Abstract: An enclosure which can be sterile for performing surgical procedures and a method for its use is disclosed that protects medical personnel from being infected by the patient and the patient from being infected by the surgical environment. The enclosure consists of a tent defining an isolated cavity and having flexible sides at least portions of which are transparent with connected gloves for accessing tools contained within the isolated cavity, an adhesive assembly for securing the enclosure to a patient and a support structure for supporting the tent. The surgeon can operate on a patient by making an incision through the enclosure, the adhesive assembly and the patient's skin. The incision and, consequently, the patient's body fluids, are all contained within the isolated cavity defined by the enclosure. Since the enclosure is collapsible and inexpensive, the entire structure can be disposed of after the surgery. Moreover, the enclosure can be quite small depending on the nature of the procedure.

Abstract: A surgical table is provided for receiving and positioning a patient. The surgical table includes a chair which includes a backrest for receiving the upper body of a patient, and a pelvic support which supports the pelvic area of the patient across the sacrum. The pelvic support is designed such that it does not underlie at least one preselected hip joint of the pelvic area of the patient. The surgical table further includes a support structure which supports the chair at a predetermined elevated position and provides an unobstructed clearance of a predetermined height under the pelvic area of the patient. A leg support is provided for positioning the leg of a patient such that the thigh of the leg assumes an atavistic position.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis which comprises a flexible, collapsible, hollow device which can be filled after it is positioned within the bone structure. In the case of a prosthesis designed to replace the ball of the femur, the endoprosthesis has a ball portion, a neck portion attached to and communicating with the ball portion, a body portion attached to and communicating with the neck portion, and an access opening opposite the ball portion. A method for installing the endoprosthesis in the hip is also described, in which a portal is drilled through the lateral cortex of the femur at a location opposite the ball, the ball of the femur is removed, and the endoprosthesis is inserted through the portal. Finally, the invention provides a special tool that can be used for removing the ball of the femur through a portal in the lateral cortex without dislocating the hip.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis which comprises a flexible, collapsible, hollow device which can be filled after it is positioned within the bone structure. In the case of a prosthesis designed to replace the ball of the femur, the endoprosthesis has a ball portion, a neck portion attached to and communicating with the ball portion, a body portion attached to and communicating with the neck portion, and an access opening opposite the ball portion. A method for installing the endoprosthesis in the hip is also described, in which a portal is drilled through the lateral cortex of the femur at a location opposite the ball, the ball of the femur is removed, and the endoprosthesis is inserted through the portal. Finally, the invention provides a special tool that can be used for removing the ball of the femur through a portal in the lateral cortex without dislocating the hip.