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 fastener adapted to expand into bone has a tubular body having a longitudinal opening therethrough with a stop within the opening. The body has a head at one end and a longitudinal slot extends through the body near the other end to form ribs that expand radially when the body is compressed. A puller projects through the opening in the rivet and has a head that engages the other end to compress the rivet when the puller is pulled through the body. An annular recess is formed in the puller near the head and the other end of the body is crimped into the recess to aid expansion of the ribs. The puller is weakened at a point so that it will break upon continued pulling after the ribs reach a fully expanded state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a shank (5) of a prosthesis into a bone cavity is disclosed. A strap 1 having an loop portion 2 and an end portion 3 is wrapped around the shank. The end portion of the strap is then clamped by a clamping device 4 to secure the strap around the shank. The bone cavity is filled with bone cement and the lower end of the shank is introduced into the bone cavity thereby forming a gap between the shank and the outer wall of the bone cavity. A strap substantially seals this gap to minimize leakage of bone cement from the bone cavity. The clamping device 4 allows the end portion of the strap to slip relative to the clamping device when a threshold force is applied against the clamping device. In this manner, the strap will conform to the increasing cross-sectional area of the elongate body of the shank as the shank is introduced into the bone cavity.

Abstract: A surgical cable crimp is disclosed for securing a surgical cable in a loop. The crimp has a crimp body with a head and a neck. The crimp body has a first longitudinal bore formed therein. The head has a second bore extending through the head and offset from the first longitudinal bore. The second bore is sized to allow a surgical cable with a ball end termination to pass therethrough until the ball end termination reaches the second bore. The surgical cable may then be looped about a selected portion of the patient's body and then inserted into the first bore, and then the neck is crimped to secure the surgical cable in the first bore and thereby form a secured loop.

Abstract: A suture-wire device for fracture fixation is composed of a metal pin and a segment of wire. The anterior part of the device is a metal pin with sharp tip and a hole at the end where one segment or multiple segments of flexible wire is connected. The wire is embedded in the hole and tightly fixed by mechanical methods into one piece. An impactor is a metal cylinder with conical end having a trough which is slightly wider than the diameter of wire along the core of the impactor. After reduction of the fracture, two suture-wires are drilled across the fracture line in parallel. The impactor is applied onto a blunt end of the pin with the wire in the trough. The remaining part of the pins are then hammered into the bone by applying a force to the impactor. One of the wires of the two suture-wires is then bent and looped behind the tips of the pins which protrude from the other end of fractured bone. The two wires are then brought together and tightened, and the protruding ends of the pins are cut.

Abstract: A method and bone anchor assembly apparatus for attaching suture material to bone tissue includes a hollow anchor body having a rectilinearly-bounded transverse cross-section with a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the bone tunnel drilled to receive the anchor. A longitudinally displaceable plug received within the anchor body is contoured to interact with inwardly biased bone tissue engaging barbs formed on the sides of the anchor body, defining a first position wherein the barbs are allowed to uninterferingly retract within the anchor body and a second position wherein the plug forces the barbs outward into engaging contact with the bone tunnel sidewalls. Suture material is passed around the anchor assembly, through a transverse slot defined in the assembly distal end and the plug is positioned in the first position with barbs retracted. The assembly is inserted into the bone tunnel and the plug is urged into the second position with barbs engaged in bone tissue.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided to allow attachment of one or more surgical cables in the form of a loop to selected portions of a patient's body. The apparatus includes a cable tensioner which applies manual force to the surgical cable at a one to one ratio during installation. The cable tensioner includes a first handle fixed to one end of an elongated shaft and a second handle which is slidably disposed on the exterior of the elongated shaft. The second handle may include a unidirectional paw to allow movement of the second handle in only one direction towards the fixed handle. During the installation of two or more surgical cables, a tensioner may be engaged with each cable to allow the surgeon to alternately tighten and/or loosen the associated cable as required to provide the optimum mechanical support for the bones or other portions of the patient's body which are engaged by the respective surgical cable loops.

Abstract: An appliance for temporarily covering a bone surgery site, such as a recess in a bone filled with bone-building material, such as hydroxylapatite granules, for promoting post-surgery healing includes a flexible sleeve adapted to wrapped around the bone, which carries a covering membrane on one side thereof facing the bone and which carries a reinforcing ply on a side facing away from the bone. The sleeve has two free closure edges, which can be firmly attached to each other with connecting elements which engage into the reinforcing ply, so as to hold the appliance wrapped around the bone.

