Abstract: A method of treating brain tumors in a patient, comprising the steps of: identifying and locating a brain tumor in vivo by affixing a stereotactic frame to the head of the patient, performing a computer tomographic (CT) scan of the skull of the patient to determine the location, size, and shape of the tumor with respect to the stereotactic frame, performing a biopsy by inserting an extraction tool along a path measured with respect to the frame to the tumor location, extracting a tissue from the location, removing the needle and the extracted tissue and analyzing the tissue; implanting at least a portion of an adjustable x-ray radiation source in the patient proximate the tumor, the adjustable radiation source including an electron beam source outside the head of the patient, and directing an electron beam produced by the source outside the head of the patient along the path to the location; and controlling the source to generate an x-ray radiation pattern characterized by a spatial and temporal distribution,

Abstract: A pivot joint (1) is provided for pivotting together a first member (2) and a second member (3), at least the first of which is of channel section at the joint and the second of which is adapted to seat within the first, the pivot joint (1) comprising a plastics joint body (4) of generally channel section adapted to sit within the first member (2) and to receive the second member (3) therewithin, the joint body (4) or first member (2) having a first pair of trunnion members (6) adapted to cooperate with apertures (8) in the first member (2) or the joint body (4) respectively and the joint body (4) having a second pair of trunnion members (9) extending inwardly and cooperating with a pair of aligned keyhole slots (12) provided in the outer surface of the second member (3).