An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone within a living body comprises a crimp including a first space extending longitudinally therethrough from a first space proximal opening to a first space distal opening, the first space sized and shaped to slidably receive a cerclage member therein and a second space extending parallel to the first space from a second space proximal opening to a second space distal opening, the second space including a proximal portion to receive the cerclage member and a distal portion decreasing in cross-sectional area and an insert that, when inserted into the second space distal opening adjacent to a cerclage member, a decreasing cross-sectional area of the second space distal portion forces the insert laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the second space, pinching and locking the cerclage member against movement relative to the crimp.

A system for repairing separated body tissues includes a tensioning device comprising two proximal handles for grasping, a pair of movable distal tensioning tips, a pivot between the proximal handle and distal tensioning tips, and suture holding clamps proximal to the tensioning tips. The tensioning device is used in conjunction with a buckle with lock bars and a tensioning tab for securing and tensioning suture. The tensioning tab is provided to secure the lock bar in its first position until tension on the suture exceeds a predetermined level.

The invention relates to a knee spacer for temporary replacement of an artificial knee joint, whereby the knee spacer comprises a tibial component (11) and a separator (12), whereby the tibial component (11) comprises a running surface (14) by means of which the tibial component (11), in the patient-inserted state, can be placed against a femoral component (28) in mobile manner, and whereby the separator (12) comprises a contact surface (15) for placing on the tibia (22) and the contact surface (15) is adjustable at a variable distance from the running surface (14) of the tibial component (11). The invention also relates to a method for adapting a knee spacer to a treatment scenario, comprising a tibial component (11) and a separator (12), whereby the tibial component (11) comprises a running surface (14) for placing against a femoral component (28) in mobile manner, and the separator (12) comprises a contact surface (15) for placing on the tibia (22), whereby the method involves adjusting the distance between the contact surface (15) and the running surface (14). The invention also relates to the use of a knee spacer of this type as temporary place-holder in a knee of a patient.

The invention is related with an external fixator that is used in High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) surgeries, including at least one positioner (1) for gripping the leg from both sides, at least one angulation device (3) and a proximal arch (8) that is connected to the positioner (1), at least one proximal schanz holder (7) on the proximal arch (8), at least one distal schanz holder (4) at the bottom of the angulation device (3), at least one osteotomy block (5) that enables to set the size and the location of the incision on the proximal arch (8), at least one fibular head positioning device (2) that is connected to the angulation device (3) and at least one angular indicator (scale) (19) on the fixator, on which the correction can be adjusted and controlled.

The invention is related with an external fixator that is used in High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) surgeries, including at least one positioner (1) for gripping the leg from both sides, at least one angulation device (3) and a proximal arch (8) that is connected to the positioner (1), at least one proximal schanz holder (7) on the proximal arch (8), at least one distal schanz holder (4) at the bottom of the angulation device (3), at least one osteotomy block (5) that enables to set the size and the location of the incision on the proximal arch (8), at least one fibular head positioning device (2) that is connected to the angulation device (3) and at least one angular indicator (scale) (19) on the fixator, on which the correction can be adjusted and controlled.

Skin compression devices are disclosed that are formed of a shape memory material and that have multiple tensioning members. Disposal of one or more skin compression devices on the skin of a subject increases the temperature of the shape memory material and causes the tensioning members to bend inward, thereby compressing the area of skin disposed between the tensioning members; this compression shields the compressed skin from tensile loading. Methods of production and use of the skin compression devices are also disclosed.

A force measuring apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a force concentrator. The force concentrator is configured to attach to a loadbearing medical device and to produce a transverse force related to an eccentric axial force applied to the loadbearing medical device. A bending stiffness of the force concentrator is different from a bending stiffness of the loadbearing medical device.

A force measuring apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a force concentrator. The force concentrator is configured to attach to a loadbearing medical device and to produce a transverse force related to an eccentric axial force applied to the loadbearing medical device. A bending stiffness of the force concentrator is different from a bending stiffness of the loadbearing medical device.

An external distraction apparatus for performing a craniofacial distraction is disclosed. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a stationary member. The stationary member may be configured to be affixed to a head of a patient. The external distraction apparatus may also comprise laterally disposed distractors. The laterally disposed distractors may extend inferiorly from the stationary member and be moveable relative to the stationary member. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a motor and controller. The motor may be powered with the controller to perform a craniofacial distraction in an automated fashion.

An external distraction apparatus for performing a craniofacial distraction is disclosed. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a stationary member. The stationary member may be configured to be affixed to a head of a patient. The external distraction apparatus may also comprise laterally disposed distractors. The laterally disposed distractors may extend inferiorly from the stationary member and be moveable relative to the stationary member. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a motor and controller. The motor may be powered with the controller to perform a craniofacial distraction in an automated fashion.