Abstract: A novel pliers-like tool is disclosed for bringing into engagement the first member, having a head and a neck depending therefrom, and the second member, having a cavity therein receiving said head, of a joint prosthesis. In use, the inner surface of one, preferably bifurcated, jaw of the tool bears against the outer surface of the second member, while the tip of the other jaw bears against the neck of the first member. The two members are readily brought into engagement by closing the handles of the tool.

Abstract: An intramedullary multiple pin device for fixing fractures in the middle portion (diaphysis) of long bones. The multiple pins are resilient and held in a desired special arrangement by a flexible plastic core element.

Abstract: A novel method and system for inserting a surgical wire into a patient's bone is disclosed. The novel system includes a novel tool for guiding a surgical wire into the patient's bone at a universally adjustable position in relation to a previously inserted wire, and a novel guide pin-external sleeve combination whose use greatly facilitates the steps of guide pin insertion and, after the sleeve has been removed, insertion of a cannulated surgical implant over the guide pin. The novel system is particularly suited for use in a surgical procedure for fixing a fracture in the femoral neck with a plurality of parallel cannulated bone screws.

Abstract: An interstitial tissue pressure measuring device comprising a cannula and a catheter, the catheter being adapted to pass through the cannula and the distal end of the catheter being provided with a plurality of longitudinal slits defining a plurality of petals between them. When the cannula is emplaced in an interstitial tissue site and the catheter is passed through the emplaced cannula into the tissue, the petals facilitate measurement of pressure by a pressure-sensing device at the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from a wound. The device includes a housing having therein an expandable and collapsible passive member which divides the interior of the housing into a first and a second chamber. A vacuum is applied to the second chamber to draw the passive member so as to increase the volume of the first chamber and create a negative pressure therein. Conventional wound tubing connected to the first chamber permits fluids to be drawn from the wound into the first chamber. In one exemplary embodiment a bellows is placed in communication with the second chamber.

Abstract: The device includes a novel tool for guiding a surgical wire into the patient's bone at a universally adjustable position in relation to a previously inserted wire, and a novel guide pin-external sleeve combination whose use greatly facilitates the steps of guide pin insertion and, after the sleeve has been removed, insertion of a cannulated surgical implant over the guide pin. The novel device is particularly suited for use in a surgical procedure for fixing a fracture in the femoral neck with a plurality of parallel cannulated bone screws.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a suture includes an outer envelope formed of two panel layers which are sealed along their peripheries so as to hermetically enclose a region therebetween. An inner container positioned within the region includes rectangular upper, center and lower panels which are foldably secured along respective score lines. The upper panel has a pocket formed by an overlaying window to snugly retain a needle therein. The upper panel is folded back onto the center panel which receives and retains a major portion of the suture secured to the needle. The lower panel is also folded over the center panel and is coupled to the upper panel. Both the upper and lower panels are capable of slidably moving over the center panel. Interlocking panels secured to lower panel sides lock the upper and lower panels together.

Abstract: A novel joint prosthesis, particularly suitable as a metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis, is disclosed comprising first and second intramedullary plugs adapted to be secured to the walls of the intramedullary canals of the two bones forming the joint, and first and second components each comprising a bearing portion and a stem slidably received in a longitudinal bore provided in each of said intramedullary plugs. Transmission of stresses to the bone-prosthesis fixation interfaces is substantially reduced as a result of the freedom of motion of the stems within these longitudinal bores. In a preferred embodiment, axial rotation of one, but only one, of said stems with respect to the intramedullary plug receiving it is prevented. Use of preferred configurations for the bearing portions of the two components provides an accurate reproduction of the movement and degrees of freedom of the natural metacarpophalangeal joint.

Abstract: A novel bone prosthesis for use in healing a bone fracture is disclosed comprising a strong, rigid non-absorbable structural member and a biologically absorbable element held in use under compression against the structural member. Use of the novel prosthesis combines an excellent initial stabilization of the fixed fracture with a gradual shifting of stress-bearing from the prosthesis to the bone in the fracture region as the fracture heals. Thus, problems associated with stress-shielding during healing are alleviated. The structural member may be, e.g., a bone plate, intramedullary rod or hip nail.

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from a wound includes a housing and a passive bellows inside the housing. The bellows can be collapsed and retained in a collapsed or activated state. Upon release from its activated state, the bellows is expanded so as to provide a substantially constant level of negative pressure whereupon fluids from a wound are automatically drawn into and collected within the bellows at a substantially constant rate of suction throughout the range of evacuation. Preferably the bellows is expanded by a constant force ribbon spring which provides a constant force of expansion. Additionally, the housing is preferably transparent with graduations etched thereon permitting the visible inspection and measurement of the fluids removed from the wound.