Abstract: Suture anchor assembly for attaching soft tissue to bone. The assembly includes an elongated member having a self-tapping threaded portion at one proximal end, and an integral eyelet for receiving a suture at its distal end. The distal end further includes a receiver for a rotating driver device, such as a cannulated drill. The assembly is designed for endoscopic insertion of the anchor, with the suture extending along the central axis of the driver.

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. The elements are normally spaced apart by a distance slightly less than the width of the band. Once locked into place, the band is trimmed, leaving a tail extending from the buckle. The tail is bent backwards and "snap fits" between the elements. The elements are then crimped over the tail to retain it on the buckle and to cover any sharp edges. A dome-like member is provided to guide the band into the channel. The buckle is attached to the end of the band by spaced tabs which extend through openings in the band and are crimped toward each other.

Abstract: A double-apertured L-shaped crimp is crimped to one end of a cable. The other end of the cable is passed around the bone or bones and, if the situation requires, any orthopedic appliance or device to be attached to the bones, and it is then passed through the other aperture in the 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 crimp, whereupon the cable is tensioned. Then the cable portion in the aperture adjacent the tensioning tool is crimped onto the cable 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 surgical device and method are disclosed for closing the sternum following a median sternotomy. Instead of using stainless steel wire or a flat steel band, a strand of thin flexible suture material is used which is compressible in its radial dimension (either because of a hollow tubular shape, or due to solid material properties), while remaining strong and inelastic in its longitudinal dimension. The longitudinal strength may be maintained by using selected plastics, or by using nylon fibers or other materials for reinforcement. When not compressed, the strand has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the needle used to place the strand in position around the sternal halves, between the ribs. After insertion, the expandable suture material will provide gentle pressure against the surrounding tissue to minimize bleeding in the needle track.

Abstract: A multistrand surgical cerclage cable having a multistrand leader is disclosed. The cable is very flexible and the leader is more malleable and stiffer than the cable allowing the leader to be shaped to be fed or directed around and between tissue in the patients body.

Abstract: A double-apertured L-shaped crimp is crimped to one end of a cable. The other end of the cable is passed around the bone and an orthopedic device to be attached to the bone, and it is then passed through the other aperture in the crimp. A releasable, lever-operated cable clamp is installed on the cable, followed by a tensioning tool. The tensioning tool applies a pre-positioning tension on the cable. The cable clamp is clamped to the cable to hold the tension. The tool is removed for use on another cable. When ready for final tensioning, the tensioning tool is re-installed, adjusted to the desired final tension, the crimp swaged onto the cable to hold the final tension, the cable clamp unclamped, the tensioning tool released and removed with the cable clamp, and the cable is cut off at the crimp.

Abstract: A device for securing a suture loop about bodily tissue includes a bead member having a longitudinal bore and an anchor member adapted to be slidably inserted within the bore of the bead member. The anchor member includes at least two axial compressible sections which define a passageway to receive two end portions of a suture loop. The axial sections collapse radially inwardly upon insertion of the anchor member within the bore of the bead member to securely wedge the suture end portions received within the passageway. The device has application in conventional and endoscopic surgical procedures including laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Suture anchor assembly for attaching soft tissue to bone. The assembly includes an elongated member having a self-tapping threaded portion at one proximal end, and an integral eyelet for receiving a suture at its distal end. The distal end further includes a receiver for a rotating driver device, such as a cannulated drill. The assembly is designed for endoscopic insertion of the anchor with the suture extending along the central axis of the driver.

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. The elements are normally spaced apart by a distance slightly less than the width of the band. Once locked into place, the band is trimmed, leaving a tail extending from the buckle. The tail is bent backwards and "snap fits" between the elements. The elements are then crimped over the tail to retain it on the buckle and to cover any sharp edges. A dome-like member is provided to guide the band into the channel. The buckle is attached to the end of the band by spaced tabs which extend through openings in the band and are crimped toward each other.

Abstract: A strap assembly for surgical repair of split portions of tissue to retain the tissue portion in adjacent contacting relation during healing, which includes an elongated strap member and a buckle member for securing the strap member in a looped tensioned condition about the tissue portions. The buckle member is fabricated from a bioabsorbable material selected from the group consisting of polymers or copolymers of glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate, lactone, dioxanone, and caprolactone. The preferred buckle member includes a housing member defining a longitudinal channel therethrough for reception of the strap member and a wedging member insertable within the longitudinal channel of the housing member to securely wedge the strap member against at least one bearing surface of the housing member.

Abstract: A strap assembly to be looped about split portions of human tissue to retain the split portions in adjacent contacting relation to promote healing thereof includes a flexible elongated member and a buckle member. The buckle member includes a frame member and a clamp member rotatably mounted within the frame member from a non-strap securing position to a strap securing position. The clamp member rotates to the strap securing position in response to tensional forces exerted on the strap during tensioning thereof about the tissue portions.

