Abstract: A tension member installation and tensioning device and method for stabilizing a bone are provided. The device includes a barrel that houses a tension member with a leading element attached to the leading end of the tension member. The barrel of the device is inserted into a hole drilled through a bone until the barrel is beyond the distal cortex of the bone. The leading element is then engaged with the distal cortex. The leading element may be released from within the barrel or otherwise expanded to engage the distal cortex. The barrel is then retracted from the hole, and tension is applied to the tension member via a tensioning mechanism to attach a terminal element to a trailing portion of the tension member when a predetermined tension is achieved. The device may include a trigger for actuating the tensioning mechanism and a cutter for severing the tension member.

Abstract: A tension member installation and tensioning device and method for stabilizing a bone are provided. The device includes a barrel that houses a tension member with a leading element attached to the leading end of the tension member. The barrel of the device is inserted into a hole drilled through a bone until the barrel is beyond the distal cortex of the bone. The leading element is then engaged with the distal cortex. The leading element may be released from within the barrel or otherwise expanded to engage the distal cortex. The barrel is then retracted from the hole, and tension is applied to the tension member via a tensioning mechanism to attach a terminal element to a trailing portion of the tension member when a predetermined tension is achieved. The device may include a trigger for actuating the tensioning mechanism and a cutter for severing the tension member.

Abstract: In an end of a line passing through a hook-eye of a fishing hook with the end held adjacent a standing part of the line, apparatus for wrapping the end of the line around the standing part comprising a drive element mounted to rotate in response to exertion of a force and a clamp carried by the drive element for holding the hook.

Abstract: A bag-like container of flexible plastic material snugly confines the ischial padding and body of an emergency traction splint for an injured leg while allowing access to the traction-inducing components thereof. Additional biohazard shielding is afforded by an integral cover of flexible, impervious material sufficiently rigid to provide a protective enclosure for patient transport. The container and the cover as well as the attendant malleolar harness are disposable. A barrier against cross-contamination from biohazards present in human body fluids is provided.

Abstract: A surgical implant for spinal fixation formed by a rigid bent titanium frame having wire receiving means. Spinal fixation implants are used to correct abnormal curvature of, and/or impart stability to, the spine by immobilising a plurality of vertebrae with respect to each other. A rigid bullet shaped frame which fits neatly onto the posterior surface of the spine to embrace at least two bones is fixed in place by means of fixation wires passed around or looped through the frame and passing through holes in the bones to immobilise the embraced bones with respect to each other. The frame has a substantially rectangular cross-section. An improved surgical implant results from the provision of wire receiving means which prevent the fixation wires moving relative to the frame and the bullet shaped frame of rectangular cross-section which improves the stability of a fixed implant by close conformity of the implant to the shape of the spine.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis plate system is particularly well adapted to securely fuse adjacent cervical vertebrae. The plates are for mounting upon the anterior or posterior surfaces of the vertebrae. Plates for mounting on the anterior vertebral surfaces have a concave bone contacting surface and a bone screw locking mechanism integral with each screw hole. Moreover, the bone contacting surface of the plate has a plurality of bone penetrating protrusions to more securely affix the plate to bone. Plates for mounting on the posterior vertebral surfaces also have bone penetrating protections on their bone contacting surfaces. Such plates are formed so as to have a curved bone contacting surface that is concave in the transverse axis of the plate and convex in the longitudinal axis of the plate. The screw holes of such plates are constructed so as to guide a bone screw along a desired angle to improve the anchoring of the screws in bone.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis plate system is particularly well adapted to securely fuse adjacent cervical vertebrae. The plates are adapted for mounting upon the anterior or posterior surfaces of the vertebrae. Plates for mounting on the anterior vertebral surfaces have a concave bone contacting surface and a bone screw locking mechanism integral with each screw hole. Moreover, the bone contacting surface of the plate has a plurality of bone penetrating protrusions to more securely affix the plate to bone. Plates for mounting on the posterior vertebral surfaces also have bone penetrating protections on their bone contacting surfaces. Such plates are formed so as to have a curved bone contacting surface that is concave in the transverse axis of the plate and convex in the longitudinal axis of the plate. The screw holes of such plates are constructed so as to guide a bone screw along a desired angle to improve the anchoring of the screws in bone.

Abstract: A bender for bending metal rod to form surgical implants in a sterile operating room environment. The bender being made of an autoclavable material having a hardness greater than the maximum hardness of the rod to be bent. The bender includes a capstan, a primary mandrel, a gripping element, and a follower mandrel. The primary mandrel, which rotates with the capstan, includes at least one generally cylindrical portion with a guide channel formed in the periphery thereof. The follower mandrel also includes at least one generally cylindrical portion with a guide channel formed in the periphery thereof. The follower guide channels are disposed in planar alignment with the corresponding guide channel of the primary mandrel to form bending channels therebetween. The gripping member is mounted for rotation with said primary mandrel, and encloses a portion of the primary mandrel guide channel(s) to form a passageway of predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A multistrand surgical cerclage cable having a multistrand leader is disclosed. The cable is very flexible and the leader is more malleable and stiffer than the cable allowing the leader to be shaped to be fed or directed around and between tissue in the patients body.