Abstract: An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.

Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a method for distracting a segment of bone from a source bone includes providing a bone distractor that has a first end portion and a second end portion movable relative to each other. The method further includes coupling the first end portion to the segment of bone and coupling the second end portion to an anchor bone opposing the source bone. Additionally, the method includes actuating the bone distractor to move the first and second end portions closer to each other and pull the segment of bone toward the anchor bone. The method can also include fixing the source bone relative to the anchor bone. Further, the method can include positioning the bone distractor to the sides of the source bone, anchor bone, and a gingival layer covering the bones.

Abstract: A screw nail correcting apparatus used for treating ingrown nails seen in human feet and/or hands adapts to different nail widths and to the changes that may occur in time on the same nail and practically enables pulling of the nail with an amount of force complying with the requirement. The fact that the apparatus is not a single piece and that it can be mounted separately from both sides of the nail provides ease of use, and the screw mobile part in the middle thereof helps to adjust the tautness according to the requirement of the nail at the concerned moment.

Abstract: An adjustable-length orthopaedic strut apparatus having minimal x-ray absorption, the capability to produce small length adjustments with minimal axial backlash, and a body devoid of exposed threads, the apparatus having an outer telescoping strut element, an inner telescoping strut element, a threaded drive element rotationally mounted inside the outer telescoping strut element and engaging threads inside the inner telescoping strut element, and an input gear-train arranged to produce fine adjustment of the strut length by generating rotation of the threaded drive element that can be smaller than the input gear rotation. A preferred embodiment also includes compliant preload structures for reducing axial backlash between all moving elements, and one or more locking pins which can be selectively disengaged to adjust the compressive stiffness of the adjustable length strut.

Abstract: A bone compression and distraction system which has an apparatus and a plurality of pins. The apparatus includes a body, a worm screw and a pair of pin attachment members. The worm screw is placed in the body and the pin attachment members are coupled to the worm screw, and constrained from rotation relative to the worm screw, wherein the worm screw has opposing threads extending away from a central region. Upon rotation of the worm screw, the pin attachment members travel in opposite directions, either toward each other or away from each other to either decrease or increase the spacing therebetween. A pin may be coupled to each of the pin attachment members.

Abstract: A device for treating fractures of a bone comprises a plurality of arms, each extending from a proximal end to a distal end and movable in a three-dimensional space, the proximal end of each arm coupled to a frame and a plurality of couplings, each of the couplings coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of arms, the coupling lockingly receiving a bone fixation element secured to a corresponding bone fragment such that each of the arms is coupled to a corresponding fragment of the bone in combination with a mechanical unit moving each of the arms relative to the frame and a controller receiving data corresponding to a desired final position of the fragments relative to one another and controlling the mechanical unit to move the arms relative to one another to achieve the desired final position of the bone fragments relative to one another.

Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous patellar osteosynthesis system applicable to any type of fracture of the knee cap, formed by two arms that contain two multidirectional movable securing devices for fitting to any type of knee cap, in which the arms close in a parallel manner by means of a scissors closure mechanism in order to keep the fragments confined and secured by means of a “zipper” based on manual compression. The devices for securing the knee cap have antero-posterior, up/down and also lateral mobility in order to mobilize the fractured fragments and to achieve a reduction and a satisfactory knee cap joint congruence. The arms have slidable guides for placing the implant in any required direction in order to keep the fragments stable, the guides slide on the arms and the parallelism sought in this type of fixing is achieved without having to be based on manual calculation, the latter customarily being used in broad tissue dissection.

Abstract: Support orthopaedic device (1) for a knee joint, comprising a proximal connector (2) and a distal connector (3), articulated among themselves and respectively intended to be associated with a proximal bone (100) and a distal bone (101) of a lower limb connected among themselves by a knee joint. The device comprises a first rod (4a) and a second rod (4b), which are hinged, according to hinging axes normal to a median excursion plane of the orthopaedic device (1), to the proximal connector (2) and to the distal connector (3) so as to form with them an articulated quadrilateral. The articulated quadrilateral is planarly mobile according to a plane parallel to the excursion plane between a configuration corresponding to an extended position of the knee joint and configurations corresponding to bendings of different entity of the knee joint; the relative motion imposed to the proximal and distal connectors (2, 3) by the articulated quadrilateral is consistent with the physiological movement of the knee joint.

Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.

Abstract: A spinal distraction assembly is provided for distracting the disc space between a pair of vertebrae, the vertebrae each having been implanted with a bone anchor. The spinal distraction assembly includes a first anchor engaging element and a second anchor engaging element. The first anchor engaging element includes a body having a channel extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The second anchor engaging element includes a guide bar. The guide bar is dimensioned to translate through the body channel. Anchor engaging arms extend laterally from each of the body and guide bar.

Abstract: An external fixator for fixing bones includes a coupling member, a plurality of ball joints, each ball joint comprising a pin to be inserted into a bone, a rotary member in form of a ball, a supporting member in which a first supporting member and a first thread for supporting the ball rotatably are formed, and a tubular fastening member that contains the ball and that has openings at the opposite ends, the tubular fastening member is provided at one end with a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The tubular fastening member is provided at the other end with a second supporting portion for pushing the ball against the first supporting portion when the second screw is driven into the first thread, wherein the pins and the coupling member are fixed to the supporting member and the rotary member.

Abstract: A pelvic support configured to support a pelvis and configured to take up at least one tensile stress, wherein the tensile stress is initiated in at least one lower extremity connected to the pelvis, comprising at least one support, wherein the at least one support comprises at least one supporting surface, wherein the at least one supporting surface is arranged near at least one of a ischial tuberosity of the pelvis and is configured to take up the tensile stress at the at least one ischial tuberosity.

Abstract: A distractor device for distracting a jaw bone divided by osteotomy into an anterior segment and a posterior segment. The distractor device comprises a body, an expansion member adapted to extend relative to the body, a first fixing member extending from the expansion member and having a first mounting portion adapted for mounting to one of the anterior and posterior segments, and a second fixing member extending from the body and having a second mounting portion adapted for mounting to the other of the anterior and posterior segments. In this embodiment, one of the first and second fixing members is shorter in length than the other fixing member, and a distance between the first and second mounting portions being adjustable by movement of the expansion member relative to the body to distract the jaw bone in use.

Abstract: An array of mechanical force reduction assemblies sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each assembly functions independently of the other assemblies, to apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture, to thereby mechanically reduce the fracture in a desired way. A carrier coupled to the assembly accommodates temporary attachment of an orthotic brace, residing thereon, partially or fully assembled in a region of the bone fracture. A linkage mechanism accommodates the rotational articulation of the brace in response to the application of one or more mechanical force vectors, to move the bone fracture into a desired anatomic orientation. A locking mechanism maintains the orientation of the brace to maintain the desired anatomic orientation. After release from the carrier, the brace serves in an ambulatory fashion to maintain the desired anatomic orientation after reduction and as healing occurs.

Abstract: Bone fracture reduction devices, systems, and methods couple to a patient platform a mechanical bone fracture reduction fixture, which is sized and configured to be conveyed separate from the patient platform. The bone fracture reduction fixture carries an array of mechanical force reduction assemblies that are sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each mechanical force reduction assembly functions independently of the other mechanical force reduction assemblies, to independently apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture and also mechanically reduce the fracture in the desired reduction planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone dilator designed for treating compression fracture of vertebral body, and fractures of cancellous bones at other sites. The bone dilator comprises a head portion, a neck portion, a connecting tube, a handle and a rotary hilt. The head portion embodies different shapes for use at different locations. When the rotary hilt is rotated clockwise and the pull rod is pulled backwards, the upper and the lower parts of the head portion keep parallel or at a predetermined angle during expanding. When the rotary hilt is rotated counterclockwise and the pull rod is pushed forwards, the head portion and the neck portion completely join together, the distal end of the pull rod and the bar stays are completely or partially retracted in grooves inside the head portion and the neck portion.

Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a method for distracting a segment of bone from a source bone includes providing a bone distractor that has a first end portion and a second end portion movable relative to each other. The method further includes coupling the first end portion to the segment of bone and coupling the second end portion to an anchor bone opposing the source bone. Additionally, the method includes actuating the bone distractor to move the first and second end portions closer to each other and pull the segment of bone toward the anchor bone. The method can also include fixing the source bone relative to the anchor bone. Further, the method can include positioning the bone distractor to the sides of the source bone, anchor bone, and a gingival layer covering the bones.

Abstract: Intra-oral devices for distraction osteogenesis are described. Utilizing a medical model, bone-traced fixation plates with undercut portions are custom-fitted to the skeleton of the patient. To these plates rigid distraction platforms are connected. In the pre-surgical stage, skeletal segments are placed in the post-operative position and occlusal splints are constructed. The occlusal splints are modified to interengage the distraction platforms and to provide docking therefor. One or more distractors are mounted on the rigid platform and, upon operation thereof, guide the segment to the distraction endpoint. Optionally, after distraction and during consolidation, the distractors may be removed.

Abstract: A mandibular distractor can include an elongated main body having a central longitudinal axis extending in the elongate direction between a first end and a spaced apart second end. A first bone mount can be secured to the main body and a second bone mount can be positioned on the main body. A drive mechanism configured to selectively move the second bone mount longitudinally along the main body can also be included. A third bone mount configured to be moved longitudinally along the main body can also be included.

Abstract: A method of applying compression between a distal bone portion and a proximal bone portion using an orthopedic device is provided. The method may include inserting the orthopedic device through the proximal bone portion and into the distal bone portion, where the orthopedic device includes a core and a sleeve. The method may further include fastening the core to the distal bone portion and fastening the sleeve to the proximal bone portion. The method may further include applying initial compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion. The method may further include maintaining compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with a pawl member. The method may also include allowing for dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion after the initial compression has been achieved and maintaining the dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with the pawl member.

Abstract: Systems, device and methods are described for maintaining concentric reduction of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of a finger with few as two orthopedic pins, one inserted through the head of the proximal phalanx concentric with the axis of rotation of the joint (i.e., a transverse pin), and the other through the middle phalanx at a location between the PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (a dorsal pin), and applying a force between the two pins. A surgical kit is described which may include such components as a dorsal pin, a transverse pin, a pin placement guide for use in reducing the joint fracture dislocation and then drilling holes for the pins or for inserting self-drilling pins, and a fixation device for coupling and applying a force between the dorsal and transverse pins. The components of the surgical kit are described, including various configurations of the fixation device.

Abstract: An intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member having i) a set screw and ii) a pressure plate having an outer face contacting the set screw and an inner face having teeth adapted to mate with the ratchet notches of the second member.

Abstract: An external bone distractor (1) having a threaded curvilinear rod (4) including several diametrical flat sections (7,8) with the thread (9) of the rod (4) continuing along longitudinal lines. At least a pair of carriages (2) are engaged on the rod and solidly connected to spindle supports (3). Guide members (10, 13) cooperate with the flat sections for preventing rotation of each of the carriages about the axis of the rod. Adjusting devices (14, 15) position each of the carriages along the length of the rod. The curvilinear rod (4) provides for use of the distractor in reconstruction of curved bone segments, such as in the jaw, face and skull.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices with expandable lengths for treating bony members. The device may include an elongated member with two sections that are movable relative to each other. An expansion chamber may be positioned between the first and second sections. A pump may move fluid from a reservoir and through a conduit into the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber expands upon receiving the fluid to cause the first and second sections to move apart and increase the length of the elongated member. The device may include multiple expansion chambers along the length, and the elongated member may include multiple sections.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: A femoral tibial spreader (100) for spreading adjacent bones includes a radial measurement gauge (111) for providing incidia corresponding to an amount of force being applied to the forward ends (105,106) of the femoral tibial spreader (100). The femoral tibial spreader (100) may be used, for example, to separate the femur (301) and tibia (302) during knee surgery. The radial measurement gauge (111) may be used to determine an amount of force being applied to the femur (301) and tibia (302), for example, by the medial and arterial ligaments. Two handle members (104,109) are squeezed together, which causes the forward ends (105,106) to open. A biasing member (110) allows a measurement extension (108) to pivot towards a handle member under tension, thereby providing a measurement of force applied by the ligaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. A hour glass shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. A distraction pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae they are locked in this position. A compression pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae they are locked in this position.

