Abstract: A knee replacement prosthesis includes a tibial component and a femoral component with improved articular surface geometries. The improved geometries allow substantial internal rotation of the tibial component with respect to the femoral component during at least the first twenty degrees (20.degree.) of flexion. The tibial and femoral components are capable of flexing about an axis that reaches an inclination of from about ten degrees (10.degree.) to about fifty degrees (50.degree.) to the horizontal.

Abstract: A valve housing for a prosthetic socket has a secure leak-free mechanical interlock formed between the valve housing and the socket. A valve housing has an opening for receiving a removable relief valve. A plug separate from the relief valve is first removably secured in the opening in the valve housing, followed by fastening the valve housing and the plug to a model defining the shape of the finished socket. The fastened plug closes off the opening through the valve housing. The exterior wall of the valve housing has a mechanical interlock, preferably a pair of O-rings extending circumferentially around the body of the valve housing. A thermoplastic material is drawn down over the plugged valve housing and around the interlock device to cover the valve housing and the model. In one embodiment, a releasable pressure clamp is applied to the softened plastic that extends circumferentially around the exterior of the valve housing.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: An orthopaedic or prosthetic joint comprising a linkage having a number of fixed-length links and a spring link of variable length, wherein there are five fixed-length links which are pivotally connected together in a geometric pattern such that the spring link acts to hold the joint in any one of a number of angles of flexion.

Abstract: An intraocular achromatic lens system has an intraocular achromatic lens positioned within the posterior and anterior chambers of the eye and in optical alignment with one or more intraocular lenses. The intraocular lenses operate in conjunction with each other to act as an internal multiple lens system for projecting an image upon the retina, which may be used to provide magnification. The intraocular lens includes a lens positioned in direct alignment and in close proximity with the pupil in the anterior chamber of the eye. The intraocular lens system also includes a lens positioned within the posterior chamber of the eye with a lens body having a sign opposite to the first lens body. The intraocular lens system may also include single or multiple lenses within the vitreal chamber of the eye and/or an intracorneal lamellar inlay or achromatic lenses.

Abstract: The stem of the femoral prosthesis is provided with a slot in the medial narrow side which communicates with a through-bore within the stem adjacent to the collar. In addition, an elastomeric filling is disposed within the through-bore and cooperates with an arch which connects the proximal end of the stem to the collar or neck in order to adapt the resilience of the stem in the proximal zone to the resilience of the cortical bone. The filling may be made of polyurethane or silicone material.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic device for a vocal cord includes an actuator member for locating a paralyzed vocal cord in a predetermined phonation position. The device further includes a support member for supporting the actuator member in a predetermined position proximate the paralyzed vocal cord. A fluid input/withdrawal station for introducing or removing fluid from engagement with the actuator member enables the actuator member to change the location of the paralyzed vocal cord from a first predetermined phonation position to another selected position. In several embodiements of the invention the actuator member is a fluid expandable shell. In other embodiments of the invention the actuator member is a piston-expandable bellows and a movable ratchet member. The support member that supports the actuator member can be hung onto a thyroid cartilage or passed through the thyroid cartilage.

Abstract: A rigid bifocal intraocular lens (60) for use as an artificial lens implant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens has a rigid lens body (61) having a chord (61a) and first and second lens portions (62) and (63). The first lens portion (61) has a focal length and the second lens portion (63) has a focal length different from the focal length of the first lens portion (62). The first lens portion (62) is positioned on one side of the chord (61a) and the second lens portion (63) is positioned on the other side of the chord (61a). The first and second lens portions (62 and 63) form an integral, one-piece optical lens body (61) with the first and second lens portions being non-movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the rigid lens body has a first central circular lens portion and a second outer annular lens portion. In a preferred form of this embodiment the inner, circular lens has a diameter of a between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.

Abstract: An ocular device comprising a lens structure capable of being surgically associated with a living cornea to change the optical properties of the eye associated with the living cornea and an effective amount of at least one added component associated with the lens structure and acting to promote at least one of the growth of epithelial cells of the cornea onto the lens structure and the adhesion of the living cornea to the lens structure.

Abstract: During the course of a total knee replacement, at least one and preferably a number of different low friction members having rotated artificial surfaces of different rotated angles are provided in order to determine the appropriate angle and displacement of the artificial prominence and plateaus on the low friction members, so that the appropriate low friction member may thereafter be permanently installed during the total knee replacement in order to recreate the optimal position.

