Abstract: A cerclage system for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a patient's body is provided. In a preferred embodiment the cerclage system includes a band formed to encircle the bone. Typically the band will be fabricated from a material having a high tensile strength such as a metal wire. A jacket supports the band in a spaced relationship from the bone. The jacket is resorbed by the patient's body.

Abstract: A ferrule for insertion in an opening cut through a vertebral spinous process functions as a guide for a connecting cable, preventing cutting into the bone by the cable and protecting the cable from breakage.

Abstract: A banding assembly has a needle at one end, a long thin band, and a buckle at the other end. The buckle is provided with upstanding elements on either side of a channel which receives the band. The elements have openings adapted to be engaged by a towel clamp to retain the buckle as the band is drawn through the channel and locks into position. Once locked into place, the band is trimmed, leaving a tail extending from the buckle which is bent and "snap fits" between the elements which are then crimped over the tail. In order to withstand the high force applied on the buckle by the towel clamp as the band is positioned, the buckle is secured to the end of the band by spaced elements which extend through openings in the band and are crimped toward each other. Extending from the end of the band are spaced tabs which are bent around the rear edge of the buckle. The recess between the tabs preferrably forms one of the element receiving openings.

Abstract: A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) is described. The surgical cable system may include a connector and a tensioner. The connector may be adapted to hold a pin, positionable within the connector, such that the pin may secure the cable within the connector. The pin may be repositioned, after securing the cable, to allow the cable to move freely through the connector. The cable may be oriented within the connector such that the ends of the cable are perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. The tensioner is preferably adapted to vary the tension of the cable. The cable may be passed through the connector, around a portion of a human bone, and back through the connector. The cable may be tensioned by use of the tensioner and secured into position within the connector.

Abstract: A single-piece soft tissue fixation device includes an elongated element terminating in a tip at one end and a receptacle at the other end which bond with each other in a welded joint. The device is made of a heat-bondable, biocompatible material that can be ultrasonically or thermally welded. The tip and receptacle of the device can be textured or contoured or otherwise complementarily configured to promote mutual engagement prior to and during bonding. The tip can include a needle or needle-like extension for penetrating tissue. The device may be at least partially resorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed to hold a bone piece in position relative to a host bone for attachment or re-attachment purposes. A body having a plurality of claws extending therefrom engages with the bone piece, at least one of the claws including a mechanism facilitating a first position wherein the claw is opened to fit onto the bone piece and a second position wherein the claw is actively urged into the bone piece. Depending upon the embodiment, the mechanism may include a claw-bearing member having one or more barbs, a claw-bearing member having teeth that engage with a gear, or a threaded post having a pointed end which is tightened through a portion of the body and locked into a desired position with the point actively urged into the bone.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device comprises tubular shaft having an outer threaded portion, and a handle member surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft and handle member being connected in screw-threaded relation. The shaft moves longitudinally relative to the handle as the handle rotates, driven by the screw threaded connection. A gripping member is carried on the shaft distal to the handle member for holding a replaceable bit, which, in turn, may carry a cable crimp. A cable lock is positioned typically proximal of the handle member to hold the ends of cables extending through the tubular shaft. Rotation of the handle member can cause the shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between the cable lock and a crimp held by a bit which, in turn, is held by the gripping member, to impose a tension on the cable. A meter is present for measuring the amount of tension applied to the cable.

Abstract: A cable used in spinal surgery has one crimp of a two crimp assembly crimped to one end of it. The second crimp has a ball held in a socket of the first crimp. The other end of the cable is passed around the bone or bones and any necessary orthopedic spinal device and it is then passed through an aperture in the second crimp. The cable is then tensioned by application thereto of a tensioning tool with the tool applied to the cable and to an abutment face of the second crimp, whereupon the cable is tensioned, with the ball and socket arrangement enabling swiveling of the crimps with respect to each other, thus minimizing sharp bends in the cable. Then the second crimp portion receiving the cable portion in the aperture adjacent the tensioning tool is crimped onto that cable portion to complete the attachment. Then the tensioning tool is removed, and the free end of the cable is cut off at the abutment surface.

