Abstract: The method is described herein for forming a polymer, comprising providing a first monomer comprising a polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups; providing a second monomer comprising a polyalkyl ester of a polycarboxylic acid having at least two alkyl ester groups; mixing the first monomer and the second monomer to form a reaction mixture; and reacting the first monomer and the second monomer in the mixture by transesterification to form a polyester polymer, which may, if desired be crosslinked. The polymers may also be copolymerized with other monomers. Polymers and copolymers formed from the method herein, as well as articles formed therefrom are also described. Such polymers and articles may be biocompatible and/or bioresorbable.

Abstract: The method is described herein for forming a polymer, comprising providing a first monomer comprising a polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups; providing a second monomer comprising a polyalkyl ester of a polycarboxylic acid having at least two alkyl ester groups; mixing the first monomer and the second monomer to form a reaction mixture; and reacting the first monomer and the second monomer in the mixture by transesterification to form a polyester polymer, which may, if desired be crosslinked. The polymers may also be copolymerized with other monomers. Polymers and copolymers formed from the method herein, as well as articles formed therefrom are also described. Such polymers and articles may be biocompatible and/or bioresorbable.

Abstract: Articles for increasing lubrication of a joint are described herein. The articles include resorbable, biocompatible particles which may include at least one polymer and are capable of increasing fluid movement within the joint compared to synovial fluid, viscosupplemental fluid, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one polymer has a glass transition temperature within a joint of less than about 37° C. A composition for increasing lubrication of a joint is also disclosed. The composition includes the resorbable, biocompatible particles and a carrier fluid. Methods of lubricating a joint and treating disease affecting the joint such as osteoarthritis are also described herein. The methods include introducing the resorbable, biocompatible particles into a joint.

Abstract: Articles for increasing lubrication of a joint are described herein. The articles include resorbable, biocompatible particles having a glass transition temperature within a joint of less than about 37° C. and capable of increasing fluid movement within the joint compared to synovial fluid, viscosupplemental fluid, or combinations thereof A composition for increasing lubrication of a joint is also disclosed. The composition includes the resorbable, biocompatible particles and a carrier fluid. Methods of lubricating a joint and treating disease affecting the joint such as osteoarthritis are also described herein. The methods include introducing the resorbable, biocompatible particles into a joint.

Abstract: Articles for increasing lubrication of a joint are described herein. The articles include resorbable, biocompatible particles having a glass transition temperature within a joint of less than about 37° C. and capable of increasing fluid movement within the joint compared to synovial fluid, viscosupplemental fluid, or combinations thereof. A composition for increasing lubrication of a joint is also disclosed. The composition includes the resorbable, biocompatible particles and a carrier fluid. Methods of lubricating a joint and treating disease affecting the joint such as osteoarthritis are also described herein. The methods include introducing the resorbable, biocompatible particles into a joint.

Abstract: Articles for increasing lubrication of a joint are described herein. The articles include resorbable, biocompatible particles having a glass transition temperature within a joint of less than about 37° C. and capable of increasing fluid movement within the joint compared to synovial fluid, viscosupplemental fluid, or combinations thereof. A composition for increasing lubrication of a joint is also disclosed. The composition includes the resorbable, biocompatible particles and a carrier fluid. Methods of lubricating a joint and treating disease affecting the joint such as osteoarthritis are also described herein. The methods include introducing the resorbable, biocompatible particles into a joint.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spores exposed to sterilization or disinfection by multi-angle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process by determining the release of dipicolinic acid (DPA) from bacterial or other spores that contain DPA. A biological indicator containing a spore may be included together with articles being sterilized, and an assay of DPA released from the spore can be performed moments after the sterilization process is completed, or during the process. The kits and methods thus provide a rapid and reliable method of assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and, consequently, assure the sterility of article subjected to the same process.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment and methods for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spores exposed to a sterilization or disinfection method by multiangle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection method.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment and methods for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spore exposed to a sterilization or disinfection method by multiangle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection method.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process by determining the release of dipicolinic acid (DPA) from bacterial or other spores that contain DPA. A biological indicator containing a spore may be included together with articles being sterilized, and an assay of DPA released from the spore can be performed moments after the sterilization process is completed, or during the process. The kits and methods thus provide a rapid and reliable method of assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and, consequently, assure the sterility of article subjected to the same process.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment and methods for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spores exposed to a sterilization or disinfection method by multiangle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection method.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment and methods for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spores exposed to a sterilization or disinfection method by multiangle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection method.

Abstract: A limb holding device designed to be attached to an operating table to immobilize a patient's arm or leg during arthroscopic surgery or the like. It provides for distraction of the hip joint or other joint being worked on, and also provides for reduction and maintenance of position of fractures of the arm or leg. The device includes a pair of vertical upright supports braced by an adjustable connecting bar, and a fork-like member has a canvas or plastic cradle stretched between its two tines, a plurality of straps to immobilize the patient's limb on the cradle, a padded shoe-like or plate-like device to hold the foot firmly, and a handle means to facilitate manipulation of the limb and to place the proper traction forces thereon. A tensiometer is integrated into the fork-like member to allow direct and accurate indication of the traction force being-placed on the limb.

Abstract: A limb holding apparatus mounts to the rails of an operating table for distracting the ankle of a patient for surgery and like procedures. The ankle of the patient is attached by a harness to a traction applicator. The traction applicator can be variably adjusted in terms of both direction and applied force for applying traction to the ankle joint. The apparatus is readily adjustable for repositioning the limb of the patient.

Abstract: A limb holding device designed to be attached to an operating table to immobilize a patient's arm or leg during arthroscopic surgery or the like. It provides for distraction of the hip joint or other joint being worked on, and also provides for reduction and maintenance of position of fractures of the arm or leg. The device includes a pair of vertical upright supports braced by an adjustable connecting bar, and a fork-like member has a canvas or plastic cradle stretched between its two tines, a plurality of straps to immobilize the patient's limb on the cradle, a padded shoe-like or plate-like device to hold the foot firmly, and a handle to facilitate manipulation of the limb and to place the proper traction forces thereon. A tensiometer is integrated into the fork-like member to allow direct and accurate indication of the traction force being placed on the limb.

Abstract: A surgical shoulder positioning apparatus comprises a pivotally positionable abductor boom. An abductor collar and an arm extender may be suspended from the boom. The boom is variably positionable to obtain the proper abduction orientation of a shoulder for shoulder surgery. The abductor boom is mounted on a crossbar extending between a pair of upright support frames which are mounted to the operating table.

Abstract: A protective cover for a hypodermic needle employs a pair of guide rods for guiding a protective cap from a retracted position to an extended protective position for shielding the hypodermic needle. A guide member projects transversely from the needle base and forms a pair of apertures which receive and interact with the guide rods. The guide rods are fixed to a protective cap portion of the cover. A guide rod mechanism is also employed in connection with a retractable, foldable sheath embodiment. The protective cover assembly may also take the form of telescopic shield sections which lock in the extended protective position by means of a cooperative projection/groove locking engagement.