Abstract: A nerve repair device includes a resilient, elongated implant, and transverse pins for retaining the implant fixedly within the ends of the severed nerve. A sharp tip extends longitudinally from at least one end of the elongated implant, and aids in the insertion of the implant longitudinally through the ends of the severed nerve between the fascicle bundles. The severed ends are retained in close approximation for reconnection.

Abstract: A grasp analysis apparatus and method by which the power of grasp exerted by the human hand can be measured, and by which a determination can be made related to the maximum effort of grasp that is made during the measurement. The apparatus includes a housing having opposed walls which can be forced towards one another in proportion to the magnitude of the compressive strength exerted by the person that grasps the housing. A transducer enclosed within the housing is compressed between the movable opposed walls and provides a signal that is proportional to the magnitude of the compressive force of the grasp. The signal is converted into a measurement indicative of the magnitude of the force. A plurality of measurements taken at different locations along the fingers are plotted to reveal the true effort being made while grasping the apparatus.

Abstract: A grasp analysis apparatus and method by which the power of grasp exerted by the human hand can be measured, and by which a determination can be made related to the maximum effort of grasp that is made during the measurement. The apparatus includes a housing having opposed walls which can be forced towards one another in proportion to the magnitude of the compressive strength exerted by the person that grasps the housing. A transducer enclosed within the housing is compressed between the movable opposed walls and provides a signal that is proportional to the magnitude of the compressive force of the grasp. The signal is converted into a measurement indicative of the magnitude of the force. A plurality of measurements taken at different locations along the fingers are plotted to reveal the true effort being made while grasping the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wound cleaning device having an annular transducer, an axial bore extends through the annular transducer through which liquid admixed with modifying agents can flow towards a surface to be treated. A handle, a cleaning head, and a collecting cone are arranged respectively to the transducer so that cleaning liquid can flow through the axial bore, into the collecting cone, through the cleaning applicator head, where the liquid containing ultrasonic energy is brought into intimate contact with the wound and causes unwanted matter to be dislodged and washed from the wound and suspended in the liquid, and the loosened matter subsequently is flushed out of and away from the wound. The invention further comprehends preparation of human bone whereby joint replacement with a prosthesis can be carried out in a more sophisticated manner than has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: A xenogeneic tissue replacement for nonfunctional flexor tendon pulley comprising crosslinked, bovine or porcine or other anisotropic mammalian diaphragm and method of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A belt for supporting the back and especially for bracing and supporting the lower spinal column, is often referred to as the "small" of the back. The lower marginal end of the spinal column, located at the small of the back, appears to be the first part of a person's back which tires or becomes uncomfortable when a person is driving a vehicle for an extended length of time. This back fatigue also occurs when a person is improperly standing or improperly lifting and carrying heavy objects from one to another location. The present invention is for a belt which adjustably reinforces the small of the back in a manner to reduce fatigue and discomfort, such as referred to above. The belt has a relatively small front belt which girdles the stomach and a relatively large rear belt which is superimposed over the small of the back. The rear belt has a centrally located pad which includes a chamber. The chamber is filled with open cell sponge-like material.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance of resilient material conforming to the lower back of a person and held in proper position by a waist band. The antilordosis belt device improves ones posture and prevents back injury to the lower back while lifting by reinforcing the muscles associated with the lower spine without unduly interferring with one's normal articulated freedom of motion. The body supporting device prevents increased lordosis by the provision of a relatively wide front belt which girdles the front of the abdomen, and three back belts which extend from attachment at the terminal ends of the abdomen belt and girdles the rear or back of the body. The three rear belts are made up of straps, and comprise a rear belt of medium width which fits above the small of the back and two small belts which fit over the hips.

Abstract: A walking iron for attachment to the lower extremity of a foot or leg cast which bottom supports the limb and enables mobility of an injured person. The walking iron has a fixed, cast-engaging member adjustably connected to a ground-engaging member in such a manner that pivotal and longitudinal movement may be effected therebetween, thereby enabling lateral as well as fore and aft movement of one member respective to the other to be achieved. This expedient provides for center of gravity adjustment between the two members so that the walking iron can be specially fitted to each individual cast in the most optimum manner for each patient.