Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user"s leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: A system for securing a graft within a bone includes a tubular cross pin having an interior surface bounding a passageway extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the distal end terminating at a distal end face. A guide pin has an exterior surface extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the exterior surface including an outwardly projecting shoulder. The guide pin is removably received within the passageway of the cross pin such that the distal end face of the cross pin biases against the shoulder and a proximal portion of the guide pin freely projects beyond the proximal end of the cross pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing, reconstructing and/or securing synthetic or biological connective tissue to interior and/or exterior bone surfaces. An anchoring apparatus and method of use are disclosed that secure a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure. The apparatus comprises a securing device, a retention device, and an anchoring device. The securing device has an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the tendon or ligament fits between the interior of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device. The retention device has an elongated body and a retention head, wherein the retention device securely fits within the interior surface of the securing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus and method of use are disclosed that secure a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a securing device, a retention device, and an anchoring device. The securing device has an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the tendon or ligament fits between the interior of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device. The retention device has an elongated body and a retention head, wherein the retention device securely fits within the interior surface of the securing device. The anchoring or holding device connects to the retention head of the retention device and extends outside the interior opening of the bone structure to engage the outer surface of the bone structure to hold the retention device and securing device in a fixed position inside the bone structure.

Abstract: An RF probe is disclosed for use in treating living tissue under repair or rehabilitation. The probe carries radio-frequency (RF) energy to a treatment zone through one or more prongs that penetrate and pierce the treatment location. The probe has another end, which attaches to an RF generator during operation. An insulator covers most of the probe, from the RF generator attachment end to the base of the prong end. The prongs are generally parallel and have sharpened ends for penetration. An insulating cap is further placed on the RF generator attachment end and is utilized to secure a lead from the RF generator during treatment.

Abstract: An anchor for attaching an object to a bone-like structure, and a method for deploying same is provided. The anchor includes a body and a plurality of barbs. The barbs are located in axially aligned, circumferentially spaced relation to each other about the body. Each barb is elastically deformable, and has a normal configuration which extends rearwardly and radially outwardly from the body to an outer end located outside a longitudinal projection of the largest geometric cross-section of the body transverse to its longitudinal axis. A bore for engagement by a length of cord-like material extends through the front portion of the body. An opening oriented perpendicularly to the bore extends through the rear portion of the body. A longitudinal slot aligned with the opening connects the front end of the body to the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a patella-femoral brace which includes an elastic sleeve which is sized so as to be securely positionable about a user's leg and which has a bracing plate located therein which becomes positioned adjacent the lateral side of the patella when the elastic sleeve is correctly positioned about the patient's knee. The brace plate may include a protection pad which extends to cover the lateral side of the knee to protect it from impact or contact with other elements of the knee brace. The brace plate is connected to a set of strap members, each located above and below the patella, and each being capable of wrapping around the medial side of the knee, across the back of the leg, and attaching to a rigid support brace. The support brace includes upper and lower cuffs, each having a single hinge arm which connect together at a hinge. The hinge includes a locking mechanism to prevent hyperextension of the knee.

Abstract: A drill guide for drilling a tunnel in a tibia for anterior cruciate ligament replacement comprises a target hook having a point for engaging and determining the exit of the tunnel in the tibial plateau, and a handle carrying a drill guide sleeve holder and selectively variable means for adjusting and rigidly fixing the angular position of the holder relative to the plateau. The drill guide also comprises a drill sleeve longitudinally selectively adjustably received in the holder for axial movement toward and away from the point, the drill sleeve having a proximal end extending toward the point. The drill sleeve is cannulated to receive a guide wire with a sharpened point headed toward the point. Engagement means for holding the drill sleeve in a selected position is provided, thereby preselecting the desired tunnel length defined between the proximal end of said drill sleeve and the point.

Abstract: A device for determining the isometric point of a knee cruciate ligament replacement in a femur after a tibial tunnel has been prepared by attaching a screw to an estimated placement point on the femur with a strand attached to the screw and extending away therefrom. The device comprises a holder, a driver disposed in the holder to engage and drive the screw into the femur, a fitting for positioning the holder to the mouth of the tunnel on the outer anterior tibial surface, a gauge calibrated to provide a selected tension on the strand, and means for attaching the gauge to the holder. The gauge comprises an excursion scale to indicate the movement of the strand when the knee is flexed, a spring for applying a selected tension to the strand, and a gripper for the strand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee brace which includes an upper and lower cuff which are attached at the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint by freecentric locking hinges. The freecentric hinge includes a free floating center of rotation which allows simultaneous translation and rotation of the upper hinge arm relative to the lower hinge arm. The freecentric hinge may further include a locking mechanism which comprises a pin located on the upper hinge arm and a hook located on the lower hinge arm which may be forced into engagement to prevent further rotation of the hinge when it is desired to prevent hyperextension of the user's knee. A pair of tension straps may be attached across the back of the user's knee from the upper cuff to the lower cuff, and adjusted in its length so that extension of the knee tends to generate tension in the strap which aids in pulling the upper and lower cuff members to be pulled towards each other.