Abstract: A cap (1) has a housing (9) adapted in order to receive one end of the pin (2), and a tapped hole (11) opening out transversely in this housing, adapted in order to receive a fixing screw (12) allowing the pin (2) and the cap (1) to be solidly attached together; the screw (12) is initially made in a single piece with the terminal part ( 4 ) of a handle (7) of the fixing instrument (3), an embrittled zone (13) being made at the transition between the screw and the terminal part (4). The surgeon first covers the pin (2) with the cap (1), then screws the screw (12) until it locks the pin (2), and the end of screwing causes the embrittled zone (13) to rupture, so that only the screw (12) remains locked in place in the cap (1) fixed to the pin (2). This cap prevents any migration of the pin and protects the neighbouring tissues.

Abstract: An expandable rivet assembly for attaching objects, especially when using bone. The assembly includes a rivet and puller where the puller is pulled to expand the rivet. A stop is provided in the rivet to set an upper limit to the expansion of the rivet by the puller. This rivet is useful in material of varying density, and has slots on the side and a contoured surface to initiate bending at a desired location.

Abstract: An implant for use in reattaching a bone section following bone surgery which includes a plate-like member for fitting over at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone section to be reattached. The plate has an inner surface for engaging the bone section and an outer surface facing away from the bone section and side walls extending between the inner and outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one cable holding portion for holding a cable in place. A rectangular body receives the ends of a cable and allows for gripping and holding the cable under tension. The rectangular body has opposing concave sides and a pair of openings parallel to the concave sides for receiving the end of the cable. The rectangular body is collapsible by a crimping tool which pinches the cable in the openings. A recess extends across the outer surface of the plate-like member for receiving the rectangular body with the recess intersecting the cable holding portions.

Abstract: A brace for external fixation of long bone fractures which includes "I"-shaped member and cross-shaped elongate members, both of which are curved along a longitudinal axis to fit around the limb and which interlap to provide circumferential support. The two-piece, curved configuration concentrates the load applied to the limb over a smaller surface area and is, therefore, more effective at immobilizing the fractured bone while allowing access to the skin for wound management, surgery, and hygiene without removing the brace. The configuration also makes possible the adjustment of the brace at three independent points to provide for improved fit over a wider variety of sizes and shapes of limbs than previously available.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: A bone anchor (10) for securing a suture to a bone (38). The bone anchor (10) has a tip (16) at its distal end (18) and at least one resilient wall (27) extending to a trailing end (20) of the body (12) of the anchor. The wall (27) has a ridge (14), or barb, formed on an outer surface. The ridge (14) defines an edge (34) that digs into a hole (36) in the bone (38) in which it is positioned. A strand of suturing thread (22) extends through a suture receiving opening (24) in the tip (16) of the anchor. The method of the present invention employs the suture anchor (10) and includes the steps of forming a hole (36) in a bone (38) and inserting the suture anchor (10) to a desired depth in the hole (36) in the bone (38) using an inserter device (100). Suturing thread ( 22) extends from the suture receiving opening (24) in the tip and along the length of the walls (27,28) out of the hole (36) in the bone (38). An anchor spreader (130) is used to firmly seat the anchor (10) in the hole (36).

Abstract: A bone fracture stabilization apparatus includes a cable positioning insert for a bone plate of the type having a series of apertures therein for receiving bone screws for attaching the bone plate to the bone. The cable positioning insert has a body shaped for at least partial insertion into at least one of the apertures of the bone plate. The insert further includes a flange extending from the body for engaging either the outer or inward surface of the bone plate. A boss extends from the body in a direction away from the bone when the bone plate is mounted thereon. The boss has at least one opening and preferably two openings therein for accommodating a cerclage cable and positioning it relative to the apertures in the bone. The boss may be made of a malleable material that deforms under pressure to flatten the openings therein and capture the cable.

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprises a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.

Abstract: A liner for a breast pump which results in increased milk pumped from the female breast having a bell-shaped, flexible body which flares outwardly at one end to a size sufficient to fit over the female breast and narrows at the opposite end to an opening of a size sufficient to permit the flow of milk and which is provided with a circular extension to be connected to the pumping head. The body is provided on its outer surface with recesses providing a membranous wall portion thinner than the body.

