Abstract: A modular skeletal hook has an upper module for connecting with larger support apparatus to maintain bones of the skeleton in fixed relationship. The upper module is connected to an attachment module by a modified ball and socket arrangement. The attachment module has a C-shaped hook for engaging the bone. The angular orientation of the upper module and the attachment module may be fixed by a set screw threaded through the upper module and the attachment module.

Abstract: A method for performing a dental articulation test and a related test kit are provided. In preferred embodiments, the method includes applying a first chemical component of a binary marking system to at least one tooth of a patient or articulation device. A substrate sheet that contains a coating of microcapsules disposed on at least one side thereof, with at least some of the microcapsules containing a second chemical component of the binary marking system is inserted into the patient's mouth or the articulation device. The first and second arches of the patient or articulation device are then caused to occlude over the substrate, thereby causing formation of a visible mark at the occlusion contact points. The dental articulation kit includes the substrate sheet, an applicator for applying the first chemical component of the binary marking system to teeth, and a quantity of the first chemical component of the binary marking system sufficient to apply to at least one tooth.

Abstract: A model and die system has a working quadrant of parallelepiped construction and a opposing quadrant of the same construction. The working quadrant has an upper flat surface disposed in confronting relation to a lower flat surface of the opposing quadrant. Pin-receiving bores are formed in the working quadrant and mounting members depend from the opposing quadrant. Each cast tooth supported by the working quadrant has a pin depending from it and is fully seatable against the upper flat surface. Each cast tooth mounted on the upper flat surface is secured to a mounting post that depends from the upper flat surface. In a first embodiment, the quadrants are held in spaced apart, adjustable vertical relation to one another by a pair of parallel guideposts. In a second embodiment, an articulated hinge performs that function. In a third embodiment, a semicircular base opposes a semicircular top member.

Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for repair of bone fractures. The intramedullary nail is of a modular configuration including a nail member having a chamber formed on the proximal end thereof. An insert having at least one opening therein for receiving a bone screw or fastener is disposed within the chamber and is secured therein by a locking ring. Accordingly, various inserts may be used to achieve selected bone screw or fastener configurations.

Abstract: A pilot bore is cut into bone tissue; a post is fixed in the bore, and an elongate enlarged region is formed at the top end of the bore using a tubular cutter which is guided on the post. The elongate enlarged region can be accurately cut even with a hand drill due to the guidance provided by the post. The cutter may have holes or channels for circulation of cooling/lubricating liquid, and a swarf-removing slot may be provided. When the technique is used in dentistry for replacement of a tooth crown, a tubular support element is fixed around the post in the bore enlargement.

Abstract: An implant (1) to be implanted in bone tissue, e.g. a dental implant or an implant for an orthopedic application, comprises surface regions (4) of a first type which have e.g. osseo-integrative, inflammation-inhibiting, infection-combating and/or growth-promoting properties, and surface regions (8) of a second type which consist of a material being liquefiable by mechanical oscillation. The implant is positioned in an opening of e.g. a jawbone and then mechanical oscillations, e.g. ultrasound is applied to it while it is pressed against the bone. The liquefiable material is such liquefied at least partly and is pressed into unevennesses and pores of the surrounding bone tissue where after resolidification it forms a positive-fit connection between the implant and the bone tissue.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for repair of bone fractures. The intramedullary nail is of a modular configuration including a nail member having a chamber formed on the proximal end thereof. An insert having at least one opening therein for receiving a bone screw or fastener is disposed within the chamber and is secured therein by a locking ring. Accordingly, various inserts may be used to achieve selected bone screw or fastener configurations.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a re-usable tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for molding complementary shaped grooves and ribs in opposed sides of the base of a dental model casting molded in said tray. The trough has a base frame which overlies an upwardly concave lower cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the casting base has solidified, hardened and been removed. The base frame has therethrough an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity. A resilient insert is removably lodged in the base frame aperture to form therewith a liquid-tight seal, whereupon liquid die stone is poured into the upper trough to form the base of a dental model casting. After the casting has hardened, the insert is removed, and pins are fitted into selected portions of the cast base.

