RAYMOND HAMEL PIERSON III
Medical Practice in Orlando, FL

6200323, Mar 13, 2001

Jun 17, 1999

9/335110

Raymond H. Pierson - Orlando FL

A61B 1758

606102

A gauge for measuring bone thickness includes an elongated pin for insertion into a bore through a bone section. The pin has a length sufficient to span the entire bone section with a distal tip protruding therefrom. The pin further has a length measurement indicator disposed along an outer surface, such as a series of colored bands or indicia, the visualization of which communicates bone thickness. In a particular embodiment a protrusion extending away from the pin's outer surface is provided to retain the pin within the bore. A cannula may be provided for facilitating the introduction of the pin into the bone section. Methods are also described for measuring bone thickness and for contouring bone.

6042584, Mar 28, 2000

Dec 4, 1998

9/205593

Raymond H. Pierson - Orlando FL

A61B 1758

606102

A gauge for measuring bone thickness includes an elongated pin for insertion into a bore through a bone section. The pin has a length sufficient to span the entire bone section with a distal tip protruding therefrom. The pin further has a length measurement indicator disposed along an outer surface, such as a series of colored bands or indicia, the visualization of which communicates bone thickness. The gauge also has a head at a proximal end of the pin, which is dimensioned to prevent its movement into the bone section's bore. In a particular embodiment a protrusion extending away from the pin's outer surface is provided to retain the pin within the bore. Methods are also described for measuring bone thickness and for contouring bone.

6251141, Jun 26, 2001

Oct 23, 1998

9/178336

Raymond H. Pierson - Orlando FL
Daniel F. Justin - Logan UT

A61F 230

623 2348

A plug system for preventing material from extruding beyond a desired location in a bone tunnel includes a plug member that has an insertion axis extending from a first end and a plurality of interleaving arms disposed about the insertion axis. The arms are affixed at a second end and are flarable at the first end between an insertion position wherein the arms are relatively close packed and a position wherein the arms are flared. A portion of each arm remains in overlapping relation to an adjacent arm. The system further includes an expansion member that has an insertion portion adapted to separate the arms upon progressive entry along the insertion axis from the first end. In use the plug can be inserted either first end first, with the expansion member drawn into the plug by a manipulator, or second end first, with the expansion member driven along the insertion axis.

5797915, Aug 25, 1998

Apr 17, 1996

8/633619

Raymond H. Pierson - Orlando FL
Thomas Wade Fallin - Sacramento CA

A61B 1782

606 74

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.