Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: An intramedullary intertrochanteric fracture fixation appliance comprising an intramedullary rod having an angulated opening to receive a femoral neck screw, said rod having a co-axial bore extending into said angulated opening, anti-rotation means located in said bore to selectively prevent rotation of said neck screw in the rod and the open end of said bore being provided with means to positively locate a removable fitting device on the proximal end of the rod and so that said anti-rotation means can be operated with the fitting device in position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aligning and/or maintaining the reduction of fractures of long bones, to hasten the stimulation of the osteogenesis reaction, the cellular components of fracture healing, and/or the mitigation of pain associated with fractures. In general, the method involves disposing a soft-tissue deforming member in proximity with the fracture of a long bone and applying a radially directed force distribution about the limb and soft-tissue deforming member, to restrict the blood transport through the microcirculation of the soft-tissues, while providing three-point fixation to reduce and maintain angulation of the fracture. As a result of the local restriction of the blood transport through the microcirculation, healing of the fracture is stimulated and pain associated with the fracture is mitigated. In addition, torn blood vessels at the fracture site are physically tamponaded and thereby reduce bleeding from the torn blood vessels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for use in preparing a bone cavity for the subsequent implantation of a joint replacement prosthesis, and especially for the enlargement of a medullary cavity of a femur prior to the implantation of a femoral component of a hip prosthesis. The instrument comprises a shank (2) having serrations (4) on at least a part of its outer surface and a handle (3) mounted at one end of the shank, in which the shank is divided into a main body member (5) and at least one sliding member (6) which is engageable with the main body member in such a way as to allow relative sliding motion between the sliding member and the main body member during use of the instrument, so that the serrations can shape the interior surface of the bone cavity.

Abstract: This articulation device makes it possible to position a first elongated piece 20, which is capable of being pivoted through 360.degree. according to the arrow A, and a second piece 30, which is capable of swivelling about the shaft 40 according to the arrow B. These pieces are made integral with a U-shaped support 10, in relation to which they can be locked by shoes 60 and 70 which are held in position by a single securing screw 50. The pieces 20 and 30 can be connected to elements which are to be positioned, such as pins or connection rods which form part of an orthopaedic external fixing appliance consisting of pins inserted into bone fragments and of an external frame with connection rods.

Abstract: A method of applying an orthopedic cast to an injured body portion consisting of braiding a tubular cast, in situ, around the injured body portion. A somewhat modified conventional braiding machine is operative for applying the tubular braid of fibrous casting yarns around the injured body portion, to form a braided cast which conforms to the shape of the injured body portion. The braided cast is then coated with a matrix material, which provides the necessary rigidity to the cast, yet allows the cast to breathe.

Abstract: An air evacuable support comprising an elongated, airtight and flexible casing partially filled with a plurality of beads which are conformable to a person's body contours. The support can be formed into a seat configuration for placement upon a wheelchair or the like. Apertured baffles located within the casing slow the resulting downward movement of the beads, but also enable the beads to be forcibly moved through them by an attendant for proper bead concentration in areas needing greater rigidity or support. Such rigidity is developed upon evacuation of air from the casing. The seated person is cradled and closely supported by the compacted beads.

Abstract: An anti-snoring apparatus comprising receptacle structure configured for reception and retention of outer extent of the user's tongue; shield structure shaped to be received and retained on the tongue receptacle structure and positioned just forward of the user's lip or lips, and attachment structure for adjustably attaching the shield structure to the receptacle structure to permit selective adjustment of the position of the receptacle structure relative to the tongue forward extent whereby the tongue may be comfortably positioned and retained in the receptacle structure; whereby snoring is reduced as the tongue is brought forward, out of the mouth, and incremental forward movement of the shield will move the tongue further forward, with lessened airway obstruction.

Abstract: An adjustable strap or band adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The strap is a generally band-shaped device having opposing inwardly protruding means on its forearm contacting surface to direct transaxial compression against the radial extensor, supinator complex and flexor muscles when the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place around the forearm. In its preferred form, the band applies an adjustable pressure principally upon the extensor, supinator and flexor wads permitting unimpeded blood circulation along all other portions of the forearm. The two opposing means for applying transaxial compression are limited in their circumferential extent to those areas of the band immediately overlying the extensor and flexor muscle mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone support device for supporting fragments of bone, in particular of fractured bones of the human body. The device includes a first member adapted to be connected to a bone fragment, a second member adapted to be connected to another bone fragment, and an adjustable articulated central body connected to the first and second members. The device allows to adjust the relative position of the two bones.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in a wide variety of types of joints of the body of a human or other mammal is provided. The device is especially useful for implantation into the human femur so as to repair an anterior cruciate ligament. The device is self-locking and can be used to connect two parts of a joint together by means of an artificial ligament (if desired) or by means of a biological graft (either allegraft or autogenous, including bone with a natural tendon attached thereto). The device permits the surgeon very simply to do a revision from such a mechanical ligament to a biological graft or vice-versa, as desired; that is, the device of the invention is fully revisable. A method of connecting two parts of a joint is also given.

