Abstract: A fastener system for binding paper is disclosed comprising a base having spaced first and second ends. A first prong extends from the first end. A second prong extends from the second end. A first member having a first opening receives the first prong, and a second member having a second opening receives the second prong. The first and second members are releasably securable to form a top lock. A method of securing a stack of papers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is disclosed that includes a plurality of elements, which may be provided in kit form, that can be assembled to form either a single-axis joint or a double-axis joint depending on whether an adaptor is used to join first and second elements of the joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is disclosed that includes a plurality of elements, which may be provided in kit form, that can be assembled to form either a single-axis joint or a double-axis joint depending on whether an adaptor is used to join first and second elements of the joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is disclosed that includes a plurality of elements, which may be provided in kit form, that can be assembled to form either a single-axis joint or a double-axis joint depending on whether an adaptor is used to join first and second elements of the joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is disclosed that includes a plurality of elements, which may be provided in kit form, that can be assembled to form either a single-axis joint or a double-axis joint depending on whether an adaptor is used to join first and second elements of the joint.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae includes first and second opposed and operatively connected shells. Each one of the shells has a plurality of engaging members that are interdigitated with a corresponding plurality of engaging members of another of the shells. The implant also includes at least one extrusion opening and a cavity for containing osteogenic material. As one shell is moved relative to the other shell with a threaded actuator operatively connecting the shells, a volume of the cavity decreases and osteogenic material is extruded through the extrusion opening. A cross section of the implant at one or both ends thereof has a curvalinear shoulder for improved support of the vertebrae during bony growth and fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae includes first and second opposed and operatively connected shells. Each one of the shells has a plurality of engaging members that are interdigitated with a corresponding plurality of engaging members of another of the shells. The implant also includes at least one extrusion opening and a cavity for containing osteogenic material. As one shell is moved relative to the other shell with a threaded actuator operatively connecting the shells, a volume of the cavity decreases and osteogenic material is extruded through the extrusion opening. A cross section of the implant at one or both ends thereof has a curvalinear shoulder for improved support of the vertebrae during bony growth and fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A high strength fastener for bone fractures. This fastener consists of two members, a male and female. The male member has external machine screw threads that screw into matching internal threads in the female member at a predictable torque so that the force of fixation exerted upon the bone can be approximated by the installer. Because of the effective length of the threads, this fastener is easily adjusted to the proper length without cutting. Both members have a smooth shoulder region proximal to the heads and this shoulder region presents a low-stress bearing surface to each cortical wall. Each member has a head that fits rigidly into an installation tool providing for ease of insertion and fastening in the patient with minimal invasion and little periosteal stripping. Each head has a semi-spherical face that articulates with matching washers and plates, thus allowing the washer to assume the plane of the surrounding bone therefore distributing the load over a greater area.

Abstract: An expandable implant is capable of extruding material during expansion. The expandable implant comprises an anchor structure and a movable structure. The anchor structure is adapted to be inserted at least partially into a bone or between two bones, and is adapted to be secured thereto by expansion. The movable structure is operatively connected to the anchor structure so that movement of the movable structure with respect to the anchor structure causes expansion of the implant and at least partial extrusion of material contained within the implant. Preferably, the implant also includes an actuation device which connects the anchor structure to the movable structure, and the material which is at least partially extruded is an osteogenic material. In response to mechanical manipulation, the actuation device can move the movable structure with respect to the anchor structure in a first predetermined direction which causes expansion of the implant and reduces the volume of a cavity within the implant.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank having an axis of rotation. A head is integral with the shank, and the head includes a surface disposed generally normal to the axis. A plurality of drive receivers are disposed about the surface wholly remote from the axis. Each of the drive receivers is adapted for engagement with a cooperating driver element of a rotary driver so that the head and thereby the shank may be rotated about the axis.

Abstract: An expansible bone plug assembly comprises a first member closed by a substantially planar surface at one end thereof, the member having a cylindrical outer surface. A central bore extends through the planar surface, and a plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the first member. A second member is closed by a hemispherical surface at one end thereof, and has a cylindrical outer surface. A plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the second member. The second member fingers are interdigitated with the first member fingers, and bear against the first member and the first member fingers bear against the second member. An axially extensible and retractable compression member extends through the bore and is engaged with the second member for causing the first and second members to be drawn together when the compression member is retracted, so that the fingers of the first and second members are thereby caused to extend radially outwardly.

Abstract: An artificial elbow has a humeral member and an ulnar member. A connecting segment has first and second ends. A first pin assembly connects the humeral member to the first end for pivotal rotation relative thereto in response to a first torque. A second pin assembly connects the ulnar member to the second end for pivotal rotation relative thereto in response to a second torque. The second torque is less than the first torque.

Abstract: A bi-axial orthopaedic device includes a hinge block having longitudinal and transverse axes, an ulna pivot, a humerus pivot, and ulna and humerus spike mounting devices; and humerus and ulna spikes which each have a longitudinal axis, a first end portion having a pivot, a second end portion adapted to be inserted in an ulna or humerus. The ulna spike first end portion is pivotally mounted in the ulna spike mounting device and the humerus spike first end is pivotally mounted in the humerus spike mounting device. Each spike mounting device includes mechanisms for permitting the respective spike to pivot substantially through 90.degree..

Abstract: A bone screw fixation assembly comprises a longitudinally extending member having an aperture therethrough defining an inner wall with spaced first and second end portions. A first set of threads are formed in the inner wall at the first end portion for receiving a cooperating second set of threads disposed about the exterior of a fixation device. A longitudinally extending fam rod has first and second spaced ends, and the jam rod is receivable in the aperture for permitting the jam rod first end to engage the fixation device when received within the member first end portion. A locking mechanism is operably associated with the member for selectively locking the jam rod in engagement with the received fixation device so that movement of the first set of threads relative to the second set of threads is prevented.

Abstract: A crimper and method for drawing together two bone fragment. The crimper includes a support member having an adjustable fulcrum and a clamping device for holding a staple or an elongated member. A forming die member operable in a recess of the support member engages with a portion of the staple or elongated member which extends in the recess. The forming die member includes a fulcrum point which is movable on the adjustable fulcrum. The forming die member is movably secured to the support member and includes a lever arm on one side of the fulcrum point and a forming die on the other side of the fulcrum point. The lever arm includes a device for moving the forming die member about the fulcrum point. During use, when the forming die member is operated, the forming die applies a pressure on the staple or elongated member to form a crimp in a portion thereof which extends through the recess.

Abstract: A device for protecting a patient during removal of an immobilizing cast. The device is of a U-shaped configuration and includes an elongated planar shield and an elongated planar guide connected with the shield, at one end thereof and disposed in superimposed parallelism with the shield, whereby the shield is adapted to be inserted between the adjacent surfaces of the skin of a patient and a cast to be removed, and employed for both guiding a cutter along the external surface of the cast and shielding the patient from the cutter as it is caused to penetrate the cast.