NUM>.

The blade member <NUM> is broken into a first blade portion <NUM> and a second blade portion <NUM>, which extend in opposite directions from a center axis <NUM> (See <FIG>) of the reamer <NUM>. The first blade portion <NUM> is angled to a first cutting edge <NUM> and the second blade portion <NUM> is angled to a second cutting edge <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>).

The first and second cutting edges <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on opposing sides of the blade member <NUM>. As such, when the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction when looking from a bottom view (as shown by directional arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) both cutting edges <NUM>, <NUM> rotate as the leading edges of the blade member <NUM>. It is these cutting edges <NUM>, <NUM> that are utilized by reamer <NUM> to cut a smooth circular surface <NUM> (See <FIG>) into a portion of a bone, such as, for example, the glenoid cavity of a scapula.

A center drill bit <NUM> is disposed on the cutting face <NUM> of the head <NUM> between the first and second cutting edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the blade member <NUM>. The center drill bit <NUM> and the blade member <NUM> are concentric with the center axis <NUM> of the reamer <NUM>. In this case, the center drill bit <NUM> straddles the central portion of the blade member <NUM>. It is the center drill bit <NUM> that is utilized by the bone reamer <NUM> to drill a center bore hole <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) into a portion of a bone, such as the glenoid cavity of a scapula.

Both the center drill bit <NUM> and the blade member <NUM> each have aligned central through-holes that are part of the hollow central core <NUM> of the reamer <NUM>. The center axis <NUM> extends through the center of the hollow central core <NUM>. As will be explained in greater detail within, the hollow central core <NUM> is sized to slidably receive the pin <NUM> (See <FIG>), which is used to accurately position the reamer <NUM> during the bone preparation process.

Advantageously, the combination of the blade member <NUM> and center drill bit <NUM> enables the reamer <NUM> to cut a smooth circular surface <NUM> (See <FIG>) and drill a center bore hole <NUM> (See <FIG>) substantially simultaneously in one preparation step. Combining both bone preparation steps of reaming and drilling into one procedure reduces time and the risk of damage to the bone. Further, the center bore hole <NUM> produced by the drill bit <NUM> will be more precisely located in the center of the smooth circular surface <NUM> produced by the blade member <NUM> when both procedures are done simultaneously.

The bone reamer <NUM> also includes a plurality of cutting pegs <NUM> (See <FIG>) that are disposed symmetrically around an inner circumference <NUM> (See <FIG>) of the cutting face <NUM>. The inner circumference <NUM> is concentric with the center axis <NUM> of the reamer <NUM> and has a smaller diameter than the outer perimeter diameter <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>. The inner circumference <NUM>, in the example illustrated, has a diameter that is smaller than the inner perimeter diameter <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM> as well.

The cutting pegs <NUM> may be at least two in number. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, there are siz pegs <NUM> distributed around the inner circumference <NUM>. However, any number of pegs <NUM> may be utilized depending on application parameters.

Each peg <NUM> has a generally cylindrical body that has an upper end portion <NUM> (See <FIG>), which is extending away from the cutting face <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Each peg <NUM> also includes a peg cutting blade <NUM> that is disposed on the upper end portion <NUM>. The peg cutting blades <NUM> are operable to cut through bone as the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated. It is the plurality of pegs that are utilized by the bone reamer <NUM> to drill a circular groove <NUM> (See <FIG>) into a portion of a bone, such as, for example, the glenoid cavity of a scapula.

Advantageously, the combination of the blade member <NUM>, center drill bit <NUM> and the pegs <NUM> enable the reamer <NUM> to cut a smooth circular surface <NUM>, drill a center bore hole <NUM> and create a circular groove <NUM> substantially simultaneously in one step. Combining the three bone preparation steps into one procedure reduces time and the risk of damage to the bone. Further, the center bore hole <NUM> produced by drill bit <NUM> and the circular groove <NUM> produced by the pegs <NUM> will be more precisely located relative to each other as well as in the center of the smooth circular surface <NUM> produced by the blade member <NUM> when all three procedures are done in the same bone preparation step. Additionally, the bone reamer <NUM> may position the center bore hole <NUM>, circular groove <NUM> and smooth circular surface <NUM> such that they all more accurately concentric with each other then they would have been if performed in separate steps.

