Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic surgery provides a means for retaining loose tissue within a joint so that the tissue may be readily cut and removed from the joint. The apparatus comprises a harpoon-like shaft which is inserted into the body joint and the barb on the end of the shaft is engaged with the loose tissue within the joint. The shaft is then drawn outwardly slightly to tension the loose tissue so that it can be cut to permit the removal of the tissue from the joint. A cannula is slidable over the shaft and the end portion of the cannula is bevelled to fit beneath the barb. With the cannula engagable with the undersurface of the barb the device can be removed from the joint without engaging any adjacent tissue. The completely detached tissue may then be grasped and withdrawn through an opening into the joint.

Abstract: A thigh brace for maintaining broken bone segments in the proper healing orientation by protecting and reinforcing the surfaces of the upper leg between the hip and knee is disclosed. The thigh brace includes an elongate generally U-shaped interior member which extends around the laterally interior surface of the upper leg and which is flexible. The thigh brace also includes an elongate, generally C-shaped exterior member which extends around the laterally exterior surface of the upper leg and which is similarly flexible. The longitudinal side edges of the exterior member are disposed in overlapping relationship with the longitudinal side edges of the interior member so that the exterior member and interior member encase the upper leg and provide increased lateral support to hold the broken bone segments in the proper healing orientation and protect against valgus or varus movement of the broken bone segments.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion leg exercise device for rehabilitation of knee motion, hip motion, and ankle motion after trauma or surgery is disclosed. The device includes an elongated base, a thigh support, a lower leg support pivotally connected to the thigh support, and a foot support pivotally connected to the lower leg support. The distal end of the lower leg support and foot support are mounted on a sliding bearing attached to the base. The thigh support is pivotally mounted to a thigh brace at one end. At the other end, the thigh brace engages a threaded drive screw extending from an enclosed motor assembly. The threaded drive screw is also enclosed except where the thigh brace extends through the enclosure. Movement of the thigh brace along the drive screw causes the thigh support, lower leg support, and foot support to move in a knee bending motion. The motor includes a motor cycling device which reverses rotation of the threaded screw.