Abstract: A resorbable, flexible implant in the form of a continuous macro-porous sheet is disclosed. The implant is adapted to protect biological tissue defects, especially bone defects in the mammalian skeletal system, from the interposition of adjacent soft tissues during in vivo repair. The membrane has pores with diameters from 20 microns to 3000 microns. This porosity is such that vasculature and connective tissue cells derived from the adjacent soft tissues including the periosteum can proliferate through the membrane into the bone defect. The thickness of the sheet is such that the sheet has both sufficient flexibility to allow the sheet to be shaped to conform to the configuration of a skeletal region to be repaired, and sufficient tensile strength to allow the sheet to be so shaped without damage to the sheet. The sheet provides enough inherent mechanical strength to withstand pressure from adjacent musculature and does not collapse.

Abstract: In the case of a surgical device for fixing bone elements, having an elongated, flexible clamping means for winding around and bracing the bone elements to be fixed, having a connecting part for connecting the ends of the tightened clamping means, a first end of the clamping means being fastenable to the connecting part and the second free end of the clamping means being passable through an opening of the connecting part so as to form a loop, and having a locking member supported counter to the clamping direction against the connecting part and non-releasably connectable to the clamping means, in order to refine said device in such a way that, while being easy to handle, it not only enables a reliable permanent fixing of the clamping means but also, without additional aids, allows a temporary fixing during an operation, it is proposed that the locking member comprises a blocking element which blocks a movement of the clamping means counter to the clamping direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tightening and crimping a surgical wire used for orthopedic purposes. The apparatus of this invention includes a pair of operating handles which are biased apart and which operate a pair of opposed jaws to which they are connected. Disposed on opposite sides of the operating handles are a pair of capstans. The jaws are adapted to hold a crimp member therein without deforming it while opposite ends of a length of wire are passed through the crimping member in opposite directions. Each end of the wire is wrapped about an associated capstan. A ratchet handle simultaneously rotates both capstans to wrap the opposite ends of the wire. Once the desired traction force has been achieved, the jaws are further activated to crimp the crimp member. A ring-shaped crimp member is also disclosed which has a central opening extending along the axis thereof and two parallel channels, one channel being disposed on either side of the central opening.

Abstract: For clamping together two split halves of, for example, a sternum at the conclusion of open heart surgery, two clamping plates are secured to respective halves of the sternum in facing relationship across the meeting surfaces of the two halves. Each plate is secured to a respective half in spaced relation from the meeting surfaces. In one arrangement, each plate is secured by a rearwardly placed hook which extends along a respective side of the sternum and which preferably includes a spike which extends into the sternum through the side surface. In another arrangement, each clamping plate is secured by screws passing directly through the plate and into an underlying bone surface. In use, the jaws of a compressive pliers engage the two facing plates for pressing the two halves together. In one embodiment, while the plates are pressed together, a wire is wound around and between posts mounted on each plate for rigidly securing the plates together for maintaining the compressive force between the two halves.

Abstract: Suture anchor assembly for attaching soft tissue to bone. The assembly (10) includes an elongated member (12) having a continuous self-tapping threaded anchor portion (14) having a self-drilling contour at its proximal end, and an integral eyelet (18) for receiving a suture (30) at its distal end. The distal end further includes a receiver for a rotating driver device (20), such as a cannulated drill. The assembly (10) is designed for endoscopic insertion of the anchor (14), with the suture (30) extending along the central axis (X.sub.1) of the driver (20).

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for use in bone fracture fixation comprises an adapter, a surgical cable, a compression plate, and a crimp device, the adapter having a head portion having a bore extending therethrough adapted to receive the surgical cable, and a protrusion extending from an underside of the head portion and centrally of the head portion and adapted for insertion into a recess in the compression plate, the crimp device being deformable upon the cable to hold the cable in place around bone portions.

Abstract: The cerclage instrument comprises a hollow housing having a handgrip at its proximal end for gripping in the user's hand to support and control movement of the device. At the distal end of the housing is a tapered tip with an opening therein. Disposed slidably within the housing is an extendable tongue formed from spring metal or similar material that will coil or curl to form a loop when extended outside of the housing. At its distal end, the tongue has an eyelet or notch for retaining the end of a cerclage wire so that it can be pulled around the bone. At its proximal end, the tongue is attached to a plunger or slide within the housing which permits the tongue to be extended from and retracted into the housing. The curvature of the tongue when extended causes it to closely follow the circumference of the bone during extension and retraction.

