Abstract: A method for suspension of the CMC joint that minimizes patient irritation/discomfort and damage to the surrounding tissue. Specifically, the method is a method for suspending a first metacarpal in relative position to a second metacarpal. The method includes the steps of: (i) drilling a hole through the first metacarpal; (ii) inserting a drill guide through the hole in the first metacarpal; (iii) advancing the drill guide to a surface of the second metacarpal, and drilling a hole in the second metacarpal; (iv) inserting an anchor into the hole formed in the second metacarpal, wherein the anchor is attached to suture; (v) deploying the anchor within the second metacarpal; (vi) tensioning the suture attached to the anchor; and (vii) fixing the position of the first metacarpal relative to the second metacarpal using the suture.

Abstract: A traction tower assembly and traction tower scale. The traction tower assembly includes a tower assembly including a first tower having a first side surface and a second tower having a second side surface positioned adjacent to the first side surface, wherein the second tower is movable with respect to the first tower in a first direction and in a second direction; and an elongated arm assembly attached to and extending from the tower assembly.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device for cutting and removing cartilage from a diseased area. The surgical cutting device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion connected between a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal axis extends through the elongated shaft. The proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter. The first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The cutting device also includes a cutting tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting tip extends along a second axis at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis and includes a curved blade. The curved blade includes an inner wall extending to a base of the cutting tip.

Abstract: A suture backstop system for loading an all-suture backstop on a suspension system in a bone tunnel. The suture backstop system has a backstop with a first and second end both extending in a distal direction. The system includes a first passing longitudinal element woven through the backstop such that a first loop is created in the first passing longitudinal element and extends from the first end of the backstop. Similarly, the system also includes a second passing longitudinal element woven through the backstop such that a second loop is created in the second passing longitudinal element and extends from the second end of the backstop. The first and second passing longitudinal elements are attached to a distal end of a handle. The first and second ends of the backstop are positioned in a first direction in an undeployed configuration and positioned in a second direction, different from the first direction, in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A suture passing drill for passing suture through bone. The suture passing drill includes a proximal end and a distal end with an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft has first portion with a first diameter. The drill also includes a wire loop extending from the proximal end of the elongated shaft and a drill tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has a narrow portion with a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter. The narrow portion is positioned proximally adjacent relative to the drill tip. The narrow portion is preferably created through coining. Coining prevents the need for machining the outer diameter (or surface) of the elongated shaft proximal to the drill tip in order to create a larger drill tip. The larger drill tip of the suture passing drill allows for passage of the entire drill through the bone hole.

Abstract: A method for suspension of the CMC joint that minimizes patient irritation/discomfort and damage to the surrounding tissue. Specifically, the method is a method for suspending a first metacarpal in relative position to a second metacarpal. The method includes the steps of: (i) drilling a hole through the first metacarpal; (ii) inserting a drill guide through the hole in the first metacarpal; (iii) advancing the drill guide to a surface of the second metacarpal, and drilling a hole in the second metacarpal; (iv) inserting an anchor into the hole formed in the second metacarpal, wherein the anchor is attached to suture; (v) deploying the anchor within the second metacarpal; (vi) tensioning the suture attached to the anchor; and (vii) fixing the position of the first metacarpal relative to the second metacarpal using the suture.

Abstract: A polished surface of an arthroscopic instrument for improving visualization of the portion of an ankle joint under repair known as the gutter. The instrument has a handle, a shaft, and a head, at least a portion of the head is polished to provide a mirrored surface for viewing the gutter. Alternatively, the arthroscopic instrument may have a handle, a shaft, and a head, where the head is cylindrical and includes a plurality of apertures extending along the axis of the cylindrical head to define a plurality of guides.

Abstract: A suture needle construct and method for extracapsular ligament reconstruction in mammals. The joint is first is first explored, and the damaged ligament and meniscus are debrided. The joint capsule is closed and a tunnel is created at the appropriate location in the proximal tibia for tibial fixation. Subsequent to the formation of the tibial tunnel, a suture having a substantially curved needle at one end and a substantially straight needle at the other end is brought in the proximity of the joint. The suture is passed around the lateral fabella using the substantially curved needle, then deep to the patellar ligament using the substantially straight needle, and through the tibial tunnel using the straight needle. The needles are cut off, and the sutures are tensioned over repair site.

Abstract: A method for introducing autogenous growth factors produced from a patient's own blood into a target bone tunnel created by the surgeon during ligament reconstruction. The autogenous growth factors, preferably contained in platelet-rich plasma, are provided optionally with hyaluronic acid and with a coagulating agent such as thrombin to form a coagulated or viscous PRP. The coagulated growth factors are inserted into the target tunnel, to enhance the healing of the implant or graft and to promote bone growth.