Abstract: A surgical instrument for minimally-invasive arthroscopic use in a constrained joint space, including a handle assembly, a shaft assembly including a shaft having a longitudinal shaft axis and a lumen therethrough and connected to handle assembly at proximal end of shaft and an operative portion including a working tip with a tool mounted thereon at distal end of shaft. Operative portion is selectively moveable between a first configuration substantially aligned with longitudinal shaft axis, and a second, deployed, configuration in which at least part of operative portion has a selectable working direction defined by the angle between tool and longitudinal shaft axis and a selectable lateral displacement defined by the linear distance between working tip and longitudinal shaft axis, measured at a central location point at which tool is mounted and perpendicular to longitudinal shaft axis, the working direction and lateral displacement being selectable independently of one another.

Abstract: A method of aiding in the diagnosis or prediction of degenerative joint disease in a joint of a patient. The method comprises obtaining a test spectrum of Raman scattered radiation from cartilage tissue in the joint, and analyzing the test spectrum, or one or more regions thereof, to assess whether the test spectrum is consistent with the patient having, or subsequently developing, degenerative joint disease in the joint.

Abstract: A method of aiding in the diagnosis or prediction of degenerative joint disease in a joint of a patient. The method comprises obtaining a test spectrum of Raman scattered radiation from cartilage tissue in the joint, and analysing the test spectrum, or one or more regions thereof, to assess whether the test spectrum is consistent with the patient having, or subsequently developing, degenerative joint disease in the joint.

Abstract: The method involves having the subject, to whose fractured limb an external fixator has been applied, undergo a specific load test, measuring the load carried by the fixator and the total load carried by the limb during the test, and determining a measure representing a comparison between the two measured loads. The test is preferably a dynamic one, and a suitable apparatus for carrying out the method is described, which includes a forceplate incorporated in a treadmill assembly to stimulate muscle activity in the limb during the test. The method and device provides an early indication as to whether or not bone healing has started, and thus can be used to provide an advance warning in cases of delayed osseous union.