Abstract: A jaw mechanism for an endoscopic instrument is provided. The mechanism includes a drive rod having at least one boss radially protruding from a distal portion of the drive rod. A portion of the jaw mechanism has at least one groove that slidingly engages the at least one boss. A proximal portion of the drive rod is adapted to interface with an actuation mechanism. When actuated, the drive rod moves axially through a tubular member. The at least one boss travels through the at least one groove, causing the jaw mechanism to pivot around a pivot point connected to the distal portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A incremental rotational displacement mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a circular detent housing having a plurality of detents arranged along the circumference of the detent housing. A detent ring is positioned coplanar to and within the circumference of the detent housing. At least a portion of the at least one detent arm engages at least a portion of the detent housing. A handle may engage the detent ring, so that a force applied to the handle causes the detent ring to rotate with respect to the circular detent housing. The mechanism is suitable for a variety of applications, including endoscopic instruments.

Abstract: A incremental rotational displacement mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a circular detent housing having a plurality of detents arranged along the circumference of the detent housing. A detent ring is positioned coplanar to and within the circumference of the detent housing. At least a portion of the at least one detent arm engages at least a portion of the detent housing. A handle may engage the detent ring, so that a force applied to the handle causes the detent ring to rotate with respect to the circular detent housing. The mechanism is suitable for a variety of applications, including endoscopic instruments.

Abstract: A jaw mechanism for an endoscopic instrument is provided. The mechanism includes a drive rod having at least one boss radially protruding from a distal portion of the drive rod. A portion of the jaw mechanism has at least one groove that slidingly engages the at least one boss. A proximal portion of the drive rod is adapted to interface with an actuation mechanism. When actuated, the drive rod moves axially through a tubular member. The at least one boss travels through the at least one groove, causing the jaw mechanism to pivot around a pivot point connected to the distal portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail system and method for providing the capability of creating intramedullary nails of any desired length by a combination of a small number of base nail members adapted to be joined to any one of a variety of hollow extension nail members. Any selected extension nail member may be axially connected to any selected base nail member in order to prevent axial separation of the members. Additionally, each extension nail member is provided with transverse openings adapted to receive a bone screw to secure the intramedullary nail within the bone to be repaird. The extension nail member is infinitely rotationally adjustable about the axis of the base nail member in order to enable the fixation of the extension member with any desired degree of anteversion prior to final assembly of the base nail member with the extension nail member.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail is disclosed having a tubular elongated body that includes a proximal head portion, an intermediate portion and a distal end portion. The intermediate portion has a longitudinal slot along one side thereof, a groove coextensive with a portion of the slot, and three other grooves spaced about the circumference of the body. This construction provides more desirable flexibility and allows improved revascularization about the nail. The nail is formed of a rod material and the slot and grooves are machined therein to the desired depth and shape.