Abstract: A combined chisel-guide surgical instrument for performing osteotomy and other procedures on the vertebra comprises: at least one chisel each including at least one front cutting edge for penetrating into the vertebra; a guide including a guide tip being locatable within the respective intervetebral space for accommodating and directing the motion of the chisel cutting edges into the vertebra; a handle being fixedly connected to the guide for directing and placing the guide tip into the intervertebral space; a front impact member being fixedly connected to the rear end of the chisel; a cylindrical member being fixedly connected to the front impact member; a rear impact member being fixedly connected to the cylindrical member; and an impact hammer being slidable along the cylindrical member and being impactable upon the front impact member to cause penetration of the chisel cutting edges into the vertebra and being impactable upon the rear impact member to cause extraction of the chisel cutting edges from the

Abstract: A cutting tool for preparing a femur for the receipt of an implantable prosthesis comprising a rotatable drive member adapted for removable coupling to a motor unit of a power assembly, with the tool being adapted to be received interiorly of the intramedullary canal of the femur and including a cylindrical-like cutter secured to the drive member for cutting into a confronting interior surface of the femur canal, together with shoulders on both sides of the cutter for limiting the depth of groove produced by the cutter upon rotation of the tool and movement of the cutter laterally into engagement with the canal surface. The canal is adapted to receive surgical cement in which the prosthesis is embedded, and with the cement entering the formed grooves in the interior surface of the canal for aiding in firmly anchoring the prosthesis in the canal upon hardening of the cement. A novel method for preparing the femur for the receipt of an implantable prosthesis by forming grooves therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided to reduce the extent of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a person's spinal column and to subsequently maintain the vertebrae in a reduced displacement relationship. When the apparatus is to be installed, holes are formed in the displaced vertebra and in vertebrae on opposite sides of the displaced vertebra. Force transmitting members are mounted in the holes in the vertebrae. A spinal plate is then positioned on the spinal column with the force transmitting members extending outwardly through slots in the spinal plate. Nuts are tightened on the force transmitting members connected with vertebrae on opposite sides of the displaced vertebra to anchor the spinal plate in place. A nut on the force transmitting member connected with the displaced vertebra is then tightened to pull the displaced vertebra to a desired position.

Abstract: Traction across a joint of the body is provided by the hinged external fixator which holds bony parts by means of screws or pins embedded in the bony parts. The hinged external fixator permits portable traction allowing early mobilization, wound care, and flexing and exercise of the articular cartilage to promote healing and to prevent post traumatic arthritis. An adjustable distension apparatus, having an integral spring biased force garage, provides conveniently alterable and measurable traction forces.

Abstract: A bone handling apparatus and method incorporating thereto a flexible elongated member having a plurality of apertures for use as engagement means integral therethroughout the body of said flexible elongated member suitable for passing through an aperture through a bone for snugly engaging at least two broken or cracked portions of said bone is disclosed. A first end of said flexible elongated member has an integral locking means comprising a barb-type member protruding therefrom said first end. A second end, oppositely located from said first end, is suitable for accommodating a removable locking means comprising of at least a pair of female-type engagement connector member means.

Abstract: Wires are employed for the setting of fractured bones, or for stabilization of bones making up a joint. A portion of the wire protrudes from at least one of the bone segments and, to prevent movement or loss of these wires, and to prevent injury to surrounding tissue, other persons, or clothing, by the exposed ends, caps are provided which are easily secured to the ends and graspable for removal of the wire, when desired. In some cases, the ends of the wire may protrude through the skin and the caps are attached externally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a prosthesis, particularly a femoral component of a hip prosthesis, which is embedded in a skeletal bone. The apparatus of this invention includes a hollow housing having a lower bearing surface which bears against the proximal end of the bone surrounding the prosthesis to be extracted, a threaded shaft having one end extending into the housing, means mounted externally of the housing which can be rotated to axially advance the shaft and means disposed on the one end of the shaft disposed within the housing for grasping the prosthesis for extraction thereof. A bearing plate may be provided between the proximal end of the skeletal bone and the bearing surface of the housing to evenly distribute the reaction forces applied by the housing over the exposed surface of the proximal end of the bone, and for a cemented prosthesis, over the exposed bone and cement surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an elongated bone fixation plate with a center portion which bridges the fracture site. The central portion has a square cross-sectional shape. Two oppositely directed end portions extend axially from the central portion. The central portion has a width which is substantially less than the width of the end portions of the bone fixation plate. The end portions of the bone fixation plate have a plurality of elongated holes and each end portion tapers in thickness from adjacent the central portion to the outer terminating ends of the fixation plate. The plurality of holes are elongated in nature with each hole having a vertical distal wall and an inclined proximal end wall sloping toward the vertical distal wall. Each end portion has a uniform width and the entire bottom surface of each end portion may be concave in shape so as to provide a complementary mating surface with the fractured bone.

