Abstract: The device for affixing a flexible load-bearing element within a bone tunnel includes a securing element that attaches to the flexible element. A bone tunnel fixation element has an outer surface that is adapted to movably engage the bone tunnel. A deformable biasing element is positionable within the fixation element bore adjacent the proximal end. A locking member is dimensioned for movement within the fixation element bore and is positionable adjacent the distal end thereof. The locking member is lockable to the securing element, and the biasing means is for biasing the locking member toward the bore's distal end. Thus as a tension is applied to the securing means, a deformation of the biasing element is caused that is indicative of a magnitude of the applied tension. Therefore, a common element serves to perform pretensioning, and the need for a separate tensioning system is obviated.

Abstract: A multi-plane bone distraction system including a saw guide, a drill guide, a rigid plate and a distraction assembly for use as a distraction device in cutting and lengthening the bone or as a compression device in cutting and shortening the bone in conjunction with repositioning the other end of the bone in three planes relative to the one end of the bone.

Abstract: A connector delivery device and method include a rod frangibly affixed to an inner member and a support member slidable around the rod. The support member is adapted to support an outer member for movement relative to the inner member for forming a snap fit therebetween, the snap fit for trapping flexible material such as suture at a surgical site. In an alternate embodiment a pistol-type handle and trigger operate to move a push rod seated within an outer barrel against the outer member to push the outer member over the inner member to form the snap fit. A collet is attached to a collet barrel slidable within the outer barrel, the collet barrel positioned in surrounding relation to the push rod. The collet, which is spring biased into a closed position, supports the outer member prior to activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes inner and outer members that snap fit together by passing the bore of the outer member over the inner member to capture and secure ends of flexible material such as sutures. The flexible material is fitted into a bore in the inner member and project out a side portal to pass between the shared or opposing inner and outer member surfaces. This serpentine pathway locks the flexible material in place. The invention further provides a delivery instrument to maintain the outer member in alignment with a receiving end of the inner member loaded with flexible material. The delivery instrument further includes cooperating elements for urging the outer member over the inner member to lock the flexible material in place.

Abstract: An improved drill guide device is provided for accurately drilling a passageway through bone. The drill guide comprises a support, a curved radial rack, a locator boom movably disposed on the curved radial rack, a drill sleeve and an indexing mechanism. The drill sleeve may be discretely indexed toward the target bone and locked/unlocked in position with a single handed operation.

Abstract: A bone milling guide apparatus and method for preparing the proximal end of a femur to receive a hip stem prosthesis in snug-fitting relationship. The ball portion of the femur is removed using conventional surgical techniques to expose the underlying cancellous bone. An axial bore is drilled in the intramedullary canal to receive the distal portion of the hip stem prosthesis. The proximal end of the axial bore is reamed to form a tapered recess which is dimensionally configured to receive a portion of the external surface of the proximal end of the hip stem prosthesis. A tapered, hollow body is inserted into the tapered recess and supports a U-shaped template extending outwardly therefrom. Each arm of the U-shaped template is affixed to the tapered, hollow body on each side of a longitudinal slot in the side of the tapered, hollow body.