Abstract: A bone plate for bridging two portions of a broken bone which can be formed to fit and retain many irregular surfaces and yet retain optimum strength. The bone plate is particularly adaptable for fracture in the pelvic and acetabular area, although the plate is also adaptable for other bone areas. The bone plate is comprised of a solid elongated rod portion and a plurality of screw retaining areas extending from the rod portion and spaced apart from each other along the rod portion, forming rod segments between the protruding screw retaining areas. The plates may be of predetermined lengths and curves to fit specific bones and contours or the plates may be supplied as straight stock that may be cut and contoured according to specific needs.

Abstract: A prosthetic device adapted to be secured to a supporting bone by a thickness of acrylic bone cement. The prosthetic device has an outer surface which includes a plurality of spacers projecting therefrom. The spacers are made of an acrylic material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and are adapted so that when the prosthetic device is positioned against the supporting bone, the spacers provide a uniform space between the bone and prosthetic device, thus uniformly controlling the thickness of cement. The acrylic spacers will repolymerize and bond with the layer of acrylic bone cement. The nature of the bond formed between the new acrylic bone cement and the acrylic spacers should eliminate the stress concentrations at the interface between the spacers and the cement layer, thereby enhancing fixation of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A self-contained, independently operable closed wound suction evacuator which is comprised of a box-like internal body structure disposed within a fluid tight, flexible outer pouch. The pouch includes an inlet/outlet valve for providing communication between the interior of the pouch and the atmosphere of the interior of the pouch and a drainage tube. The box-like internal body structure is capable of being in an engaged position or in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the internal box-like structure can remain in a flat condition without causing the tensioning member to be stretched or activated. When ready for use, the internal structure can be manually expanded into its box-like structure. When fully expanded the internal structure will become engaged, hence engaging the tensioning member. Subsequent compression of the internal structure to its flat position stretches the tensioning member and activates the evacuator.

Abstract: A pin inserter sheath which consists of a plurality of telescoping tubular portions. The sheath is adapted for attachment to a drilling device. A channel extends throughout the elongated telescoping tubular portion which is substantially adapted to the shape of the pin being inserted. The conforming channel provides lateral support to the pin therefore minimizing inflections in the pin as it is being drilled.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument which includes an inner, insulated, elongated switching core integrally molded about an elongated main contact wire which extends continually throughout the core and extends from both the proximal and distal ends of the core. An electrode blade is connected to the distally extending portion of the main contact wire. Two selectively operable electrical contact switches are easily mounted on the core in a longitudinally spaced apart relation. Two windows are provided in the core, each exposing a portion of the main contact wire. Each window is respectively positioned beneath a portion of each of the contact switches so that one or the other of the switches may be selectively moved into engagement with the main contact wire. One of the switches provides a suitable electrical cutting signal to the electrode blade when in contact with the main contact wire, while the other switch provides a suitable electrical coagulation signal to the blade when in contact with the main contact wire.

Abstract: An evacuator system comprising a compressible container inside of which is positioned a vacuum assist device. The vacuum assist device aids in the expansion of the container and in developing a vacuum in the container upon expansion. The vacuum assist device within the evacuator acts to maintain a substantially constant level of vacuum as the evacuator expands while drawing fluids from a closed wound and collecting the fluids in the evacuator container. The evacuator includes an outlet for providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere, and an inlet providing commuication between the interior of the container and a drainage tube. The evacuator may include a novel valve mechanism which enables the evacuator to be activated, held in an activated position until needed, and then released from the held position for use to draw fluid from a patient.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument which provides for directing irrigating fluid to a surgical site through an irrigation passage, and which may also provide for suction of fluid and debris away from the surgical site through an alternate passage. The passages are typically tubing channels which may be attached to various types of tips which are introduced at the surgical site. The handpiece instrument, including the tubing channels, may be totally disposable, or the handpiece may be adapted to allow the external housing to be reusable with only the tubing channels being disposable. Both the suction and irrigation tubing channels may be assembled internally in the handpiece housing, with both suction and irrigation being conveniently controlled with one hand by pinch valves. In an alternate embodiment, the handpiece has external mounts for attaching the suction tube, providing the operator of the handpiece the option of having the suction function attached or detached during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A prosthetic gauge which is used for evaluating the fit of a prosthetic device against a receiving bone or cartilage surface. The gauge includes a portion for gripping and a contact portion extending from the gripping portion. The surface of the contact portion is predeterminedly contoured to conform substantially to the shape of the receiving bone or cartilage surface to be evaluated. The contact surface is a frosted or translucent surface which transmits and diffuses light so that the specific bone or cartilage surface being observed through the gauge cannot be seen clearly until actual contact is made between the contact surface and the articular surface. This aids the surgeon in more accurately determining the apparent contact area, and hence in evaluating the potential fit of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint component which is comprised of a metal retainer and a plastic bearing portion which is molded integrally onto the top surface of the metal retainer. The metal retainer includes a plurality of notches spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the retainer. The notches enable the plastic, during the molding process, to flow through the notches to create a thickness of plastic completely surrounding the upper surface and the peripheral edge of the retainer (or metal base plate) and terminating in a lower plastic rim surface which is flush with the perimeter of the lower surface of the metal base plate, forming a strong mechanical interlock between the metal and plastic portions of the prosthetic joint component.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a scalpel handle with a separate protective sheath for use in closed surgical procedures, such as arthroscopy. The protective sheath provides for atraumatic insertion of a scalpel blade into the body and to the actual operative site, minimizing the chance of accidental cutting of surrounding tissue. The handle portion is insertable into the tubular sheath from the distal tubular opening of the sheath. The sheath and handle combination may be engaged relative to each other in a plurality of functional positions.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the art of orthopaedic prostheses, and more particularly to the type of prosthesis which is adapted to promote the ingrowth of bone and/or tissue into the portion of the prosthesis surface in contact with the bone surface. The prosthesis is comprised of a bottom base layer of porous fiber metal material an intermediate metal reinforcing layer including at least one opening therein and a top non-metal surface which is molded to the base layer. The portion of the polyethylene layer that is in contact with the base layer penetrates into the interstices of the porous metal material, hence securing the non-metal layer to the porous metal base layer.

Abstract: An instrument for bending and/or contouring a rod. The device has a fulcrum for bending which has a plurality of separate bending surfaces, each of which can be rotated into operating position to accommodate different sizes of rods or to provide for different severities of bend.

Abstract: An evacuator system comprising a compressible container inside of which is positioned a vacuum assist device. The vacuum assist device aids in the expansion of the container and in developing a vacuum in the container upon expansion. The vacuum assist device within the evacuator acts to maintain a substantially constant level of vacuum as the evacuator expands while drawing fluids from a closed wound and collecting the fluids in the evacuator container. The evacuator includes an outlet for providing communication between the interior of the container and the atomosphere, and an inlet providing communication between the interior of the container and a drainage tube. The evacuator may include a novel valve mechanism which enables the evacuator to be activated, held in an activated position until needed, and then released from the held position for use to draw fluid from a patient.