Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a means for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a means for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a means for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a member for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a member for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a member for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: A biomechanical stabilizer apparatus and methods for strengthening unstable joints and improving muscle coordination is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a tubing assembly incorporating a substantially circular member and an elongated handle member. In current design, the handle member extends substantially transverse dimensionally across the internal diameter of the circular member and is operably connected thereto. Preferably, the circular member is formed having an internal channel comprising two or more free moving bodies disposed therein. Similarly, the handle member is formed having an internal chamber wherein at least one free moving body is operably disposed. Preferably engaging the handle member is a timer unit for programming time durations and providing means for visual and/or audio feedback to the user when the programming parameters of the present invention are satisfied.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a member for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a member for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a member for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

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: An electrosurgical instrument for causing hemostasis having a first predetermined region for contact with flesh or tissue, said instrument being coated over at least a portion of said predetermined region by a composite coating consisting essentially of a nickel-phosphorous matrix having particles of polytetrafluoroethylene distributed substantially uniformly therein.

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.