Abstract: A tampon is provided which includes an absorbent material (12) wound in a spiral configuration, the outermost winding (18) of the spiral having a liquid permeable overwrap material (10) disposed thereon, a portion of said overwrap being folded over the edge (18) of the spiral which corresponds to the withdrawal end of the tampon and adhered (seal 16) to the inside surface (13) of the outermost winding.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system wherein waste-treating material is released into a sealed chamber. The chamber comprises of a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A normally closed reservoir is provided on an underside of the cover for storing the waste-treating material therewithin as long as the reservoir remains closed. An externally operated actuator is provided on the cover for opening the reservoir to release the waste-treating material into the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an attachment section and plurality of curvilinear foot portions extending downwardly from the attachment section to contact a supporting surface. The portions are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the plurality of foot portions is fabricated by dividing a forefoot portion and a heel portion demountably attached thereto. Such division may be achieved by the provision of a slot in said forefoot and heel portions. A strap or similar expedient is provided to limit the movement of the foot portions relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion having an ankle portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The foot portion and ankle portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the ankle portion permits interchangeability of ankle and foot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge blocks between the foot portion and the ankle portion provide additional adjustability. A split sleeve is provided for assembling the various components.

Abstract: An internal pressure measuring catheter is constituted by at least three lumens which are: an internal pressure measuring lumen whose distal end is open and whose proximal end is connected to an internal pressure measuring transducer; a position correcting liquid-charged lumen whose distal end is closed, in which a liquid is charged, and whose proximal end is connected to a liquid pressure measuring transducer; and a position correcting atmosphere-opened lumen whose distal end is closed and whose proximal end is open to the atmosphere. The adjoining surfaces of the distal end portions of the liquid-charged and atmosphere-opened lumens have a small hole through which the charged liquid can be brought into contact with the atmosphere through the atmosphere-opened lumen.

Abstract: An aortic valved tube which is used in human implants to replace the corresponding cardiac valve and ascending section of the aorta itself, incorporates a cardiac valvular prosthesis in its proximal end. The valved tube has two integral branches which project from opposite points with an inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which branches are for effecting the anastomosis of the ostiums, corresponding to the left and right coronary arteries, respectively. The branches, as well as the sectors above and below the branches, are reinforced by a thicker wall in those areas while, maintaining the inside diameter of the tube itself.

Abstract: An anchoring element for supporting a joint mechanism is disclosed. The anchoring element is substantially rotationally symmetrical, at least partially hollow, and includes a material which is compatible with the tissue of a bone. The anchoring element has a surface which can be at least partially osseo-integrated with the tissue to achieve permanent endosteal anchorage in the longitudinal axis of the bone. The anchoring element is applied within the bone by: cutting the bone close to its joint to expose the marrow cavity of the bone; forming a space in the marrow cavity close to the joint; applying a guide sleeve in the space; and screwing the anchoring element into the marrow cavity while using the guide sleeve to center the anchoring element.

Abstract: An implantable acetabular hip prosthesis includes a primary shell having an outer surface adapted to be received within a surgically prepared acetabulum, and an inner cavity for receiving a bearing insert which, in turn, receives a femoral head portion of a femoral component of a total hip prosthesis. The acetabular component of the prosthesis further includes an augmentation piece which is attachable to the primary shell and which fills a defect, such as a rim or cavitary defect, adjacent the natural acetabulum. The augmentation piece may be fixedly retained in a selected one of a plurality of angular orientations, relative to the primary shell. A plurality of augmentation pieces of varying sizes and shapes may be provided to allow the orthopedic surgeon to select an appropriate augmentation piece to match the defect.

Abstract: A diaper or absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent between the topsheet and backsheet, and an elevating device for spacing the topsheet above the absorbent to form a pocket-like shape. The topsheet can have a generally U-shaped opening and the absorbent can have a hole therein, both of which receive and isolate waste material from the wearer. The absorbent side edges can have portions that are gatherable by elastic members attached in a stretched condition.

Abstract: An anchoring element for supporting a joint mechanism is disclosed. The anchoring element is substantially rotationally symmetrical, at least partially hollow, and includes a material which is compatible with the tissue of a bone. The anchoring element has a surface which can be at least partially osseo-integrated with the tissue to achieve permanent endosteal anchorage in the longitudinal axis of the bone. The anchoring element is applied within the bone by: cutting the bone close to its joint to expose the marrow cavity of the bone; forming a space in the marrow cavity close to the joint; applying a guide sleeve in the space; and screwing the anchoring element into the marrow cavity while using the guide sleeve to center the anchoring element.