Abstract: A system for orthopaedic surgery training is provided, the system comprising an apparatus for supporting at least one artificial model of a human joint releasably mounted to the apparatus. The system may further comprise at least one artificial model of a human joint for mounting to the apparatus, wherein the joint may comprise a shoulder.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus for supporting and positioning a patient's limb or an instrument during surgical procedures. The apparatus consists of an adjustable structural component which houses a separate hydraulic system used for locking and unlocking the structural apparatus. The structural component includes three lockable joints and two rigid support arms. Each joint houses a hydraulic piston and a locking ring. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the joints by an electric motor and pump and is controlled by an electric circuit, pressure sensors and valves. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pistons are activated, locking the joints. Hydraulic pressure can also be released to unlock the joints through a user control circuit. The structural component also includes a universal rail clamp to attach the device to a support structure and a distal quick connect for attachment of accessory devices.

Abstract: Devices to secure the hand of a patient to a limb positioning device while evenly distributing the applied traction load across the patient's hand and wrist are disclosed. The hand is placed in the open position into a soft mitten, while an anatomically-shaped plate is attached to the mitten for supporting the palm of the hand in the open position. Straps are then secured around the patient's wrist and hand. Finally, the entire device is overwrapped an elastic bandage and secured to the limb positioning device. When traction is applied, the shape of the plate, the construction of the mitten, and the straps combine to allow low-contact pressure across the patient's hand and wrist.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pin end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus that controls the rotation of an operative limb during shoulder surgery is composed of three parts: 1) a mechanism that is part of the durable apparatus, and which allows the limb to be suspended from the system and traction weights applied, but is configured in such a manner that the cable or other connecting member does not rotate about its axis; 2) a sterile connector that acts as the interface between the non-sterile durable apparatus and a sterile patient-contacting disposable drape; and 3) the disposable drape which is secured to the patient's operative arm. One of the sterile connector and the disposable drape contains a feature that allows the physician to rotate and hold the limb in any desired position, without requiring that it be manually held in place.

Abstract: A system for translating a constant traction load to an object such as a medical device or a patient includes a plurality of independently rotatable, coaxially aligned spools, each housing a constant force spring fixed at respective ends to the spool and to a rigid member, a plurality of flexible biasing members each coupled on their respective first ends to a spool and at least partially wound around the spool. A plurality of connectors are connected to the respective other ends of the biasing members, which may comprise wire rope. The connectors are configured to quickly couple to and decouple, directly or indirectly, from the object to which the traction load is being delivered. A guide provides a partial path for one or more of the biasing members to the object. A selected load may be applied by coupling one or more of the reversible couplers tensioned by the constant force springs to the object, without use of gravitational loading.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pin end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.

Abstract: A limb positioning apparatus comprises a vertical post connected to the operating table near the shoulder of the patient and a boom member connected to the vertical post through a hinge. The hinge allows the angle between the vertical post and the boom member to be adjusted with assistance from a lockable gas spring attached to the hinge. The vertical post and the boom member house the internal cables for transferring the primary traction load to the operative limb.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pm end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.

Abstract: A limb positioning apparatus comprises a vertical post connected to the operating table near the shoulder of the patient and a boom member connected to the vertical post through a hinge. The hinge allows the angle between the vertical post and the boom member to be adjusted with assistance from a lockable gas spring attached to the hinge. The vertical post and the boom member house the internal cables for transferring the primary traction load to the operative limb.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus for supporting and positioning a patient's limb or an instrument during surgical procedures. The apparatus consists of an adjustable structural component which houses a separate hydraulic system used for locking and unlocking the structural apparatus. The structural component includes three lockable joints and two rigid support arms. Each joint houses a hydraulic piston and a locking ring. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the joints by an electric motor and pump and is controlled by an electric circuit, pressure sensors and valves. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pistons are activated, locking the joints. Hydraulic pressure can also be released to unlock the joints through a user control circuit. The structural component also includes a universal rail clamp to attach the device to a support structure and a distal quick connect for attachment of accessory devices.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for adjustably connecting a device to a rail, including a clamp body, rail interface mechanism, and support mechanism for the device. The rail interface mechanism attaches to rails of various heights and thicknesses with a single user control activation. The rail interface mechanism includes at least one flanged fixed upper jaw, a rail clamp control comprised of a threaded vertical axle terminating in a pm end, a flanged lower jaw constrained to slidable vertical motion along an internal face of the clamp body by the pin end of the vertical axle, and two angled wedges that can be extended and retracted horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus that controls the rotation of an operative limb during shoulder surgery is composed of three parts: 1) a mechanism that is part of the durable apparatus, and which allows the limb to be suspended from the system and traction weights applied, but is configured in such a manner that the cable or other connecting member does not rotate about its axis; 2) a sterile connector that acts as the interface between the non-sterile durable apparatus and a sterile patient-contacting disposable drape; and 3) the disposable drape which is secured to the patient's operative arm. One of the sterile connector and the disposable drape contains a feature that allows the physician to rotate and hold the limb in any desired position, without requiring that it be manually held in place.

Abstract: Devices to secure the hand of a patient to a limb positioning device while evenly distributing the applied traction load across the patient's hand and wrist are disclosed. The hand is placed in the open position into a soft mitten, while an anatomically-shaped plate is attached to the mitten for supporting the palm of the hand in the open position. Straps are then secured around the patient's wrist and hand. Finally, the entire device is overwrapped an elastic bandage and secured to the limb positioning device. When traction is applied, the shape of the plate, the construction of the mitten, and the straps combine to allow low-contact pressure across the patient's hand and wrist.