Abstract: A system includes a surgical table, a pad disposed on a table portion of the surgical table, and a leg distraction unit configured for modular attachment to the surgical table, the leg distraction unit configured to apply a distraction force to a leg of the patient while the patient is positioned on the pad and the table portion is tilted so that the patient's head is below the patient's hip, wherein the table portion is capable of tilting to a tilt angle in which the distraction force applied to the leg of the patient is counteracted by a combination of a friction force provided by the pad and a force of gravity from the patient being tilted so that the patient is kept from sliding in a direction of the distraction force.

Abstract: An adapter plane for a surgical table comprising a central body having a proximal portion suitable to at least partially accommodate the lumbar region of the body of a patient and a distal portion suitable to at least partially accommodate the sacral region of the body of a patient, wherein the adapter plane can be coupled to a surgical table by placing the central body at least partially on top of the surgical table, and the central body, in the distal portion, is provided with a quick coupling device for coupling the adapter plane to one or more surgical instruments.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical traction system with a hand gripped tension adjustment device that slidably mounts onto a boom structure. When activated the tension adjustment device moves down the boom structure and incrementally adjusts the tension in a traction rope. The boom structure attaches to a bracket assembly that mounts onto the short end of a surgical table.

Abstract: A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery. The surgical frame includes a translating beam that is moveable between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The translating beam is used to join a first support portion and a second support portion of the surgical frame to one another, and movement of the translating beam affords access to a patient receiving area.

Abstract: A bridge assembly is described for use with a patient positioning system including a patient support panel. The panel includes a pair of side rails extending along a central longitudinal axis of the panel. The bridge assembly is configured to be releasably secured via respective clamps at any position along the side rails and includes a pair of side sections and a central section connected between the side sections. The length of each side sections can be adjusted independently to enable the distance of the central section at each of the side sections from the patient support panel to be individually established. The central section can also be adjusted laterally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the patient support panel.

Abstract: A hip spica cast application stand for holding a patient's legs in a desired position while a spica cast is applied. The stand includes an adjustable vertical post extending out of a base. Two extendable arms are pivotally attached to the top of the post. Each arm has a “U”-shaped leg holder at one end to receive and support a patient's thigh. During a hip spica casting procedure, the post length, arm length, and arm angles can be adjusted and locked in place to support and maintain the patient's legs at a desired position.

Abstract: A system for securing and manipulating a patient during a medical procedure comprises a support assembly coupled to a bed and configured to support a patient's leg. In addition the system comprises a rail coupled to the support assembly. The rail has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the system comprises a perineal post movably mounted to the rail and oriented in a generally vertical direction. The post assembly is configured to move axially along the rail between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An external fixation frame for correcting a bone deformity includes a first fixation ring and a second fixation ring. A posterior adjustable length strut couples a posterior portion of the first fixation ring to a posterior portion of the second fixation ring and has universal joint. Medial and lateral adjustable length struts couples medial and lateral portions of the first fixation ring to medial and lateral portions of the second fixation ring respectively, each of the medial and lateral adjustable length struts including a constrained hinge joint. The fixation frame also includes a half ring hingedly coupled to the second fixation ring, and an anterior adjustable length strut coupling an anterior portion of the first fixation ring to the half ring.

Abstract: A modular operating table comprises a support (10) and a base part (20) attached to the support (10), the base part (20) providing a first region of a support surface for a patient's body during surgery, the base part (20) comprising side bars (21) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support surface in lateral edge regions of the support surface. A seat element (30) is attached to the base part (20), the seat element (30) providing a second region of the support surface, a width of the second region decreasing in a distal direction, symmetric to a central longitudinal axis of the support surface, the seat element (30) having at least two first connection elements for the distal attachment of functional components, the at least two first connection elements being arranged along main axes of the side bars. A first functional component (40.1, 40.2) comprising a generally triangular plate (42.1, 42.2) provides a third region of the support surface. The first functional component (40.1, 40.

