Abstract: A bone fusion apparatus and method for positioning over and attachment to a desired bone area which can provide for radial compression of bones, with particular suitability for wrist fusion by attachment to suitable bones such as, for example, a plurality of carpus area bones, with or without attachment to the radius bone and/or to one or more metacarpal bones. The bone fusion apparatus includes an annular plate having an outer side for at least partially contacting bone and an opposite inner side. The plate has a top outer edge of greatest diameter and a smaller diameter, bottom inner edge which defines an at least substantially central opening through the plate. The plate is substantially conical in shape such that the plate tapers outwardly from the inner edge of the plate to the outer edge of the plate. The plate defines a plurality of preferably countersunk holes therethrough between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein each of the holes is adapted for receiving a bone fastener.

Abstract: Prosthetic wrist implants, instruments, and methods for implanting the wrist implant. A prosthetic wrist implant is disposed between a patient's radius and carpal complex bones. It includes a radial implant component having an elongated concave articulate front surface and a rear surface which is screwed into the radial bone. A carpal bone implant includes a base member with a front surface and a flat rear surface which is screwed into the carpal bone complex. Alternatively, a post may extend from either the back of the radial implant rear surface of the carpal bone implant, or both, and be implanted into the radial bone or the carpal bone respectively. An articulating bearing member having a flat bottom surface is fastened to the front surface of the carpal bone implant base member and an elongated convex surface slidingly engages the concave articular surface of the radial implant to permit articulation between the radial and carpal bones.

Abstract: A carpal tunnel release apparatus and method including a surgical knife including an elongated handle having a forward portion and a rearward portion with the forward portion of the handle terminating in a cutting head. The cutting head has top edge and a bottom edge with the cutting head terminating in a substantially linear cutting edge extending from proximate the bottom edge of the cutting head toward the top edge of the cutting head. The cutting edge intersects and forms an angle with an upper guide finger which is the only structure which projects forwardly past the plane of the cutting edge and which at least partially forms the top edge of the cutting head. The guide apparatus includes an elongated bar defining one or more elongated grooves therein.

Abstract: A prosthetic wrist implant and method for implanting the wrist implant. The prosthetic wrist implant is disposed between a patient's radius and carpal complex bones. It includes a radial implant component having an elongated concave articulate front surface and a post member projecting from the back of the radial implant into the cavity of the radial bone. A carpal bone implant includes a planar member with a front face and a flat rear face and a second post member projecting from the rear face into a cavity of the carpal bone complex. An articulating bearing member has a flat bottom surface fastened to the front face of the planar member and an elongated convex surface slidingly engaging the concave articular surface of the radial implant to permit articulation between the radial and carpal bones.

Abstract: Bone fractures are stabilized by submerging a bone-lock mending key into the bone, avoiding detection of the key through the skin. A fractured bone typically includes two bone segments having complementary surfaces that mate at the fracture site. Bone repair begins by forming respective gripping channels in the two bone segments. The gripping channels are positioned such that, when the segments are mated at the fracture site, the channels form a continuous gripping socket that spans the fracture. The gripping socket is shaped to provide a longitudinal passage with multiple extensions proceeding outward from the passage. The extensions may comprise fingers, branches, and other apertures channeled outward from the longitudinal passage, thereby forming gripping features such as ridges, flanges, and other protuberances of bone.

Abstract: An elongated anchor and an attached surgical tie are secured to a bone region for use in suturing ligaments, tendons, and the like to the bone. First, an entry hole of predetermined size is drilled in the bone, extending through the cortical layer into the cancellous layer. The hollow shaft of a disposable installation tool is inserted into the entry hole. The shaft has a distal end attached to an apertured deflecting nose, which preferably includes an rounded formation of resilient fingers. The tool houses an elongated anchor with a pair of sides closely interconnected by a bridge, where the sides together define an anchor body having a relatively small cross-section and a pair of opposing ends. The tool also houses a continuous tie that passes around the bridge. A plunger is slidably advanced down the tool's hollow shaft, advancing the anchor lengthwise through the tool shaft and nose into the cancellous layer of bone.