Abstract: An instrument for holding a surgical tool or bone implant includes a handle with a bearing surface formed in one end for engaging the surgical tool. An elastically deformable plate is mounted on the handle body the plate having a catch element formed on a leading end thereof adapted to engage a coupling element formed on the surgical tool. The elastically deformable plate includes a cam follower formed in a recess thereon and includes a deformable spring section intermediate the can elements and the plate end with the catch element. An elongated pivotable loading member is rotatably mounted on the handle body. The loading member includes a cam surface for engaging the cam follower surface on the deformable plate. The cam surface on the loading member is shaped to elastically deform the elastically deformable plate section in a direction away from the plate catch element to thereby load and maintain a connecting force between the plate and the surgical tool or bone implant.

Abstract: A patella clamp has a first part including a reference surface engageable with the anterior surface of a patella. The first part includes a stop surface spaced from the reference surface. A second clamping part is provided which is moveable with respect to the first clamping part. A cutting element coupled to the first clamping part is moveable with respect to the first part. The cutting element includes a shaft with an adjustable collar mounted on the shaft for movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and cutting element. The adjustable collar on the shaft is engageable with a stop surface on the first part for spacing the cutting element a desired distance from the reference surface. A pair of gages are provided for selectively setting the position of the adjustable collar with respect to either the amount of patella bone being removed or the amount of patella bone remaining.

Abstract: An instrument for holding a surgical tool or bone implant includes a handle with a bearing surface formed in one end for engaging the surgical tool. An elastically deformable plate is mounted on the handle body the plate having a catch element formed on a leading end thereof adapted to engage a coupling element formed on the surgical tool. The elastically deformable plate includes a cam follower formed in a recess thereon and includes a deformable spring section intermediate the can elements and the plate end with the catch element. An elongated pivotable loading member is rotatably mounted on the handle body. The loading member includes a cam surface for engaging the cam follower surface on the deformable plate. The cam surface on the loading member is shaped to elastically deform the elastically deformable plate section in a direction away from the plate catch element to thereby load and maintain a connecting force between the plate and the surgical tool or bone implant.

Abstract: A cutting block for resecting a bone, particularly the distal femur, has a body with a first generally planar bone contacting surface to contact the resected distal surface of the femur. The body has a second surface spaced from the bone contacting surface along an axis perpendicular to said generally planar bone contacting surface. The body has a perimeter surface extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein the perimeter surface is at least partially curved with respect to the axis in both a direction generally perpendicular thereto and generally parallel thereto. The perimeter surface may be polished.

Abstract: A patella clamp has a first part including a reference surface engageable with the anterior surface of a patella. The first part includes a stop surface spaced from the reference surface. A second clamping part is provided which is moveable with respect to the first clamping part. A cutting element coupled to the first clamping part is moveable with respect to the first part. The cutting element includes a shaft with an adjustable collar mounted on the shaft for movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and cutting element. The adjustable collar on the shaft is engageable with a stop surface on the first part for spacing the cutting element a desired distance from the reference surface. A pair of gages are provided for selectively setting the position of the adjustable collar with respect to either the amount of patella bone being removed or the amount of patella bone remaining.

Abstract: A cutting block for resecting a bone, particularly the distal femur, has a body with a first generally planar bone contacting surface to contact the resected distal surface of the femur. The body has a second surface spaced from the bone contacting surface along an axis perpendicular to said generally planar bone contacting surface. The body has a perimeter surface extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein the perimeter surface is at least partially curved with respect to the axis in both a direction generally perpendicular thereto and generally parallel thereto. The perimeter surface may be polished.

Abstract: A patella clamp has a first part including a reference surface engageable with the anterior surface of a patella. The first part includes a stop surface spaced from the reference surface. A second clamping part is provided which is moveable with respect to the first clamping part. A cutting element coupled to the first clamping part is moveable with respect to the first part. The cutting element includes a shaft with an adjustable collar mounted on the shaft for movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and cutting element. The adjustable collar on the shaft is engageable with a stop surface on the first part for spacing the cutting element a desired distance from the reference surface. A pair of gages are provided for selectively setting the position of the adjustable collar with respect to either the amount of patella bone being removed or the amount of patella bone remaining.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting two components is described. The fitting may be explosion proof for use in hazardous environments. The fitting may swivel allowing fast and easy connection to fixed components, thus minimizing the time required for installation and periodic maintenance, while maintaining the integrity of the explosion proof fitting. In this way, components—such as electrical conduits containing conductors or wires—can be installed and maintained without the use of damming material. Also described is a method of installing an explosion proof fitting for use in hazardous environments.