Abstract: A Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) surgical tool is disclosed. The CRT tool is useable to perform CTR surgically endoscopically through an incision in the patient, and includes dedicated optical components within the tool. The tool also includes wireless communication means to broadcast video images from the camera to an external display without the use of any cabling. The CTR tool is modular, thus allowing different portions of the tool to be replaced, including a blade tip assembly. The CTR tool is comprised of components manufactured of materials that can be cleaned and sterilized using an autoclave alone, which allows the tool to be more easily and cheaply used in subsequent surgeries, and in contexts that may lack the resources and support traditionally necessary for surgery. The CTR system may simply comprise of the tool (and its cheaper replacement parts), a monitor having wireless capability, and a simple autoclave.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing system for use in joint replacement arthroscopy has a bearing surface, a mounting base affixed to or formed with the bearing surface, a convex element extending outwardly of the mounting base opposite the bearing surface, a receptacle positioned so as to slidably or pivotably receive a portion of the convex element therein, a housing receiving at least a portion of the receptacle therein, and a resilient element received in the housing and bearing against a surface of the housing and against a surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing implant for use in shoulder arthroplasty has a bearing surface, a mounting base affixed to or formed with the bearing surface, a convex element extending outwardly of the mounting base opposite the bearing surface, a receptacle positioned so as to slidably or pivotably receive a portion of the convex element therein, a housing receiving at least a portion of the receptacle therein, and a resilient element received in the housing and bearing against a surface of the housing and against a surface of the receptacle. The bearing surface can be concave when the implant is used as a glenoid implant. The bearing surface can be convex when the implant is used as a humeral head implant.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing system for use in joint replacement arthroscopy has a bearing surface, a mounting base affixed to or formed with the bearing surface, a convex element extending outwardly of the mounting base opposite the bearing surface, a receptacle positioned so as to slidably or pivotably receive a portion of the convex element therein, a housing receiving at least a portion of the receptacle therein, and a resilient element received in the housing and bearing against a surface of the housing and against a surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing implant for use in shoulder arthroscopy has a bearing surface, a mounting base affixed to or formed with the bearing surface, a convex element extending outwardly of the mounting base opposite the bearing surface, a receptacle positioned so as to slidably or pivotably receive a portion of the convex element therein, a housing receiving at least a portion of the receptacle therein, and a resilient element received in the housing and bearing against a surface of the housing and against a surface of the receptacle. The bearing surface can be concave when the implant is used as a glenoid implant. The bearing surface can be convex when the implant is used as a humeral head implant.

Abstract: A bone plate apparatus for securing a bone or a bone fragment in a proper position with respect to another bone or a bone fragment has a plate with a first portion and a second portion in which the first portion is hingedly connected to the second portion, and a fixing element cooperative with the first and second portions so as to fix an angular orientation of the first portion with respect to the second portion. The fixing element is a screw that is rotatable in the hinge in one direction such that the first portion is freely pivotable with respect to the second portion and rotatable in an opposite direction so as to fix an angular orientation with the first portion with respect to the second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion has holes formed therein suitable for the receipt of bone screws such that the portions can be affixed against a surface of the bone or the bone fragment.

Abstract: A method of repairing a fractured articular bone at a fracture site has the steps of mixing a bone glue, inserting an expandable balloon into the fracture site, inflating the expandable balloon at the fracture site, applying the bone glue to the fracture site while the expandable balloon is inflated, curing the bone glue at the fracture site while the expandable balloon is inflated, deflating the expandable balloon after the bone glue has cured, and removing the deflated expandable balloon from the fracture site and from the articular bone. The bone glue combines a biologically dissolvable glue with an actual or artificial particulate bone graft.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing shoulder replacement system has a glenoid cup suitable for affixing to the glenoid surface of a scapula, ahead positioned so as to bear against the glenoid cup, a rod affixed to or integral with the head on the side of the head opposite the glenoid cup, a humeral component having a shaft suitable for receipt by the humerus and having a portion extending outwardly of the humerus, and a resilient member cooperative between humeral component and the bead such that the head is resiliently mounted in relation to the humeral component. The portion of the humeral component has a receptacle therein suitable for receiving an end of the rod therein. The rod has a threaded surface that can be connected to a nut such that a distance between the head and the humeral component can be adjusted.

