Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a compression socket configured for coupling with a selected one of a number of compressible bases. Each compressible base is shaped to conform with a posterior surface of either a dome patella implant component or an anatomical patella implant component.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument system includes a compression socket configured for coupling with a selected one of a number of compressible bases. Each compressible base is shaped to conform with a posterior surface of either a dome patella implant component or an anatomical patella implant component.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for use with a head fixation device allows for a stabilizing fixture, such as a rocker arm having a pair of skull pins, to be selectively secured so that the stabilizing fixture can be adjustably rotated to a desired position. In some version the locking apparatus includes a connector that is retained within an opening in a portion of the head fixation device. The connector can translate within the opening and is restricted from rotation. The translating of the connector permits the connector to engage an arch member that retains the stabilizing fixture. The engagement of the connector and arch member is accomplished, in some versions, by way of matching axial oriented toothed portions or starburst features. In some versions the teeth on the starburst features include a chamfer surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic traction device for increasing intervertebral spaces along a cervical spine of a user includes a user interface, a controller, a neck rest section, a crossbar provided with first and second clamps, a curvilinear back pad connected to an anterior side of the crossbar, and a utility box connected to a posterior side of the crossbar. The utility box includes a rectilinear driven rod partially seated within the utility box and statically mated to the neck rest section, and a mechanism for linearly reciprocating the driven rod along a first vertical travel path defined posterior of the back pad such that the neck rest section is synchronously raised and lowered above the crossbar. In this manner, the back pad remains statically mated to the crossbar while the neck rest section is raised and lowered along a second vertical travel path defined anterior of the first vertical travel path.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cervical fixation system comprises a body rigidly attached to a patient's skull at one or more rigid attachment points. One method of achieving such a rigid attachment is through the use of bone screws. The bone screws may comprise a shoulder. The bone screws may further attach to the body of the cervical fixation system. Examples of possible attachment methods include the use of a quick disconnect head, and the use of a threaded body on the bone screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A skull pin has a ceramic insulating portion between a titanium driving portion and a titanium tip portion. The driving portion of the skull pin terminates in a sleeve, and the ceramic insulator with a solid cylindrical shape is received such as with a press fit in the sleeve. The preferred ceramic material is zirconia. The tip portion has an opposing outer sleeve which receives the distal end of the ceramic insulator such as with a press fit. The ceramic insulator is believed to reduce or eliminate a burning sensation felt by patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which may be caused by transmission of high (radio) frequency electrical signals through the prior art skull pins.

Abstract: A patient head clamp is provided with two pairs of interconnected arms arranged so that the sleeves carrying skull penetrating pins will maintain the pins in alignment with the limits of the spatial separation of the arms of clamp.

Abstract: A skull pin has a ceramic insulating portion between a titanium driving portion and a titanium tip portion. The driving portion of the skull pin terminates in a sleeve, and the ceramic insulator with a solid cylindrical shape is received such as with a press fit in the sleeve. The preferred ceramic material is zirconia. The tip portion has an opposing outer sleeve which receives the distal end of the ceramic insulator such as with a press fit. The ceramic insulator is believed to reduce or eliminate a burning sensation felt by patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which may be caused by transmission of high (radio) frequency electrical signals through the prior art skull pins.

Abstract: The halo ring comprises a generally elliptical ring interrupted at one end and having a circular cross-section. Split ring clamps are provided along the ring, each clamp having a set screw for temporarily adjusting the ring in a selected longitudinal along and angular position about the halo ring. Attachment clamps in the form of split rings are also provided the halo ring body for securing the halo ring to a support structure. By threading pins through the pin clamps into the individual's skull and employing lock nuts, the pin clamps can be finally secured to the halo ring body.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for stretching tissue by moving a joint between first and second relatively pivotal body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm with a cuff at its outer end to releasably attach the first arm to the first body portion. A second arm with a cuff at its outer end releasably attaches the second arm to the second body portion. The arms are pivotally interconnected by a connector section which is formed as one-piece with the first and second arms. An actuator is connected to the arms to apply force to the arms to pivot them relative to each other to move the joint. The actuator includes flexible force transmitting member connected with at least one of the arms. A drive assembly is provided to tension the flexible force transmitting member and move the first and second arms relative to each other.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A radiolucent head clamp having a C-shaped frame with a fixed head-engaging pin on one side and a pair of head-engaging pins on the opposite side. The opposite side of the clamp has a radiolucent rotation mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the pair of head-engaging pins and a radiolucent translation mechanism for linearly moving the pair of head-engaging pins with respect to the fixed head-engaging pin.

Abstract: A cranial securing device has now been developed which includes a plurality of threaded holes for receiving skull pins, and a plurality of threaded holes for receiving tong pins. In practice, the device may be positioned on the head of the patient for traction. A traction is then applied to the patient through the cranial securing device. Once the traction is removed from the patient, the device may be rotated about the tong pins and appropriately positioned for use as a halo, while the tong pins are in place. Once positioned, skull pins may be inserted through the device to affix the device to the patient's head. The tong pins can then be removed and the device can be used as a halo. Furthermore, the device is designed to be used either forwards or backwards, with the open end in the front of the patient or in the rear of the patient.

Abstract: A cranial securing device has now been developed which includes a plurality of threaded holes for receiving skull pins, and a plurality of threaded holes for receiving tong pins. In practice, the device may be positioned on the head of the patient for traction. A traction is then applied to the patient through the cranial securing device. Once the traction is removed from the patient, the device may be rotated about the tong pins and appropriately positioned for use as a halo, while the tong pins are in place. Once positioned, skull pins may be inserted through the device to affix the device to the patient's head. The tong pins can then be removed and the device can be used as a halo. Furthermore, the device is designed to be used either forwards or backwards, with the open end in the front of the patient or in the rear of the patient.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having two arms, one with a single head engaging pin and the second with two head engaging pins mounted on a bracket. The bracket is capable of being rotated to reposition the head. The operating knob which releases the bracket to allow rotation has a safety locking pin which prevents the inadvertent rotation of the bracket when the pin is in a locked position.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A head clamp which includes a frame with two arms, a bracket on one of the arms capable of rotation to adjust the position of head engaging pins affixed at the ends of the arms. The bracket is rotatable but held in position by a plurality of index pins fixed in apertures in a plate and the bracket is capable of being rotated by moving the pins out of the apertures and rotating the bracket when the head engaging pins have been removed from the patient.

Abstract: A pin assembly for use in a skull clamp having a cylindrical non-metallic housing and a metallic rigid pin with a conical point fitted in the non-metallic housing. The non-metallic housing has fingers extending from a cavity in the surface of the housing and are positioned at an angle towards the pin end of the housing to hold the pin assembly in the skull clamp.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining the head of a patient in predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the patient. The device comprises an elliptical truncated member (halo) adapted to fit around the patient's head from front to back. The elliptical member, or open-backed halo includes a stiffening brim integrally associated with it at the front portion of the halo. The halo also includes a plurality of mounting holes and vibrational isolators for receiving skull pins to contact and grip the patient's head. The halo further includes, midway between the front and rear of the elliptical member two depressed segments which allow for positioning of skull tongs on the patient's head while the halo remains on the patient. The device also includes adjustable means for attaching the open-backed halo to a vest worn by the patient.