Abstract: A clamp is used to attach generally rectangular bar stock, such as existing Bookwalter/Codman rings, to a post in a surgical retractor system. The clamp interacts with corners of the ring at any of a wide range of widths and thicknesses, while still retaining a simple and intuitive tightening action such as through a rotational collar which absorbs some of the clamping force as a hoop stress. In the preferred arrangement, the clamp makes a tripod top/planar bottom contact with the generally rectangular bar stock of the ring. An articulating joint permits best fold up of the clamp, with a ball shaft which is constrained within the bisecting plane of the joint clamp. A spherical nut is used on the clamp bolt in one of the clamps, which permits some change in orientation of the clamp bolt when the clamp bolt is tightened using a cammed handle.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.

Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.

Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of performing knee-joint replacement surgery. The tibia and the femur are positioned such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made over or adjacent the patella to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is extended along at least opposite sides of the knee-joint. The skin flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a plurality of retractors which are attached to the retractor support. At least one of the retractors is attached to the retractor such that the retractor may be flexed sufficiently for movement of the knee-joint during surgery without having to reposition the retractors.

Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.