Abstract: A guide assembly for surgical instruments used for performing surgical procedure on a bone having a longitudinal axis. At least one stand-off member secured to and extending from the bone is coupled to a support member holding the support member laterally from and in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the bone. The support member provides a base for a locating assembly which comprises an arm a positioning member and a guide member. The arm is coupled to the support member and is movable linearly between the extremes thereof, along a path related to the longitudinal axis of the bone. The positioning member which includes a plurality of positioning apertures along its length, is defined by a constant radius equal to the distance the support member is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone.

Abstract: External fixation assemblies are provided which include a frame having one or more structural members for connecting to rods adjustably coupled thereto to provide a plurality of fixed positions around a patient's bone. The arcuate members include a plurality of locating indicia which can provide a physical contrast to a remaining surface of said structural members when exposed to x-ray radiation. This invention also provides protruding lug portions on arcuate structural members to increase compressive forces during patient treatment and a marking system for identifying openings in structural members during treatment.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts, or one of three various types of telescoping screw assemblies having a single-threaded rod, a coaxial sleeve for receiving the rod and one of three types of plastic connector assemblies. For angular distraction, the distraction mechanism includes an angular distractor with a rotatable knob and pivotable spacers which are connected to the frame members.

Abstract: An external fixator system comprises a clamp adapted to couple a fixator pin to a connecting rod. The clamp includes a slot for transversely receiving the body of the connecting rod. The slot preferably includes a region of reduced width, providing interference between the clamp and the connecting rod as it is inserted. This causes the clamp to snap onto the rod. A bolt is inserted through a hole passing through both sides of the slot. The bolt includes a head at one end formed in the shape of a hook adapted to hook the shaft of a fixator pin, and a thread at the opposite end. The bolt is rotatably mountable in the hole such that the fixator pin can be retained at a range of angles relative to the connecting rod. The clamp is attachable to a fixator pin and a connecting bar between two previously-installed clamps without disassembly of the system.

Abstract: A clamp for fixing bone pins or wires to an external frame is disclosed. The clamp has a central post, an upper vise plate and a lower vise plate urged together on the post, by a spring for provisional placement, a nut for positively locking the vise plates together on a frame, and a pin clamp that can be moved along the axis of the central post, and can receive and clamp either a bone pin or a bone wire. The pin or wire has unlimited angular movement in two planes. The clamp is a captive unit that requires no intraoperative assembly.

Abstract: An external fixator for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: A spatial frame for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts, or one of three various types of telescoping screw assemblies having a single-threaded rod, a coaxial sleeve for receiving the rod and one of three types of plastic connector assemblies. For angular distraction, the distraction mechanism includes an angular distractor with a rotatable knob and pivotable spacers which are connected to the frame members.

Abstract: A halo adapted to enclose the forehead and temples of a patient including at least two frontotemporal bars (1) which are joined to each other, and two half-arches (2) which are joined to each other and are fixed connected with the frontotemporal bars, the joined half-arches forming an arch enclosing the posterosuperior zone of the cranium of the patient. The frontotemporal bars (1) and the half-arches (2) are interconnected through bars (4, 5) overlapping the contiguous ends of the former. The mutually facing portions of the frontotemporal bars, the half-arches and the interconnecting bars include orifices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) facilitating rigid fastening together thereof by assembly screws (6). At least some of the orifices of the interconnecting bars, the frontotemporal bars, and the half-arches being oblong slots (7, 8, 12), facilitating adapting the dimensions of the halo to the morphology of the cranium of the patient.

