Abstract: A dual-radius glenoid component of a shoulder joint prosthesis for use in total shoulder arthroplasty has two radii of curvature. At substantially the center of the articulating surface a first non-conforming radius of curvature is provided, while a second conforming radius of curvature, smaller than that of the first radius of curvature and more closely conforming to the curvature of the humeral component, is disposed about the periphery of the articulating surface. The central non-conforming radius of curvature provides reduced constraint of the humeral component. In contrast, the conforming peripheral radius of curvature provides maximum constraint of the humeral component. When the humeral component is substantially centered on the articulating surface reduced constraint is placed on the prosthesis and less load is transferred to the bone-implant interface. As the humeral component translates towards the periphery, constraint on the prosthesis increases to prevent dislocation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting healing of damaged tissue that result in an increased level of nitric oxide in the vicinity of the damaged tissue. Also provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting unwanted wound healing by inhibiting the activity of nitric oxide in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the structural modification of human tissue comprising collagen by irradiation of tissue with UV photons. The present invention discloses methods of altering the structural and mechanical properties of the tissue by treatment of the tissue with thermal energy and/or UV photons. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for the treatment of tissues with thermal energy and/or UV photons.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting healing of damaged tissue that result in an increased level of nitric oxide in the vicinity of the damaged tissue. Also provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting unwanted wound healing by inhibiting the activity of nitric oxide in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace including a support member that is configured to the actual or desired shape of a user's body part, a support structure for mounting the support member on a user, a variable force applicator for adjusting the amount of force to be applied by the support member and an indicator for displaying the force applied.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in shaping a femur preparatory to implantation of a knee prosthesis. A gap checking device is fixed to the distal end of the patient's femur and referenced to the epicondyles of the femur. The gap checking device includes slots through which a cutting instrument can be passed to shape the femur so that it can receive the femoral component of the prosthesis. One of the slots enables the distal femoral cut to be made. The thickness of the gap checking device is selected so that the distance between the distal femoral cut and the distal surface of the gap checking device plus the thickness of a shim resting on the cut proximal tibia surface is equal to the combined thickness of the tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis. This enables balancing of the ligaments to be checked before the femoral cuts are made, but while the gap checking device is secured to the femur.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a method of inhibiting an immune response to a recombinant vector, such as a viral vector, specifically an adenoviral vector. The method comprises contacting a cell with (i) a recombinant vector, preferably a viral vector, most preferably an adenoviral vector, comprising a transgene and (ii) a means of inhibiting an immune response to the recombinant vector selected from the group consisting of a TNF receptor fusion protein, a Fas receptor fusion protein, an IFN receptor fusion protein, a gene encoding a TNF receptor fusion protein, a gene encoding a Fas receptor fusion protein, and a gene encoding an IFN receptor fusion protein, whereupon an immune response to the recombinant vector is inhibited. In this regard, the present invention also provides a recombinant vector and a composition for use in the method.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for determining susceptibility for, diagnosing, and/or treating complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. The novel methods are based upon the finding that the positioning of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) in the genome can play an important role in the induction and progression of complex diseases. Specifically, the distance and interaction between a LINE such as the L1 element and a susceptibility gene associated with a complex diseases can provide information about the risk for the complex disease, and also provide novel targets for therapy.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the surface of a material that has a distinguishable infrared spectrum comprising (a) positioning an infrared fiber optic probe to be in contact with a surface of the sample or material at a region of interest for detecting attenuated total reflectance or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the region for detecting reflection, (b) detecting mid- or near-infrared radiation attenuated total reflectance or reflection off of the surface of the sample or the material, (c) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (b) for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters, and (d) actuating the removal device when a signal from the infrared fiber optic probe is between pre-selected values for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters for the sample of the material.

Abstract: A method for the evaluation of the ultrastructure of connective tissue, such as cartilage, including (a) providing a probe operative in the near-infrared or mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, (b) positioning the probe either to be in contact with the connective tissue (for detecting attenuated total reflectance) or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the connective tissue (for detecting reflection), (c) detecting infrared radiation which penetrates the surface of the connective tissue for detecting attenuated total reflectance or which reflects off the surface of the connective tissue and (d) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (c) for at least one of peak height, peak area and frequency, and comparing at least one of the peak height, the peak area and the frequency for established values for at least one of peak height, peak area and frequency for normal connective tissue to detect a modification in the molecular structure of the connective tissue.

