Adjustable supporting bracket having plural ball and socket joints

摘要

An articulating supporting bracket for a surgical tissue stabilizer comprises a series of elements joined to one another by articulating ball-and-socket joints. A flexible cable extends through passages in the elements, and, when tightened, causes the balls and sockets to lock together frictionally. The ball of each joint fits into its socket by an interference fit, whereby the ball and socket of each joint engage one another over an area of contact when the cable is tightened, thereby providing a strong, rigid support for the tissue stabilizer.