Abstract: A cast brace for use for the treatment of children having femoral shaft fractures. The brace includes a main support bracket adapted to extend from a support cast. A tension assembly extending from the brace to a support yolk applying tension to a K-wire extending transversely through the leg specifically the tibia adjacent the tip of the medial malleolus secured to a traction bow. Adjustability of the traction tension to facilitate proper bone alignment and to expedite the time required to maintain the limb in traction.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for lengthening bones is disclosed including a plurality of frame elements (12) spaced apart from one another. The frame elements are U-shaped for at least partially enclosing the bone, and two elements may be connected to fully enclose the bone. Fixation elements (14) that transfix the bone approximately perpendicular to its long direction are secured to the frame elements. Telescopically extendable tensioning elements (16) connect the frame elements together and fix them in position relative to one another. The frame elements (12) include a plurality of rows (18, 18') of longitudinal slots (20, 20', 20"). The tensioning elements (16) are clamped to the frame elements at aligned slots and the fixation elements (14) are similarly clamped to the appropriate slots in the corresponding frame elements. The tensioning elements include three threaded sections with a first section including a spindle and sleeve with a second and third threaded section threaded into the first section.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus 2 that allows the transfixation wire 10 to be secured at a plurality of discrete positions to provide adjustability of the angular orientation of the wire with respect to the plane of a frame ring 6. The fixation apparatus 2 includes a transfixation wire or pin 10 that is connected between a transmitting clamp 20 and a receiving clamp 40 that are shiftably carried atop of a partial frame ring 6. A wire retainer 50 is secured to the distal end 14 of the transfixation wire. The receiving clamp 40 includes a raised member 46 adapted for receiving distal end 14 of wire 10 and mating with retainer 50 at a variety of discrete positions along the length of raised member 46. Retainer 50 uses two screws 54, 56 to secure distal end 14 of wire 10 within a longitudinal through bore 51. Screw 54 extends into longitudinal bore 51 to engage wire 10 near the proximal end of retainer 50.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bone fixation device composed of two separate connectable sections: a compression device and an elongated member. The compression device is further composed of four interacting elements: a hollow, elongated body; a flexible compression wire; at least two compression blades and a hollow cylinder. The elongated member may be adapted to accept shims. The present invention also discloses a bone alignment device composed of: two adjustable circular members; a tubular, longitudinally extending member connecting the two circular members; at least two longitudinally extending connectors also connecting the two circular members and at least one adjustable bone alignment means attached to each connector for applying pressure to the limb containing the fractured bone. The present invention also discloses a system for using the bone alignment device and bone fixation device of the present invention together to align and fix a broken bone.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: An external fixation system for stabilizing bone fractures is provided, having a hexagonal rod as the primary support mechanism with a plurality of fixation components adjustably secured thereto. The fixation components preferably include at least one pin secured to the hexagonal rod by a clamping mechanism which provides multiple degrees of adjustability for enhanced pin placement. The clamping mechanism comprises a clamp member and ball collet having a hexagonal opening formed therein, wherein the ball collet fits within a cavity in the clamp member with the rod extending therethrough, and a retaining nut used to compress the ball collet thereby grippingly engaging the rod and securing the clamp member to the rod. The clamp member is adjustable to any desired position both longitudinally and peripherally about the rod. Each pin is secured within a clamp member through the use of similar ball collets and retaining nuts, and is angularly adjustable relative to the clamp member.

Abstract: Distraction Osteogenesis is a procedure for lengthening a bone. The Ilizarov External Fixator is an apparatus employed in the distraction osteogenesis procedure. The prospects for a successful clinical outcome of the procedure are enhanced by modifying the Ilizarov apparatus to obtain measurements of loads generated during the procedure. An apparatus and method for the clinical use of load measurements taken during the distraction osteogenesis procedure are disclosed. An alternative method is disclosed for converting load measurements to stress data in order to enhance the clinical outcome of the procedure. Additionally, the method may be employed to assess completion of the healing process.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The bone imobilization device includes two semicircular frame pieces having a plurality of radial apertures through which bone gripping components adjustably extend in order to contact the bone. The bone gripping components include a shaft with a point inserted through a shaft bore of a serrated bone contact element. A support attaches to the frame to adjustably secure and position the frame relative to the reference structure.

Abstract: A device for treating and preventing injuries and contractures of the elbow joint, particularly supination-pronation contractures and proximal radial head fractures. The device includes bracing sections for fixing the device to the radius and the ulna, and for permitting movement of the attached radius continually along a path which is adapted and adjusted to be aligned with the kinematic axis of the proximal radial-ulnar joint.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method to externally fix bone fractures and bone deformities by moving an arc gear member, which is attached to a first bone segment, through an arc shaped path so as to place the first bone segment in the desired position relative to a second bone segment.

