Abstract: A method of treating or preventing infection at a surgical site comprising a bony defect and an implanted metal device is disclosed. Biodegradable microspheres are placed at the site and are capable of near-linear controlled release of an antibiotic agent for a predetermined period of time. The microspheres are configured to be large enough to avoid being phagocytosed and removed from the body, and small enough in diameter to not physically inhibit bone growth at said bony defect site. The microspheres are formed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sufficient antibiotic agent to produce bactericidal levels in body tissues. The microspheres exhibit near-linear delivery of the antibiotic agent for at least 4 weeks at levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for organisms commonly found to be the cause of infections, and facilitate bone ingrowth or regrowth at the site.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing infection at a surgical site comprising a bony defect and an implanted metal device is disclosed. Biodegradable microspheres are placed at the site and are capable of near-linear controlled release of an antibiotic agent for a predetermined period of time. The microspheres are configured to be large enough to avoid being phagocytosed and removed from the body, and small enough in diameter to not physically inhibit bone growth at said bony defect site. The microspheres are formed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sufficient antibiotic agent to produce bactericidal levels in body tissues. The microspheres exhibit near-linear delivery of the antibiotic agent for at least 4 weeks at levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for organisms commonly found to be the cause of infections, and facilitate bone ingrowth or regrowth at the site.

Abstract: Biodegradable microspheres implanted, injected, or otherwise placed totally or partially within the body are capable of near-linear controlled release of an antibiotic for a predetermined period of time for the treatment and prevention of infections involving the body. The microspheres are formed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and an effective amount of antibiotic sufficient to produce bactericidal levels in body tissues, and may or may not include polyethylene glycol (PEG). The microspheres exhibit near-linear delivery of the antibiotic for at least 4 weeks at levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for organisms commonly found to be the cause of infections.

Abstract: A hip grip table attachment apparatus for positioning and retaining a patient in a position lying on one side during hip or pelvic surgery is disclosed. The hip grip table attachment apparatus attaches to an operating table and has a removable top platform attachment for supporting surgical instruments that extends over and also protects the upper body of a patient lying on one side, an arm support attachment that supports an arm of the patient to prevent rolling, and pelvic positioner attachments that position and retain and the patient's lower pelvic region.

Abstract: An external Colles' type fracture fixator which provides pivotal adjustment about three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and translational adjustment along two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.An external alignment table which allows translational adjustment along a three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and pivotal adjustment about two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.A method of externally manipulating, reducing, and stabilizing a fracture using such an external fixation alignment table and external fixator.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a bone cement injection gun during pressurized injection of bone cement into the intramedullary canal of a bone prepared for implantation of a prosthetic device to facilitate continuous removal of fluid and blood products from, and simultaneous drying of, the interior surfaces of the intramedullary canal. An elongate tubular member having a central bore is installed on the nozzle of a bone cement injection gun and conducts bone cement through its central bore. A fluid flow passageway, isolated from the central bore, extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member. A fluid inlet at the distal end is connected to a source of vaccum and a porous absorbent pad surrounds a fluid inlet at the distal end of the tubular member. The pad is received in the intramedullary canal and swells when moisture is absorbed.

Abstract: A dynamic external fixator is disclosed which is designed to be applied externally along side the wrist by way of elongated bone fixation pins. The fixator includes two elongated legs connected by a universal joint. The proximal leg includes a series of holes for receipt of the bone fixation pins and associated threaded retainers to retain the bone fixation pins in the desired orientations. The distal leg includes a pistoning device which allows adjustability of the length thereof and further includes at least one set screw which reciprocates in a slot formed in the leg to enable the adjustment of the extension of the pistoning device thereof. The distal leg further includes a series of holes which receive the elongated bone fixation pins and further includes threaded members usable to maintain the bone fixation pins in a desired orientation.