Abstract: A rongeur has an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated crossbar, which moves between a retracted position and a tissue capturing position position, has a distal end and a proximal end and reciprocates axially with respect to the shank. A first tip is selectively connected to the shank. The first tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the first tip is received in a bore of the shank. A second tip is selectively connected to the crossbar. The second tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the second tip is received in a bore of the crossbar.

Abstract: A rongeur has an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated crossbar, which moves between a retracted position and a tissue capturing position position, has a distal end and a proximal end and reciprocates axially with respect to the shank. A first tip is selectively connected to the shank. The first tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the first tip is received in a bore of the shank. A second tip is selectively connected to the crossbar. The second tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the second tip is received in a bore of the crossbar.

Abstract: A method and device for reattaching adjacent bone plates includes an inner seat, a pin, and an outer seat. The pin is fixedly connected to the inner seat. The outer seat is selectively connected to the pin so that adjacent bone plates are securely held in place between the inner seat and the outer seat. The outer seat includes a first outer seat and a second outer seat that are slidably connected together. The first outer seat has a slot. The second outer seat also has a slot. The first outer seat and the second outer seat are movable between a pin engaging position and a pin locking position.

Abstract: A cranial perforator includes a generally cylindrical driver, a generally cylindrical drill member and a generally cylindrical sleeve therebetween. The driver is connected to the proximal end of the sleeve. The drill member is connected to the distal end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal clutch mechanism to selectively transfer rotational movement from the driver to the drill member. The drill member has an inner drill and an outer drill disposed about the inner drill. The inner drill has a distal end that has only two drilling flutes. A proximal end of the outer drill has a first predetermined diameter D1. A distal end of the outer drill has a second predetermined diameter D2, with the first predetermined diameter D1 being greater than the second predetermined diameter D2. A transition from the first predetermined diameter D1 to the second predetermined diameter D2 is a smooth, preferably radiused curve.

Abstract: A rongeur has a detachable crossbar to enhance cleaning and sterilization. A pin in a slot on one of the rongeur's handles is moveable out of the slot to permit extended retraction of the crossbar to a position in which it may disengage from the shank of the rongeur.

Abstract: A rongeur has one or more drainage holes through its shank into a space between its shank and crossbar to allow drainage of fluid therefrom and to enhance cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A rongeur has one or more drainage holes through its shank into a space between its shank and crossbar to allow drainage of fluid therefrom and to enhance cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A rongeur has a detachable crossbar to enhance cleaning and sterilization. A pin in a slot on one of the rongeur's handles is moveable out of the slot to permit extended retraction of the crossbar to a position in which it may disengage from the shank of the rongeur.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having two arms, one with a single head engaging pin and the second with two head engaging pins mounted on a bracket. The bracket is capable of being rotated to reposition the head. The operating knob which releases the bracket to allow rotation has a safety locking pin which prevents the inadvertent rotation of the bracket when the pin is in a locked position.

Abstract: A swivel ring surgical retractor in a generally circular form is disclosed. The retractor has a fixed portion which is attached to the operating table or other support and a portion which can swivel in relationship to the fixed portion. The swivel portion is attached to the fixed portion of the retractor with a threaded shaft which forces two sunburst clamping inserts into engagement to secure the swivel portion to the fixed portion. The swivel portion can be adjusted or removed from the fixed portion by unthreading the shaft to disengage the sunburst clamping inserts to adjust the position of the swivel portion or to remove the swivel portion from the fixed portion.

Abstract: A head clamp which includes a frame with two arms, a bracket on one of the arms capable of rotation to adjust the position of head engaging pins affixed at the ends of the arms. The bracket is rotatable but held in position by a plurality of index pins fixed in apertures in a plate and the bracket is capable of being rotated by moving the pins out of the apertures and rotating the bracket when the head engaging pins have been removed from the patient.

Abstract: A surgical headrest which comprises two arcuate base segments and a pad affixed to each of the base segments. Each of the pads has a cavity in the surface which is affixed to the base in a shape to accept the base segment, thereby securing the pad to the base segment.

Abstract: A pin assembly for use in a skull clamp having a cylindrical non-metallic housing and a metallic rigid pin with a conical point fitted in the non-metallic housing. The non-metallic housing has fingers extending from a cavity in the surface of the housing and are positioned at an angle towards the pin end of the housing to hold the pin assembly in the skull clamp.