Abstract: A method of treating and/or preventing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is provided, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a botulinum toxin to a patient in need thereof or a patient at risk for development of CTS. More specifically, the method includes one or more injections of a botulinum toxin over a period of time into one or more muscles of the hand and/or wrist, or directly into the carpal tunnel along the median nerve. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided as are combination therapies with other agents such as anti-inflammatory drugs, growth factors, and agents useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The use of the methods of the present invention are also contemplated with other treatment regimens used to treat patients having carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: Chemically modified tetracyclines are a new class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These chemically modified tetracyclines are used in a method for inhibiting COX-2, which in turn inhibits PGE2, and/or inhibiting TNF&agr;. They are also used in a method for treating a disease or disorder associated with elevated activities of COX-2 (i.e., increased production of PGE2) and/or TNF&agr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for the preparation and implantation of implants with surgical cements composed primarily of calcium sulfate (“CS”). The first of these novel techniques involves the steps of: (1.) precoating an implant with CS; (2.) permitting the implant to dry, and, (3.) thereafter grouting the implant in place with wet CS. The second embodiment involves: (1.) grouting an uncoated implant in place with wet CS. Finally, the third embodiment involves: (1.) precoating an implant with CS; (2.) permitting it to dry; and, (2.) subsequently press-fitting the implant in place without grouting.

Abstract: The invention is a template to aid in the regeneration of articular cartilage. The template is formed by combining a porous collagen sponge ("collagen matrix") with a dense collagen membrane. The dense collagen membrane is placed on the surface of the cartilage defect to prevent cell migration from the subchondral plate and vasculature. The collagen membrane will allow movement and exchange of fluids, nutrients, cytokines and other factors necessary for cartilage regeneration. The collagen matrix has been developed to allow attachment and growth of cells, specifically chondrocytes which are normally found in articular cartilage. The collagen matrix can be combined with chondrocytes in vitro, and therefore serve to transport cultured cells to the defect site and to retain the cells in position following implantation. Procedures are described to effectively use the two-staged template, and to fix the template to the repair site.

Abstract: The invention is a method of inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in an in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo biological system. The method employs a tetracycline compound to inhibit the production of NO and/or to inhibit the expression or activity of an inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Preferably, the tetracycline compound has inhibitory activity for metalloproteinases. Also it is preferred that the tetracycline compound is provided to the biological system in an amount which has little or no antibacterial activity in the system. Accordingly, preferred tetracycline compounds are tetracycline compounds which have be modified to reduce or eliminate their antimicrobial activity. The method can be used to treat medical conditions in mammals characterized by NO production mediated by iNOS, including, for example, inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A head for a modular humeral (or hip) prosthesis which mates couplingly to a head mounting seat on the end of on elongated humeral stem is described. The head has an enganing syherical shaped outer surface which has a radius measured from a center which lies along an offset line which is inclined at an angle which ranges from between 10 to 30 degrees from the normal longitudinal axis of the elongated stem. The head has a longitudinal axis which is shifted form between 2.5 to 7.5 mm from a normal longitudinal axis. The elongated humeral stem includes a shaft seat which passes through the head mounting seat, which is adapted to receive a shaft extending from head. An adjustable to receive a shaft extending from the head. An adjustable interlocking alignment pin ensures desired orientation between the head and the head mounting seat during mating of the parts and maintains stability of orientation when mated.

Abstract: A bone cerclage tool for conformally slidably abutting a device circumferentially about a bone, such that orthopedic surgical procedures can be performed on and/or in the vicinity of the bone with minimal access and/or visibility and satisfying the need for complex maneuvering around anatomical parts and minimizing unnecessary tissue removal and contact with delicate areas. The bone cerclage tool can be used to encircle a bone with a suture, wire, cable, band, or device, to secure the bone in place, or perform operations on the bone or in the vicinity of the bone. The bone cerclage tool has a resilient member housed within a curved tube for guiding a device adjoined to the resilient member circumferentially about the bone and an exit section for directing the device to conformally slidably abut against the bone as the device is extended from the exit section. A push-pull member housed within a tubular housing and adjoined to the resilient member is used to extend or retract the device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inhibiting endogenous production of nitric oxide (NO) in an in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo mammalian system. The method employs a tetracycline compound to inhibit production of NO and/or to inhibit the expression or activity of an inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Preferably, the tetracycline compound has inhibitory activity for metalloproteinases. Also it is preferred that the tetracycline compound is provided to the mammalian system in an amount which has little or no antibacterial activity in the system. Accordingly, preferred tetracycline compounds are tetracycline compounds which have be modified to reduce or eliminate their antimicrobial activity. The method can be used to treat medical conditions in mammals characterized by NO production mediated by iNOS, including, for example, inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A guide assembly for surgical instruments used for performing surgical procedure on a bone having a longitudinal axis. At least one stand-off member secured to and extending from the bone is coupled to a support member holding the support member laterally from and in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the bone. The support member provides a base for a locating assembly which comprises an arm a positioning member and a guide member. The arm is coupled to the support member and is movable linearly between the extremes thereof, along a path related to the longitudinal axis of the bone. The positioning member which includes a plurality of positioning apertures along its length, is defined by a constant radius equal to the distance the support member is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone.

