Abstract: A system and a method that promotes the restoration of physical functions of the neuromuscular system by incorporating into one device the treatment modalities of biofeedback based repetitive practice, includes an actuator, a joint position measurement system, a force sensing measurement system, an EMG measurement system, a neuromuscular low-level stimulation system, a controller, and a display device.

Abstract: A system and a method that promotes the restoration of physical functions of the neuromuscular system by incorporating into one device the treatment modalities of biofeedback based repetitive practice, includes an actuator, a joint position measurement system, a force sensing measurement system, an EMG measurement system, a neuromuscular low-level stimulation system, a controller, and a display device.

Abstract: A system and a method that promotes the restoration of physical functions of the neuromuscular system by incorporating into one device the treatment modalities of biofeedback based repetitive practice, includes an actuator, a joint position measurement system, a force sensing measurement system, an EMG measurement system, a neuromuscular low-level stimulation system, a controller, and a display device.

Abstract: A system and a method that promotes the restoration of physical functions of the neuromuscular system by incorporating into one device the treatment modalities of biofeedback based repetitive practice, includes an actuator, a joint position measurement system, a force sensing measurement system, an EMG measurement system, a neuromuscular low-level stimulation system, a controller, and a display device.

Abstract: A patient interface device provides a single coil having two generally opposed flange regions which generate a large area, uniform magnetic field. The coil includes a magnetic field sensor for determining the magnetic field intensity between the flanges. The wire windings in the flanges may be distributed in various cross-sectional profiles.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixation device comprises a distal frame and a proximal frame interconnected by a hinge formed of mating, partially spherical-shaped surfaces which permits relative movement of the distal frame and proximal frame. Each of the frames includes one or more pin clamps which mount half pins inserted with the proximal or distal segments of a fractured bone to immobilize the bone segments and permit reduction of the fracture. The focal point of the partially spherical-shaped surfaces of the hinge is positioned in direct alignment with the fracture, preferably in a vertical plane passing through the fracture transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone, so that manipulation of one or both of the distal and proximal frames permits a relatively slight and precise movement of the bone segments connected thereto by the half pins to ensure proper reduction of the fracture.

Abstract: A femoral-side hip-joint prosthetic device for use in hip-joint replacement. The device includes an elongate stem whose surface defines maximally spaced infero-medial and supero-lateral surface curves, and which is characterized by a surface rotation which carries the supero-lateral surface curve about 15.degree.-30.degree. forward with respect to the infero-medial surface curve, on progressing upward along the upper surface portion of the stem, with the device in operative position. The rotation of the stem surface produces a close approximation to the cavity formed in the proximal femur by removal of the cancellous bone in the natural cavity formed by a wall of densified cancellous bone. A 3.degree.-15.degree. proximal anteversion of the neck is adapted to place a hip-joint ball carried on the stem at a position closely approximating that of the head in the natural femur.

Abstract: A pin clamp particularly adapted for use in an external skeletal fixation device to clamp pins inserted in the distal segment and/or proximal segment of a fractured bone for positioning and immobilizing the bone segments to reduce the fracture. The pin clamp employs a wedge lock construction including a block having a tapered, hollow interior which receives a wedge element having opposed, tapered sidewalls connected to a slotted top wall. The pins are inserted between the sidewalls of the wedge element into the slot, and are clamped therebetween as the wedge element is moved into the block. A screw carried by the block threads into a bore in the top wall of the wedge element to move the wedge element in and out of the block. Both the block and wedge element are formed of a composite material and the sidewalls of the wedge element which contact the pins are preferably coated with a grit material having a high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixation device for closed reduction of simple or comminuted long bone fractures includes a frame formed of composite materials which mounts a proximal carriage at one end and a distal carriage at the other end. The proximal carriage is adapted to mount half pins inserted in the proximal segment, and is supported on the frame by support arms which are movable with respect to the frame for adjusting the position of the proximal segment. The distal carriage includes a clamping member adapted to mount half pins inserted in the distal segment, which is pivotal about the fracture to permit precise adjustment of the distal segment for alignment with the proximal segment. A fragment support, mounted to one of the side rails of the support arm for the proximal carriage, is adapted to clamp a half pin inserted within a central fragment positioned between the proximal and distal segments of a comminuted fracture.

Abstract: A femoral-side hip-joint prosthetic device for use in hip-joint replacement. The device includes an elongate stem whose surface defines maximally spaced infero-medial and supero-lateral surface curves, and which is characterized by a surface rotation which carries the supero-lateral surface curve about 18.degree.-30.degree. forward with respect to the infero-medial surface curve, on progressing upward along the upper surface portion of the stem, with the device in operative position. The rotation of the stem surface produces a close approximation to the cavity formed in the proximal femur by removal of the cancellous bone in the natural cavity formed by a wall of densified calcellous bone. A 3.degree.-15.degree. proximal anteversion of the neck is adapted to place a hip-joint ball carried on the stem at a position closely approximating that of the head in the natural femur.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for replacing a damaged or diseased joint between two or more skeletal members, including a distal joint component formed with a sleeve connected to a stem adapted to mount to one skeletal member, a proximal joint component having a housing connected to a stem adapted to mount to an adjoining skeletal member, and a hinge element comprising a hollow cylinder, a pin disposed within the cylinder and a layer of elastomeric material bonded therebetween. The joint components are pivotally interconnected by inserting the cylinder of the hinging element for rotation within the sleeve of the distal joint component, and fixing the ends of the pin of the hinging element to the housing of the proximal joint component so that the distal joint component is pivotal about the hinging element relative to the proximal joint component.