The perimeter portion <NUM> of the head <NUM> includes a first removable member <NUM> and a second removable member <NUM> (See <FIG>). The first and second removable members may each form a circular arc spanning an angular range of between <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. However, other appropriate arc sizes may be utilized depending on application parameters.

As seen in <FIG>, the first removable member <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> having a breakable connection <NUM> to an adjacent first section <NUM> of the perimeter portion. The first end <NUM> is configured to break off of the first section <NUM> when a predetermined torque or force is applied to the first removable member <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the breakable connection <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> formed into the perimeter portion <NUM>, which extends partially along the width of the perimeter portion <NUM> to leave a reduced width of the perimeter portion <NUM>. However, other breakable connections may also be utilized. For example, the breakable connection <NUM> may include one or more small through holes drilled along the width of the perimeter portion <NUM>.

The first removable member <NUM> also includes a second end <NUM> that is spaced apart from an adjacent second section <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>. The second section <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM> has solely rounded surfaces <NUM> disposed between the rear face <NUM> and the cutting face <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

The second removable member <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM> includes a third end <NUM> having a breakable connection <NUM> to an adjacent third section <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>. In the same manner as the first removable member <NUM>, the third end <NUM> is configured to break off of the third section <NUM> when a predetermined torque or force is applied to the second removable member <NUM>.

The second removable member <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM> also includes a fourth end <NUM> that is spaced apart from an adjacent fourth section <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>. The fourth section <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM> has solely rounded surfaces <NUM> disposed between the rear face <NUM> and the cutting face <NUM> of the head <NUM>.

Advantageously, the first and second removable members <NUM>, <NUM> may be snapped off of the perimeter portion <NUM> to form a "half moon" reamer or a "bowtie" reamer (See <FIG>) depending on the preference of a surgeon utilizing the reamer <NUM>. When the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, when looking from a bottom view, (as shown by directional arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) the rounded surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the exposed adjacent sections <NUM>, <NUM> rotate as leading edges of the perimeter portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the risk of cutting, tearing or otherwise damaging any surrounding soft tissue is minimized by the shape of the rounded surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally, when the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction when looking from a bottom view (directional arrow <NUM>, <FIG>), the ends of the first and third sections <NUM>, <NUM>, where there might be sharp corners due to the breaking off of the removable members <NUM>, <NUM>, rotate as trailing edges of the perimeter portion <NUM>. This too helps to avoid damage to any surrounding soft tissue.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a bottom perspective view (<FIG>), a top perspective view (<FIG>), a top view (<FIG>), a bottom view (<FIG>) and a side view (<FIG>) of the bone reamer <NUM> with the two removable members <NUM>, <NUM> removed is depicted in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, both removable members <NUM>, <NUM> have been removed to form a bowtie shaped configuration (See <FIG> and <FIG>) of reamer <NUM>.

All other aspects of reamer <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> remain the same as reamer <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, the discussion relevant to <FIG> also applies to <FIG> and will not be repeated here for brevity sake.

With the removal of first removable member <NUM>, a first perimeter concavity <NUM> is formed. With the removal of the second removable member <NUM>, a second perimeter concavity <NUM> is formed. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second concavities <NUM>, <NUM> form the bowtie shaped configuration of reamer <NUM>. However, if only one of the removable members <NUM>, <NUM> had been removed, the single perimeter concavity <NUM>, <NUM>, would form a half-moon shaped configuration of reamer <NUM>.

Referring more specifically to <FIG>, the rounded surface <NUM> of second section <NUM> and the rounded surface <NUM> of the fourth section <NUM> can clearly be seen. When the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction when looking from a bottom view (as shown by directional arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) the rounded surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the exposed adjacent sections <NUM>, <NUM> rotate as leading edges of the perimeter portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the risk of cutting, tearing or otherwise damaging any surrounding soft tissue is minimized by the shape of the rounded surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally, when the bone reamer <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction when looking from a bottom view (directional arrow <NUM>, <FIG>) the ends of the first and third sections <NUM>, <NUM>, where there might be sharp corners due to the breaking off of the removable members <NUM>, <NUM>, rotate as trailing edges of the perimeter portion <NUM>. This too helps to avoid damage to any surrounding soft tissue.

Referring to <FIG>, a top perspective view (<FIG>) and a bottom perspective view (<FIG>) of an orthopedic implant <NUM> for use with the bone reamer <NUM> is depicted. In this example, implant <NUM> is configured as a specific glenoid implant to be implanted into a prepared glenoid bone. However, other configurations of implants may also be used. Several examples of implants that are for use with the reamer of the present invention are disclosed in: international application no. <CIT>; international application no. <CIT>; and international application no. The implant <NUM> includes a lateral portion <NUM>, an intermediate ring portion <NUM> and a medial post portion <NUM>. The lateral portion <NUM> has a concave upper surface <NUM> that is configured to conform to a humeral head of a humeral implant construct. The lateral portion <NUM> also includes a tapered lower surface <NUM> that is configured to engage with a smooth circular surface <NUM> (See <FIG>) of a glenoid cavity of a scapula. The smooth circular surface <NUM> is prepared with the use of the reamer <NUM> on the glenoid cavity. The lateral portion also includes a first and a second rim <NUM>, <NUM>, which define a channel <NUM> therebetween.

The intermediate ring portion <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> which contacts and extends away from the tapered lower surface <NUM> of the lateral portion <NUM>. A pair of fins <NUM> extend around the circumference of the ring portion <NUM>. The fins <NUM> are shown as a pair, however there may be any number of fins depending on application parameters. The fins <NUM> are configured to fit into and lockingly engage a circular groove <NUM> disposed in a glenoid cavity by reamer <NUM>. The fins <NUM>, and base <NUM> form a circular recessed area <NUM> that has a recessed bottom surface <NUM>.

The medial post portion <NUM> includes a stem <NUM> that extends into the recessed area <NUM> and abuts the bottom surface <NUM> of the portion <NUM>. The post portion <NUM> also includes one or more fins <NUM> that extend around the circumference of the stem <NUM>. The fins <NUM> are configured to fit into and lockingly engage a center bore hole <NUM> disposed in a glenoid cavity by a reamer <NUM>.

It is further contemplated that reamer <NUM> may also be used to prepare the glenoid cavity in the event of a reverse shoulder implant system is used. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, a top perspective view (<FIG>) and a bottom perspective view (<FIG>) of an alternative embodiment of an orthopedic implant <NUM> for use with the bone reamer <NUM> is depicted. In this embodiment, the orthopedic implant is a reverse implant <NUM>. The reverse implant <NUM> includes a baseplate <NUM>, a central screw <NUM>, a glenosphere <NUM>, and a post <NUM> for connecting the glenospher <NUM> to the base plate <NUM>. The central screw <NUM> is configured to fit into and lockingly engage a center bore hole <NUM> disposed in the glenoid cavity by the reamer <NUM>. An at least one peripheral screw <NUM> is configured to fit into and lockingly engage the circular groove <NUM> created in the glenoid cavity by the reamer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of surgically implanting an orthopedic implant into a bone, using the reamer of the present invention, is depicted. In this particular case, the method will be used to implant an orthopedic implant into the glenoid cavity of a scapula. However, the method may be used to implant other orthopedic implants into other bones as well. <FIG> depicts a block diagram of the method steps. <FIG> support the various steps of the method.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of a selection of sizers <NUM> that would be present in a kit is depicted. After surgically exposing the surface of a glenoid cavity <NUM> (See <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) of a patient (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>), a sizer <NUM> is selected from a plurality of sizers 230A, B, C, D, E (collectively <NUM>) (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>). The sizers <NUM> are generally disc shaped and may range in size from extra-small 230A to extra-large 230E. The sizers <NUM> are used to measure and verify the size of the patient's glenoid cavity <NUM>. Each sizer <NUM> has a center hole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of a handle <NUM> is depicted. The handle <NUM> is used to engage the selected sizer <NUM>. The handle includes a pronged end portion <NUM> that is bent at an acute angle. The end portion <NUM> has prongs <NUM> for engaging and aligning with the center hole <NUM> of a sizer <NUM>.