Abstract: A surgical wire clamp assembly including a body and a wire. The wire is preferably a monofilament wire. The body includes a first longitudinal bore for receiving a first wire end, a second longitudinal bore for receiving a second wire end, and a vertical opening between the longitudinal bores. The longitudinal bores are deformable to a serpentine configuration responsive to a transverse compressive force.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an apparatus and associated method for treating or managing spinal deformities, including scoliosis, abnormal kyphosis, vertebral fractures and tumors, through attachment of spinal rods to ribs adjacent to the spine, rather than to the spine itself. The attachment member are designed whereby the ribs are completely encircled once the rods and attachment member are fully implanted, thereby virtually eliminating the chance of inadvertent dislodging of the rods.

Abstract: A cerclage cable system comprises a cable in conjunction with a biasing mechanism for maintaining cable tension. Inadvertent loss of cable tension is compensated for by the biasing mechanism. In one embodiment, cerclage cable system includes a leaf spring disposed between the cable and the bone. Alternative embodiments include other biasing mechanisms, such as helical compression springs and resilient materials. Further embodiments include biasing mechanisms in line with the cable to maintain tension. Such a cerclage system maintains cable tension by taking up inadvertent slack in the cable with the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided that includes a retaining member fabricated from a biocompatible material. First and second biocompatible cables are permanently secured at one end to respective first and second sides of the retaining member. A cable crimp is used to bind the free portions of the first and second cables. Cable guides on the retaining member establish an alignment angle for the cables with respect to the longitudinal axis of the retaining member. The retaining member can include gripping members.

Abstract: A method for attaching an object to bone that includes the steps of preparing an elongated channel in the bone, inserting a fixation device into the channel such that a first axis of the fixation device is generally parallel to the channel, and rotating the fixation device in a rotation plane that is generally parallel to the surface of the bone such that at least a portion of the fixation device is positioned under bone tissue. Fixation devices used in this method include a suture anchor having an elongated body or a dumbbell-shaped body.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device comprises tubular shaft having an outer threaded portion, and a handle member surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft and handle member being connected in screw-threaded relation. The shaft moves longitudinally relative to the handle as the handle rotates, driven by the screw threaded connection. A gripping member is carried on the shaft distal to the handle member for holding a replaceable bit, which, in turn, may carry a cable crimp. A cable lock is positioned typically proximal of the handle member to hold the ends of cables extending through the tubular shaft. Rotation of the handle member can cause the shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between the cable lock and a crimp held by a bit which, in turn, is held by the gripping member, to impose a tension on the cable. A meter is present for measuring the amount of tension applied to the cable.

Abstract: A bone cable strap and surgical instruments pass the cable strap around a bone, tension it, fasten it and trim the excess cable. The surgical instruments include: a cable passer which has an arcuate guiding member having a groove facing the bone to guide the cable around the bone; a cable tensioner having concentric tubular members with a cable clamp at one end, a nipple at the other end, and a handle in between such that turning the handle spreads the cable clamp away from the nipple; and a combination cable crimper-cutter having jaws with both crimping and cutting edges. The cable strap is comprised of a flexible cable having a ferrule pre-affixed to one end. The cable is passed under the bone using the cable passer. The free end of the cable is passed through the ferrule and the cable tensioner is used to draw the cable tight around the bone. The crimper-cutter is then used to fasten the ferrule in place about the cable and trim the excess cable.

Abstract: A binding device and method of use for providing a compressive force across tissue boundaries to promote healing. The binding device includes a strap adapted to form a loop about injured tissue and a tension member attached to the strap, wherein the tension member maintains a predetermined stress level in the loop which compresses the edges of the tissue together to foster healing. The tension member is preferably a shape memory effect alloy, such as nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. The binding device also includes a one-way locking mechanism which keeps the strap in a loop.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for use in bone fracture fixation comprises a top block portion having a bore extending therethrough and adapted to receive surgical cable, and a protrusion extending from an underside of the top block portion and centrally of the top block portion, and adapted for insertion into a compression plate recess which prevents sliding of the fastener along the bone during tightening of the cable around the bone fracture area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopically reinforcing blood vessels and vascular endoluminal prosthesis includes providing at least one reinforcing member. The endoluminal prosthesis having a sufficient hoop strength to inhibit collapse of the blood vessel. The reinforcing member constricts around the blood vessel to hold the endoluminal prosthesis with respect to the blood vessel and to inhibit aneurysmal growth.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.

Abstract: A device for anchoring rachidian instrumentation on a vertebra, comprising at least one support, a carrier for coupling the instrumentation to the support and a structure for anchoring the support with respect to the vertebra, the support having a convex face shaped to conform to and lie against at least one portion of the concave surface of the posterior arch of the vertebra on one side of the spinous process of the vertebral column, and the anchoring structure rigidly linking at least two distinct parts of the support to at least two correspondingly distinct portions of the vertebra.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tightening and crimping a surgical wire used for orthopedic purposes. The apparatus of this invention includes a pair of operating handles which are biased apart and which operate a pair of opposed jaws to which they are connected. Disposed on opposite sides of the operating handles are a pair of capstans. The jaws are adapted to hold a crimp member therein without deforming it while opposite ends of a length of wire are passed through the crimping member in opposite directions. Each end of the wire is wrapped about an associated capstan. A ratchet handle simultaneously rotates both capstans to wrap the opposite ends of the wire. Once the desired traction force has been achieved, the jaws are further activated to crimp the crimp member. A ring-shaped crimp member is also disclosed which has a central opening extending along the axis thereof and two parallel channels, one channel being disposed on either side of the central opening.

Abstract: A surgical connector for cable comprises a body having a pair of opposed ends and a first side extending between the ends. Outwardly extending projections adjacent the first side and ends may be provided to facilitate securance of the connector in a desired position. Cable-receiving bores extend from each of the ends inwardly toward each other, typically at an obtuse angle of less than 180.degree.. The bores have inner ends that communicate with a central aperture which is open to at least the side of the body which is opposed to the first side. Alternatively, the central aperture may extend entirely through the body and be open to both the first side and the opposed side. Also, a novel retention technique for cable is disclosed, for more general use, if desired.

Abstract: A bone pin for use in repair of a bone fracture in conjunction with a tension band wire. The pin includes an elongate shaft with a leading end and a trailing end with the leading end being configured to be inserted into a bone on a first side of a fracture and across the fracture. The pin further includes a retaining band with a first end seamlessly joined to the shaft at a first point on the trailing end of the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction therefrom and a second end seamlessly joined to the shaft at a second point on the trailing end of the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction therefrom. The band further includes a middle region extending in a generally arcuate course between the first and second ends to form a closed seamless loop at the trailing end of the shaft with the loop being sized to receive a tension band wire and retain the wire in a position at least partially overlying the trailing end of the shaft.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for fastening to an article that has a fastenable portion of a predetermined shape and size. The clamp body is formed at least in part of superelastic alloy, and has an opening within it slightly smaller than the fastenable portion. The clamp body includes attachment member, which may be in the form of small holes, to which may be applied an external stretching force in a direction and magnitude sufficient to cause the opening to expand elastically to receive the fastenable portion of the article. As the stretching force is released, the opening elastically contracts toward its initial size to clamp upon the fastenable portion. Disclosed also is an instrument attachable to the clamp body for imparting the stretching force to the body.

Abstract: An implant and method for use in reattaching a removed bone section following bone surgery by using a bone engaging clamp adapted to fit over the outer surface of the removed bone section and engage cables to attach the removed bone to the desired location. The bone engaging clamp is adapted to fit over at least a portion of the outer surface of the removed bone section and has an inner surface for engaging the bone section. Further, the bone engaging clamp has at least one through bore for holding a cable; and at least one associated screw for clamping a tensioned cable in a fixed position relative to the bone engaging clamp to hold the removed bone section securely in place at the point of reattachment.

Abstract: A cerclage fixation component and a screw fixation component are engageable together to form a composite bone fixation device. The cerclage component may be a ladder plate with openings defined between bridges. The openings provide sockets for bosses of the screw fixation component.

Abstract: The invention and the corresponding method of fracture stabilization provided is a malleable medication-containing device that is capable of both stabilizing fracture fragments and delivering medicines directly to fracture fragments when wrapped around or affixed to fractured tissues. This invention is designed to be used in conjunction with rigid fixation devices when rigid fixation is required of the major fragments. The novel device is comprised of two layers affixed to each other by chemical or mechanical means: a flexible, minimally-porous biologically-compatible fabric and a flexible biologically-compatible microporous polymer into which desired medications have been embedded. The preferred method of employment is to wrap the device around a fracture with the medication side in; and tighten it until the desired tension is achieved, thereby holding native fracture fragments in register.