Abstract: A compression hip screw to aid in healing of a fracture between the neck and head of a femur includes a hollow lag screw having a threaded inner end adapted to be inserted through the neck and into the head of the femur to span the fracture therebetween, a spring assembly slidably disposed within the lag screw and attached thereto, a side plate having a barrel adapted to fit over the outer end of the lag screw and a shank section for mounting to the lateral aspect of the femur, and a compression screw insertable through the barrel and into threaded engagement with the spring assembly. The compression screw seats in a recess formed at one end of the barrel and is rotatable to move the spring assembly along its threaded shaft toward the side plate. In turn, the lag screw connected to the spring assembly is urged toward the side plate which forces the femoral head against the neck of the femur to apply a compression force at the fracture therebetween.

Abstract: An external fixation device for the reduction of severely compounded or infected long bone fractures with substantial soft tissue involvement comprises at least two sets of retaining pins, each set including at least one retaining pin adapted to secure the bone portion distally or proximally of the fracture, a frame having a center section disposed between spaced end sections, and a pair of coupling elements mounted to the end sections of the frame each connecting one set of retaining pins to the frame. One of the coupling elements is adapted to move longitudinally, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame so as to properly position and secure one set of retaining pins and the bone portion connected thereto. The other coupling element is connected to a second set of retaining pins and is adapted to translate and pivot such pins, and the bone portion attached thereto, about three mutually orthogonal axes independently of the first coupling element.

Abstract: An improved hip joint prosthesis is provided by the present invention in which the stem portion of the femoral head prosthesis includes at least one layer of elastomeric material disposed between and attaching to at least two sections of rigid material to reduce necrosis and resorption of the adjacent bone. The stem portion may also be formed of a solid section of essentially rigid material having a plurality of circumferential elastomeric rings disposed at selected intervals along the length thereof, with at least three sections of rigid material attaching at spaced intervals to each elastomeric ring and extending outwardly to contact the bone within the medullary canal. Joint means may be provided between either of the stem portions herein and the head of the femoral head prosthesis, to provide a complete range of natural hip movement thus eliminating the need for a separate acetabulum prosthesis.

Abstract: A means of anchoring the stem or other portion of a joint prosthesis inserted within the medullary canal of a bone adjacent a diseased or damaged joint is provided by the present invention, wherein a continuous jacket or a plurality of circumferential rings of elastomeric material are attached to the prosthesis stem. A series of arrays of at least three section of biocompatible rigid material are secured to the elastomeric material at selected intervals along the length of the stem and extend radially outwardly therefrom, such that upon insertion of the prosthesis stem within the medullary canal the elastomeric material is compressed and urges the rigid sections outwardly into secure contact with the adjacent bone to resist dislocation of the prosthesis within the medullary canal.

Abstract: An improved stem portion of a joint prosthesis for replacing a damaged or diseased skeletal joint is provided by the subject invention, wherein a series of sections of elastomeric material attached to a rigid material are disposed one on top of the other in a staggered or offset configuration to form the stem. The offset is such that alternate sections of elastomer and rigid material contact selected locations of the bone within the medullary canal to firmly secure the prosthesis therewithin for resisting dislocation particularly during the early stages of postoperative rehabilitation.

Abstract: A prosthesis for knees and other joints comprises two portions which are disposed side by side and which are at least partially spaced apart from one another. Each portion of the prosthesis includes a pair of spaced apart, relatively inextensible primary components. Disposed between and spaced from the primary components in each portion of the prosthesis is a pivot member. Each pivot member is resiliently secured to the two corresponding primary components of its portion of the prosthesis so as to permit and accommodate relative rotation between the pivot member and the primary components. As a result, the two primary components of each portion of the joint prosthesis can rotate toward and away from one another about an axis that is disposed at least adjacent to and at least approximately parallel to a central axis of the corresponding pivot member. The pivot member and the primary components of each portion of the prosthesis are preferably secured together by one or more bodies of elastomer.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises two relatively inextensible primary components that are spaced apart from one another. Disposed between and spaced from each of the primary components is a pivot member that is also fabricated of relatively inextensible material. When viewed in section taken normal to its central longitudinal axis, the pivot member has two discrete arcuate surfaces that are spaced apart from one another about the circumference of the pivot member. One of the primary components of the prosthesis is resiliently secured to one of the arcuate surfaces of the pivot member, while the other primary component of the prosthesis is resiliently secured to the other arcuate surface of the pivot member. The resilient connections between the pivot member and the primary components permit relative rotation between the pivot member and each of the primary components.

Abstract: A compression mounting comprises a body of elastomer and a pair of load-transmitting devices that engage and cover two opposed and spaced apart surfaces of the elastomeric body. The two load-transmitting devices are disposed and configured to expose a circumferential surface of the body of elastomer. At least a circumferential portion of the surfaces so exposed is completely covered and enclosed by a shell or housing. The shell includes a filamentary structure that provides a plurality of substantially parallel and juxtaposed filament portions oriented to circumscribe the surface of the elastomeric body. The filament portions are less extensible than the elastomer of the elastomeric body. A matrix material encases the filament portions and flexibly bonds adjacent filament portions to one another. The shell snugly fits the surface of the elastomeric body and is more resistant to circumferential expansion than the elastomeric body.