Abstract: The invention concerns a digital joint arthroplasty (10). The arthroplasty has a stemless, unitary body having opposite sides (12, 14) at least one of which is formed with a curved concavity shaped to receive, in articulated manner, a bone end in an MCP, PIP or DIP joint. In some embodiments, both of the opposite side surfaces are concavely curved while in other embodiments, only one side surface (12) is so curved, the opposite surface (40) being flat. In use the arthroplasty is installed between the shaped ends of bones which meet at the MCP, PIP or DIP joint. The absence of stems means that the installation of the arthroplasty is less surgically invasive than is the case with conventional arthroplasties having inter-medullary stems.

Abstract: This invention provides an internal fixation device for a bone fracture, the device comprising a metallic plate having edge fastening formations formed on at least two edges of the plate which is adapted to be secured to a bone fracture site by deforming the plate and engaging the fastening formations directly to the bone by penetration into the bone, thereby bridging a bone fracture.