Abstract: A patient lower extremity positioning system that is configured to facilitate easier use of surgical instruments during open and arthroscopic procedures of the lower extremity, including, but not limited to the hip joint, acetabulum, femur, femoral neck and femoral shaft is disclosed. The patient lower extremity positioning system may include one or more perineal pads configured to be supported adjacent to a patient torso support such that the perineal pad is positionable adjacent to a patient's perineum. The perineal pad may be formed from a perineal pad body coupled to a distal transition section extending distally from the perineal pad body. The distal transition section may have a distal tip with a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the perineal pad body, thereby enabling a surgeon to more easily position surgical instruments during surgery without the perineal pad conflicting with the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthopedic external fixation system for treatment of lower and upper extremities fractures. The system comprises an elongate base rail supported by a stand structure and a plurality of open rings slidably and removably coupled to the base rail along the base rail length. The ring members are connected to struts that support flag members, which support wires and pins that interact with the fractured bones for fixation of their positions relative to the rings during treatment. The system has means for combining the rings into separate modules that can be moved relative to each other. Through the use of the struts the rings can be bound into an integral system that can be disconnected from the base and the stand structure, while remains in a working position on the injured limb of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An array of mechanical force reduction assemblies sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each assembly functions independently of the other assemblies, to apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture, to thereby mechanically reduce the fracture in a desired way. A carrier coupled to the assembly accommodates temporary attachment of an orthotic brace, residing thereon, partially or fully assembled in a region of the bone fracture. A linkage mechanism accommodates the rotational articulation of the brace in response to the application of one or more mechanical force vectors, to move the bone fracture into a desired anatomic orientation. A locking mechanism maintains the orientation of the brace to maintain the desired anatomic orientation. After release from the carrier, the brace serves in an ambulatory fashion to maintain the desired anatomic orientation after reduction and as healing occurs.

Abstract: Bone fracture reduction devices, systems, and methods couple to a patient platform a mechanical bone fracture reduction fixture, which is sized and configured to be conveyed separate from the patient platform. The bone fracture reduction fixture carries an array of mechanical force reduction assemblies that are sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each mechanical force reduction assembly functions independently of the other mechanical force reduction assemblies, to independently apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture and also mechanically reduce the fracture in the desired reduction planes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible, inflatable member that is expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is compact and will fit in a compartment of most emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints used today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.

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: The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The orthopedic stabilization scaffold includes a first anchorable frame and a second anchorable frame that are removably attachable to an operating table and connected adjustably by one or more crossbars.

Abstract: A frame is sized and configured to support a reduced bone fracture of an individual. A guide assembly on the frame carries a bone fixing device guide that defines a guide path along which a bone fixing device can be advanced into a region of the reduced bone fracture. A linkage system couples the bone fixing device guide to the frame for articulation of the guide path among a plurality of desired orientations with respect to the reduced bone fracture. A guide bushing is included. Which includes packaging that maintains the guide bushing in a sterile condition prior to insertion into the bone fixing device guide.

Abstract: Bone fracture reduction devices, systems, and methods couple to a patient platform a mechanical bone fracture reduction fixture, which is sized and configured to be conveyed separate from the patient platform. The bone fracture reduction fixture carries an array of mechanical force reduction assemblies that are sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each mechanical force reduction assembly functions independently of the other mechanical force reduction assemblies, to independently apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture and also mechanically reduce the fracture in the desired reduction planes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible, inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: Leg-holding traction device (57), especially for hip operations, comprising a rail (31), that contains a circular arc-shaped guide, and is rotatable about a turning axis (71) running perpendicular to the circular arc-shaped guide, and a leg holder (75) that is adjustably supported on the rail (31).

Abstract: A traction extension table used to aid the user in performing assisted lower back and abdominal extensions for the treatment of bulging/herniated lumbar discs. The table has a frame constructed utilizing a plurality of cushioned sections forming the table's top with one movable along a roller assembly mating with the table frame for section relocation and releasable securement upon relocation. Another is contoured to have table frame supported hand-placement supports at the head. The contoured cushion is hingedly attached to the table frame and also connected to at least one shock absorber. To better accommodate the user, the pads have lumbar and chest harnesses to keep the user in position while performing an exercise while the chest pad has a face hole to accommodate the user's nose while lying face down on the table.

Abstract: A holder designed for supporting a limb, such as arm or leg, of a patient undergoing surgery has six degrees of freedom. The freedom of movement allows flexing, extending, abducting and adducting and internal and external rotation of the limb. An adjustable support extends from a vertical support. The adjustable support can slide and rotate about a horizontal and vertical axes relative to the vertical support, as well as move vertically along the vertical support. The adjustable support maintains a limb in any desired position and may be adjusted to another position quickly and easily.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for bone repositioning. The bone-repositioning apparatus includes an actuator controller configured to transmit a series of coordinated signals; an outer sleeve dimensioned to encircle a body limb, including fragments of a fractured bone within the body limb; and a plurality of individually operable actuators, each actuator connected to the actuator controller and configured to receive one or more of the coordinated signals, each actuator comprising a member configured to protract and retract into and out of an interior portion of the outer sleeve to exert a predetermined force on the body limb and on at least one of the bone fragments. A bone-repositioning system including the bone-repositioning apparatus is also described, including a computer program product that partially or fully automates the repositioning process depending on the application.