Abstract: A pelvic positioning device for stabilizing a patient while lying on their side in a lateral decubitus position. The device includes an anterior pelvic support mechanism including anterior support pads for contacting both pubic tubercles and the ASIS on one or both sides of the patient's body. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior pelvic support mechanism includes two ASIS pads. To provide additional stabilization an upper torso pad may be included proximate the sternum of the patient's rib cage. In addition, the device includes a posterior pelvic support mechanism including a telescopic vertical member and a crescent shaped posterior support pad. The posterior support pad is mounted by a collar to a free end of the telescopic vertical member so as to be freely rotatable in a horizontal plane parallel with the operating table.

Abstract: Peptides are provided with the properties of enhancing the migration and adhesion of bone-forming cells to a substrate, useful for promoting bone mineralization and osseointegration in the healing of, for example, orthopedic surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting healing of damaged tissue that result in an increased level of nitric oxide in the vicinity of the damaged tissues. Also provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting unwanted wound healing by inhibiting the activity of nitric oxide in the tissue.

Abstract: Tissue and organ repair, healing and augmentation are enhanced by administering pharmaceutically acceptable group IIIa element-containing compounds in amounts sufficient to provide therapeutic levels of the elements. Group IIIa element-containing compounds mimic the beneficial biological effects of endogenous growth factors to induce cells responsible for repair, healing and augmentation of tissues and organs. Group IIIa element-containing compounds are suitable for a variety of applications such as wound healing, bone fracture repair, treatment of dermatologic conditions and successful bonding of implanted tissue grafts and prostheses.

Abstract: A patient support device for supporting a patient at four points during back-related surgery. The device includes a generally rectangular frame having two opposing end members and two opposing side members. Two front posts are slidably mounted to one of the two end members. A travelling member is slidably mounted to both side members and may be displaced in a longitudinal direction between the two end members. Two rear posts are slidably mounted to the travelling member and may be displaced therealong, in a transverse direction between the side members. A front lead screw assembly is connected to the two front posts and allows simultaneous and opposing displacement of both front posts along the end member so that both front posts may be moved an equal distance from a center axis. Similarly, a rear lead screw assembly is connected to the two rear posts to allow simultaneous and opposing displacement of both rear posts along the travelling member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tibial prosthetic knee component. The prosthesis includes a tibial tray having a posterior rail and an anterior rail, and a tibial insert. The tibial insert has a posterior dovetailed surface matching the posterior rail in the tibial tray, and an anterior surface matching the anterior rail in the tibial tray. The posterior rail of the tibial tray and the posterior dovetailed surface of the tibial insert are curved to provide clearance for the posterior cruciate ligament. A retaining clip is provided for retaining the tibial insert in the tibial tray. The clip includes a tab which extends through the tray into the insert and a resilient holding member remains unloaded when loads are applied to the knee, reducing the likelihood of dissociation of the tray and insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods for determining the severity of disease or disease activity in patients suffering from autoimmune, inflammatory, malignant, vascular, or viral diseases, which involves measuring the level of CD40 ligand (CD40L) in the patient's serum or other body fluid.

Abstract: Four unique transcripts have been isolated from the .beta. chain of the T cell receptor in T cells in the synovial tissue of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Two of these transcripts were isolated from fresh synovial tissue and two were isolated from a T cell line derived from the synovial tissue. The sequences of the four transcripts are highly homologous, with a conserved amino acid sequence of IGQ.sub.-- N in the highly diverse V-D junction. The .alpha. chain and the antigenic specificity of the T cell line derived transcripts has also been characterized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for reducing or preventing scar tissue formation by administering an antifibrotic amount of a fluoroquinolone. Also disclosed are means for inhibiting the activity of fibroblast cells, including their proliferation, metabolism, and invasion into tissue. The invention further contemplates methods and compositions for the delivery of a fluoroquinolone to prevent or treat scar tissue formation, including oral and intravenous delivery means.

Abstract: A rotationally ratcheting bone screw including a body having a distal end formed with an engagement tip for engaging bone tissue, and a shaft formed with a unidirectional stop. The bone screw further includes a fastening element formed with an opening complementally configured to receive the shaft and responsive to relative rotation between the shaft and fastening element to axially advance along the shaft. The fastening element includes a rotationally sensitive ratchet element to cooperate with the stop and inhibit relative counter-rotation between the shaft and the fastening element.