Abstract: An apparatus for modeling a skeletal structure before and after a surgical procedure is performed on the structure. The apparatus comprises a base, the base including a generally planar surface, at least one bone member coupled to the base, the bone member representing a bone involved in the surgical procedure, and at least one bone portion movably coupled to the bone member, the bone portion representing a part of the bone involved in the surgical procedure that is repositioned in the surgical procedure from a preoperative position to a postoperative position. The bone portion may be selectively moved between a preoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone before the surgical procedure is performed, and a postoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone after the surgical procedure is performed. The bone member may be coupled to the base generally parallel to the surface of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for modeling a skeletal structure before and after a surgical procedure is performed on the structure. The apparatus comprises a base, the base including a generally planar surface, at least one bone member coupled to the base, the bone member representing a bone involved in the surgical procedure, and at least one bone portion movably coupled to the bone member, the bone portion representing a part of the bone involved in the surgical procedure that is repositioned in the surgical procedure from a preoperative position to a postoperative position. The bone portion may be selectively moved between a preoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone before the surgical procedure is performed, and a postoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone after the surgical procedure is performed. The bone member may be coupled to the base generally parallel to the surface of the base.

Abstract: A joint support is attachable to a limb of an animal to limit movement of an associated limb joint substantially about a single axis. The joint support includes a radial element having a longitudinal axis and a transverse element having a longitudinal axis. The transverse element is pivotally connected to the radial element about an axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the radial element substantially intersects with the axis of rotation, and radial rotation of the radial element is restricted about the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the transverse element is partially fixed relative to the radial element so that the same is substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the radial element and substantially offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A joint support is attachable to a limb of an animal to limit movement of an associated limb joint substantially about a single axis. The joint support includes a radial element having a longitudinal axis and a transverse element having a longitudinal axis. The transverse element is pivotally connected to the radial element about an axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the radial element substantially intersects with the axis of rotation, and radial rotation of the radial element is restricted about the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the transverse element is partially fixed relative to the radial element so that the same is substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the radial element and substantially offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for modeling a skeletal structure before and after a surgical procedure is performed on the structure. The apparatus comprises a base, the base including a generally planar surface, at least one bone member coupled to the base, the bone member representing a bone involved in the surgical procedure, and at least one bone portion movably coupled to the bone member, the bone portion representing a part of the bone involved in the surgical procedure that is repositioned in the surgical procedure from a preoperative position to a postoperative position. The bone portion may be selectively moved between a preoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone before the surgical procedure is performed, and a postoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone after the surgical procedure is performed. The bone member may be coupled to the base generally parallel to the surface of the base.

Abstract: A joint support is attachable to a limb of an animal to limit movement of an associated limb joint substantially about a single axis. The joint support includes a radial element having a longitudinal axis and a transverse element having a longitudinal axis. The transverse element is pivotally connected to the radial element about an axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the radial element substantially intersects with the axis of rotation, and radial rotation of the radial element is restricted about the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the transverse element is partially fixed relative to the radial element so that the same is substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the radial element and substantially offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A device for positioning an elongate gravity-actuated measuring instrument, such as a goniometer, adjacent two three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects includes first and second members. The first member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, and positionable against a surface of one of such objects. The second member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, is spaced from the first member a preselected distance, and is positionable against a surface of the other of such objects. Preferably, the first member is formed as a frame that is coupled to such instrument, and the second member is formed as an elongate positioning probe that is coupled to the frame. The device may also be formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe.

Abstract: An osteotomy procedure for adjusting the conformation of a long-bone is described. Illustratively, a proximal tibial osteotomy procedure produces two relatively rotatable long-bone segments. A jig including a body and having two pins extending therefrom in the same direction in a plane containing the long axis of the jig preferably is used to adjustably fix the two segments relative to one another with each pin securely fixed within a corresponding one of the segments. Importantly, at least the distal pin is bendable such that a desired rotation with two degrees of freedom is achievable between the two to-be-fixed segments. By bending the distal pin in a region thereof extending between the jig body and the distal segment, any desired relative rotation may be achieved between the segments. Correction of any and all conditions including varus, valgus, internal and external rotation may be accomplished in a single osteotomy procedure.

