Abstract: A method of administering a medication to a post operative patient with the medication being administered at the site of a surgery performed on the patient. The medication is formed into a time release capsule (10) having a core (12) of the medication which is dispensed within the body over a predetermined period of time. The capsule is covered with a coating (14) that dissolves within the body. The time release medication is not released until the covering is sufficiently dissolved to expose the medication. During surgery, the surgeon places placing a plurality of capsules (10–10n) in the patient's body at the surgery site. The respective capsules have different coating thicknesses so the medication contained therein is dispensed at different periods of time after the surgery as a function of the thickness of the coating.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome. A first sleeve (12) fits over the person's hand (H) and extends up their arm (A) past their wrist (W). This sleeve is worn during non-working portions of the person's day and includes a support (14) formed in the palm portion of the sleeve to support the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve passing through it. This alleviates pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. A second sleeve (22) also fits over the person's hand and extends up their arm past their wrist. This second sleeve, which is also worn during non-working portions of the day, extends further up the person's arm than the first sleeve. A support (24) of this second sleeve extends along the back of the person's hand to also relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: An elbow brace (10) supporting a person's elbow (E) in a desired, fixed position comprises a sleeve (12) sized to fit over the person's arm (A). One end (14) of the sleeve terminates above the person's elbow, with the other end (16) of the sleeve terminating below the elbow and above the wrist. A support pad (18) fitted into the sleeve pad supports the elbow in the desired position when the sleeve is in place. Straps (24, 26) extend from the one end (14) of the sleeve and about the wearer's neck to secure the sleeve in place.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by sufferers of mallet finger. The splint comprises a sleeve (12) sized to readily fit over the end of a finger (F) having a damaged tendon causing the mallet finger. The sleeve extends at least as far as the DIP joint of the finger. A pocket (14) is formed in the sleeve and a curved rigid plate (16) having an elbow (18) formed intermediate its ends is positioned along the underside of the finger. A padding material (20) fits between the plate and the finger to cushion the finger. The curvature of the plate holds the outer end of the finger in a hyperextended position with the DIP joint immobilized so to promote healing of the finger.

Abstract: A support (10) worn on a person's foot (F) or hand to correct a deformity to a toe (T2) or finger. A first sleeve (12) of a support material is sized to fit over the adjacent toe (T1). A second sleeve (14) of the material is sized to fit over another toe (T3). A band (16) of material extends between the two sleeves. The band of material fits over the deformed toe when the support is worn and holds the deformed toe in a position in which it does not overlay the adjacent toe but extends generally side-by-side with it. Another embodiment of the support can be worn on a person's hand to treat a deformed finger. The support can be incorporated into a sock (100) or glove (110).

Abstract: A method of administering a medication to a post operative patient with the medication being administered at the site of a surgery performed on the patient. The medication is formed into a time release capsule (10) having a core (12) of the medication which is dispensed within the body over a predetermined period of time. The capsule is covered with a coating (14) that dissolves within the body. The time release medication is not released until the covering is sufficiently dissolved to expose the medication. During surgery, the surgeon places placing a plurality of capsules (10-10n) in the patient's body at the surgery site. The respective capsules have different coating thicknesses so the medication contained therein is dispensed at different periods of time after the surgery as a function of the thickness of the coating.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome. A first sleeve (12) fits over the person's hand (H) and extends up their arm (A) past their wrist (W). This sleeve is worn during non-working portions of the person's day and includes a support (14) formed in the palm portion of the sleeve to support the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve passing through it. This alleviates pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. A second sleeve (22) also fits over the person's hand and extends up their arm past their wrist. This second sleeve, which is also worn during non-working portions of the day, extends further up the person's arm than the first sleeve. A support (24) of this second sleeve extends along the back of the person's hand to also relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by sufferers of mallet finger. The splint comprises a sleeve (12) sized to readily fit over the end of a finger (F) having a damaged tendon causing the mallet finger. The sleeve extends at least as far as the DIP joint of the finger. A pocket (14) is formed in the sleeve and a curved rigid plate (16) having an elbow (18) formed intermediate its ends is positioned along the underside of the finger. A padding material (20) fits between the plate and the finger to cushion the finger. The curvature of the plate holds the outer end of the finger in a hyperextended position with the DIP joint immobilized so to promote healing of the finger.

Abstract: A bone fixation device (10) employs a rod (12) inserted longitudinally of a broken bone (B) and bridges a fracture (Fx) in the bone. Screws (14) are inserted transversely of the bone to hold the rod in place. A relatively thin plate (16) is contoured to fit against the bone on opposite thereof. The plates are form fitted against the sides of the bone and the screws are inserted into the bone through spaced openings (18) in the plates. The heads (20) of the screws are drawn up against the side of the plate and washers (22) are used with to distribute the forces exerted on the bone by the head of the screw. The plates prevent the screws from sinking into the bone and creating stresses which might cause displacement of the reduced fracture.

Abstract: An elbow brace (10) supporting a person's elbow (E) in a desired, fixed position comprises a sleeve (12) sized to fit over the person's arm (A). One end (14) of the sleeve terminates above the person's elbow, with the other end (16) of the sleeve terminating below the elbow and above the wrist. A support pad (18) fitted into the sleeve pad supports the elbow in the desired position when the sleeve is in place. Straps (24, 26) extend from the one end (14) of the sleeve and about the wearer's neck to secure the sleeve in place.

