Abstract: A wrist brace provides a mounting point, a means to hold the hand in position relative to the apparatus, and spreads the force evenly over a large area. Positioned over the dorsal surface of the brace is a "U" shaped transverse member that is attached to the wrist brace through two swivel joints on the ulnar and radial sides of the brace. The pivot means are positioned such that a straight line drawn between them generally passes through the axes of rotation of the metacarpal phalangeal (MP) joints. Positioned dorsally above the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are two members, one of which has an arc shaped tail for its dorsal surface. The other is a slider block which engages and slides around this first arc member. The arc member is mounted to the middle phalanx of the subject finger in such a way that the projected center of the arc would be coincident with the axis of rotation of the PIP Joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the energy, such as acoustic energy, generated by the translational (or "snapping") movement of tendons across the carpal tunnel, whereby an energy signature for such movement can be recognized. Feedback can then be provided to or about the person being monitored to permit, encourage, or force that person to choose a different movement whereby detrimental translational movement of tendons is reduced or minimized. Such reductions may result in a lower occurrence of CTS or the avoidance of its deleterious effects.

Abstract: Keyboard constructions and methods are described which force or provide feedback for finger action that will enhance stability of the carpal tunnel tendons. Methods are described for reducing incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a person who operates a keyboard, involving monitoring actuation of switches, measuring a depression characteristic, comparing the depression characteristic with a predetermined value, and creating a signal corresponding to the number of keystrokes executed with a depression characteristic less than the predetermined value. A method is also described for detecting unphysiologic tendon translation denoting tendon instability in the carpal tunnel of a person who engages in repetitive hand motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for selective cutting of the transverse carpal ligament of a patient. The instrument includes spaced-apart teeth which are supported on a first arm and a press member which is carried by a second arm. The teeth are prevented from contacting tissue when the first arm is inserted into, or retracted from, the carpal tunnel. After insertion of the first arm into the carpal tunnel, the teeth are exposed to the transverse carpal ligament and the first and second arms are moved towards each other to force the teeth into the transverse carpal ligament to perforate the ligament and enable it to elongate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for selective cutting of the transverse carpal ligament of a patient. The instrument includes spaced-apart teeth which are supported on a first arm and a press member which is carried by a second arm. The teeth are prevented from contacting tissue when the first arm is inserted into, or retracted from, the carpal tunnel. After insertion of the first arm into the carpal tunnel, the teeth are exposed to the transverse carpal ligament and the first and second arms are moved towards each other to force the teeth into the transverse carpal ligament to perforate the ligament and enable it to elongate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved surgical method for inspecting and manipulating selected tissue in a body cavity, while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding tissue, and a surgical instrument therefor.

Abstract: Instrumentation is described for facilitating implantation of prosthetic devices in metacarpal bones, for example. Various embodiments are disclosed which include (a) means for determining the proper orientation of the prosthetic devices, and (b) means for defining the angle and location at which each metacarpal bone is cut in order to receive the prosthetic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved surgical method for inspecting and manipulating selected tissue in a body cavity, while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding tissue, and a surgical instrument therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved surgical method for inspecting and manipulating selected tissue in a body cavity, while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding tissue, and a surgical instrument therefor.

Abstract: An improved splint is described for setting a Colles' fracture. The splint includes first, second and third elements connected together. A metacarpal bar is carried on the first element and is movable therealong. Two pins pass through the metacarpal bar and extend into a bone of a patient of one side of a bone fracture. The second element is pivotally mounted on one end of the first element for movement about an axis which forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first element. The third element is pivotally mounted on the second element for movement about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second element. The third element includes transverse openings through which two pins extend which are inserted into the bone of a patient on the opposite side of the bone fracture. In one embodiment the metacarpal bar can be rotated about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first element.

Abstract: A splint, for setting a Colles' fracture, formed from a pair of relatively shiftable elements, one of which is an elongated support element having a traveling block shiftable along the length thereof, the second element being pivotally mounted on the first element. The pivotal axis of the two relatively movable elements is aligned with the rotational axis of the fracture site itself, specifically the distal radial-ulnar joint, the joint between the radius and ulna at the level of the wrist. The travelling block is adjusted by a first worm and rack, and the angular adjustment between the pivoted elements is achieved with a second worm and a worm gear, the traveling block and the second element each having holes for receiving bone pins which extend into the radius proximal to the fracture and the metacarpal bones distal to the fracture. The first element is preferably made of plastic and transparent to x-rays.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a patient's hand for surgery, the apparatus including a base plate for placement on an operating table, and an upper plate above the base plate and pivotally coupled thereto by an adjustable ball and socket assembly. The upper plate can be pivoted into any one of a number of operative positions, and the ball and socket assembly can be adjusted to releasably hold the upper plate in a fixed position. A pair of surface defining devices are located near one end edge of the upper plate, one of the devices having a flat upper surface coextensive with the upper surface of the plate, the other device being hingedly mounted to the first device to provide a flat surface coextensive with the upper surface of the plate when the second device is in an outwardly extending position with respect to the first device.