Abstract: Embodiments of the hyperextension brace assembly utilize a cross-strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to limit the extension of limbs about the joint. The cross-strap assembly is positioned from a cross origin behind the joint to attachment points on upper and lower mounting facilities on the upper and lower limbs and provides an opposing tensile force that limits the extension of mounting facilities and the limbs. In embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Embodiments of the assembly are able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Embodiments of the brace can be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: A surgical tensioning assembly providing a means to apply a variable and selective force to tissues, such as replacement ligaments, during a ligament reconstruction surgery. The assembly provides a means to apply a selective, measurable and a generally balanced force on multiple tissues. One embodiment of the tensioning assembly includes a set of subassemblies, namely an engagement subassembly, a variable force subassembly and an equalizing subassembly. These subassemblies are operably connected to each other such that they are able to provide tension on tissues connected to the assembly. In one embodiment the tensioning assembly further includes a mounting subassembly that provides a means to connect the tensioning assembly to a person's body. Methods of use of the surgical tensioning assembly are also disclosed to include novel methods of cycling and conditioning tissue used in a knee ligament replacement surgery.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects.

Abstract: A buckle assembly comprising a buckle body having an engaging element, a base body having an interior surface defining a cavity comprising a first directional retainer portion and a receiving portion, the first directional retainer portion configured to engage a portion of the engaging element of the buckle body and retain the buckle body when the buckle body is forced in a first direction, the receiving portion configured to receive the engaging element of the buckle body and the receiving portion located in a second direction from the first directional retainer portion. In some embodiments, the interior surface further comprises a channel configured to constrain movement of the buckle body in two dimensions and allow the buckle body to move in a third dimension.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects. Some embodiments of the suture anchor assembly may include pliable buttons. And some embodiments of the suture anchor assembly may also include buttons made of bioabsorbable or resorbable materials.

Abstract: One embodiment of a ligament reconstruction guide assembly comprises a bracket, a cannulated guide and a reference element. Embodiments of these assembly elements are combined and shaped in a manner that allow a surgeon to carefully position the attachment sites for anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures. Embodiments of the guide assembly comprise a footprint target tip that assists locating the attachment sites for single or double bundle reconstruction procedures from an anterior or posterior position. Embodiments of the guide assembly have the cannulated guide aligned with apertures in the footprint target tip to properly locate and position the bone tunnels. This combination and shape allows proper positioning of a drill and tunnel and reduces the possibility of wounds to the knee during tunnel creation. In some embodiments there are different shaped, removable footprint target tips.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: A system for securing a graft within a bone includes a tubular cross pin having an interior surface bounding a passageway extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the distal end terminating at a distal end face. A guide pin has an exterior surface extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the exterior surface including an outwardly projecting shoulder. The guide pin is removably received within the passageway of the cross pin such that the distal end face of the cross pin biases against the shoulder and a proximal portion of the guide pin freely projects beyond the proximal end of the cross pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis wherein the method involves arthroscopically determining that biceps tenodesis is desirable; arthroscopically separating the long head of the biceps tendon from bone attachment; creating and placing a wedge at the proximal end of the long head of the biceps tendon; and allowing the tendon to slide through the glenohumeral joint and the wedge structure to be wedged in the bicipital groove. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a button clamp wedge having top and bottom portions having mating protrusions and recesses to lock the top and bottom portions together, such that staggered ribs on the top portion and bottom portion grip top and bottom surfaces of the long head of the tendon when the top and bottom portions of the button clamp wedge are locked together. Some embodiments of the button clamp wedge have hinged portions similar to a clamshell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the hyperextension brace assembly utilize a cross-strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to limit the extension of limbs about the joint. The cross-strap assembly is positioned from a cross origin behind the joint to attachment points on upper and lower mounting facilities on the upper and lower limbs and provides an opposing tensile force that limits the extension of mounting facilities and the limbs. In embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Embodiments of the assembly are able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Embodiments of the brace can be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: Embodiments of the surgical chisel assembly comprise a wedge shaped surgical chisel designed to eliminate the square shape and sharp corners from a forward edge of a chisel. One embodiment of the chisel assembly comprises a chisel body and a grip. The chisel body comprises a wedge-shaped blade portion and a handle portion. In one embodiment, the handle portion is substantially flat about two generally parallel principal surfaces and is generally shaped to be able to be comfortably held by a surgeon in their hand. The blade portion of the chisel comprises a forward edge created by a blunting of the angle of intersection of the forward edge surfaces and a curving of the forward edge along the width of the forward edge.

