Abstract: A splint for reducing fractures of the metacarpals having a foundation lying adjacent the ulnar side of the hand and extending over the dorsum and the palm. An adjustable pressure plate is advanced toward the dorsum where its force reduces the apex of the broken metacarpal. The foundation is held in place on the hand by an adjustable strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting an arthroscope into a knee. A stiff wire probe is shaped to be inserted through an anterior portal of the knee, to pass through the posteromedial cavity, or any other knee cavity, and thence emerge out through the skin. A tapered sleeve having one end configured to connect to the probe and another end configured to receive the arthroscope in a slip fit connects the arthroscope to the probe. Once the arthroscope is received in the sleeve, the arthroscope is pushed into position. Thereafter, the probe and sleeve are withdrawn through the anterior portal.

Abstract: An artificial patella for use in the human body in place of a natural patella which has been damaged beyond repair. The artificial patella comprises a rigid wafer-like member having a contour comparable to that of the natural patella. A plurality of spaced perforations extend through the artificial patella. The artificial patella is attached to the natural patellar tendon with a plurality of sutures which extend through the perforations and through the patellar tendon. The artificial patalla may then be attached to the patellar components of a patello-femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: A suture formed of loosely woven or expanded plastic material, one end of which is swaged to a suturing needle. Upon emplacement in the body, the suture acts initially to hold the tissues in place in a conventional manner. Thereafter it acts to bring about the formation by natural body processes of ligamentous tissue about the suture which supplements and virtually replaces the suture. The suture may be in small diameter tubular form or in small width flat form.

Abstract: A patello-femoral prosthesis comprising a patellar prosthesis and a femoral prosthesis which are connected to each other for relative sliding movement. The connecting means comprises a keyhole shaped slot formed in one prosthesis, and a complementarily formed collar button shaped projection carried by the other prosthesis. The projection has an enlargement on its outer end which is mounted in the slot for sliding movement along the slot. The engagement between the projection and slot prevents undesirable separation or dislocation of the prostheses with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the slot is adapted to be expanded by engagement with the projection to permit the projection to move into the slot.