Abstract: A method of forming an Ilizarov ring includes forming two half rings, each of which comprises a length of resin impregnated cloth. Cloth is pre-impregnated with a resin and then wound to provide a plurality of layers in a three dimensional orientation, and then the resin impregnated cloth is placed in a mold. After the resin impregnated cloth is pressed and cured in the mold, the material is removed from the mold and is appropriately machined. Two half rings are secured together to form a single ring.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive device to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive device includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller device for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor. An internal orthopaedic system is also disclosed in which a telescoping rod driven by an internal drive screw is placed internal to the bone of a patient and driven by means of either a flexible drive shaft connected to a motor and controller assembly or an internal motor and controller assembly.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprising two tubular brackets connected in sliding manner and securable by means of pins to the ends of the fractured bone. The two brackets are connected by means of a flexible cable the ends of which the connected by a cable tensioning device. The cable is guided by a series of circumferential grooves arranged alternately on the two brackets, and is tightened by the cable tensioning device in such a manner as to exert, between the two brackets and in one operation, a traction or compression force evenly distributed along the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a means for providing tension to bones dug the healing process that is non-invasive. In the preferred embodiment, the disclosed means for placing bones under tension comprises a first collar and a second collar. Each collar is controllably moved cyclically between a body member embracing condition and a body member releasing condition in such manner that when one collar is in one condition the other is in the other condition. A firm grip is therewith always maintained on the body member while allowing the circulation thereof.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: An arcuate cradle element for use in an external fixation device is generally in the shape of a partial or full circular toroid whose transverse cross-section comprises two opposed and symmetrical polygonal portions, joined by a web serving to connect and space apart the polygons. The polygonal portions are preferably triangular portions. Two of the arcuate cradle elements of unequal length may be combined to form a full circle.

Abstract: A fixation device for fractured bones includes a pair of spaced arcuate supports having square or rectangular cross sections. Each of the supports is embraced by a plurality of first U-shaped holders and a plurality of second U-shaped holders, and the holders can be releasably clamped at selected positions along the supports. The first holders carry pivotable and rotatable guides, and the guides are provided with passages which receive wires to be anchored in a bone. The wires are threaded throughout their lengths and the free ends of the wires project outwardly of the guides and are provided with tensioning nuts. Additional nuts for holding the wires in position may be disposed on the central portions of the wires. Each of the second holders of one support is connected to a respective second holder of the other support by way of a strut.

Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures and the correction of congenital deformities uses an improved adjustment device that allows selective rotation or lateral translation of one external fixation ring with respect to other external fixation rings. The adjustment device attaches to a pair of first and second tie rod sections and shifts the first tie rod section with respect to the second tie rod section during adjustment. The adjustment device has a lateral slot that defines the path of movement for one of the translating tie rod sections. A travelling block connected to the moving tie rod section tracks the slot during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures, limb lengthening, and the correction of deformities uses an improved composite plastic carbon fiber ring that is formed in a mold, or machined with a stepped end portion that allows half rings to be assembled in a common plane. The method can use a mold wherein multiple rings can be formed by stacking the rings with a Teflon layer therebetween and wherein circumferential braid reinforcement of carbon fiber adds strength at the circumferential inner and outer curved surfaces of the rings and half rings.

Abstract: The device for tensioning traction wires has a hollow body to which a pair of actuation levers is pivoted. A movable head is guided frontally in the hollow body and a slider is slidably mounted inside the hollow body and is adapted to be traversed by a traction wire. A tension element is supported by the slider and provided with clamps for locking the traction wire. A lever system transmits to the slider the compression force exerted on the actuation levers, while an anchoring element rigidly associated with the hollow body is fitted on the slider, to which the lever system is pivoted. A movable locking element is adapted to keep constant the tension exerted by means of the actuation levers.

Abstract: Extrafocal fixing apparatus for transosteal syndesis of strains and compressions in orthopedics and traumatology which includes rectilinear and curved rod-like elements which can be coupled to one another through clamps which define seats for the removable accommodation of the rod-like elements to be mutually secured. The clamps have a single securing element which acts on the rod-like elements arranged in the seats. Mandrels are furthermore provided for supporting tensioned wires and supporting bars and are removably accommodatable in the seats of the clamps and can be secured through the securing elements.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: An adjustable splint assembly comprises of an adjustable splint device and a fixator device, said adjustable splint device comprising a distal strut and a proximal strut pivotably connected to said distal strut, one of said struts having at one end a pivotably mounted head portion defining a cam surface, an adjustable biasing means mounted within the other strut and biased into engagement with said cam surface for applying a quantifiable force tending to align or approximate said distal and proximal struts, said fixator device comprising a right ring and a left ring, two or more surgical wires for implanting through a bone, with said wires connected at each end to the periphery of the right ring and crossing each other substantially near the center axis of said right ring, two or more surgical wires similarly connected to and crossing within the left ring, means for connecting said surgical wires to the right ring and left ring, and upper rod connected at one end to the left ring and at the other end to the r

Abstract: Tensioning clamps for bone positioning wires of external fixation devices used in orthopedic surgery having clamping structure associated with tensioning guide device for being moved reciprocally therewith for clamping said bone positioning wire for movement with the tensioning guide device, and a clamp and tension indicator including annular washer springs in a cavity between compression surfaces, the distance between which is indicative of the amount of compression, is disclosed.