Abstract: This invention is designed to help restrain small structural or minor fracture fragments (5), and the macromolecules they produce (8) in specified compartment. The device is composed of a single sheet of material (1) that in its principal embodiment is supplied as a thin, pliable, fabric that is flexible in three dimensions and is minimally porous to macromolecules. When the method of use contains the secondary step of affixing a treating material (12) to the device prior to use, additional materials can be delivered directly and preferentially into specific compartments. Moreover, because the device can be made of a soft fabric, a needle can be passed through the device and additional treating materials can be repeatedly injected into and contained after the device has been deployed. The invention also permits delivery of energy (23)directly and specifically to the treated surface.

Abstract: A wire fastening tool has a wire mounting portion on which one end of a wire is to be mounted, a containing portion into which a movable member is to be inserted from outside and removably contained, and at least two openings which are formed in a peripheral wall forming the containing portion and into which the other end of the wire is to be inserted. The movable member is inserted with the other end of the were passed through the openings and inserted in the containing portion, whereby the wire is bent between the movable member and the containing portion and is pressed between the outer surface of the movable member and the inner surface of the containing portion.

Abstract: A cable winding for retention of bone in surgery having a crimp for retaining the cables together. The crimp has a bore of oval cross section, with its exterior being preferably oval in cross section as well. The cable sections extend through the single bore in side-by-side relation. Outwardly projecting flanges extend from the crimp ends for at least about 120.degree. about the periphery to create a space between the flanges when the flanges rest on bone. This space may be used to receive the crimping jaws during the crimping process so that the crimp does not have to be forced outwardly from the bone during the crimping process. Thus, a more consistent, predetermined tension can be provided to the cable on crimping.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly is described which includes an elongated insertion stem and an approximately cylindrical anchoring element having an axial channel for receiving the insertion stem. In its nonexpended state, the anchoring element can be placed into a pre-filled opening in a bone. An expander element loaded onto the insertion stem is engaged with a proximal end of the anchoring element. The proximal end of the anchoring element is capable of telescoping movement over the distal end of the expander element so that resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element are forced outward against the expander element, causing the resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element to expand into the bone hole, fixing the anchoring element in a pressure fit firmly within the opening. A kit for emplacing and removing the suture anchor is also provided as well as methods for attaching a suture to a bone using the present assembly.

Abstract: A suture anchor having an anchor member, a central shaft and outwardly extending wing members. A suture mounting hole is provided in the suture anchor for receiving a surgical suture. The suture anchor is inserted into a bore hole in a bone as part of an orthopedic surgical procedure wherein soft tissue such as a tendon is attached to the surface of the bone. Optionally, bone tissue may be attached to the surface of the bone. The wings may have cutting edges or piercing points. The suture anchors may have screw threads on their outer surfaces.

Abstract: Fixation of a bone fracture may be accomplished by screw driving a threaded pin into the bone, typically in a manner to cause the pin to advance across the fracture area of the bone. It is also common for a pair or more of said pins to be driven into the bone in the manner described above. The threaded pin or pins each may have a cable secured to the pin, extending outwardly from the proximal pin end. One then wraps the cable or cables around the bone to provide external securance for fixation of the bone fracture. A pair of cables used in this process may be secured together under tension by a crimp. Otherwise, a single, free cable end may be secured to a separate pin or other anchor as desired.

Abstract: A surgical guide rod holder is provided for holding guide rods, surgical pins, bone pins, trochars and the like during orthopedic surgery procedures. The apparatus has a frame with a handle and a barrel. The barrel has two spaced apart supports that hold the pin or rod. A multi-link assembly is operated by a trigger. The multi-link assembly moves between gripping and releasing positions when the surgeon rotates the trigger. The multi-link assembly includes a link member that presses laterally against the pin or rod during gripping, forcing the pin against the barrel. A turnbuckle adjusts the multi-link assembly to provide greater/lesser "bite" for holding the rod or pin, or for allowing holding of pins of different sizes.

Abstract: A wire fastening tool has a wire mounting portion on which one end of a wire is to be mounted, a containing portion into which a movable member is to be inserted from outside and removably contained, and at least two openings which are formed in a peripheral wall forming the containing portion and into which the other end of the wire is to be inserted. The movable member is inserted with the other end of the wire passed through the openings and inserted in the containing portion, whereby the wire is bent between the movable member and the containing portion and is pressed between the outer surface of the movable member and the inner surface of the containing portion.

Abstract: A bone stabilization implant comprises a single piece of material machined to include a bone plate portion having a length with a center line, a bone contact surface and an outer surface. The bone plate portion has a plurality of openings extending through the outer surface and the bone contact surface and are located at positions along the length of material. The openings are sized to receive a conventional bone screw. The outer surface is machined to include a plurality of integral bosses positioned at locations along the length. Each of the bosses has crimping surfaces and a pair of holes therethrough that are sized to receive cable. Each of the bosses is deformable to clamp cable received in the pair of holes when the crimping surfaces are crimped. The integration of the bosses with the underlying bone plate portion better facilitates handling of the implant during implantation procedures and substantially reduces the breakage and wear problems associated with prior art bone stabilization implants.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a shaft having a proximal and a distal end. A screw thread extends from the shaft and spirals from the proximal to the distal end. A cross-hole is formed through the shaft and the screw thread near the proximal end. The cross-hole receives a suture which provides a double end of suture to facilitate attachment of soft tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft is tapered from a larger diameter proximally to a smaller diameter distally while the major diameter of the screw thread remains constant over most of its length. The suture anchor contains a driven portion which preferably contains a groove to conduct the suture from the cross-hole to the free end of the driven portion. A driver for the suture anchor having an engagement portion for engaging the driven portion likewise contains a groove so that when the engagement portion engages the driven portion the two grooves align to form an enclosed passageway for conducting the suture as the suture traverses the driven portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the osteosynthesis of bone fragments, in particular for the fixation of bone fractures comprises a retaining strap that wraps around the fracture or the bone in the region of the site to be treated. The retaining strap is in the form of a flat strip typically in the nature of a hose- or pipe-clamp. At one end of the retaining strap, which is intended to be that end which contacts the bone, there is provided a receiving element through which the other end of the retaining strap can be passed and fixed in position to hold the strap in place under tension when wrapped around the bone. The receiving element is mounted so that it can be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the retaining strap.

Abstract: A method for attaching an object to bone that includes the steps of preparing an elongated channel in the bone, inserting a fixation device into the channel such that a first axis of the fixation device is generally parallel to the channel, and rotating the fixation device in a rotation plane that is generally parallel to the surface of the bone such that at least a portion of the fixation device is positioned under bone tissue. Fixation devices used in this method include a suture anchor having an elongated body or a dumbbell-shaped body. Another suitable fixation device used has an elongated body including a first side and a second side. A plurality of teeth are provided on the first and second sides and protruding portions extend from a distal end of the body for holding tissue to the bone when the fixation device is rotated within the channel.

Abstract: A cable used in spinal surgery has one crimp of a two crimp assembly crimped to one end of it. The second crimp has a ball held in a socket of the first crimp. The other end of the cable is passed around the bone or bones and any necessary orthopedic spinal device and it is then passed through an aperture in the second crimp. The cable is then tensioned by application thereto of a tensioning tool with the tool applied to the cable and to an abutment face of the second crimp, whereupon the cable is tensioned, with the ball and socket arrangement enabling swiveling of the crimps with respect to each other, thus minimizing sharp bends in the cable. Then the second crimp portion receiving the cable portion in the aperture adjacent the tensioning tool is crimped onto that cable portion to complete the attachment. Then tile tensioning tool is removed, and the free end of the cable is cut off at the abutment surface.

Abstract: An arthroplasty component is positioned relative to a bone by engaging a first side of the bone with a first tab on the arthroplasty component. Thereafter, the arthroplasty component is pivoted about a location where the first tab engages the first side of the bone. A second tab on the arthroplasty component is moved along a second side of the bone while the arthroplasty component is pivoted about the location where the first tab engages the first side of the bone. A tray portion of the arthroplasty component is positioned over a portion of the bone disposed between the first and second sides of the bone while the arthroplasty component is pivoted about the location where the first tab engages the first side of the bone. In one embodiment of the invention, a keel is moved into the bone at a location between the sides of the bone while the arthroplasty component is pivoted about the location where the first tab engages the first side of the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tightening and crimping a surgical wire used for orthopedic purposes. The apparatus of this invention includes a pair of operating handles which are biased apart and which operate a pair of opposed jaws to which they are connected. Disposed on opposite sides of the operating handles are a pair of capstans. The jaws are adapted to hold a crimp member therein without deforming it while opposite ends of a length of wire are passed through the crimping member in opposite directions. Each end of the wire is wrapped about an associated capstan. A ratchet handle simultaneously rotates both capstans to wrap the opposite ends of the wire. Once the desired traction force has been achieved, the jaws are further activated to crimp the crimp member. A ring-shaped crimp member is also disclosed which has a central opening extending along the axis thereof and two parallel channels, one channel being disposed on either side of the central opening.