INSTRUMENT TO FACILITATE MAKING OF SUTURE HOLES IN CERTAIN BONES

Abstract

This simple instrument for making suture holes in certain bones is especially useful in operations on the patella and the bones of the foot and wrist. It is very handy in all tendon and bone work, particularly in arthrodeses of small bones. The instrument is not proposed as a substitute for the hand or electric drill. Often the latter instruments are not sterilized and at hand, and delays are always annoying. The instrument is a modified June bug or Backhaus clamp (sometimes called a towel clip). Any variety of size, curve and thickness of prongs may be made. It may be used without eyes simply to make the holes, or with eyes, to be used for inserting the sutures after the holes are made. If used without eyes, the suture needles should have the same curve as the hole-making prongs. If the desired shape of prongs cannot be obtained, it