Abstract: A device for repairing a meniscus or soft tissue. A needle having a suture strand attached thereto is affixed to the distal end of an introducer. The introducer is adapted to be inserted through a hollow main body to position the needle proximate a damaged portion of the meniscus. At the proximal ends of the introducer and main body, there is a thumb ring and a pair of finger rings that can be manipulated by the user to position the device and to pierce the meniscus with the needle. The needle is frictionally affixed to the introducer and can be removed by the user after piercing the meniscus and the outer skin of the patient. With the device, a pair of needles having a suture strand joining the needles can be inserted through the meniscus and across the damaged area and the strands of the suture affixed together.

Abstract: A hand held device for joining monofilament lines together. Then device has a set of clamping jaws that can be manipulated so as to firmly position the monofilament lines in an abutting relationship in physical contact to each other. The device includes a source of electrical power and a heater, such as resistance, RF energy or ultrasonic energy, to heat the monofilament lines to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the monofilament lines so as to weld the monofilament lines together. A sleeve may be slipped over the monofilament lines and welded to the lines to form a more stable junction.

Abstract: A device and method to carry out the welding of suture strands joining tissue of a patient. The device has an elongated housing with a distal opening and a proximal opening for the suture strands to pass through the device generally along the elongated axis of the device. A pair of welding plates surround the suture strands passing through the device and can be activated to provide heat to weld the strands together. One of the welding plates is movable by means of an externally accessible button for the physician to move that welding plate between an open position where the strands can easily be threaded between the welding plates and a closed position where the suture strands are held tightly together between the welding plates and the weld can be effected.

Abstract: A device for repairing a meniscus of a patient. An introducer having a sharpened distal end is manipulated to pierce the meniscus across a tear therein. A main body is carried within the introducer and has a distal end having a pair of wings that are biased toward an outwardly extending position where the wings form a tee at the distal end of the main body. When the introducer is properly placed, the main body is pushed so that the distal end of the main body emerges from the distal end of the introducer, thereby freeing the wings to spring to their outwardly biased position. The wings hold the outer surface of the torn meniscus and a fixation device is affixed to the main body to hold the inner surface of the meniscus such that the meniscus is sandwiched between the wings and the affixation device to hold the meniscus with the sides of the tear brought together.

Abstract: A device and method to aid the tying of a suture knot to repair tissue of a patient. The device is an elongated body with a distal end and a proximal end. An end opening is formed in the distal end that is just slightly larger than a suture strand. A passageway is formed between that end opening and a side opening in the side wall of the device. One of the free suture strands is passed through the distal opening to be accessible at the side wall opening. A knot is tied in the free ends of a suture strand. The device is used to push the knot tightly against the tissue since the knot is larger than the distal opening. The physician can pull on the free ends of the suture to tighten the knot, and readily secure the knot tightly against tissue in a relatively inaccessible location within the patient.

Abstract: A device for repairing a meniscus or soft tissue. A needle having a suture strand attached thereto is affixed to the distal end of an introducer. The introducer is adapted to be inserted through a hollow main body to position the needle proximate a damaged portion of the meniscus. At the proximal ends of the introducer and main body, there is a thumb ring and a pair of finger rings that can be manipulated by the user to position the device and to pierce the meniscus with the needle. The needle is frictionally affixed to the introducer and can be removed by the user after piercing the meniscus and the outer skin of the patient. With the device, a pair of needles having a suture strand joining the needles can be inserted through the meniscus and across the damaged area and the strands of the suture affixed together.

Abstract: A hand held device for joining monofilament lines together. Then device has a set of clamping jaws that can be manipulated so as to firmly position the monofilament lines in an abutting relationship in physical contact to each other. The device includes a source of electrical power and a heater, such as resistance, RF energy or ultrasonic energy, to heat the monofilament lines to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the monofilament lines so as to weld the monofilament lines together. A sleeve may be slipped over the monofilament lines and welded to the lines to form a more stable junction.

Abstract: A brace for treatment of distal radius fractures allows an adjustable range of motion while simultaneously providing for distal traction. The brace has hinges with adjustable stops, the hinges being made of radiolucent material to allow x-rays without the necessity of removing the brace. Adjustable tensioners are used to provide distal traction by way of a metacarpal pin placed in slots in hand members. The brace is adjustable for different size patients.