Abstract: A repaired tendon includes a proximal tendon section having a free end, and a distal tendon section having a free end that opposes the free end of the proximal tendon section. Four bidirectional barbed sutures are implanted in the repaired tendon for approximating the free end of the proximal tendon section with the free end of the distal tendon section. Each of the four bidirectional barbed sutures includes a proximal section having proximal barbs that engage the proximal tendon section, a distal section having distal barbs that engage the distal tendon section, and a stop located between the proximal and distal barbs that engages the approximated free ends of the proximal and distal tendon sections. The bidirectional barbed sutures have first suture bites and second suture bites that are shorter than the first suture bites.

Abstract: Tension isolating adjustable adapters are disclosed, along with kits and systems containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof. The tension isolating adjustable adapters include a percutaneous device holder that can be releasably connected to a percutaneous device via a locking element, and a tensioning member that engages the percutaneous device holder. The tensioning member has at least one tension pad that is shaped and configured to be disposed about the percutaneous device insertion site in the patient's skin, and the engagement of the tensioning member(s) to the percutaneous device holder allows for adjustment of the tension pad(s).

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and adjusting one or more segments of membrane to affect skin tension at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A repaired tendon includes a proximal tendon section having a free end, and a distal tendon section having a free end that opposes the free end of the proximal tendon section. Four bidirectional barbed sutures are implanted in the repaired tendon for approximating the free end of the proximal tendon section with the free end of the distal tendon section. Each of the four bidirectional barbed sutures includes a proximal section having proximal barbs that engage the proximal tendon section, a distal section having distal barbs that engage the distal tendon section, and a stop located between the proximal and distal barbs that engages the approximated free ends of the proximal and distal tendon sections. The bidirectional barbed sutures have first suture bites and second suture bites that are shorter than the first suture bites.

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A calf-stretching device enables a user to conduct stretching exercises of the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg. The calf-stretching device includes a support base positionable on a floor surface and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the support base. Each of the left and right surfaces present a convex curved surface from a front side to a back side to receive respective feet of the user, the convex curved surface having a greater radial dimension on an inner portion than an outer portion to correspond to a foot arch of the user.

Abstract: Tension isolating adjustable adapters are disclosed, along with kits and systems containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof. The tension isolating adjustable adapters include a percutaneous device holder that can be releasably connected to a percutaneous device via a locking element, and a tensioning member that engages the percutaneous device holder. The tensioning member has at least one tension pad that is shaped and configured to be disposed about the percutaneous device insertion site in the patient's skin, and the engagement of the tensioning member(s) to the percutaneous device holder allows for adjustment of the tension pad(s).

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A calf-stretching device enables a user to conduct stretching exercises of the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg. The calf-stretching device includes a support base positionable on a floor surface and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the support base. Each of the left and right surfaces present a convex curved surface from a front side to a back side to receive respective feet of the user, the convex curved surface having a greater radial dimension on an inner portion than an outer portion to correspond to a foot arch of the user.

Abstract: A stent is described that is configured to be inserted into a lumen of a patient. The stent includes a coiled body in a generally helical configuration. In certain aspects, the coiled body includes a strip of multiple strands coupled together. In other aspects, the coiled body includes a strip having one or more lumens in the strip. In addition, certain stents have a coiled body formed by a strip of multiple strands in which at least one of the strands includes a lumen. Pharmaceutical or therapeutic agents may be provided in the lumen to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient receiving the stent. Markers may also be provided in the lumen to facilitate placement of the stent in a patient.