Abstract: An apparatus for lengthening of extremities includes at least two supporting rings, a plurality of spikes mounted in each of the at least two supporting rings by spike-fixating elements, the at least two supporting rings connected with one another by threaded rods, which are displaced into rectilinear movement by automated drives connected with a portable block for power supply and control. Each automated drive includes a screw pair composed of a threaded rod and a threaded insert mounted via two bearings that are spaced from one another, and movable through a reducer with a stepper motor. The portable block is provided with elements for controlling a speed and a direction of movement of each of the automated drives, and a unit is provided for calculation and indication of displacement supplied by each of the automated drives.

Abstract: A device to establish a connection of portions of a broken bone includes a base body adapted to receive a bone nail. A clamping holder has a receptacle to receive a fixation rod. A bearing element mounts the clamping holder on the base body for spherically displacement. A tensioning rod connection has a tensioning rod on which the base body, the clamping holder and the bearing element are arrangeable in a row for tensioning relative to each other. In a first connection state the tensioning rod connection is released so that the fixation rod and base body are adjustable relative to each other. In a second connection state there is sufficient closing tension in the tensioning rod connection to form a stable non-positive locking connection between the fixation rod and the base body.

Abstract: A dynamic distractor is described for distracting an intervertebral space and determining a size of an artificial intervertebral disc to be implanted in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments include such pin holders arranged with elements including an array of pin holding positions for fixing fragments at a fractured end of a bone, such as a fractured distal radius.

Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator includes a tube and a rod, especially a threaded rod being in threaded engagement with the tube. The tube comprises at least one hole for accommodating a ball, the ball having the spherical shape for engagement with the threaded rod. A sleeve is provided on the portion of the tube comprising the hole. The sleeve comprises a non-spherical inner cross-section. The greater diameter of the sleeve has a dimension which is at least the sum of the outer diameter of the threaded rod plus the diameter of an accommodating ball for allowing direct axial movement of the threaded rod against the tube in such a rotational position of the sleeve. The lesser diameter has a dimension to place the ball within the threaded rod for allowing a rotational movement of the threaded rod against the tube.

Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for fixating bone parts includes a set of one or more bone fixation pins for engaging a bone piece, an elongated fixator body having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots in the fixator body, and a pin-holder received within the fixator body and configured to removably hold the set of one or more bone fixation pins. The pin-holder is longitudinally movable within the fixator body for controlling the position of the set of bone fixation pins within the fixator body. The fixator body also can be configured to removably hold a second set of one or more bone fixation pins at a location fixed along the fixator body.

Abstract: The present devices, systems and processes can simultaneously reduce a malady of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity and provide compression and stabilization through the use of a combined internal fixation device, external fixation device and a lower extremity stabilizing device. The various embodiments of the system are capable of providing adequate compression in the medial, central and/or lateral columns and/or sides of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity, as well as treating Charcot neuroarthropathy, fractures, revisional foot and combination of ankle surgeries. The external fixation device and/or lower extremity stabilizer can be removed after a certain period of time, leaving the internal fixation system within the body for prolonged stabilization and maintenance of the arthrodesis site(s).

