Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.

Abstract: A surgical table having a table top which extends between a pair of vertically extending posts and which is laterally rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The head and foot ends of the table may be raised or lowered as needed to position the patient in trendelenberg and reverse trendelenberg orientations. The table top is coupled to each of the posts by means of gimbals having perpendicular rotation axes which provide the degrees of freedom necessary to permit both lateral rotation (to any angle) and trendelenberg.

Abstract: A heat transferring therapeutic pack utilizing a mass of thermal material for application to a human body in order to apply a hot or cold compress. The therapeutic pack utilizes a flexible container having an inner chamber which holds the mass of thermal material. A pair of outer surfaces in general opposition to one another surround the inner chamber. A heated material is connected to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container and includes hook and/or pile fasteners. The second surface of the sheet of material connects to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container. The other outer surface of the flexible container is able to directly contact the human body permitting heat transferring applications.

Abstract: A patient support for harvesting a saphenous vein utilizing a base member that has an outwardly extending upper element. The upper element includes at least one surface with an edge portion. The edge portion is intended for contacting a portion of the leg and applying pressure to the soft tissue of the leg to provide surgical access to the saphenous vein by shifting the soft tissue relative to a leg bone.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in arthroscopically attaching a suture to bone comprises a cannula and drill guide for use in drilling parallel holes in the bone and a scissors-like component for carrying a suture down one hole and pushing the suture through soft bone into the other hole where it can be retrieved.

Abstract: A limb positioning apparatus utilizing a structural member having a compartment with an opening thereto. The structural member is supported at a predetermined position relative to the limb and at a certain distance from the limb. A first line is linked or attached to the limb and connected to a constant force spring located within the compartment of the structural member. A second line is attachable to the limb and is also connected to a constant force spring lying within the compartment of the structural member. The forces exerted by the first and second constant force springs are applied cumulatively or alternatively to provide a pre-determined tension force on the limb of the patient.

Abstract: A lower limb traction system utilizes a perineal post for applying counter-traction and for stabilizing the patient's hips and a traction unit for supporting the leg and for maintaining traction in the leg. The traction unit is moveable along a substantially horizontal arcuate path defined by a circumferential guide and having a center of rotation that is selected to be concentric with the center of rotation location of the hip associated with the leg to be placed in traction. Abduction and adduction of a leg is achieved by moving the traction unit along the arcuate path.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in arthroscopically attaching a suture to bone comprises a cannula and drill guide for use in drilling parallel holes in the bone and a scissors-like component for carrying a suture down one hole and pushing the suture through soft bone into the other hole where it can be retrieved.

Abstract: A patient head support for a shoulder surgery positioner having a headrest and a forehead band. The support includes a pad which is extendable over the chin of the patient. The pad possesses a soft outer surface. A pair of straps, each including first and second ends are connected to the pad at the first end thereof. Each of the straps also engage the headrest at the second end to adjustably hold the pad to the chin of the patient. A fastener is employed, such as a hook and pile arrangement. Such provision entails the fastener to include a member which extends along the pad and which is fixed relative to the pad to relieve tension of the pad. Thus, the pair of straps form adjustable closed loops relative to the pad.

Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing a frame member which is supported on a ground surface, A platform is connected to the frame member and includes a laterally movable portion which supports a patient. The table also includes a torso support which is connected to and moves with the laterally movable portion of the platform. A leg support rotates relative to the platform and connects to a hip support which holds the patient's hip during such rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a human shoulder, and for supporting the wrist of the arm associated with that shoulder, comprises three inflatable bladders joined together to form a triangular wedge. The wedge is positioned underneath the patient's arm such that one bladder is positioned along the patient's side, and such that the patient's arm rests on another of the bladders. The bladder that supports the patient's arm is provided with an inverted cup joined to an elongate step which supports the patient's hand and wrist.

Abstract: Spine motion analyzer and method in which a self-aligning measurement linkage is attached to the subject above and below the portion of the spine in which motion is to be monitored. Mounts are provided for attaching the ends of the linkage in fixed positions near the sacrum, beneath the scapulae, and on the head for monitoring either lumbar motion or cervical motion. The linkage has a plurality of arms which move relative to each other in accordance with movement of the spine between the points to which the linkage is attached, and transducers connected to the linkage arms provide electrical signals which can be processed to provide video, printed and/or auditory indications of the spinal movements. One embodiment, which is particularly adapted for sports testing such as golf swing analysis includes a transducer such as a gyroscope which permits measurements to be taken with respect to an absolute or fixed reference such as the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic attachment of a suture to bone by drilling parallel holes in the bone with a cannula and drill guide and passing a suture down one hole through soft bone into the other hole and retrieving the suture through the second hole.

Abstract: A knee brace utilizing first and second brace members and first and second elements which are interlinked to one another. The first and second brace members are adapted for attachment to the femoral and tibial regions of the leg. The first and second brace members each include a first and second second portion. The first element pivotally connects to the first brace member at a first pivot and to the second brace member at a second pivot. The second brace member also pivotally connects to the second element at a third pivot. The second element pivotally connects to the first brace member at a fourth pivot. The first and second elements may sandwich or bracket the first and second brace members, which are generally positioned in a coplanar relationship. Position of the first brace member relative to the second brace member permits selected translation between these brace members.

Abstract: Wrench for continuous driving engagement with a rotatively driven element such as a screw, bolt or nut, which is particularly suitable for use where the ends of the driven element are not accessible and in applications where space for manipulation of the tool is limited such as in spinal fusion surgery. The wrench has a peripheral driving element which can be engaged from the side with the driven element, and an articulating handle which enables the wrench to rotate the driven element through a substantial angle with only a few degrees of handle movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the distance between points on first and second skeletal bodies. The apparatus may continually achieve such distance determination during relative movement between the skeletal bodies. The apparatus includes first and second clamps or aimers each including a tip and base. Aimers are attached to the first and second skeletal bodies and are connected to an articulated linkage. The angular motion of the articulated linkages determines and correlates the movement between first and second aimers attached to the skeletal bodies. The signal produced by the articulated linkage is translated into a measurement of distance between the tips of the first and second skeletal bodies.

Abstract: A leg brace usable after knee ligament surgery utilizing first and second members which are held to the femoral and tibial portions of the leg. A hinge mechanism is also included in the brace for permitting pivotal rotation between the first and second members with the bending or flexion of the knee. A bar is extended across a selected portion of the leg. The bar is biased against the leg by a spring to prevent translation between the tibia and femoral for a particular angular range of extension of the knee portion of the leg.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing a clamp mechanism for holding a rotating body limp. A mechanical arm is linked to the clamp mechanism and rotatably connects to a pivot member. The angular rotation of the mechanical arm about the pivot member is measured simultaneously with force exerted by the rotating body limb on the clamp mechanism. A strain gage is linked to the clamp mechanism to provide such force measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic attachment of a suture to bone by drilling parallel holes in the bone with a cannula and drill guide and passing a suture down one hole through soft bone into the other hole and retrieving the suture through the second hole.