Abstract: A bone penetrating pin for medical use includes, in one embodiment, a shank provided at one end with a bone penetrating element of titanium or single crystal alumina ceramic material, and a driving head at the other end. A removable cap is applied to the driving end, the cap including upper and lower cylindrical portions of substantially identical diameters interconnected by an intermediate portion of substantially smaller diameter. The upper portion is formed with oppositely extending arms for application of torque through the cap to the shank and bone penetrating element. The intermediate portion of the cap is designed to fail in shear upon the application of torque in excess of a predetermined maximum; that is, it provides a torque limiting function.

Abstract: A portable cervical traction device is utilized to temporarily positively maintain cervical traction while a patient is transported from a stationary traction station to another station, such as an X-ray station. While the patient is in traction at a traction station, the backplate and shoulder supports of the portable device are attached to the patient. Upstanding from the backplate are a pair of telescoping components with compression springs, and at the top of those components is a cross bar. Slide rods extend outwardly from the cross bar to overhang the shoulder supports, and a slide bar slides along the slide rods. A cam cleat on the slide bar is moved into engagement with the traction cable at the traction site, and suitable counter-traction force is applied by compressing the springs associated with the telescoping components. Then the traction cable is released from its attachment at the traction station, and is wrapped around a deck cleat.

Abstract: A special halo assembly is used with a stereotaxic device including a frame having four radiolucent substantially planar walls with radiopague indicia formed on the walls, and is operatively fixed to the frame walls by brackets to positively position the halo assembly in a predetermined position with respect to the walls. The frame is fixed with respect to a radiotherapy machine or a CT scanner. The halo assembly includes a number of brackets each having a first portion fixed to the ring component of the assembly, and a second substantially planar portion extending radially outwardly from the ring component. A method of practicing radiotherapy on a patient having a brain lesion or the like is accomplished utilizing the device. The halo assembly is surgically affixed to the patient's head to be maintained in place until all radiotherapy sessions for the patient are completed.