Abstract: A drill pin guide and method is disclosed for the fixation of bone fractures. A surgeon first inserts a small orthopedic pin through a bone fragment into the underlying bone mass to stabilize the fracture. Next a drill guide is placed over a portion of the pin protruding from the bone and is used to position a drill bit for drilling a small hole parallel to the inserted pin. After removing the drill pin guide a surgical screw is inserted into the drilled hole. By properly adjusting the distance between pin and screw, the surgeon may create an interference fit between the two thus preventing either from unintentionally loosening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in reducing the volatilization of the monomer component of bone cement is used after a prosthesis is implanted and throughout the polymerization of bone cement. The apparatus includes a generally annular inflatable sealing member having a centrally located opening therein for fitting over the exposed end of the prosthesis. The sealing member has an outer diameter covering the exposed surface of the bone cement. The sealing member has a deformable surface disposed in a substantially co-planar relationship with the exposed surface of the bone cement. The sealing member is resiliently expandable by inflation and extends beyond the edges of the bone defining the cavity, to seal the bone cavity upon the deformation of the deformable surface thereon. A pump is provided for inflating the sealing member and causing the deformable surface to apply pressure to the exposed surface of the bone cement.

Abstract: The device includes a continuous flexible pouch which is entirely surrounded by a flange member which acts as a shield to cover the periphery of the vaginal entrance. The pouch, which is preferably in the form of a loose collapsed sheath, is arranged to be introduced into the user's vagina so as to form a liquid barrier between the penis and vagina. Straps and ribbed protrusions are provided for securely maintaining the flange member in its operational position. Preferably, an applicator rod is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible hip abduction device for properly positioning a patient's lower limbs. The device has a peripheral wire frame and a removable fabric covering. Securing straps are also provided. The device can easily be sanitized for use by a subsequent patient.

Abstract: A sling device is disclosed for securing to a waistband of a user. The sling device extends over the left and right shoulders of the user for supporting an arm of the user. The device includes a first and second strap extending over the left and right shoulder of the user respectively. Each of the straps has a first and a second end. Front and further front fasteners are connected to the first end of the first and second straps respectively for fastening the first ends of the straps to the waistband. Rear and further fasteners are connected to the second ends of the first and second straps respectively for fastening the second ends to the waistband. A first and second portion each having a first and second extremity are secured at the first extremities to the first and second straps respectively between the front and further front fasteners and the left and right shoulders respectively of the user.

Abstract: A screw and driver combination designed so that the screw is releasably axially couplable with the driver and so that the screw is positively rotatably engageable with the driver. The screw comprises an axial bore of circular cross section and a counterbore of polygonal cross section. The driver comprises a radially-compressible front portion sized to engage the axial bore of the screw with a minor spring interference fit and an intermediate portion sized to positively rotatably engage the counterbore of the screw. The screw and driver may be adapted for use with a guide wire insertion system by providing axial bores extending through the entire lengths of the screw and driver. The driver may include a mechanical expansion assembly for causing said said front portion to expand radially.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splint suitable for immobilizing a leg of an animal such as a dog or a cat. The splint of the present invention can be easily adjusted to the length of the leg of the animal. The splint has holes therethrough which engage the underlying bandage to prevent the splint from slipping and which allow for ventilation of the splinted area. The splint is transparent, which allows viewing the bandage or limb without removing the splint.

Abstract: An insert member of use in an impact hole leading into a medullary canal of a bone for treating a fracture by insertion of at least one bone nail into the medullary canal is disclosed. The insert member has a guide channel for receiving the proximal end of the bone nail, lateral openings and a pin for fixing the insert member in the impact hole, and a closure member for the proximal end of the guide channel. The closure member includes an abutment for the proximal end of the bone nail which allows limited reverse movement of the proximal end of the bone nail within the guide channel. The abutment may be a separate member attached to the closure member by a spring or the abutment may be a shaped projection extending forwardly from the closure member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the mineral wool culture of plants, whereby water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein are supplied to, and if necessary discharged from, the mineral wool in which the plant grows, whereby in said mineral wool the suction pressure is adjusted using a capillary system connected for liquid communication with mineral wool, with which capillary system water and any required nutrients are actively supplied to and/or discharged from said mineral wool, in order to readjust the predetermined suction pressure; and to a device for the mineral wool culture of plants, comprising: mineral wool in which the plants can grow; means for supplying water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein to said mineral wool; and means for discharging water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein from said mineral wool, wherein a capillary system connected for liquid communication with said mineral wool, to which system are linked means for adjusting the suction pressu