Abstract: The present invention is directed to measuring the levels of carotenoids and other similar chemical compounds that are present in varying degrees in human bone and surrounding tissues. The invention permits non-contact, quantitative measurements of carotenoid levels of tissues, exposed during surgery, from a safe distance. Light reflected from an exposed bone or surrounding tissue is captured and processed to accurately quantify the carotenoid content of the bone or tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically stimulating a human user includes in one embodiment a base frame, a rigid plate connected to the base frame and having an area sufficient to support a standing human, a vibrational device attached to the bottom of the horizontal plate whereby the plate is caused to oscillate in both vertical and horizontal directions at a desired frequency with an amplitude of less than 2.0 mm, and a frequency control device whereby the frequency of the vertical and horizontal oscillations may be selectively and independently adjusted. Vertically extending handrails are preferably connected to the device such that vibrations may be transmitted to the arms and upper spinal region of a user's body when grasped.

Abstract: A dietary supplement blend composition is disclosed, the basic formulation of the composition containing vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. The composition can also contain bioflavonoids, cartilage protectors such as glucosamine or chondroitin, &agr;-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and a source of omega-3 fatty acids such as flax seed oil. The composition is beneficial for improving health and preventing disease, particularly for degenerative conditions. A method for supplementing the diet is also disclosed, wherein the quantity of daily rations of the dietary supplement blend composition is determined based on the person's age, body weight, and quality of diet.

Abstract: A device for determining possible impingement of a replacement tissue graft with a portion of a bone at a joint, the replacement tissue graft of the type to be inserted and secured within a bone passage at the joint. The device includes (1) an elongated support shaft having a longitudinal axis and (2) a head disposed at a distal end of the support shaft. The head has (a) an engagement passage having an axis, the engagement passage configured to engage a guide wire disposed within the bone; and (b) an impingement surface corresponding to the shape of a portion of the replacement tissue graft, the impingement surface spaced from the axis of the groove by a pre-determined distance corresponding to a dimension of the tissue graft.

Abstract: An instrument and method for surgical stimulation of connective tissue are disclosed. The instrument has a plurality of protuberances located on a head connected to a shaft and a handle for manipulation by a surgeon to selectively perforate diseased connective tissue to stimulate a variety of desirable biological responses resulting from bleeding from the intrinsic vasculature of the connective tissue, investing tissue, and adjoining bone.

Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone.

Abstract: A drill bit having a small-diameter shank, an abbreviated drilling head, and a smooth transition portion between the shank and the head. The drill bit is particularly useful for drilling femoral tunnels during reconstruction of cruciate ligaments.

Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone. A method of attaching a graft to the bone using such a graft attachment device includes forming a socket in a bone such as a femur to accommodate an end of the graft, the socket having an opening at one end and a floor at its opposite end. A passage is formed from the floor of the socket to the opposite side of the bone, the passage having a width at least as large as the maximum width of the graft attachment device.

Abstract: A ligament graft replacement system (10) having an anchor assembly (16) on one end. The anchor assembly (16) includes an insert member (18), a threaded sleeve (22) and a rotatable ring (20) to which the graft (24) is attached. A harvested or synthetic graft (24) used as a replacement for a torn ligament or tendon is secured to the rotatable ring (20) by sutures (46) and the anchor assembly (16) is screwed into a tunnel (26) drilled in a bone or bone-like structure. The anchor assembly (16) includes a hexagonal opening (36) through its length for receiving a hex driver (48) in its trailing end (36) or its leading end (34). The anchor assembly (16) also preferably has a self-tapping thread (30) on its outer surface. The rotatable ring (20) is secured over annular flange (40) at the trailing end of the threaded sleeve (22) and has a plurality of openings or slots (50 ) to which the sutures (46) are attached.

Abstract: An improved method of reconstructing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is disclosed. Unique instruments and systems for use with the method are also disclosed. The knee joint is inspected arthroscopically to confirm the rupture and possibly take care of other defects. The patellar tendon or semitendinosus tendon is harvested from the patient for the graft (if either is going to be used for the reconstruction), or another ACL substitute is obtained. The graft is prepared for implanting. Notchplasty is generally performed to expand the intercondylar notch. The tibial attachment site of the ACL is determined and a tibial tunnel is drilled over a K-wire from the front face of the tibia to the attachment site using a drill guide system. Preferably, the tibial tunnel starts at a point 20-25 mm below the knee joint. An optimal site for drilling the femoral tunnel is determined through use of a suture anchor and isometer. The suture anchor is a threaded peg which is positioned by a hand-held cannulated driver.

Abstract: A soft tissue washer for use with a cancellous screw for attaching soft tissue, such as ligaments, to bone has posts disposed on a distal face of a washer body to limit penetration of sharp pins extending from the distal face into soft tissue, an annular recess disposed is the distal face to receive and clamp soft tissue, recess portions deeper than the annular recess disposed in the distal face to relieve compression of soft tissue, a dished recess in a proximal face of the washer body to entirely receive the head of the cancellous screw such that the head does not protrude from the washer and suture retention passages extending from the dished recess to a lateral rim of the washer for receiving sutures.