Abstract: Leg-holding traction device (57), especially for hip operations, comprising a rail (31), that contains a circular arc-shaped guide, and is rotatable about a turning axis (71) running perpendicular to the circular arc-shaped guide, and a leg holder (75) that is adjustably supported on the rail (31).

Abstract: A spinal traction/decompression device suitable for home or clinical treatment of lumbar and cervical spine pathology. The traction apparatus has a substantially flat upper body support that is moveable with respect to a fixed base. The upper body support is adapted to receive the upper torso of an individual leaning forward in a prone position while kneeling on a knee cushion. A pelvis/hip restraining portion holds the individual's lower torso in position with respect to the fixed base when the upper body support is moved. Lumbar traction may be induced by a user positioning their upper torso on the upper body support and moving it forward or backward with respect to the fixed base. The upper body support may also be divided into two independently moveable sections such that cervical traction can be induced in a neck region of a user. The traction force is preferably supplied by the individual pushing or pulling the upper body support forward with their arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending the calf and foot of a patient recumbent on a bed to relieve pressure on the thigh of the patient includes a leg lift unit in the form of a rigid, trough-like posterior shell shaped to engage under the patient's calf and foot. A bail having opposite ends is connected to the side walls of the shell so that the bail loops above the shell and a support frame extends up and over the bed. A cord hanging from the frame is releasably connected to the bail. By appropriately adjusting the position of the frame, the patient's calf may be subjected to the necessary amount of lift and/or tension to minimize localized pressure on the patient's thigh and buttock areas and to relieve compression forces on the patient's spinal column.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint of the current invention is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stabilizing a fractured pelvis in an emergency using a sling having a buckle designed to automatically lock the circumference of the sling at a tension level that has been predetermined to be effective for stabilizing a fractured pelvis without excessive or potentially damaging compression.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient for surgery. The device is used with an operating table, and includes two arms for resting on the operating table, a patient support, and a lifting mechanism arranged to move the patient support between a first position in which the patient support lies level with the operating table, and a second position above the table. The patient is rolled onto the support in the first position, and is then raised to the second position.

Abstract: An external Colles' type fracture fixator which provides pivotal adjustment about three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and translational adjustment along two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.An external alignment table which allows translational adjustment along a three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and pivotal adjustment about two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.A method of externally manipulating, reducing, and stabilizing a fracture using such an external fixation alignment table and external fixator.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably supporting and positioning a foot and leg to be cast that can be sterilized for use in a surgical environment. The apparatus including a foot support structure that in combination with a stand can be used to support and suspend the foot and also adjustably position the foot for applying cast material.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical traction device is provided which includes a motor driven linear actuator connected to a guided carriage. A second carriage is mounted in tandem with the first on a common guide. The two carriages are connected by a spring. A patient engaging device is connected to the second carriage. The linear actuator and carriage guide are mounted to a common surface. When power is provided to the linear actuator motor, it moves the first carriage. The motion is transmitted through the spring to the second carriage and patient engaging device to provide traction to the patient. Reversing the motor relieves the traction force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for aligning a fractured bone in a limb of a patient. The method includes positioning on the limb two pairs of selectively inflatable bladders formed in a flexible wrap. Each bladder is oblong shaped and is oriented with the longitudinal axis of the bladder parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone. The flexible wrap is secured around the limb to position the bladders on the limb over the fractured bone. The two bladders of each pair of bladders are positioned on the limb in a radially opposed orientation. Further, all of the bladders are radially distributed at 90 degree intervals around the limb. The bladders are selectively inflated to generate forces between the wrap and the limb, which act in concert to align the bone. The forces include a direct force between each bladder and the limb that transitions from being substantially concentrated to being substantially uniformly distributed during realignment of the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a cast or measurement of a patient's foot while the leg of the patient is held substantially vertical. A center line is drawn on the back of the patient's leg along a longitudinal axis of the leg. The leg is then placed in a box with a transparent side and this transparent side has a substantially vertical line. The center line on the leg is aligned with the substantially vertical line on the box and then measurements or a cast of the foot is taken.

Abstract: A casting stand for applying a cast to a foot and/or lower leg, comprising a base, an upright telescoping support post mounted on the base and a limb support turnstile rotatably mounted on the upper end of the post. The turnstile has two different elongated foot support blades and is rotatable to individually place each of the support blades in a working position to support a foot for application of a cast.

Abstract: A fracture alignment device comprising two clamps adjustably and pivotally mounted on a lever which may be rotated as a second class lever to apply pressure on the bone segments to align the bone segments. The device is both autoclavable and radiolucent, whereby the user may monitor the alignment by means of an X-ray machine, and the device may be used in the operating room.