Abstract: A one-piece folded suture package for a plurality of single or double-armed sutures comprising a front panel, a back panel and two inner panels. The sutures are individually mounted on the two inner panels with the needles at one end and the suture strand extending therefrom over the length of the panel and secured near the other end of the panel. The panels are offset in a vertical direction to expose the upper end of both inner panels and display the needles in two horizontal tiers. The sutures are removable from the package by grasping the needles and withdrawing the suture strand from between the panels of the package. The package is optionally provided with a cover flap to cover the needle display area and integral locking means to secure the package in its folded construction.

Abstract: New and useful substituted ethane diphosphonic acids and salts thereof as exemplified by the acid compound having the formula ##EQU1## 2-thiomethyl-1-hydroxy-ethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid and processes for preparing the same which generically comprise the "de-oxiranization" of an epoxy ethane diphosphonate having the formula ##EQU2## wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen, a metal ion, or an organic radical.

Abstract: A needled suture mounting and dispensing device comprising a separable needle mount and a carrier therefor is described. The needle mount comprises a three-dimensional needle retaining means having a support portion and the carrier comprises a flat card member. Separability of the needle mount from the carrier is achieved either by having the needle mount and carrier as separate members which are fitted together or by having the needle mount be a detachable portion of the carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the needle mount and carrier are two separate members. In this embodiment, the carrier is provided with a pair of parallel slits forming a tongue and slot. The slits are spaced apart at a distance smaller than the width of the support portion of the needle mount and is adapted to receive the needle mount between the tongue and edges of the slot. A package, especially for microsutures, which employs the mounting and dispensing device is also described.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination is provided in which the suture has a weakened segment adjacent its attachment to the needle. The weakened segment is provided by a notch which reduces the effective cross-sectional area of the suture by a controlled amount. The weakened segment permits a surgeon to separate the needle from the suture by a sharp tug.

Abstract: New and useful substituted ethane diphosphonic acids and salts and esters thereof as exemplified by the ester compound having the formula ##EQU1## tetraethyl, 1,2 dihydroxy ethane-1,1-diphosphonate and processes for preparing the same which generically comprise the "de-oxiranization" of an epoxy ethane diphosphonate having the formula ##EQU2## wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen, a metal ion, or an organic radical.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination is provided in which the suture has a radiation-weakened segment adjacent to its attachment to the needle. The radiation-weakened segment permits a surgeon to separate the needle from the suture by a sharp tug.

Abstract: The tie-down characteristics of braided sutures are improved by applying to the surface thereof a polymeric ester of a dibasic acid and a glycol.

Abstract: New and useful substituted ethane diphosphonic acids and salts thereof as exemplified by the compound having the formula ##EQU1## 2-amino-1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid and processes for preparing the same which generically comprise the "de-oxiranization" of an epoxy ethane diphosphonate having the formula ##EQU2## wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen, a metal ion, or an organic radical.