Abstract: A CMC splint (10) supporting the thumb (T) and index finger (I) of a person's hand in a spread apart, separated position. A sleeve (12) having an open end (14) is sized to fit over the person's arm (A) and extend up the person's arm a distance between their wrist and elbow. The other end (16) of the sleeve is closed, but has openings (18) therein through which the thumb and fingers of the person's hand extend. A stiffening member (20) contained in the sleeve at its closed end keeps the person's thumb and index finger spread apart from each other in a spaced relationship to protect the CMC joint of the hand and allow the joint to heal. The stiffening member comprises a curved pad extending from the base of the index finger, about a curved web portion of the hand separating the index finger and the thumb, and along an inside surface of the thumb a distance above the base of the thumb.

Abstract: A dorsal compartment brace (10) includes a sleeve (12) having an open end (14) sized to fit over the person's arm (A) and extend above the person's wrist. The opposite end (16) of the sleeve has openings (18) and an extension (19) through which the thumb and fingers of the person's hand extend. A splint (20) carried in the sleeve is contoured to fit about the rear, dorsal portion of the person's hand. When the sleeve is worn, the splint immobilizes the first dorsal compartment of the hand to facilitate rehabilitation of the hand.

Abstract: A medical instrument (10) is used by a surgeon (S) operating on a patient (P). A surgical implement (12) is held by the surgeon performing the operation and is manipulable by him to bring a portion (14) of the implement into contact with the patient's body (B). A source (16) of ultrasonic pulses (18) produces a stream of such pulses which are supplied to the instrument. The method of the present invention enables pulses to be supplied to the instrument for a defined interval (T.sub.D) after which there is a defined interval (T.sub.E) in which no pulses are delivered. At the end of this pause pulses are again delivered to the instrument. Provision of a pause enable the surgeon to better control the operation, for example, by preventing overcutting of tissue.

Abstract: A suture retriever and method for manipulating suture during endoscopic surgical procedures. The suture retriever has an elongated housing provided with a needle tip and a lateral opening situated near the tip. A suture engaging hook is extendable through the lateral opening and away from the axis of the housing in order to snare a suture. The hook is situated at the distal end of an elongated flexible support which is pre-formed in order to enable the hook to be laterally displaced from the axis of the needle tip when the support is moved distally relative to the lateral opening. When a suture is engaged by the hook, the latter is retracted proximally in order to place and hold the suture adjacent the lateral opening.

Abstract: A surgical kit for performing trigger finger release surgery. A flexor tendon (T) passes through the palm (P) of a person's hand (H) to a finger (F) or thumb (B). Constriction of a protective sheath (E) around the tendon causes the trigger finger condition. For a person suffering from trigger finger, a path (1) of the impaired tendon is first identified. A puncture site is then located for insertion of one end of a hollow, curved cannula (1) into the palm. The cannula is pushed through the palm with a first puncture hole (U) being made where the instrument enters into the palm, and a second puncture hole (U') where the cannula exits from the palm. The cannula is routed through the palm such that the path (8) of the cannula passes through the sheath. The cannula is left in place and an arthroscope (9) and a surgical knife (11) are inserted into respective ends of the instrument. The surgeon views the surgical site through a monitor (10) to which the arthroscope is attached.

Abstract: A method for closing an incision (I) deep within a patient's body (B) with a suture (S). A medical instrument (C) has arms 1 and 2 for openings and closing opposed jaws (3,4). Each jaw has a pair of openings (3A-3B, 4A-4B). A knot (K) is formed using the ends (S1, S2) of the suture. For this purpose, the ends of the suture are withdrawn from the body. This allows the surgeon to form a proper surgical knot. After forming the knot, the suture ends are inserted through the respective Fairs of openings. The surgeon can now draw the knot tightly down on the incision to close it by inserting the jaws end of the instrument into the patient's body while applying a slight pulling force on the ends of the suture. The surgical knot thus made will not thereafter loosen.

Abstract: A method of performing trigger finger release surgery. A flexor tendon (T) passes through the palm (P) of a person's hand (H) to a finger (F) or thumb (B) . For a person suffering from trigger finger, the path (1) of the impaired tendon is first identified. Constriction of a protective sheath (E) around the flexor tendon causes the trigger finger condition. A puncture site is identified for insertion of one end of a hollow surgical instrument (1) into the palm. The surgical instrument is pushed through the palm of the hand so that a first puncture hole (U) is made where the instrument enters into the palm, and a second puncture hold (U') where the instrument exits from the palm. The instrument is routed through the palm such that the path (8) of the instrument passes through the sheath. The surgical instrument is left in place and an arthroscope (9) and a surgical knife (11) are inserted into respective ends of the instrument.

Abstract: A method for closing an incision (I) deep within a patient's body (B) with a suture (S). A medical instrument (C) has arms 1 and 2 for openings and closing opposed jaws (3,4). Each jaw has a pair of openings (3A-3B, 4A-4B). A knot (K) is formed using the ends (S1, S2) of the suture. For this purpose, the ends of the suture are withdrawn from the body. This allows the surgeon to form a proper surgical knot. After forming the knot, the suture ends are inserted through the respective pairs of openings. The surgeon can now draw the knot tightly down on the incision to close it by inserting the jaws end of the instrument into the patient's body while applying a slight pulling force on the ends of the suture. The surgical knot thus made will not thereafter loosen.

Abstract: A surgical implement (10) for permanently attaching a ligament (L) or a suture to a bone (B). An anchor body (12) is insertable into a pre-drilled hole (H). The outer end of the body is threaded onto a hollow tube (T) which is used to insert the anchor body into the hole. The body has a recess (18) at its inner end for capturing the ligament or suture prior to insertion of the body into the hole. The anchor body has a longitudinally extending bore (14) into which a pin 15 is inserted through the tool. Fins (16a, 16b) on opposite sides of the body extend into the opening in the body but are forced outwardly by the pin as it is inserted in the bore. The fins engage the sidewall of the hole and prevent the anchor body from being dislodged. Because the fins are not pushed outwardly unless the pin is inserted, the anchor body can be trial fit into the hole without it being permanently installed.