The handle also includes a through-hole <NUM> (See <FIG>). The through-hole <NUM> is aligned with the center hole <NUM> of the sizer <NUM>, when the prongs <NUM> engage with the center hole <NUM> of the sizer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the handle <NUM> and sizer <NUM> placed in the glenoid cavity <NUM> of the patient is depicted. The handle <NUM> is utilized to place the selected sizer <NUM> against the glenoid cavity <NUM> of the scapula <NUM> of the patient to measure the size of the glenoid cavity <NUM> and to locate the center <NUM> of the glenoid cavity <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>). If the size of the glenoid cavity <NUM> does not match the selected sizer <NUM>, other sizers <NUM> are selected from a kit until there is a match. Once a match is made, the center hole <NUM> of the sizer <NUM> is aligned with the center <NUM> (See <FIG>) of the glenoid cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the pin <NUM> i is depicted. The pin <NUM> includes a pointed tip end <NUM> that is operable to penetrate the bone of the glenoid cavity.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view the pin <NUM> inserted into the through-hole <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is depicted. The selected pin <NUM> is next inserted into the though-hole <NUM> of the handle <NUM> and the tip end <NUM> is abutted against the center <NUM> of the glenoid cavity <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>). The pin <NUM> is then driven into the scapula <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>). The tip end <NUM> penetrates the scapula <NUM> at the center <NUM> of the glenoid cavity <NUM> and protrudes out of the scapula's neck region <NUM>. As such, the pin <NUM> is now rigidly affixed to the scapula <NUM> and aligned with the center of the glenoid cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the bone reamer <NUM> being slid over the pin <NUM> and in position to engage the glenoid cavity <NUM> is depicted. Next, the handle <NUM> and sizer <NUM> are slid off of the pin <NUM>. The reamer <NUM> is then slid over the pin <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>) in order to align the reamer with the center <NUM> of the glenoid cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the glenoid cavity <NUM> having a smooth circular surface <NUM>, a circular groove <NUM> and a center bore hole <NUM> concentrically machined into the glenoid cavity by the bone reamer <NUM> is depicted. The reamer <NUM> simultaneously cuts the smooth circular surface <NUM>, drills the circular groove <NUM> and drills the center bore hole <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>). The reamer <NUM> is then slid off of the pin <NUM> to expose the prepared glenoid cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of a trial implant <NUM> being positioned on the pin <NUM> for insertion into the glenoid cavity <NUM> is depicted. The trial implant <NUM> is configured to have the same geometric structure and fit as the actual implant <NUM>. However, the trial implant <NUM> does not lock into the circular groove <NUM> and center bore hole <NUM> as the implant <NUM> does. Therefore, the trial implant <NUM> can be slid along the pin <NUM> and inserted into the groove <NUM> and bore hole <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>) to test the fit and sizing of the actual implant <NUM> with the humeral head implant (not shown) that it will be mating with. By utilizing the pin <NUM>, the trial <NUM> can be precisely and easily aligned with the circular groove <NUM> and center bore hole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of an insertion tool <NUM> being utilized for insertion of the trial implant into the glenoid cavity is depicted. Alternatively to the positioning of the trial implant <NUM> with a pin <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the trial may be positioned for insertion with an insertion tool <NUM>. In this alternative method, the pin <NUM> must be extracted from the scapula <NUM> prior to using the insertion tool <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the trial implant <NUM> fully inserted into the glenoid cavity is depicted. Once the trial implant <NUM> is inserted into the glenoid cavity, the pin <NUM> can be removed from the scapula <NUM>. The trial implant <NUM> can then be utilized to test the fit of the glenoid implant <NUM> with the humeral head (not shown) that it will be mating with.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a side perspective view (<FIG>) and a front perspective view (<FIG>) of the glenoid implant <NUM> fully inserted into the glenoid cavity <NUM> is depicted. Once the fit of the glenoid implant <NUM> is verified by the trial implant <NUM>, the trial implant can be removed and the actual glenoid implant <NUM> can be inserted into the glenoid cavity <NUM>. The glenoid implant <NUM> may be inserted using the same insertion tool <NUM> used to insert the trial implant <NUM> (ref. <NUM> in <FIG>).

Advantageously, by utilizing the reamer <NUM> to simultaneously machine the smooth circular surface <NUM>, the circular groove <NUM> and the center bore hole <NUM>, the glenoid implant <NUM> is precisely aligned with the center <NUM> of the glenoid cavity <NUM>. The alignment may be more accurate than when the bone preparing steps are done separately.