Abstract: A surgical process for resurfacing a head of a humerus has the steps of applying a jig over a surface of the head so as to define a separation line between the head and the humeral shaft, sawing along the separation line so as to separate the head and the humeral shaft so as to expose an end of the shaft, applying a resurface implant over an exterior surface of the head, and affixing the head having the resurface implant thereon onto the exposed end of the shaft. The head is shaped so as to smooth the exterior surface of the head prior to the step of applying the jig. A hole is formed through the head so as to extend into the shaft. A stem of the resurface implant extends through the hole in the head and into the hole in the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical process for affixing an elbow implant into the ulna has the steps of separating the olecranon process from the ulna so as to expose an end of an intermedullary canal of the ulna, inserting a stem of the elbow implanted into the intermedullary canal such that an end of the stem extends outwardly of the end of the ulna, and affixing the olecranon process onto the exposed end of the ulna. A hole is drilled through the olecranon process such that the hole is axially aligned with the intermedullary canal of the ulna. This hole is drilled prior to the step of separating.

Abstract: A bone plate has a body with an outer surface and a bone-contacting surface with a channel formed at a periphery of the body, and a suture member having an end slidably received in the channel. The suture member has an end extending outwardly of the channel. The channel is formed along at least one side of the body. The suture member includes a retainer member received in the channel, a shank extending through the channel, and a loop member affixed to the end of the shank opposite the retainer member. The loop member has a shape suitable so as to allow a suture to be affixed thereto. The body has a slot communicating with the channel and opens at the outer surface so as to allow the suture member to be inserted into the channel.

Abstract: An implant and process for manufacturing the implant for a joint of a patient comprises determining a dimension of a bone in the joint, generating a three-dimensional image of the bone, converting the image into a CAD model, determining a three-dimensional design for the implant according to the dimension of the bone, activating an electron beam melter, and additive-manufacturing the implant with the electron beam melter, the implant having a dimension equal to the dimension of the bone, the implant comprising a porous material. The porous material can be an osteoconductive material or an osteoinductive material or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: An ambulatory surgical gurney has a base, a frame positioned above the base, and a lifting mechanism positioned between the base and the frame. The frame has a sections pivotally connected together. The lifting mechanism has a first ram extending vertically between the base and the frame, a second ram extending vertically between the base and the frame, a lift arm pivotally connected to the frame, and a controller that controls the movement of the first and second rams and the lift arm. The upper end of the first ram and the upper end of the second ram are pivotally connected to the frame. An anaconda is attached to the frame. The anaconda has segments connected end-to-end and a ratchet spool.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: An apparatus has segments connected end-to-end so as to form a flexible tube, a base connected to a first segment of the segments, a clamp connected to the base for mounting the base, and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the segments. A scope adapter can be connected to a last segment of the plurality of segments. An extremity adapter can be connected to a last segment of the plurality of segments. The clamp can mount the base to a mayo stand of a multi-purpose gurney. The clamp can also mount the base to a rail of a multi-purpose gurney.

Abstract: A cannula has a tubular body, an inflatable ring affixed within the tubular body adjacent proximal end thereof, and a valve connected to a channel extending to the inflatable ring. The valve is suitable for allowing a liquid to be passed into the inflatable ring from a syringe. The inflatable ring is expandable into the longitudinal channel when the liquid is introduced thereinto. The tubular body has an outer sleeve adjustably receiving an inner sleeve at the distal end of the tubular body. Numerical indicia are formed on the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A pressure relief pad for use against a body member during orthopaedic surgery including a pad of a resilient material having a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The first outer surface has a slot extending longitudinally thereacross. The slot has a width suitable for receiving surgical tubing therein. The second outer surface has a contour suitable for placement against the body member. The surgical tubing will extend through the slot while the pad is interposed between the surgical tubing and the body member. Retractor paddles can be attached to the opposite ends of the surgical tubing for the purposes of retracting the incision during surgery.

Abstract: A ligament retractor assembly including a first retractor paddle, a second retractor paddle, a first elastic member having one end received in an opening of the first retractor paddle and an opposite end received by an opening of the second retractor paddle, and a second elastic member received in another opening of the first retractor paddle and an opposite end received in another opening of the second retractor paddle. Each of the first and second retractor paddles includes a first retaining section, a second retaining section and a lever section. The first and second retractor paddles are integrally formed of a polymeric material. The openings formed on the retaining sections of the paddles and each have a generally dog leg configuration.

Abstract: A ligament retractor assembly including a first retractor paddle, a second retractor paddle and an elastic member having one end received in an opening of the first retractor paddle and an opposite end received by an opening of the second retractor paddle. Each of the first and second retractor paddles includes a retaining section and a lever section. The lever section extends at a generally acute angle with respect to the retaining section. The first and second retractor paddles are integrally formed of a polymeric material. Each of the first and second retractor paddles includes a gripping portion formed at an end of the retaining section adjacent the lever section. The opening is formed on the retaining section of the paddles and has a generally dog leg configuration opening at a side of the retaining section and extending at an angle toward a median of the retaining section. A hole is formed through the retaining section adjacent the opening.