Abstract: A multi-plane bone distraction system including an elongated member with an anchor, slot, rail and anchoring means for use as a distraction device in cutting and either lengthening or shortening a bone. The system is capable of being anchored to one or more bones.

Abstract: A spinal implant device includes a spacer region and an attachment region. The spacer region is adapted to be positioned between first and second spinous processes of first and second vertebral bodies to limit movement of the first spinous process and the second spinous process toward one another. The attachment region attaches to the first spinous process via a fastener that extends substantially along a long axis of the spinous process.

Abstract: An external fixator for treating a fracture of a long bone has six extension arms which are extendable out of and retractable into a main body. The six extension arms are arranged into two sets of three out opposing sides of the main body, with each set of three extension arms being able to support a fixation ring. Each extension arm is pivotable at a joint and extendable so as to allow the ring to be set at a wide range of angular positions relative to the main body. The three extension arms and the ring each define a wrap angle about the axis of the long bone being treated. The longitudinal position of each extension arm can be changed either with a coarse adjustment capability or with a fine adjustment capability, with the coarse adjustment capability being through rotation of a thumb wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopaedic system for the modification of the distance between the contralateral maxillary segments or halves. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two metal bone plates fixed on the bony palatal shelves, with slotted extensions which opposite internal walls have concave indents into which disk-shaped wings of interchangeable distraction modules fit. The in the palatal plane concave female indent and the convex male wing prevent distraction module dislocation in case of oblique placement in the axial plane. In the frontal plane, the male wings are straight. The extension on the abutment plate has a slit like opening at the caudal side, to be fitted by a suture or a wire of any kind material, passing also in an opening in the male wing of the distraction module, to allow for assembling the units before fixation in the bony palatal shelve. The abutment plate is made partly malleable for an improved accommodation to the local alveolar bony anatomy.

Abstract: A bone compression and distraction system which has an apparatus and a plurality of pins. The apparatus includes a body, a worm screw and a pair of pin attachment members. The worm screw is placed in the body and the pin attachment members are coupled to the worm screw, and constrained from rotation relative to the worm screw, wherein the worm screw has opposing threads extending away from a central region. Upon rotation of the worm screw, the pin attachment members travel in opposite directions, either toward each other or away from each other to either decrease or increase the spacing therebetween. A pin may be coupled to each of the pin attachment members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distracting or compressing distance between a first and second boney structure and for engaging a connecting element.

Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for cranial fixation following a craniotomy and treatment for increased intracranial pressure. The cranial fixation device comprises two heads connected by a telescopic extension with one head attached to the skull and the other to the bone flap. The telescopic extension provides constrained movement of the bone flap relative to the skull to accommodate an increase in the intracranial pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of a threaded elongated member. The threaded elongated member is threadably coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is rotatably coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: A device for clamping fixation elements, which have been inserted into bone, for manipulating fragments of a fractured bone. The device incorporating a hollow body with a cavity having a wall, a clamping body moveable within the cavity between a first position and a second position, and a clamping device operably connected to the clamping body for moving the clamping body between the first position and the second position. The device being sized and configured so that when the clamping body is in the first position a free end of the fixation element(s) may be positioned between the clamping body and the wall of the cavity. Once the fixation element(s) is properly positioned within the cavity, the clamping device may be used to move the clamping body into the cavity, thereby wedging the fixation element(s) between the clamping body and the wall of the cavity. A bone fragment may then be manipulated using the device.

Abstract: An accessory device for an external orthopedic fixator where the fixator has an external frame made up of frame components which surround the lower leg and ankle of a patient with one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto. The accessory device includes a foot plate which connects to one of the fixator frame components for supporting the sole of a patient's foot. The accessory device also includes a companion shroud which is wrapped about the fixator with the fixator being received within the interior of the shroud. The shroud has a width and height which are sufficient to conceal the fixator within the shroud interior. The shroud has fabric hook and loop fastener regions which allow it to be easily installed and removed from about the fixator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purposes of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.