Abstract: A tie member for insertion through a segment of a spinal column for clamping that segment to a link or frame embracing that segment comprises an endless loop of wire flattened to form two strands substantially parallel and contiguous with one another at least in their end regions in which one strand runs into the other in an end loop. Such a tie member of finite length with the end loops can be readily inserted through a segment of a spinal column, manipulated into and retained in a desired position and have its ends twisted together for clamping. The endless loops obviates any sharp ends that could accidentally cause damage to the spinal column. Ancilliary instruments for use with the tie members include a keeper with arms defining an end recess across which extends a pin on which the tie member end loops can be received, and a twister with a crank handle and a tapered T-shaped groove to receive a keeper, and a puller having a T-shaped handle and a hook compatible with the tie member end loops.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a prosthetic rib which is adjustable in length through relatively minor surgical procedures subsequent to initial implantation along with methods for using same in the treatment of chest wall deformities and scoliosis and in immobilizing fractured ribs. The prosthesis is designed for secure attachment to existing natural ribs in a manner which minimizes constricture thereof, provides substantial torsional stability, and permits the prothesis to accommodate traumatic impact thereto while resisting fracture of the associated natural ribs.

Abstract: A bone anchor (10) for securing a suture to a bone (38). The bone anchor (10) has a tip (16) at its distal end (18) and at least one resilient wall (27) extending to a trailing end (20) of the body (12) of the anchor. The wall (27) has a ridge (14), or barb, formed on an outer surface. The ridge (14) defines an edge (34) that digs into a hole (36) in the bone (38) in which it is positioned. A strand of suturing thread (22) extends through a suture receiving opening (24) in the tip (16) of the anchor. When tension is applied to the suturing thread (22), it causes the ridge (14) to dig into the walls of the hole (36) in the bone (38). Two resilient walls (27,28) are preferably provided which include an annular ridge-shaped barb (14). The two resilient walls 27, 28 scissor outwardly upon application of tension to the suturing thread. The tip (16) is generally frustoconical with a rounded leading end.

Abstract: A tibia medullary pin for the treatment of lower-leg fractures of all kinds has an anterior half (1), a posterior half (2), a proximal end segment (3), and a distal end segment (4), with the longitudinal axes (5;6) of the two end segments (3;4) forming in the antero-posterior plane an angle of 5.degree.-13.degree. with each other. The proximal end segment (3) has a cross-section area (7) that is trigonal in both the anterior (1) and the posterior (2) halves, and overall is approximately rhombic, while the distal end segment (4) has a cross-section area (8) that is approximately trigonal in the anterior half (1) and is approximately semi-spherical in the posterior half (2).

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation device for stabilizing a fracture of a portion of a long bone overlying or closely adjacent to a prosthetic joint component comprises a fixation plate that is held adjacent to the bone by clamps joined to it by screws. The fixation plate and clamps have spikes that penetrate partly into the bone to fix the bone to the device and stabilize the fracture but that also remain partly outside the bone and serve as spacers to hold the plate and clamps spaced apart from the bone, thereby leaving the periosteum undisturbed and preserving good blood distribution to the bone at the fracture site and hence good conditions for healing of the fracture.

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprise a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.

Abstract: A suture anchor for anchoring one end of a conventional suture to bone comprising a coupling member, at least one barb made of a resilient elastic material projecting from said coupling member, and structure for use in attaching one end of a suture to said suture anchor. The coupling member and the at least one barb are adapted to securely anchor one end of the suture in bone when the suture is attached to the attachment structure, so that the other end of the suture extending outside the bone can be used to attach objects to the bone. A novel application tool is also provided.

Abstract: A sternum plate set for securing a patient's ribcage following surgery and for protecting internal organs during subsequent surgical procedures. The plate set is constructed of biocompatible material intended to be implanted into a patient's body during a surgical procedure behind the sternum and to remain in contact with or as a substitute for the sternum following surgery. The plate set is slightly convex in shape on a side facing the sternum, and is provided with at least one transverse channel having a suture strand and passing therethrough. The suture strand has free ends which are equipped with curved needles and are passed through the sternum and joined together to secure the plate behind the sternum so that the plate permanently remains inside the patient's body between the sternum and internal organs.

Abstract: An external fixation device for orthopedic use adapted to be used with the so-called ILIZAROV method including at least two hoops for a substantially cross-shaped attachment of pins, cross-pieces connecting the hoops in spaced relation, each cross-piece including a first end connected to one hoop and a second end connected to another hoop, a device for adjusting the length of the cross-pieces for putting under traction or compression, at least a bone fragment to which the cross-pieces connect respectively through the hoops and the pins, a first clamp device for clamping a first end of each pin, a second clamp device for clamping a second opposite end of each pin, the first clamp device and second clamp device are connected to the hoops diametrically, and a device for moving the first clamp device away from the second clamp device to tension the respective pins.