Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods of treating articular or hyaline cartilage damage or injury using biocompatible electrospun polymer fibers. Methods are also directed to treating arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, using biocompatible electrospun polymer fibers. Such methods may involve placing a patch comprising at least one electrospun polymer fiber in physical communication with the damaged cartilage. In certain embodiments, the patch may comprise substantially parallel electrospun polymer fibers.

Abstract: A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping a folded piece of suture around a bone at least once, and securing the suture to the bone.

Abstract: Cannula assemblies and methods of conducting surgeries. The cannula assembly comprises a cannula that is sized for the common 4 mm arthroscopy switching stick, which is put in a one-step fashion with the use of a unique switching stick inserter. All steps for placement of the cannula are performed in a single forward motion, i.e., no backing up of components are necessary for placement. The method of conducting surgery includes the steps of: providing a cannula/switching stick assembly comprising a cannula sized to accommodate a corresponding switching stick, and a switching stick inserter (modular handle) designed to fit on the switching stick, and to help insert and control the switching stick; and inserting the cannula/switching stick assembly through an arthroscopic portal during a surgical procedure, in a single forward motion.

Abstract: A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping a folded piece of suture around a bone at least once, and securing the suture to the bone.

Abstract: A tensioning construct with a tape securely attached to a locking button provided with a securing mechanism in the form of a trap door-like mechanism. The tape is looped so that the looped portion of the tape is passed around a feature of the button to allow easy sliding of the tape. One free end of the tape is fed through the securing mechanism (trap door) of the locking button while the other free end is fixed to the locking button. The button self-engages without the need of a locking instrument, to lock the tape as it is tightened during the cerclage repair. The tensioning construct may be provided as a pre-assembled construct.

Abstract: Cannula assemblies and methods of conducting surgeries. The cannula assembly comprises a cannula that is sized for the common 4 mm arthroscopy switching stick, which is put in a one-step fashion with the use of a unique switching stick inserter. All steps for placement of the cannula are performed in a single forward motion, i.e., no backing up of components are necessary for placement. The method of conducting surgery includes the steps of: providing a cannula/switching stick assembly comprising a cannula sized to accommodate a corresponding switching stick, and a switching stick inserter (modular handle) designed to fit on the switching stick, and to help insert and control the switching stick; and inserting the cannula/switching stick assembly through an arthroscopic portal during a surgical procedure, in a single forward motion.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-channel position detection system which utilizes several separate emitters and a single photodetector to, for example, align a multi-lead component manipulator with a predetermined location in a printed circuit board. An oscillator circuit generates a modulated signal for each emitter and a multiplier circuit develops an output signal based upon the oscillator output and the photodetector output. The photodetector provides an output responsive to the emitter signal as attenuated by the circuit board location relative to the emitter. When the lead hole of the circuit board is aligned with the emitter and photodetector minimum attenuation of the signal occurs.