Abstract: An endoprosthetic bone component is produced from parts respectively having a projection and cavity engaged in a mutual clearance fit, and a third part of plastics material located in the space of such fit, the space and third part being dimensioned to inhibit ejection of the latter and to lock the two parts against mutual articulation during post-operative use. Normally the space and third part will be of generally uniform thickness overall which is small compared to that of the projection. Also the projection and cavity are preferably of uniform cross-sectional shape over at least major portions thereof. Typically the two parts will be of different materials, such as ceramic and metal, suited respectively to articulation and bone fixation roles.

Abstract: Suction-irrigation apparatus for medical use in relation to wound and surgical sites comprises a probe projecting from a handpiece which also carries a valve, there being a through-conduit opening at the probe tip for suction, a first irrigation conduit opening at the tip, and a second irrigation conduit communicating with the suction conduit adjacent the tip, and with the valve normally operable to control the flow of fluid through the irrigation conduits. Preferably the valve operation has a normal position with both irrigation conduits closed, a fully operated position with only the first such conduit open, and a partially operated intermediate position with only the second such conduit open.

Abstract: A hand-held suction-irrigator, particularly for surgical use, has a handle and two inlet bores extending through the handle and connected respectively to a suction source and a source of irrigating fluid. A valve assembly connects one or the other of the bores to a single outlet port so that the outlet port can be used to apply suction or irrigating fluid. A probe is removably coupled to the outlet port by cooperating luer fittings. The two inlet bores are parallel with one another, the outlet port being located intermediate the inlet bores on the opposite side of the valve assembly. A valve member is mounted in the valve assembly and can be displaced transversely of the bores by pushing down on the valve member with a finger or thumb.

Abstract: An intramedullary orthopaedic device for interconnecting bone fragments for union comprises an elongate member of plastics material having a relieved structure extending over its length but only partially therearound, each upstanding element being of transverse sizing to afford an interference fit by translation alone into a slightly undersized bone recess, such fit resulting from flexure of the elements without stripping bone material, and the unrelieved area of the member being of non-circular cross-section to inhibit rotation. The member is suitably of rectangular cross-section with sequences of fins having their longitudinal directions across the major side faces, and with the inter-sequence spacing and fin height each exceeding fin thickness.

Abstract: An orthopaedic splint is provided for treatment of injury to the extensor tendon distal to the DIP joint in the finger, the splint serving to hold the DIP joint in hyperextension and the PIP joint in flexion, while allowing restrained extension of the PIP joint. The splint suitably involves first and second portions each including at least one plate curved to seat transversely over or under a finger, the first portion also being longitudinally inclined and provided with strapping to hold the DIP joint in hyperextension, and the portions being resiliently and hingedly interconnected to hold the PIP joint as required. This interconnection conveniently involves like springs on respectively opposite sides of the PIP joint, the springs preferably being of mutually parallel flat spiral form.

Abstract: Endoprosthetic metacarpal phalangeal joint devices are well known in various forms including unitary flexible structures for connection between the bones, and others with separate phalangeal and metacarpal components for respective bone connection and inter-engagement or connection for mutual articulation in a hinge action. All such devices are applied individually to respective joints and can tend to fail due to conditions leading to ulnar drift. It is now proposed that this tendency be obviated by mechanically interconnecting a plurality of devices of the latter form in the hand, suitably by use of a common hinge pin. The pin preferably has slight longitudinal curvature to pass through the natural joint centers. The phalangeal components preferably each have a socket for bone connection and a stem for axle connection, the stem being slidably and rotatably received in the socket to accomodate torsional loading.