Abstract: One embodiment of a ligament reconstruction guide assembly comprises a bracket, a cannulated guide and a reference element. These assembly elements are combined and shaped in a manner that permit a surgeon to carefully position a bone tunnel in a ligament reconstruction procedure extending from a posterior position to the knee to an anterior position relative to the knee. The bone tunnel is positioned by the reference element posterior to the knee to an anterior position relative to the knee positioned by the cannulated guide. This combination and shape allows proper positioning of a drill and tunnel and reduces the possibility of wounds to the posterior elements of the knee during tunnel creation.

Abstract: A tissue microfracture apparatus including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end that includes an aperture. The apparatus also includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends with at least one tissue microfracture spike protruding from the distal end. The member operates cooperatively with the housing to expose a portion of the spike through the aperture. The apparatus also includes a disposing facility between the elongated member and the housing to dispose the spike in a home position within the housing. The disposing facility may be a spring element positioned at either the proximal or distal end of the housing. The elongated member may include a force receiving surface on the proximal end for receiving a force that facilitates exposing the portion of the spike. An exposure limiting facility limits the exposed portion of the spike.

Abstract: A surgical tensioning assembly providing a means to apply a variable and selective force to tissues, such as replacement ligaments, during a ligament reconstruction surgery. The assembly provides a means to apply a selective, measurable and a generally balanced force on multiple tissues. One embodiment of the tensioning assembly includes a set of subassemblies, namely an engagement subassembly, a variable force subassembly and an equalizing subassembly. These subassemblies are operably connected to each other such that they are able to provide tension on tissues connected to the assembly. In one embodiment the tensioning assembly further includes a mounting subassembly that provides a means to connect the tensioning assembly to a person's body. Methods of use of the surgical tensioning assembly are also disclosed to include novel methods of cycling and conditioning tissue used in a knee ligament replacement surgery.

Abstract: The surgical guide assembly and methods of use utilize the geometric and trigonometric relationships of triangles to position bone tunnel positions for ligament reconstruction surgery. In one embodiment, the surgical guide assembly comprises a first guide pin and a guide frame having a first pin channel and a second pin channel, each channel having a channel longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle to the other about a central convergence point. The assembly further includes a reference facility whereby placement of the first pin in the first pin channel predetermines the position of the longitudinal axis of the second pin channel relative to the first pin. In one embodiment, the position of the channels corresponds to the position of bone tunnels in a double-bundle ligament reconstruction procedure. Methods of using the guide assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for securing a graft within a bone includes a tubular cross pin having an interior surface bounding a passageway extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the distal end terminating at a distal end face. A guide pin has an exterior surface extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the exterior surface including an outwardly projecting shoulder. The guide pin is removably received within the passageway of the cross pin such that the distal end face of the cross pin biases against the shoulder and a proximal portion of the guide pin freely projects beyond the proximal end of the cross pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis wherein the method involves arthroscopically determining that biceps tenodesis is desirable; arthroscopically separating the long head of the biceps tendon from bone attachment; creating and placing a wedge at the proximal end of the long head of the biceps tendon; and allowing the tendon to slide through the glenohumeral joint and the wedge structure to be wedged in the bicipital groove and wherein the apparatus includes a clamshell type, button wedge having a football shaped body with top and bottom portions hinged at one end and with locking structure at an opposite end to lock the top and bottom portions together, such that staggered ribs on the top portion and bottom portion grip top and bottom surfaces of the long head of the tendon when the top and bottom portions of the button wedge are clamped together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.