Abstract: A meniscus prosthetic device replaces natural components of a condylar joint and includes a body and a tail. The body is of biocompatible, deformable, flexible and resilient material for bearing compressive loads and for translating the loads to tensile stress. The tail is also biocompatible material and extends as a continuation of the body from a first end to a second end of the body. The tail provides a continuous loop circuit for the propagation of tensile (hoop) stresses from the body, and provides stabilization of the knee joint and proprioceptive feedback. The prosthesis is implanted in a human knee in a position to take the place of a naturally occurring meniscus between one femoral condyle and the corresponding tibia, and the tail is placed into contact with bone associated with the knee.

Abstract: A meniscus prosthetic device replaces natural components of a condylar joint and includes a body and a tail. The body is of biocompatible, deformable, flexible and resilient material for bearing compressive loads and for translating the loads to tensile stress. The tail is also biocompatible material and extends as a continuation of the body from a first end to a second end of the body. The tail provides a continuous loop circuit for the propagation of tensile (hoop) stresses from the body, and provides stabilization of the knee joint and proprioceptive feedback. The prosthesis is implanted in a human knee in a position to take the place of a naturally occurring meniscus between one femoral condyle and the corresponding tibia, and the tail is placed into contact with bone associated with the knee.

Abstract: An external fixation assembly, and a method of treating fractures utilizing an external fixation assembly, are provided for facilitating the healing of fractured bones in a living body. Pins passing through bone portions are held stationary relative to each other by a frame which includes universal joints, articulation couplings, and adjustable length rods. Springs are provided in the assembly for applying compression to the universal joints allowing for the application of compression and the simultaneous application of axial loading to the bone portions. The universal joints and other components are arranged to provide free sliding of the components relative to each other upon loosening of the universal joints so that desired motion or force application at the fracture site may be provided.

Abstract: A meniscus prosthetic device for a human knee joint can be inserted into the knee joint so that the articulating cartilage in the knee totally remains intact. The prosthesis device translates between the articulating cartilage during normal knee movement. Insertion of the prosthetic device is accomplished by applying force on the ends of the device, thereby elastically spreading them, and placing the device between the tibial articulating cartilage and one of the femoral condyles. The forces thus applied can then be released causing the device to conform to its original C-shape. Prominences on the ends of the device may superiorly extended into the space defined by the femoral condyles, thereby securing the device in place.