Abstract: The invention comprises a system for aiding in the in-situ determination of the state of cure (or progress of cure) in bone cement which is a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and having a device which comprises a frequency sensor joined to a circuit and to an indicator that emits a signal in response to a current emitted to the circuit by the sensor to monitor a state of cure. The invention also relates to surgical methods using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for aiding in the in-situ determination of the state of cure (or progress of cure) in bone cement which is a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and having a device which comprises a frequency sensor joined to a circuit and to an indicator that emits a signal in response to a current emitted to the circuit by the sensor to monitor a state of cure. The invention also relates to surgical methods using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system which determines the cure status of bone cement which is then used in making surgical decisions on the cement use and further comprises a system for aiding in securing an implant to a bone using a cured grout or bone cement. The system includes a device which comprises a frequency sensor joined to a circuit to monitor one or more frequency signals, and to an indicator that emits a signal in response to a current emitted to the circuit by the system while monitoring the state of cure. The invention also relates to surgical methods using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for securing an implant to a bone comprising an implant which is affixed to the bone, a grout or bone cement comprising a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and which is capable of securing the implant to the bone in a cured state, and a tester which measures temperature over time to detect a rate change of temperature and uses a novel discrete differentiator circuit to determine when the composition reaches cure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for securing an implant to a bone comprising an implant which is affixed to the bone, a grout or bone cement comprising a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and which is capable of securing the implant to the bone in a cured state, a device which provides access to the grout or bone cement in position on the bone and a tester which measures temperature over time to detect the exothermic reaction so as to determine when the composition reaches cure. The tester comprises a sensor joined to a circuit and to an indicator that emits a signal in response to a current emitted to the circuit by the sensor.

Abstract: A lightweight portable device is provided to impart continuous passive motion to a user's shoulder. The device causes abduction and adduction and has the option of causing simultaneous rotation as well through use of a single actuator. The base of the device is curved to fit against a lateral portion of the user's torso and the device is held in position by a harness. An upper arm support is pivotally connected to and extends laterally from the base. A linear actuator extends between and is linked to the upper arm support and the base to cause abduction and adduction of the arm. A forearm support which is pivotally connected to the upper arm support and is also angularly adjustable relative to the upper arm support is linked to the base to cause rotation of the forearm support as the upper arm support is pivoted. The range of rotation can be varied or eliminated. The degree and speed of abduction and adduction can also be varied.