Abstract: The intramedullary coupled pin is a rigid device for internal fixation of tubular bones in humans and animals. The device makes use of the natural marrow cavity of the bone and the musculature bridging the fracture site to cause maximum stabilization of the fractured bone. A long rod has a tip coupling on one end and a socket coupling on the other, which form the parts of the pin when cut. Each end of the rod is measured, cut and inserted into the intramedullary cavities. Then the parts of the pin are locked together at the fracture site by the coupling system of the pin. The intramedullary coupled pin is permanently implanted inside the bone because the socket system can only be unlocked by pulling the two parts of the pin directly apart.

Abstract: A method of performing a proximal tibial osteotomy, portion of the metaphysis of the tibia is cut free from a remaining (lower) portion of the tibia with a cylindrical cut which has a curvature axis that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane. The thus-cut proximal portion is rotated relative to the lower portion of the tibia to establish a new desired angular relation therebetween, and the two portions are then fixed relative to one another in any suitable manner, as by pinning.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling assembly for securing a bone implant to the tool for positioning the implant wherein the coupling assembly is carried by the tool and includes axially extending undercut teeth which are receivable within undercut notches formed in the peripheral face of the implant and which are locked therein by an axially reciprocating slideable shim assembly to thereby selectively unite the positioning tool to the implant.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying device having a main body, a clip magazine coupled to the main body for holding a plurality of clips, clip deforming jaws coupled to the main body for receiving and deforming clips, a clip loading mechanism for loading clips from the magazine to a clip feed blade which moves clips from the clip magazine to the deforming jaws, and a spring activated actuating mechanism. The clip loading mechanism includes a double ratchet apparatus coupled to a pawl for advancing the clips through the magazine. The actuating mechanism includes handle portions, a ratchet member having a cam follower which is coupled to a camming surface which is in turn coupled to one of the handle portions, a spring connected to the main body and the ratchet member, and a latch adapted to engage the ratchet member.

Abstract: A tanning booth is provided which creates an even tanning effect and includes either a combination of UVB and UVA lamp or a novel ultraviolet lamp emitting radiation in the specific 300-340 nm range. The booth is formed as a cylinder which is rotated at a constant speed so as to provide an even tan to a user who is stationary at the axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of treating a bone fracture which involves interposing a barrier layer of soft biological tissue at the interface of the bone and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A sterile, hemostatic clip for use in occluding vessels. The clip comprises a pair of leg members resiliently connected at a pivot area disposed between the ends of said leg members. A wedge member is used to cause one portion of the leg members to diverge even more and consequently cause the opposing portions to converge and occlude a vessel placed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and process for mixing and applying bone cement. The device comprises a sealable container (8) wherein the bone cement, prior to its application, is prepressurized at an adjustable pressure and from which it is subsequently applied at a controllable pressure. The device and the process of the invention allow bubble formation in the bone cement to be suppressed and to achieve the desired stratification of the bone cement around the prosthesis during application.

Abstract: Medical devices for the sutureless repair of lacerated, severed, or grafted nerves comprising longitudinally-openable, porous, rough-surfaced tubes of a body-absorbable polymer are disclosed. The tubular devices of the invention are prepared by sintering or otherwise bonding together granules or fibers, or melt processing suitable polymers in the form of the desired device.

Abstract: A bandage for the simultaneous application of cold therapy and compression comprises an elastic material for wrapping around a portion of a user's body. A refrigeratable pack includes a tab extending therefrom. The refrigeratable pack is removably held on said elastic material during use so that the tab is accessible for grasping by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to installation of orthopedic implants and, more particularly, to a device for locating blind holes in an implanted prostheses so that a screw for interlocking the prosthesis with surrounding bone can accurately be installed.

Abstract: An orthopedic cerclage device for binding and stabilizing fractured bone segments is formed from an elongate fabric strip adapted to be tied tightly about the bone to secure the fractured bone parts together. The fabric strip has a plurality of transverse ribs raised from one face of the fabric. The strip is wrapped tightly about the bone with the ribbed surface engaging the bone. The strip is secured in place by a locking member. The primary pressure applied to the bone by the device is at the ribs so that the segments of the strip between the ribs do not adversely cut off vascular circulation in the bone. The fabric structure of the device also allows bone tissue to grow into the interstices of the device thereby incorporating it intimately into the healed bone. Also disclosed is a novel knitted fabric in which the ribs are knitted integrally into the stitch pattern of the fabric.