Abstract: An endoscopic system and method for performing endoscopic surgery at locations where tissue inserts into bone which includes a sleeve member, obturator, cutting and excision instruments, and a marking and insertion assembly wherein the sleeve member has an expanded portal through which instrument access and improved visualization can be performed at arcuate lines of insertion of tissue into bone. The sleeve member can include a flange for engaging tissue along the line of insertion and exposing the bone and measurement means for gauging precisely the reduction or resection of bone. An alternative embodiment of the sleeve member has a non-uniform aperture with an instrument portion and a register portion providing increased space and maneuverability for instruments when operating at the portal on tissue or bone that can include the flange. Cutting instruments are provided with an extension portion to extravasate from tissue and palpitate underlying tissue.

Abstract: A slide fastener splicing band for use in splicing a therapeutic compression device embodying a plurality of parallel compression bands for applying compression to a body or a limb and from which intermediate portions of the compression bands are removed to shorten them to the desired lengths for encompassing the body or limb to which compression is to be applied. A therapeutic compression device embodying a slide fastener splicing tape to facilitate removal of the therapeutic compression device from the body or limb and reapplication of the device to the body or limb.

Abstract: An acupuncture treatment pad includes a flexible backing sheet having a multiplicity of similarly constructed rigid blocks at spaced points along the sheet surface. Each block has at least one tapered protuberance extending away from the sheet surface to form a relatively sharp edge or point; each protuberance can be a conical needle element, or alternately, a triangular cross-section knife element. When the pad is held under pressure against a person's body the sharpened protuberances act as acupuncture elements to stimulate nerve endings under the skin, thereby increasing the blood circulation and relieving pain experienced in damaged tissue deprived of adequate blood flow.