Abstract: An artificial and wear-resistant plug mounted to an existing bone associated with a joint structure and which includes a three dimensional and composite platicized material. An end surface of an existing bone is reconditioned in preparation for engagement of the plug thereto and in order to define a reconditioned artificial wear surface. In a preferred application, a pair end mounted plugs are arranged in opposing fashion between first and second bones and respectively define a male receiving end and a female socket. A lubricant retaining and cartilage defining exterior layer is applied to one or both of opposing surfaces of the plugs.

Abstract: A joint assembly incorporated into a reconditioned end surface established between upper and opposing lower bones. At least one first component is anchored into a first of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a rotatably supported wheel. A second component is anchored into a second opposing reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a second exposed support surface in contact with the rotatably supported wheel. The first component includes a supporting well anchored into the reconditioned bone end surface for supporting the wheel in rotatable fashion. A laterally inserting pin displaces relative to a side of the wheel well and into an interior thereof and includes a central axial through hole which receives the pin for supporting the shaft.

Abstract: An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapular and humerus. A ball is adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula along with a receiver mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus. A substantially spherical shaped element is interposed between the ball and receiver and establishes first and second articulating surfaces. A concave recess is defined in an exposed face of the ball for seating in articulating fashion a portion of the spherical element. A concave recess is defined in the spherical shaped element for seating in articulating fashion an exposed portion of the scapula mounted ball. Each of the ball, spherical element and receiver is constructed of an alternating material including at least one of a polymer, polymer composite, metal, metal composite or polymer/metal admixture.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A cast for aligning and supporting first and second bone locations adjoining a bone fracture zone including a body employed in at least one of interior and exterior locations of the bone surrounding the fracture zone. The body provides for at least one of aligning the bone locations on either side of the fracture zone and influencing the bone locations in a compressive fashion against the fracture zone during healing of the bone. The body may further include an internally inserted membrane, such as further exhibiting inflatable bladder incorporating a plurality of elongate stiffening members.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inter-vertebral and implantable disk substituting for a fibro cartilage and including first and second hard outer layers between which is sandwiched a softer inner cushioning layer. Each of the outer layers includes an exterior texturized pattern for promoting bone in-growth subsequent to implantation. Each of the outer layers may also include an exteriorly integrally formed and angled mounting portion including an interiorly positioned aperture. The mounting portions are adapted to being applied against reconditioned side exterior locations of first and second succeeding intervertebral bodies and mounted to the bodies with a screw or clip.

Abstract: An implant for assisting in providing a correct separation distance between overlapping superior and inferior articular processes, such as associated with succeeding lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). The implant teaches a pocket defining body having an open rim profile of variable wall thickness, the implants being employed individually or in paired fashion between each laterally spaced pair of overlapping facet contact locations established between inwardly facing superior articular process facets associated with a first (lower) vertebra and opposing outwardly facing inferior articular process facets associated with a second (upper succeeding) vertebra. Use of the implant assists in providing correct lateral spacing between the superior and inferior processes, reducing or preventing pinching of the laterally extending nerve branches of the spinal nerve column.

Abstract: A surgically implantable mesh for covering a tear or rupture in a lining associated with an interior body cavity. A mat shaped polymer body has top and bottom spaced apart surfaces which are communicable at intervals by an interior configuration defined in the body and which promotes tissue in-growth following implantation. An antibacterial additive is intermixed with the polymer in a viscous state prior to formation and can included at least one of silver, gold, copper, bronze, or ground bamboo fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rongeur type bone and cartilage removal device incorporating a pistol shaped body exhibiting a forward extending barrel terminating in a powered saw drive including a plurality of blades. A passageway extends through an interior of the barrel and communicates the forward chain drive with a rearward positioned debris collection chamber. A power supply is incorporated into the body and, upon actuating a trigger, closes a circuit with the saw drive and a separate vacuum inducing drive in order to successively excise increments of bone for evacuation through the passageway and into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A brace for supporting an exterior surface of a damaged bone including a plurality of elongated members interconnected at each of intermediate overlapping and end-to-end locations. An additional pair of end disposed supports is pivotally interconnected to outermost of the elongated interconnected members. A pair of elongated ties seating through apertures formed in the end disposed supports. The brace is adapted to being placed in encircling fashion over the damaged bone, following which the ties are displaced relative to at least one of the end disposed supports in order to cause the elongated members to inter-extend in scissor-like fashion in order to tighten the brace against the bone and to apply a preferred degree of compressive and immobilizing force around the damaged exterior bone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved shoulder joint implant assembly including a plastic ball secured to a first joint defining bone end face and a plastic receiver secured to a second joint defining bone end face. Each of the ball and receiver implants are constructed of a composite hardened plastic with a softened cartilage wear surface plastic. A fastener is secured to the first joint defining bone end face and over which is mounted the plastic ball. Anchoring of the receiver is established by a pair of integrally formed and inwardly extending mounting tabs, these further extending into further recess machined cavities in the first bone.

Abstract: A walking cast having an upper cage assembleable over an upper leg and a lower cage assembleable over a lower leg and hingedly secured to the upper cage approximate a wearer's knee. A foot sole support is connected to the lower cage which includes lower angled supports for engaging side locations of the sole in a further hinged connection. Each of the upper and lower cages include a rear positioned fixed support with a second forward and hingedly connecting door. A plurality of cushioning supports secure to inner facing locations associated with each of the upper and lower cages.

Abstract: A multi-component elbow joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper humerus bone and opposing lower radius and ulna bones. The assembly includes a first component anchored into the upper humerus reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower reconditioned bone end surface of at least one of the radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: A multi-component hallux joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper metatarsal bone and an opposing lower proximal phalanx bone. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the metatarsal bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is likewise anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the proximal phalanx and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: A multi-component wrist joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper radius bone and at least opposing lower scaphoid and lunate bones. A first component is anchored into the upper radius reconditioned end surface and exhibiting a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower scaphoid and lunate reconditioned end surfaces and exhibiting a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: A multi-component ankle joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper tibia bone and an opposing and lower talus bone. A first component is anchored into the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower talus reconditioned end surface of and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components. The spherical shaped component includes a multi-layer composition having a softer outer layer and at least one harder interior layer establishing an eccentric rotational interface therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-component thumb joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between upper metacarpal and opposing lower proximal phalanx bones. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the metacarpal bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the proximal phalanx and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate and spherical shaped component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.