Abstract: A speculum configured for attachment to an otoscope attachment of a medical examination instrument is provided in an embodiment herein. The speculum includes a proximate end, a distal end, and a speculum body extending from the proximate end to the distal end. The proximate end is configured for attachment to a first end of the otoscope attachment, and the distal end is configured for penetration into an orfice of a subject. The adjustable speculum further includes at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is adjustably positioned on the speculum body between the proximate end and the distal end to limit a depth of the penetration of the speculum in the orfice.

Abstract: A method for treating a fracture of a bone with a medullary canal. A first and a second group of three elongated monocortical pins are provided. Each pin has a stem with a first end portion having a conical shape with an external thread for insertion into a cortical portion of a bone. Each pin of the first and second group of three monocortical pins is inserted a predetermined distance from the bone fracture, and penetrates only into the cortical portion of the bone without reaching the medullary cavity, the pins of the first and second group being inserted such that they are not coplanar to each other. The stems of the pins of the first and groups are blocked to a first and a second common clamp element respectively. The first and second clamp elements are joined to a common rod to form a rigid external fixation system.

Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied.

Abstract: A telescopic strut has an axially extending rod and a tube receiving the rod for varying the length of the strut along a longitudinal axis. The tube has first and second ends, the second end has a pin extending therethrough. A locking system is mounted on the tube first end for adjusting the position of the rod in the tube and fixing the length of the strut. A coupling element having a tubular sleeve with a threaded outer surface is mounted on an outer surface of the second end of the tube. The sleeve has two diametrically opposed slots receiving the pin and an adjustment element mounted on the sleeve outer surface for axial movement along the axis. The adjustment element has a surface contacting the pin to limit the movement of the pin in the slots.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.

Abstract: A surgical method is for at least one ilium having an iliac crest and inner and outer tables on opposing sides of the iliac crest. The method may include inserting at least one base into the ilium, where the at least one base has a channel therein. The method may further include inserting a support member through the ilium and through the channel of the at least one base so that the support member extends between the inner and outer tables, and securing the support member to the at least one base.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for creating a sequence of access channels to provide access for performing surgery on a lumbar spine; through positioning a patient to facilitate surgical access to the lumbar spine; docking a retractor device against a proximal surface of the psoas muscle and maintaining the pre-psoas access channel with the retractor device docked at the proximal surface of the psoas muscle. Making a direct visual inspection of the psoas muscle before splitting the psoas muscle to create and maintain a psoas access channel that extends from the pre-psoas access channel to the spine. Holding open the psoas access channel with a pair of retractor blades. After completing a surgical process on the spine removing the pair of retractor blades from the psoas access channel.

Abstract: An artificial SI-Joint includes a sacrum component and an ilium component. The sacrum component may include a ridge, foundation, perimeter surface and a fitting member. The ilium component may include a polybearing, edge, foundation, perimeter surface, and a ridge or sockets. The fitting member of the sacrum component may engage the polybearing of the ilium component to restore normal movement of the SI-Joint. The artificial SI-Joint may be implanted as a single unit or as separate pieces that are coupled together.

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure, an intramedullary (IM) apparatus for treating a fractured bone of an animal includes an IM nail elongated along a longitudinal axis and having at least three locking holes equally distantly defined thereon along the longitudinal axis, and a positional reference member having a longitudinal vernier scale thereon. The IM nail is configured to be inserted to a medullary cavity of a bone fragment, such that the IM nail is fixable to the bone fragment by a locking member correspondingly inserted into one of the locking holes through the bone fragment. The positional reference member is configured to be detachably mounted to the IM nail by two positioning members inserted into two of the locking holes such that the longitudinal vernier scale is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the IM nail, and each of the locking holes is locatable by the longitudinal vernier scale.