Abstract: A halo style surgical retractor having fixed and movable curvilinear members each of which has an outwardly directed retractor channel extending over the full length of the member. A support arm is attached to the fixed member to hold the fixed member in a desired fixed, but adjustable position. The ends of fixed and movable members are coupled together so that, first, when the members are brought into a generally coplanar relationship, there is an uninterrupted and continuous retractor holder path around the combined length of the fixed and movable members. Second, the couplings permit the movable member to pivot to a position directly above and overlaying with the fixed retractor member, that is, a position in which the movable retractor member is in a plane directly above and generally parallel to the plane of the fixed retractor member.

Abstract: A vertebral lock mountable in a cavity surgically formed in a vertebra, to separate and stabilize the adjacent vertebrae above and below the cavity. Oppositely extending pins project upwardly and downwardly from a generally cylindrical body which is insertable in the cavity. The pins are fixed vertically by a spline which is slid between their inner ends, at a right angle, to prevent the pins from loosening.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided for retaining tissue, membrane and organs in a retracted position from an incision during a surgical procedure which includes a tiltable ring having an outwardly extending channel to receive arm support means having a projection captured within and movable along the channel. Retractor arms are mounted to the arm support means such that they pass below the ring and extend inwardly toward the incision so as to not obstruct the surgeon's line of sight or movement of the hands along the ring.

Abstract: A surgical mattress assembly including a base mattress, a body support pad mounted on the base mattress, a narrow head support pad, a wide head support pad, means for selectively attaching the head support pads to the end of the body support pad and positioned on the base mattress, and a wedge-shaped shoulder support pad insertable between the base mattress and the body support pad.