Abstract: An adjustable, knotless button/loop/needle construct for fixation of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The adjustable, knotless construct includes two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) and at least one flexible, adjustable loop attached to at least one of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). Preferably, a needle is attached to each of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). The adjustable, knotless construct has an adjustable loop length and allows adjustment in one direction while preventing or locking the construct from loosening in the opposite direction, due to applied tensile forces. The construct and technique of the present invention provides an improved knotless system for cruciate ligament repair.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for use in a treatment for prevention of arthrofibrosis that includes a first and a second substantially L-shaped frames, each L-shaped frame having a first member and a second member extending from the first member in a substantially perpendicular direction and terminating in a first end, a fixed plate extending between the first members of the L-shaped frames, the fixed plate being parallel with the first members of the L-shaped frames, a movable plate pivotally coupled to the first ends of the first members of the L-shaped frames with, a pneumatic piston coupled to the movable plate and the fixed plate, a hand operated valve operatively coupled to the pneumatic piston and a goniometer coupled to the movable plate and one of the L-shaped frames, the goniometer adapted and configured to indicate the angle between the movable plate and the fixed plate.

Abstract: Techniques, mixtures, mixing and delivery kits, and improved delivery instruments for implantation of micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect. Allograft cartilage tissue is delivered over a cartilage defect that has been debrided and microfractured, without the need for a periosteal covering or separate type of patch sewn over the top. The allograft tissue may be any micronized cartilage particulates obtained by various methods, for example, cartilage delivered in its native form, dehydrated via lyophilization, “freeze-dried,” dehydrated via desiccation, or dehydrated by any other method.

Abstract: A system for playing blackjack requires a player or electronic system to: (i) receive a first bet from a player; (ii) deal an initial two-card hand to the player; (iii) deal one or more additional cards to the player; (iv) determine whether a sum total value of the initial two-card hand and the one or more additional cards exceeds twenty-one; (v) if so, offer the player an opportunity to place an additional bet; (vi) receive, from the player, the additional bet; (vii) in response receiving the additional bet, deal a final card to the player (optionally from a shoe that is different from that used for the initial hand); (vii) subtract a value of the final card from the sum total value to yield a new value; and (ix) based on the new value, determine whether the player has a winning hand, a push, or a losing hand.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: Instrumentation and assembly for arthroscopic elbow surgery which includes a humeral component. The humeral component is installed in a trough formed in the humeral condyle. The trough may be formed by using a plurality of drill pins and a plurality of corresponding cutters (and optionally a template). The two drill pins are passed through the template and drilled into the humerus, and cutters are advanced over the corresponding drill pins to form the trough. The humeral component may be employed in conjunction with an ulnar implant.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: Biomarkers, biomarker panels and methods for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) and determining treatment are disclosed, using measurement of the expression level of certain polypeptides in a test sample from a subject, including MCP1, IL8, KC, MMP2, MMP3, Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein E. Related methods for monitoring OA treatment efficacy, diagnostic reagents, and kits are also described.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for forming a non-circular tissue graft from donor tissue, and a corresponding recipient site in patient's tissue, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cutting guide is disclosed for use in forming the recipient site. The cutting guide comprises a deformable body including a non-circular window, through which the patient's tissue is accessed, that is reconfigurable to contour to the patient's tissue. A cutting bit is also disclosed for use with the cutting guide in forming the recipient site. The cutting bit engages and follow a cutting route defined by the cutting guide, and includes a shaft, as well as a cutting head that removes portions of the patient's tissue. A cutting guide for use in forming the tissue graft from the donor tissue is also disclosed, which includes a removable template defining a channel that corresponds in configuration and dimensions to the cutting route.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: A system for playing blackjack requires a player or electronic system to: (i) receive a first bet from a player; (ii) deal an initial two-card hand to the player; (iii) deal one or more additional cards to the player; (iv) determine whether a sum total value of the initial two-card hand and the one or more additional cards exceeds twenty-one; (v) if so, offer the player an opportunity to place an additional bet; (vi) receive, from the player, the additional bet; (vii) in response receiving the additional bet, deal a final card to the player (optionally from a shoe that is different from that used for the initial hand); (vii) subtract a value of the final card from the sum total value to yield a new value; and (ix) based on the new value, determine whether the player has a winning hand, a push, or a losing hand.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cutting guide is disclosed for use in a surgical procedure to removed damaged tissue from a patient and form a recipient site configured and dimensioned to receive a donor graft. The cutting guide includes a first arm that abuts a section of the damaged tissue to be removed, and a second arm including a hole and a slot that receives a cutting implement, the first arm and the slot defining a distance therebetween corresponding to a desired dimension of the recipient site. In another embodiment, a cutting guide is disclosed for use in forming a donor graft from donor tissue. The cutting guide includes a body that receives the donor tissue, and a shaping member that is rotatably secured to the body. The shaping member includes at least one vane that shapes the donor tissue so as to form the donor graft.

Abstract: Biomarkers, biomarker panels and methods for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) and determining treatment are disclosed, using measurement of the expression level of certain polypeptides in a test sample from a subject, including MCP1, IL8, KC, MMP2, MMP3, Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein E. Related methods for monitoring OA treatment efficacy, diagnostic reagents, and kits are also described.

Abstract: A method for repairing a cartilage defect according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, preparing a cartilage defect for implantation of a cartilage graft and attaching the cartilage graft via a transosseus tunnel.

Abstract: An adjustable, knotless button/loop/needle construct for fixation of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The adjustable, knotless construct includes two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) and at least one flexible, adjustable loop attached to at least one of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). Preferably, a needle is attached to each of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). The adjustable, knotless construct has an adjustable loop length and allows adjustment in one direction while preventing or locking the construct from loosening in the opposite direction, due to applied tensile forces. The construct and technique of the present invention provides an improved knotless system for cruciate ligament repair.

Abstract: Biomarkers, biomarker panels and methods for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) and determining treatment are disclosed, using measurement of the expression level of certain polypeptides in a test sample from a subject, including MCP1, IL8, KC, MMP2, MMP3, Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein E. Related methods for monitoring OA treatment efficacy, diagnostic reagents, and kits are also described.

Abstract: An adjustable, knotless button/loop/needle construct for fixation of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The adjustable, knotless construct includes two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) and at least one flexible, adjustable loop attached to at least one of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). Preferably, a needle is attached to each of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). The adjustable, knotless construct has an adjustable loop length and allows adjustment in one direction while preventing or locking the construct from loosening in the opposite direction, due to applied tensile forces. The construct and technique of the present invention provides an improved knotless system for cruciate ligament repair.