Abstract: An novel isoform of inducible nitric oxide synthase (OA-NOS) has been identified in osteoarthritis-affected articular cartilage. Some properties, including molecular weight, are similar to the constitutive isoform of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (ncnos) while other properties share similarity with the previously identified inducible nitric oxide (iNOS). Acetylating agents, such as aspirin and N-acetylimidazole act on both iNOS and OA-NOS by inhibiting their catalytic activities. A method is provided to screen for acetylating agents that inhibit OA-NOS, and the selective inhibition of OA-NOS by inhibitory agents is determined by comparison to a panel of different isoforms of nitric oxide synthase.

Abstract: An attachment method to hold a biomaterial in place until healing occurs. The method consists of anchoring sutures through the subchondral plate into bony tissue with at least two lines emerging from the surface. The anchored suture lines are then pulled through the implant at its four quadrants, and is thus used to secure the cartilage repair material into the wound site.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for fixing vertebrae and sacrum having anterior and posterior aspects. The system comprises a plurality of rods or plates disposed over the vertebrae and/or sacrum, at least one rod or plate disposed anteriorly and at least one disposed posteriorly, and a plurality of bolts and nuts extending laterally through said vertebrae and/or sacrum and attached to the rods.A method for installing a spinal stabilization system to fix vertebrae and/or sacrum, comprising the steps of: exposing the spine anteriorly and posteriorly to reveal a level of vertebrae and/or sacrum, inserting a pair of beam means through the vertebrae and/or sacrum; repeating the exposing and inserting steps for a next level of vertebrae and/or sacrum; disposing column means over the anterior and posterior aspects of the two levels of vertebrae and/or sacrum; and connecting the ends of the beam means at each vertebrae and/or sacrum level to the column means.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for fixing affected vertebrae having anterior and posterior aspects. The system comprises a plurality of rods or plates disposed over the affected vertebrae, at least one rod or plate disposed anteriorly and at least one disposed posteriorly, and a plurality of bolts and nuts extending laterally through the affected vertebrae and attached to the rods.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for fracture(s) of the upper ulna, the ulna having an olecranon and a proximate end, comprising a elongated medullary pin and a head member. The elongated medullary pin has a longitudinal axis and distal and proximal ends and at least one aperture at its distal end for transverse locking screw(s). The head member is disposed at the proximal end of the pin for transmitting force to the olecranon along the longitudinal axis of the pin as the head member is tightened. The head member comprising at least one inwardly extending, projecting, pointed portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for the lengthening of bones. It comprises base and extension means and adjustment and rectilinear means. The base means includes an elongated means having a longitudinal axis, and axial opening therethrough and having an inner surface, and distal and proximal ends. The adjustment means has an axis, an outer surface, and is disposed within the distal end of the base means. The rectilinear means are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the axial opening of the base means and the adjustment means, respectively, for permitting rectilinear motion of the adjustment means toward the proximal end of the base means. The extension means has an axis, and is telescopically disposed within the proximal end of the base means; it is affixed to the adjustment means.

Abstract: A windlass is mounted in fixed position external to the body and close to the nerve tissue to be lengthened. A first path in the form of a hollow member is made between the windlass and a second path, along which the nerve tissue is to be extended. A line is connected to the rotatable drum of the windlass and is passed along the first path and the second path to the nerve tissue. The line is connected by a protective cap to the nerve tissue. The drum is rotated, winding the line about the drum and drawing the line through the first and second paths while drawing the nerve tissue along the second path.

Abstract: A protector to prevent hip fracture and/or bed-sores and/or protect a wound or wound area is formed from an outer load bearing member reinforced by internal ridges. The protector is dome shaped with structured ridges to form an internal dome or clearance for the region of desired protection. A soft inner sheet is attached for comfort. This structure has less bulk and weight than a solid pad. The outer shell formation distributes the load or pressure to the edges of the device, protecting the organ covered by the dome. The pad may have different internal ridge patterns to provide flexibility for user comfort.

Abstract: A femur sliding screw plate is improved by adding flanges or wings on either side of a central portion, the flanges extending at least partially around the femur shaft. Preferrably, the flanges are provided integral to a centrally raised part which fits over a portion of the leg of a basic screw plate. Screw holes in the sliding screw plate align with screw holes in the basic screw plate and the sliding screw plate is attached to the basic screw plate and each screw plate is attached to the femur by common screws. The flanges each have screw holes, offset from the screw holes in the centralloy raised portion, screws being used to secure the flanges to outlying portions of the femur shaft in order to more fully consolidate fragments of the fractured femur. Alternatively a screw plate is provided with integral flanges extending from the leg of the screw plate.

Abstract: A mail bag is fabricated from canvas sewn together to form a bag body with a closed bottom and open top adapted to be closed by a draw string. Three sets of handles, each also formed of pieces of canvas, are sewn to the outer surface of the bag. A first set of four handles are sewn to the bag spaced around the bag in a line proximate the top of the bag; while a second set of four handles are sewn to the bag spaced around the bag in a line proximate the bottom of the bag and so as to be parallel to and aligned with the first set of handles. A third set of four handles are sewn to the bag spaced around the bag aligned with the handles of the first and second sets but so that the handles of the third set midway between handles of the first and second sets and so that the disposition of the hanldes of said third set is either perpendicular to the disposition of the handles of said first and second sets; or parallel thereto.

Abstract: A spinal anthropometer or lordosimeter is described that provides a three dimensional configuration of the spine. Point encodement and codement of spacial measurement of spinal landmarks provides data permitting representation of spinal curvatures for diagnosis and assessment of lordosis and scoliosis.