Benjamin W Shaffer

US Patent:

57024014, Dec 30, 1997

Filed:

Dec 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/366514

Inventors:

Benjamin Shaffer - Washington DC

International Classification:

A61B 1756

US Classification:

606102

Abstract:

An intra-articular measuring device and method of using same, the device including a hollow handle defining a first passageway, and a hollow tube extending from the distal end of the hollow handle, the tube having a second passageway extending therethrough. The hollow tube carries a projection near its distal end for seating on a first selected region of a first bone, such as a tibial insertion point on a tibial plateau. The device further includes a probe slideably disposed within the first and second passageways, the hollow tube having a curvature sufficient to direct a distal end of the probe to a second selected region on a second bone, such as a femoral insertion point on a femur, to enable measurement of the distance between the first and second selected regions. Preferably, the probe includes a shaft extending proximally beyond the handle, the shaft carrying a gauge alignable with the proximal end of the handle to indicate the distance between the first and second selected regions.

US Patent:

56882769, Nov 18, 1997

Filed:

Jul 13, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/502103

Inventors:

Benjamin Shaffer - Washington DC

International Classification:

A61B 1756

US Classification:

606 73

Abstract:

An adjustable implant holder instrument having a proximal handle with a movable actuator mechanism. An elongated shaft has a proximal end connected to the proximal handle and has a distal end pivotably interconnected with a holding member which removably carries a surgical implant. A connecting element transfers force, applied to the actuator mechanism, to the holding member to enable selective orientation of the holding member relative to the shaft.