Abstract: An apparatus for use in orthopedic distraction or compression is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiments, two arms are provided that are connected by a rod or bar with a mechanism that enables the arms to be brought toward or away from each other. At the end of each arm, an assembly for connecting to a bone implant is provided. The assemblies are pivotable with respect to the arms, and allow some rotational motion between parts of the assembly so as to accommodate different positions of the bone implants. Once the assemblies are appropriately positioned, connected and locked to the bone implants, the mechanism can be operated to move the arms together in compression or apart in distraction.

Abstract: A tongue depressor includes a handle that can be grasped and held within a user's hand. An elongated implement is connected to a distal end of the handle and protrudes forwardly therefrom. A light source is situated to an interior of the handle and is proximally adjoined to the implement. The light source faces outwardly from the handle and emits light along a length of the implement. A power supply source is coupled to the light source. The light source is adaptable between on and off modes. A base member includes a grooved portion extending through a top surface thereof that receives and stores the handle therein. A recessed depression is formed adjacent to the grooved portion. A rack is positional into the recessed depression and is provided with notches that receive and support new implements therein.

Abstract: The distal end part of the retractor according to the invention is provided both with terminal tips for abutment on one of the femoral condylar walls which define therebetween the intercondylar space, and with a wing extending laterally in projection from this end part in order to form a frontal surface for thrust, in a medial-lateral direction, of that part of the quadriceps muscle tendon containing the patella when the tips are in abutment in the intercondylar space. By using this retractor as a lever, the wing efficiently reclines the patella, without turning it completely on itself, entirely exposing one of the femoral condyles. This invention is more particularly applicable to a surgical procedure for implanting a unicompartmental knee prosthesis.