Abstract: An applicator tip for applying a composition to a tooth surface includes a structural body having a closed distal end portion and an inlet formed opposite the closed distal end portion. Preferably, but not necessarily, a plurality of fibers coat at least a portion of the closed distal end portion of the applicator tip. The applicator tip includes an axial opening formed within the structural body proximal to the closed distal end portion such that the structural body forms a channel that provides fluidic communication between the inlet and the axial opening.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket 10 is a plastic bracket, having a base 11 directly or indirectly secured to the teeth, a bracket main body 12 furnished on the base 11 at its one side, an archwire slot 16 formed in groove shape along a mesiodistal direction with respect to the bracket main body 12 for receiving an archwire 14, and a liner 20 of U-shape in cross section provided along the archwire slot 16. This orthodontic bracket 10 is furnished with flared portions 22A, 22B at outsides of the liner 20, and the flared portions 22A, 22B are composed not to project from the surfaces 13A, 13B of the bracket main body 12.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has an overall, low profile shape. The appliance includes a base having a thickness that is less in regions adjacent the archwire slot as compared to remaining regions. In certain embodiments, the base is provided with protrusions that extend into the archwire slot for controlling rotation of the associated tooth. The resulting low profile of the appliance enhances its aesthetic appearance and helps to avoid impingement of the appliance and the attached archwire on adjacent soft tissue in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental pliers appliance and associated method for removing teeth from a patient's gum line and bone. First and second pivotally connected handles are provided, each including a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending jaw exhibiting a substantially pointed end, the second handle terminates in an opposing and offset support exhibiting a support surface with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon aligning the support along a selected location below the gum line, and further aligning the jaw in abutting fashion against an inwardly facing side of a tooth, the offset support defining a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to forcibly dislodge the tooth from the patient's gum line and bone.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic facebow of the type having an inner bow consisting of two inner arms, each including an end portion, and an interconnected outer bow consisting of outer arms, characterized in that the free end portions of each inner arm is split and fitted with a ratchet type enlargement so as to allow it to be easily inserted into a tube connected to a band affixed to a tooth, while preventing disengagement therefrom without the enlargements being squeezed together.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a bearing and a biologic ligament for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, and a biologic ligament. The femoral component includes a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface. The bearing member includes a first bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the first femoral bearing surface, a second bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the second femoral bearing surface and a third bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the tibial bearing surface. The biologic ligament is coupled to both the tibia and the femur to prevent the knee joint from dislocating and guiding the femoral component along a desired path during extension and flexion.

Abstract: A self-tapping implant for jawbone comprises a body (15) with threads arranged thereon, a conically tapering portion (12) arranged at its front end, and one or more spaces (4, 5, 6) which accommodate bone material cut off during tapping and which are formed by removal of material from the threads and body in question. Each materially reduced thread has a cutting edge (1a, 2a, 3a) which extends inwards from the outer edge of the respective remaining thread part and which can cooperate with the bone during tapping. Each cutting edge of a number of cutting edges has a pointed shape (1b, 2b, 3b) which, in the cross section of the thread in question, essentially follows a line which deviates from a radius (r) through the remaining thread part's front portion or the pointed shape's point (1b, 2b, 3b) in order in this way to form a cutting angle. Each cutting edge (1a, 2a, 3a) on a first remaining thread part (1, 2, 3) merges via a radius (r?) or curved part into a rear edge (e.g.

Abstract: A drill guide assembly for a drilling tool having a chuck engaging a bit portion comprising a tip and a length extending from the chuck, the drill guide assembly comprising a first member, a second member and a trackable member. The first member is adapted to abut a workpiece surface and defines a central aperture therethrough adapted to receive the bit portion of the drilling tool. The second member is adapted to be axially displaced with respect to the first member and is axially biased therefrom, and defines a central aperture therethrough adapted to receive the bit portion of the drilling tool. The trackable member, fastened to the second member, comprises a detectable element adapted to be located and tracked in three dimensional space, thereby defining the position and movement of the second member and therefore that of the bit portion of the drilling tool.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprises a base, a main body equipped on one side of the base, an archwire slot furnished to the main body, a convertible cap closing the archwire slot along the length direction, and stepwise portions provided at ends of the archwire slot for receiving ends of the convertible cap. The convertible cap is fixedly soldered with a silver soldering material containing Ag 90% or more.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate (7) that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node (8a) and a pair of lower nodes (9a, 10a). The upper node (8a) has a hole (8) through the plate (7) to receive a screw (11) for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes (9a, 10a) each include a hole (9,10) through the plate (7) to receive screws (12, 13) for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate (7) having a retaining element (32) for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate (9). Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.