A disposable surgical kit for implanting an orthopedic implant into a bone may be assembled from the tools and devices illustrated herein. For example, the kit may include a bone reamer <NUM>, a pin <NUM> and a glenoid implant <NUM>. The bone reamer <NUM> of the kit is configured to simultaneously machine a smoothed circular surface <NUM> and a center bore hole <NUM> in a bone. The bone reamer <NUM> includes a shaft <NUM> having a first <NUM> and a second <NUM> end. The second end <NUM> is configured to connect to a power source. A head <NUM> of the bone reamer <NUM> includes a rear face <NUM> connected to the first end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, a cutting face <NUM> on an opposing side of the head relative to the rear face, and a perimeter portion <NUM> having an inner perimeter <NUM> diameter and an outer perimeter diameter <NUM>. The outer perimeter diameter <NUM> defines outer boundaries of the rear face and the cutting face. A blade member <NUM> of the reamer is disposed upon the cutting face and extends at least across the inner perimeter diameter of the perimeter portion. The blade member includes a first blade portion <NUM> having a first cutting edge <NUM> and a second blade portion <NUM> having a second cutting edge <NUM>. The first and second cutting edges are disposed on opposing sides of the blade member. A center drill bit <NUM> of the reamer is disposed on the cutting face between the first and second cutting edges of the blade member. The center drill bit and the blade member are concentric with a center axis <NUM> of the reamer.

The pin <NUM> of the kit is for proper placement of the bone reamer on the bone. The implant <NUM> of the kit is for insertion onto the smoothed circular surface <NUM> and into the center bore hole <NUM> of the bone.

The surgical kit may also include an insertion tool <NUM> for use with inserting the implant <NUM> into the center bore hole <NUM> of the bone. The surgical kit may also include a sizer <NUM> and a handle <NUM> for use with placing the pin <NUM> within the bone. The surgical kit may also include a trial implant <NUM> for testing the fit of the glenoid implant <NUM> within the smoothed circular surface <NUM> and the center bore hole <NUM> of the bone.

The surgical kit may also include a bone reamer that is configured to simultaneously machine a smoothed circular surface <NUM>, a center bore hole <NUM> and a circular groove <NUM> in a bone. In that case the bone reamer <NUM> would also include at least two cutting pegs <NUM> disposed symmetrically around an inner circumference <NUM> of the cutting face <NUM>. The inner circumference <NUM> is concentric with the center axis <NUM> and has a smaller diameter than the outer perimeter diameter <NUM> of the perimeter portion <NUM>.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the reamers, implants, devices, and/or systems as disclosed in the specification, including the accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative component(s) or feature(s), such as those disclosed in another embodiment, which serve the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, or similar results by such alternative component(s) or feature(s) to provide a similar function for the intended purpose. In addition, the reamers, implants, devices, and/or systems may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. For example, the components and features of reamer <NUM> may be used interchangeably and in alternative combinations as would be modified or altered by one of skill in the art. Further, the steps of the surgical methods associated with the reamer <NUM> may be used interchangeably and in alternative combinations as would be modified or altered by one of skill in the art. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to limiting of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A bone reamer (<NUM>) comprising:
a shaft (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the second end (<NUM>) configured to connect to a power source;
a head (<NUM>) comprising:
a rear face (<NUM>) connected to the first end (<NUM>) of the shaft (<NUM>),
a cutting face (<NUM>) on an opposing side of the head (<NUM>) relative to the rear face (<NUM>), and
a perimeter portion (<NUM>) having an inner perimeter diameter (<NUM>) and an outer perimeter diameter (<NUM>), the outer perimeter diameter defining outer boundaries of the rear face (<NUM>) and the cutting face (<NUM>);
a blade member (<NUM>) disposed upon the cutting face (<NUM>) and extending at least across the inner perimeter diameter (<NUM>) of the perimeter portion (<NUM>), the blade member (<NUM>) comprising:
a first blade portion (<NUM>) having a first cutting edge (<NUM>), and
a second blade portion (<NUM>) having a second cutting edge (<NUM>), the first and second cutting edges (<NUM>, <NUM>) being disposed on opposing sides of the blade member (<NUM>); and
a center drill bit (<NUM>) disposed on the cutting face (<NUM>) between the first and second blade portions(<NUM>, <NUM>) of the blade member (<NUM>), the center drill bit (<NUM>) and the blade member (<NUM>) being concentric with a center axis (<NUM>) of the reamer (<NUM>); characterised in that the bone reamer (<NUM>) further comprises
at least two cutting pegs (<NUM>) disposed symmetrically around an inner circumference (<NUM>) of the cutting face (<NUM>), the inner circumference (<NUM>) being concentric with the center axis (<NUM>) and having a smaller diameter than the outer perimeter diameter (<NUM>) of the perimeter portion (<NUM>).