Abstract: In high tibial osteotomy a cross-shaped gauge having downwardly-depending side arms is positioned toward the end of the tibia, with the depending arms adjacent the arcuate path of the proposed saw cut. The cross-shaped gauge establishes a first indicia between said depending arms for positioning the arcuate axis of a semi-cylindrical saw, and a second indicia proximate the upper end of the longitudinal arm of the gauge for locating the saw arc. A saw blade of correct radius is then selected. The first indicia established by the gauge positions a first hole drilled through the bone for receiving a guide pin or rod, and the second indicia locates a second hole on the saw line for receiving a depth gauge. An arm on the depth gauge is aligned with a plurality of spacers placed on the aforementioned pin or rod, and the pin or rod is received along a cylindrical bore in the saw. When the saw is operated, the spacers arrest movement of the saw blade when it has passed through the bone.

Abstract: In high tibial osteotomy a cross-shaped gauge having downwardly-depending side arms is positioned toward the end of the tibia, with the depending arms adjacent the arcuate path of the proposed saw cut. The cross-shaped gauge establishes a first indicia between said depending arms for positioning the arcuate axis of a semi-cylindrical saw, and a second indicia proximate the upper end of the longitudinal arm of the gauge for locating the saw arc. A saw blade of correct radius is then selected. The first indicia established by the gauge positions a first hole drilled through the bone for receiving a guide pin or rod, and the second indicia locates a second hole on the saw line for receiving a depth gauge. An arm on the depth gauge is aligned with a plurality of spacers placed on the aforementioned pin or rod, and the pin or rod is received along a cylindrical bore in the saw. When the saw is operated, the spacers arrest movement of the saw blade when it has passed through the bone.

Abstract: A surgical appliance for stabilizing a fractured thighbone is shown having a femoral nail for insertion in the medullary canal and a crosspiece supported at one end in a slot that extends longitudinally lengthwise in the femoral nail, the other end of the crosspiece being bedded in the femoral head. The crosspiece is formed as a flat, spirally shaped element that slides through the slot in the femoral nail when it is seated in the medullary canal and the fracture has been reduced, the leading end of the crosspiece being driven through the neck and into the femoral head. The assembled nail and crosspiece arrangement provides a rigid elongated cross sectional area of the crosspiece supported in the slot in the femoral nail and a flat leading end that serves as a bearing surface in the femoral head that is turned at about a right angle with respect to the slot in the nail whereby to minimize cutting out of the leading end of the crosspiece through the wall of the femoral head.