Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a threaded stud having an open-ended axial slot to straddle a rod of a vertebral support, and a bracket which is rotatable on the stud. A vertebra bone screw passes through an opening in a distal end of the bracket. The stud and bracket are locked in position relative to the rod by a nut. An insert within the slot bears against the rod and prevents the stud from being deformed by the force of the nut on the stud segments. The bracket can be rotated around the stud; and the stud can be rotated around and slid along the rod, to afford great adjustability and ease of attachment.

Abstract: A head support for a patient support table having a skull securing clamp that is mounted to a non-circular support bar for selective attachment to the side rails of the patient support table. The skull clamp includes a non-circular support aperture for receiving the non-circular support bar. The structural components of the head support are made from radiolucent material and the support bar includes mounting posts at its first and second ends so that arms for mounting the support bar to the side rails may be located out of the path of the x-rays through the patient's head. The non-circular shape of the support aperture and the support bar prevent inadvertent rotation of the radiolucent skull securing clamp with respect to the radiolucent support bar. The location of the mounting posts on the support arms and the utilization of the radiolucent material results in fewer artifacts in the developed x-ray picture.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for implanting an intracranial device along a predetermined axis into the skull. A support has a bore which is axially alignable on the axis. A drill bit, screwdriver, cannula, and interacranial device are sequentially received in and guided through the bore for drilling an opening in the skull, securing a skull bolt in the opening, inserting a cannula in the opening, and inserting an intracranial device through the cannula in precisely guided movement on the axis. The support and cannula can be removed laterally from the device once in place, to avoid disconnecting an electrical lead to the device.

Abstract: A bone saw guide apparatus and method for positioning sequential saw cuts facilitates the cutting of a wedge of bone, in the correction of an angular bone deformity. An arcuate saw blade having a shaft which is parallel to its cutting edge provides greater blade strength and better control of the cut.

Abstract: A bone saw guide apparatus and method for positioning sequential saw cuts facilitates the cutting of a wedge of bone, in the correction of an angular bone deformity. An arcuate saw blade having a shaft which is parallel to its cutting edge provides greater blade strength and better control of the cut.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided for retaining tissue, membrane and organs in a retracted position from an incision during a surgical procedure which includes a tiltable ring having an outwardly extending channel to receive arm support means having a projection captured within and movable along the channel. Retractor arms are mounted to the arm support means such that they pass below the ring and extend inwardly toward the incision so as to not obstruct the surgeon's line of sight or movement of the hands along the ring.