The present invention related to a joint positioning device for positioning a joint and methods for using such devices. The joint positioning device may comprise a patient support comprising a substantially flat surface, the patient support configured to be positioned proximate to a chair; a shoulder pole mounted to the patient support, the shoulder pole oriented substantially perpendicular to a substantially flat surface of the patient support; and a cylindrical shoulder pad mounted to the shoulder pole, the shoulder pad oriented substantially perpendicular to the shoulder pole. The joint positioning device may further comprise a vertical pillar, the vertical pillar oriented substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of the patient support.

A device for supporting a patient's arm includes a rail clamp configured to be secured to a rail or other structure on a table such as an operating table. The rail clamp includes a clamp body and a socket configured to receive a base on an attachment such as a lateral brace. The base may be inserted longitudinally in the longitudinal socket on the rail clamp. The base may comprise an arm brace. The base is moveable in the longitudinal socket such that the arm brace may be raised or lowered relative to the rail clamp. The arm brace may be used when a patient is lying prone or laterally on a table.

A surgical table attachment for providing hyperextension of the hip joint during direct anterior approach without need for lowering the distal end of the operating table. The attachment will allow external rotation as well as adduction for better exposure of the proximal end of the femur. It further allows for motorized traction of the lower extremity controlled by the operating surgeon. The inventive device conveniently incorporates a femoral elevator mechanism that will raise the proximal end of the femoral bone for better visualization through the wound and easier reduction of the implant. The device is easily used with any conventional surgical table and can made from radiolucent material allowing intraoperative X-ray control.

The invention relates to means for releasably connecting a wheelchair backrest to a wheelchair frame. This is desirable to facilitate collapse of the wheelchair for transport or storage. In the preferred embodiment there is a wheelchair having a support frame, a backrest (16) and connector comprising a saddle (1) and a clamp (17). The saddle has a slot (3) with top and front openings and a locking lever (7). Two pins (12) are received in the slot so they extend through the front opening, and the lever (7) is able to move to divide the slot into top and bottom zones so that a lower one of the pins is prevented from being withdrawn from the slot via the top opening by the lever. The lever can then be moved to unblock the lower pin and allow the slot (3) and the pins (12) to be dissociated.

Rotation unit (16) for connecting to an operating table for rotation of a patient's leg about its longitudinal axis, wherein the rotation unit (16) comprises: an interface (24) for attachment of the foot of the patient's leg on the rotation unit (16); a rotor, to which the interface (24) is connected in a torsionally resistant manner and which is used for rotation of the interface (24) and thus of the patient's leg about the longitudinal axis; a stator (42), on which the rotor is rotatably mounted, such that the rotor can rotate relative to the stator; a rotary handle (22) for rotation of the rotor; and a locking assembly (26) for blocking the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The locking assembly (26) can be actuated by means of an action on the rotary handle.

The invention relates to a postural support bracket for attaching to at least one postural support. The bracket is adapted to allow the postural support to adopt a variety of different positions, including positions in which the postural support is tilted. In one embodiment, the postural support bracket comprises a hinged region that when attached to one or more postural supports, allows the postural support to adopt a variety of different angles.

A shoulder hold-down is provided for use in securing at least a shoulder of a patient in position relative to a surgical frame. The shoulder hold-down includes a locking mechanism that is adjustable to afford positioning of a shoulder engaging portion for contacting the patient. The locking mechanism facilitates at least four (4) modes of adjustment to position the shoulder engaging portion relative to the patient.

The invention relates to means for releasably connecting a wheelchair backrest to a wheelchair frame. This is desirable to facilitate collapse of the wheelchair for transport or storage. In the preferred embodiment there is a wheelchair having a support frame, a backrest (16) and connector comprising a saddle (1) and a clamp (17). The saddle has a slot (3) with top and front openings and a locking lever (7). Two pins (12) are received in the slot so they extend through the front opening, and the lever (7) is able to move to divide the slot into top and bottom zones so that a lower one of the pins is prevented from being withdrawn from the slot via the top opening by the lever. The lever can then be moved to unblock the lower pin and allow the slot (3) and the pins (12) to be dissociated.

Surgical table for providing hyperextension of the hip joint during direct anterior approach without need for lowering the distal end of the operating table. The attachment will allow external rotation as well as adduction for better exposure of the proximal end of the femur. It further allow for motorized traction of the lower extremity controlled by the operating surgeon. The inventive device conveniently incorporates a femoral elevator mechanism that will raise the proximal end of the femoral bone for better visualization through the surgical wound and easier reaming of the femoral canal.

An adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be used with various backs, that can be adjusted in a plurality of ways using a single adjustment point, and that can be adjusted without the use of tools. In another aspect, includes a support mechanism for mounting an adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be engaged using gravity, that provides at least one support point, and that can be utilized without the use of tools. Still another aspect of the wheelchair back assembly includes a mounting clamp that is simple in construction, that provides at least one support point, and that can be easily disassembled and adjusted to accommodate upright frame members of various diameters without the use of a tool.