Abstract: A universally adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a U-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right planar chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a u-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports. Preferably the latch is in the form of 1) an arcuate slot in each wing arranged around the respective pivot axis with a track formed on opposite sides of the slot and 2) a retractable locking pin carried by each chin support and movable within the respective slot, the locking pins adapted to engage the ribs in the respective track to releasably lock the chin support to the respective wing.

Abstract: A bite block and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The bite block includes a body and a tube clamp attached thereto. The bite block may be configured to encompass a tube such as an endotracheal tube and another medical device such as a body temperature probe, and to protect the mouth of an intubated patient from clenching damage.

Abstract: A bite block and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The bite block may be configured to encompass a tube such as an endotracheal tube, and to protect the mouth of an intubated patient from clenching damage.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a u-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports. Preferably the latch is in the form of 1) an arcuate slot in each wing arranged around the respective pivot axis with a track formed on opposite sides of the slot and 2) a retractable locking pin carried by each chin support and movable within the respective slot, the locking pins adapted to engage the ribs in the respective track to releasably lock the chin support to the respective wing.

Abstract: A modular lumbar belt system has left and right belt sections arranged to be joined at their distal ends adjacent a patient's lumbar region with their proximal ends wrapped around his/her waist and secured together. The belt sections are formed with vertically oriented segments adapted to be selectively folded back against each other to adjust the length of the sections and thereby accommodate the waist sizes of a large population of patients. A conventional pulley-cord-tightening system allows the user to tighten the belt sections once the proximal ends are secured together. Modularity is achieved by providing 1) a lumbar support member which can be secured to the distal ends of the belt sections and detached when no longer needed and 2) lateral support members releasably secured to the belt sections about midway between the proximal and distal ends thereof.

Abstract: A bite block and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The bite block may be configured to encompass a tube such as an endotracheal tube, and to protect the mouth of an intubated patient from clenching damage.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis and method includes an artificial interbody disc for engaging faces of adjacent natural vertebral bodies when a natural disc is replaced. Channels in the interbody disc can provide flexible characteristics to accommodate loads on the subject's spinal column. A bio-compatible filler material having a flexural stiffness of less than 12 GPa can encourage bone growth in the channels. The filler material may be inserted during an operation or pre-inserted in the disc channels during manufacturing of the disc.

Abstract: A orthopedic hook system for use with a rod in correcting scoliosis comprising a body with a hook section and a rod engaging section, a grasp screw, a cap, and a set screw. The hook section fits over the bone and the grasp screw is used to secure the bone in place. The rod is brought within the rod receiving section and the cap is placed over the U-shaped rod receiving section. The set screw is used to force the cap into contact with the rod. The rod is thereby secured in place between the rod receiving section and the cap. Any excess length of the U-shaped rod is then removed.

Abstract: A orthopedic hook system for use with a rod in correcting scoliosis comprising a body with a hook section and a rod engaging section, a grasp screw, a cap, and a set screw. The hook section fits over the bone and the grasp screw is used to secure the bone in place. The rod is brought within the rod receiving section and the cap is placed over the U-shaped rod receiving section. The set screw is used to force the cap into contact with the rod. The rod is thereby secured in place between the rod receiving section and the cap. Any excess length of the U-shaped rod is then removed.

Abstract: A poly axial cervical plate system for immobilizing bone segments for use with a wrench comprising a screw that has a plurality of spring element on the head of the screw and a plate having a number of screw receiving holes. The wrench compresses the spring elements into a contracted position such that the head of the screw is rotatable within the screw receiving hole while the wrench is used to secure the screw into the bone. When the wrench is removed from the head of the screw, the spring elements extend. The peripheral surface of the head of the screw in the extended position is substantially convex and the surface of the screw receiving hole is substantially concave. The head of the screw in the extended position contacts the surface of the screw receiving hole such that the screw is substantially secured in place.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly for use with a rod for the immobilization of bone segments. The assembly is composed of a screw, a polyaxial housing for receiving the screw, a washer, a set screw, and a cup-shaped cap. The lower portion of the housing terminates in a reduced cross-sectional area, which engages the bottom of the screw head. When the screw is placed inside the polyaxial housing and the screw is secured into the bone, the polyaxial housing is pivotable with three degrees of freedom. The housing includes a top portion with a pair of upstanding internally threaded posts. A washer is inserted between the head of the screw and the rod. A cap, having a bottom, with a pair of posts accommodating openings and a lateral cross connector, is placed over the posts so that the cross connector engages the rod. The cross connector and washer have concave generally semicylindrical rod engaging surfaces to prevent the rod from rotating or sliding within the housing once the set screw is tightened.

Abstract: The invention is a pedicle screw assembly (10) for use with a rod (11) for the immobilization of bone segments. The assembly is composed of a screw (12), a poly-axial housing (20), a washer (34), a set screw (48), and a cup shaped washer (40). When the screw is placed inside the poly-axial housing (21), the head of the screw (12) comes into contact with a middle section of the poly-axial housing (18), and is secured into the bone so that the poly-axial housing is pivotable. The housing includes a pair of upstanding posts (38) with interior threads. A washer (24) is inserted between the head of the screw (12) and the rod. A cap (40), having a bottom with a pair of openings (43) and a lateral cross connector (44), is placed over the posts (38) so that the cross connector (44) engages the rod. The cross connector and washer have semi-cylindrical rod engaging surfaces. A set screw (42) is threaded into the housing posts to secure the rod.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly 10 for use with a rod 11 for the immobilization of bone segments. The assembly is composed of a screw 12, a polyaxial housing 20, a washer 34, a set screw 48, and a cup-shaped cap 40. When the screw is placed inside the polyaxial housing 20, the head of the screw 18 comes into contact with a middle section of the polyaxial housing 20 and is secured into the bone so that the polyaxial housing is pivotable with three degrees of freedom. The housing includes a pair of upstanding posts 30 with interior threads. A washer 34 is inserted between the head of the screw 12 and the rod. A cap 40, having a bottom, with a pair of posts accommodating openings 43 and a lateral cross connector 44, is placed over the posts 30 so that the cross connection 44 engages the rod. A set screw 48 is threaded into the housing posts to secure the rod within the housing.

Abstract: A pillow structure formed with an outer cover or casing in which a foam shell is enclosed, where in a horizontally disposed partition being mounted in the shell along the horizontal central axis of the pillow structure, wherein the partition controls the random movement of beads enclosed within each compartment defined by the partition, whereby the beads are prevented from moving or being transferred between the respective juxtaposed compartments.