Abstract: A fixation device for reduction of bone segments of the metatarsus comprises a fixation plate that is sized and configured to generally conform to the shaft of the metatarsus between the head and base. The plate includes a head end that is wider than the base end, with curved side edges that gradually taper between the two ends and produce a necked-down portion between the two ends that narrower than either end. The profile of the plate is further reduced by curving the plate across its width and along the entire length of the plate and by forming the plate at a minimal thickness of about 0.9 mm. The plate is provided with a plurality of screw holes staggered across the length and width of the plate. In the preferred embodiment, two screw holes are provided at each end and a group of four screws are provided adjacent each of the side edges. The screws holes are staggered to avoid conflict of the screws within the bone regardless of how many screws are used to secure the plate to the bone.

Abstract: A fixation device for reduction and fixation of fractures of the talus bone of the foot includes a thin titanium alloy plate having a lower wing configured for attachment to the lateral aspect of the talus and an upper wing configured for attachment to the dorsal aspect of the talus. The plate includes a substantially perpendicular or right angle bend between the lower and upper wings. In one embodiment, each wing includes three screw holes arranged in a generally triangular pattern. Two holes on each plate are situated in tabs and the center of the plate has a reduced width so that the plate presents a minimal profile. One of the tabs on the upper wing is bent away from the lower wing at a pre-determined angle so that the wing conforms to the shape of the talus. In an alternative embodiment, the upper wing includes a step portion between the lower wing and the bent tab and carrying one screw hole. In this embodiment, the bent tab is generally elongated with one or two screw holes disposed along its length.

Abstract: A device for fixation of the navicular bone of the foot includes a truss plate defining a plurality of holes for receive bone screws therethrough. The holes are staggered along the length and width of the plate to minimize the overall width of the plate and to ensure that bone screws passing through all holes do not conflict within the bone. The plate includes a medial section configured for attachment to the medial aspect of the navicular and a dorsal section that is curved into a hook shape for attachment to the dorsal aspect of the bone. The hook shape helps retain and reduce the bone fragments of a fractured navicular. The plate further defines a plurality of cut-outs between struts supporting the screw hole locations, wherein the cut-outs are configured to receive bone fasteners therethrough.

Abstract: An airbag (10) for mounting in the bumper (18) of a motor vehicle (12) is provided. The airbag can have an up-side-down “L” shape or a cylindrical shape. Further, multiple bags can be combined within one system. The airbag is configured to cover substantially the width of the vehicle upon deployment and also provide protection to the occupant of a struck vehicle (36) in the event the occupant is partially expelled from the struck vehicle in the direction of the bag. The airbag is combined with an inflation (23), collision sensor (34) and an electronic control unit (38) to form the airbag system.

Abstract: A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portion concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.