Abstract: A headrest cover for a headrest frame wherein the headrest cover has a connector with clips for securing the headrest cover to the headrest frame to prevent torsional motion of the headrest cover with respect to the headrest frame. The connector on the headrest cover further has stop members in contact with the ends of the headrest frame to prevent longitudinal motion of the headrest cover with respect to headrest frame.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having a C-shaped frame with a fixed head engaging pin on one side and a pair of head engaging pins on the opposite side. The opposite side of the clamp also has a rotation mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the pair of head engaging pins and a translation mechanism for linearly moving the pair of head engaging pins with respect to the fixed head engaging pin.

Abstract: For cervical surgery, the neck of the patient is lifted and arched slightly upwardly with the head being supported beyond the end of an operating table. The anterior spacing between the vertebrae of the patient's cervical spine is increased, thereby affording better surgical access.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing arcuate osteotomies wherein a wedge-shaped correction is filed rather than sawed from the bone. A combined saw and file for use in the method has a curved blade with teeth along a longitudinal edge for making an arcuate cut in the direction perpendicular to the edge, and file teeth on one or both of its curved faces for filing out the correction. The effective width of the the blade determines the tip width of the correction; the thickness of the blade determines the width of the arcuate kerf; and the radius of curvature of the blade determines the radius of the arcuate cut. Also disclosed is cutting guide for guiding a saw/file or other cutting implement to make the arcuate cut and the correction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing stereotactic surgery upon a target within a skull establishes a first, predetermined geometric relationship between a positioning fixture mounted on the skull and a scanning table surface upon which the skull is supported; and that geometric relationship is duplicated in a phantom fixture. An arc device permits entry into the skull by a medical instrument from a plurality of locations upon the skull.

Abstract: A vertebral lock mountable in a cavity surgically formed in a vertebra, to separate and stabilize the adjacent vertebrae above and below the cavity. Oppositely extending pins project upwardly and downwardly from a generally cylindrical body which is insertable in the cavity. The pins are fixed vertically by a spline which is slid between their inner ends, at a right angle, to prevent the pins from loosening.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a patient's head for surgery thereon so that the head is accessible from ear to ear and from occiput to and including the orbits. The apparatus holds the head clamped between opposed clamp pads. Rear support means engages the posterior of the head and a pair of face pads are adjustably positionable just below the cheekbones of the patient and are lockable in such position. The face pads and rear support means are releasably movable toward one another to hold the head securely between them.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp which comprises a framework on which a first head engaging pin member and a rotatable bracket are supported. The axis of the first pin member is the axis of rotation of the bracket. Spaced second and third head engaging pin members are mounted on the bracket and directed toward the first pin member. The first pin member can be advanced axially toward the bracket to cause the pin members to engage the head. The bracket can be locked in selected position and is releaseable to permit turning of the head about said axis without releasing the pin members from the head.