Abstract: A jig for use in connection with a tibial osteotomy procedure. The jig is for locating a curvilinear-cut axis prior to making a desired curvilinear cut through the tibia so that such axis is approximately normal to a plane substantially parallel to the sagittal plane. The jig includes positioner structure lying in a jig plane for positioning adjacent a desired tibial region, and aligner structure for adjusting the jig so that the jig plane is substantially parallel to a plane parallel to the sagittal plane. The positioner structure also includes locator structure that is usable, with the adjusted jig, to locate the curvilinear-cut axis. In a preferred embodiment, the positioner structure includes first and second elongate members that are pivotably interconnected with respect to each other. The first and second members are also provided with marking structure for marking the located curvilinear-cut axis and with respective first and second pins for linking the jig to the corresponding tibial bone sections.

Abstract: An elongate tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy fixation plate is disclosed. The plate generally conforms in three dimensions to the proximal tibial segment and metaphysis that are separated and rotated for such fixation. The plate has formed therein six holes, three in a proximal triangular expanse overlying the metaphysis and three in a distal elongate expanse overlying the proximal tibia, with the cylindrical osteotomy lying between these sets of holes. Two of the holes in the triangular expanse are elongate, with their long axes intersecting at the center of the curvilinear osteotomy. The two elongate holes include in their circular ends oppositely 45.degree. beveled features that allow the plate, when secured by fasteners or screws in all six holes, compressibly or distractably to urge the proximal tibia and the metaphysis together or apart along a radius of the osteotomy that generally bisects the arc of the curvilinear cut, or neutrally to fix them in a position of neither compression nor distraction.

Abstract: A biradial saw including a biradial saw blade having an elongate, arcuate body with a cutting end that is constructed to penetrate a solid substance. The blade's body is formed with inner and outer arcuate surfaces whose curvature radii are substantially equal but oriented relative to offset axes of curvature. Also included is a means for producing oscillating motion, and a means for attaching the blade's rear end to the oscillating-motion-producing means.

Abstract: A device and a method related to performing a pelvic osteotomy. A fixation bracket including dual planar plate members joined rigidly at their marginal edges by a web member makes possible the fixation of ilial sections in a desired angular and positional relationship. Elongate holes in each plate member include beveled features that allow the bracket, when secured by screws, compressibly to urge the two ilium sections toward one another normal to the plane of a cut therebetween. In a modification, the angle formed by the web member between the two plate members is adjustable by a surgeon in a range around its nominal value. The improved osteotomy method made possible by the fixation bracket includes offsetting of the ilial section away from the pelvic canal, before its rotated rejoining with the pelvis from which it was separated.

Abstract: A method of performing a femoral neck-lengthening osteotomy is disclosed. A cut is made in the proximal end of the femur, generally parallel with the sagittal plane and substantially bisecting the proximal end of the femur. The resulting, relatively movable femoral sections are diverged to lengthen the femoral neck. In a modification, the femoral neck is also torsed by relative rotation of the two femoral sections. A wedge is inserted between the thus-diverged and, optionally, rotated sections, and the desired configuration is fixed in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A method of performing a proximal tibial osteotomy, portion of the metaphysis of the tibia is cut free from a remaining (lower) portion of the tibia with a cylindrical cut which has a curvature axis that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane. The thus-cut proximal portion is rotated relative to the lower portion of the tibia to establish a new desired angular relation therebetween, and the two portions are then fixed relative to one another in any suitable manner, as by pinning.

Abstract: A method of eliminating canine cauda equina syndrome is disclosed. The method includes the steps of dorsally separating the sacrum from L.sub.7, substantially aligning the caudal articular processes on L.sub.7 with their respective articular facets on S.sub.1 thereby relieving pressure on the nerves passing through the L.sub.7 S.sub.1 juncture. L.sub.7 is fixed relative S.sub.1 by fusing L.sub.7 to S.sub.1 by grafting bones, by anchoring L.sub.7 relative S.sub.1 by inserting a pin through the two vertebrae, or by providing a rearward limit of movement for L.sub.7. The methods of fixing may be used individually or in combination to eliminate the syndrome.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a cuneiform osteotomy as provided, the apparatus including a drill jig and an osteotomy guide. The jig has first and second faces which terminate in edges and which define a recess extending therethrough and intersecting an edge thereof, the jig further defining a pair of jig bores extending therethrough in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first jig face, one of each of the jig bores being disposed to each side of the recess. The jig bores are each adapted to properly position a drill bit extending therethrough and into the bone against which the second jig face is adapted to be disposed and to which the osteotomy is being performed. The osteotomy guide has first and second substantially parallel faces which complement the first jig face and which terminate in lateral edges.