Abstract: This invention describes an implant to fuse the bones of the ankle and subtalar joints together. The method includes steps of producing an implant to apply compressive forces across the bones of the ankle or the bones of the subtalar joint. In one embodiment, the invention includes a method that uses images such as radiographs preoperatively to determine the length and width of the disclosed implant or any other implant based on each patient's unique anatomy, that will properly allow coaptation of the ends of the prepared tibia and talus at the ankle joint or the prepared talus and the calcaneus at the subtalar joint. The implant is inserted from the bottom of the foot through a predetermined hole in the calcaneus extending through the talus into the diaphysis of the tibia. When properly seated in the bones, the implant is locked to the bones by screws.

Abstract: An implant for causing fusion of bones in an ankle is disclosed. The implant, in a preferred embodiment, is a cannulated screw with threads at the leading end and threads at the trailing end having a a tibial component that interacts with the tibia, a calcaneus component that interacts with the calcaneus and a midsection extending between the tibial component and the calcaneus component. The implant is placed in a borehole formed in the tibia, talus and calcaneus and causes the tibia and talus to be moved into compressive contact with each other. As a result, the ends of the tibia and talus that have previously had the cartilage removed down to bloody bone are coapted together to allow fusion. In another embodiment of the invention, a middle threaded portion is placed between the tibial component and the calcaneus component. The middle threaded portion interacts with the talus to help add compressive force to the fusion process.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for achieving the secure and stable fixation of a graft ligament within a bone tunnel using a screw that includes a cylindrical wall having a leading end and a trailing end, threads arranged on an outside surface of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of portals arranged in the cylindrical wall and adapted to receive a plurality of prongs of a screwdriver.

Abstract: A cannulated screw is provided having internal threads in a lumen to accommodate a fortifying screw. The fortifying screw is screwed into the threads in the lumen of the cannulated screw after the cannulated screw has been accurately placed in the bone by following a guide pin or guide wire to the desired location is as is commonly done with cannulated screws. The fortifying screw fortifies the cannulated screw and gives it strength approximately equal to that of a solid screw.

Abstract: To set a fractured bone using an intramedullary nail having a hole for a proximal locking screw, the surgeon reams a primary cavity extending from a proximal area, across a fractured area, and into a distal area of the fractured bone, to a first diameter. An expanded cavity is also reamed in the proximal area of the fractured bone. The reamed primary and expanded cavities are aligned. The intramedullary nail is inserted so as to extend from the expanded cavity to a distal end of the primary cavity. With the intramedullary nail inserted, a bone fragment in the proximal area of the fractured bone, which covers the hole, is removed. The proximal locking screw is inserted through the uncovered hole and into the proximal area of the fractured bone without the use of a jig. The removed bone fragment is then secured back onto to the proximal area of the fractured bone from which it was removed, after insertion of the screw.

Abstract: Described is a solid rod implant having a pair of plates at each end of the rod which is designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in rigid alignment with each other. The solid rod implant may be rigidly attached to the damaged long bone by means of the pair of partly tubular plates at either end of the rod. These plates provide the sole means of attachment of the implant to the bone i.e there is has no provision for any attachments along, beside or through any portion of the rod that would allow it to be apposed to, or attached to any portion of the bone to which it is providing support during osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Described is a method of inserting a solid rod implant into the body. The implant is designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in stable alignment with each other. The solid rod implant is designed to be rigidly attached to the damaged long bone by means of a pair of partly tubular plates at either end of the rod. These plates provide the sole means of attachment of the implant to the bone i.e there is no provision for any attachments along, beside or through any portion of the rod that would allow it to be apposed to, or attached to any portion of the bone for which it is providing support for osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Described is a solid rod implant having a pair of plates at each end of the rod which is designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in rigid alignment with each other. The solid rod implant may be rigidly attached to the damaged long bone by means of the pair of partly tubular plates at either end of the rod. These plates provide the sole means of attachment of the implant to the bone i.e there is has no provision for any attachments along, beside or through any portion of the rod that would allow it to be apposed to, or attached to any portion of the bone to which it is providing support during osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Described is a solid rod implant having a pair of plates at each end of the rod which is designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in rigid alignment with each other. The solid rod implant may be rigidly attached to the damaged long bone by means of the pair of partly tubular plates at either end of the rod. These plates provide the sole means of attachment of the implant to the bone i.e there is has no provision for any attachments along, beside or through any portion of the rod that would allow it to be apposed to, or attached to any portion of the bone to which it is providing support during osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Described is a fixateur consisting of a solid rod designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in rigid alignment with each other. The solid rod fixateur is designed to be rigidly attached to the damaged long bone by means of a pair of partly tubular plates at either end of the rod. These plates provide the sole means of attachment of the fixateur to the bone i.e there is has no provision for any attachments along, beside or through any portion of the rod that would allow it to be apposed to, or attached to any portion of the bone for which it is providing support for osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Described is a method of inserting a solid rod implant into the body. The implant is designed for bridging two portions of a broken long bone, united or ununited, and maintaining the divided portions of the bone in stable alignment with each other.