Abstract: A manually operable ratchet mechanism includes a pinion assembly comprised of a handle connected to a shaft. The handle and shaft are mounted on a housing to allow the shaft to be rotated as a consequence of a user manually rotating the handle. The shaft carries a pinion configured to engage a toothed rack to incrementally move the rack in discrete steps relative to the housing. Additionally, a rotatable detent member is provided which rotates with the shaft as the handle is rotated. The rotatable detent member cooperates with a fixed detent member on the housing to define discrete detent positions which provide discrete step tactile feedback to the user. The handle is mounted for (1) axial rotation with respect to the shaft axis and additionally for (2) pivotal movement between locked and unlocked positions around a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. In the unlocked position, the shaft and rotatable detent member can rotate relative to the housing as the handle is turned.

Abstract: A manually operable ratchet mechanism includes a pinion assembly comprised of a handle connected to a shaft. The handle and shaft are mounted on a housing to allow the shaft to be rotated as a consequence of a user manually rotating the handle. The shaft carries a pinion configured to engage a toothed rack to incrementally move the rack in discrete steps relative to the housing. Additionally, a rotatable detent member is provided which rotates with the shaft as the handle is rotated. The rotatable detent member cooperates with a fixed detent member on the housing to define discrete detent positions which provide discrete step tactile feedback to the user. The handle is mounted for (1) axial rotation with respect to the shaft axis and additionally for (2) pivotal movement between locked and unlocked positions around a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. In the unlocked position, the shaft and rotatable detent member can rotate relative to the housing as the handle is turned.

Abstract: A distraction device employing a bone fastener and an axially displaced post to provide enhanced access to a surgical site. The distraction device is comprised of a rigid arm or link having a bone fastener, e.g., screw, extending from a first end and a post extending oppositely to the fastener, from a second end. The bone fastener is configured so that when anchored to a patient's bone, the rigid arm is able to pivot around the fastener to enable a surgeon to position the post for optimal access.

Abstract: Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor.