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: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.

Abstract: An improved distractor apparatus of the type having at least a pair of opposing bone plates secured distally and proximally to a pair of bone segments created by cutting an osteotomy gap, wherein the mounting brackets for securing the bone plates to the distractor means comprise abutment members that extend into the gap and abut the exposed ends of the two bone segments, such that distraction force is transferred to the bone segments by both the bone plates and the abutment members, wherein at least the abutment member on the distal mounting bracket is collapsible in the distal direction.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: A reconfigurable structure includes a plurality of selectively extensible and retractable limbs, at least one node pivotably receiving respective ends of at least two limbs, and an actuator associated with each limb for extending and retracting the limb. The structure may further include an addressable module associated with each actuator to control the actuator.

Abstract: A device for correction of a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, the device includes a cable having a first end portion, and an opposite, second end portion attachable to a vertebra, and means for adjusting the tension of the cable so as to impose a corrective displacement on the vertebra.

Abstract: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical device to insert and attach, inside a bone of a limb, an oblong prosthesis provided, in predefined positions, with transverse attachment holes, comprises a support element able to be temporarily coupled with the oblong prosthesis in order to insert the oblong prosthesis into the bone, and a holing template able to be selectively coupled in a predetermined position with the support element, outside the limb. The holing template is coherent with the oblong prosthesis and is able to reproduce at least the predefined position of one or more of the transverse attachment holes.

Abstract: A load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein can include mechanisms for reduction and distraction as well as compression. Some embodiments of the surgical instrument may comprise a reducer knob having a first passage through which a first shaft of a driver is acceptable, a connecting element coupled to the reducer knob and having a second passage through which the first shaft of the driver is acceptable, a compressor handle coupled to the connecting element at a first end and having a through hole, and a common handle coupled to the compressor handle via the through hole and pivots between the reducer knob and the compressor handle. With embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein, surgical personnel can distract and hold vertebrae in a distracted state and perform a reduction without having to switch or add instruments. Some embodiments disclosed herein can be particularly useful for reducing spondylolisthesis during posterior fixation.

Abstract: A bone distraction device and a method for installing and using the bone distraction device are disclosed. Separated portions of a bone may be coupled to two or more mounts of the bone distraction device. Each portion of the bone may be coupled to at least one mount. The mounts may be contoured in arcs of at least ?/3 radians to accommodate the circumference of the bone. The bone distraction device may include three or more guide rods coupled to the mounts. A distractor may be used to move one mount relative to one or more other mounts to distract the bone portions. In one embodiment, one mount may be coupled to a transport segment of bone for transport distraction between two bone segments. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bone distractor may be used to distract the bone portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device for stably interlinking at least two bone fragments of a broken bone. Said fixation device comprises at least one base for receiving at least one fracture pin and at least one fixation rod. The base and the fixation rod, in a first interlinked state, are released to adjust their relative position, and in a second interlinked state, are figidly interlinked to fixate the adjusted position. A clamping holder received by the base by means of bearings in such a manner that its angle can be adjusted receives a fixation rod. The base, the clamping holder and the bearing are arranged in series in a prestressing bar connection. The clamping holder is configured by a holder which, in an area for adjusting and maintaining the adjusted position, is guided on the base in all directions in space. The clamping holder and at least one bearing element of the bearing through which a prestressing bar extends are positively locked, thereby providing spatial guidance.

Abstract: A distraction device used to widen an upper jaw after cortical osteotomy and fixation of an adjustable bridging onto the bone of the palate with the goal to increase the distance between two mutually opposite halves of the jaw by means of gradual expansion. An orthopedic system that may be used intra-orally in a patient for the modification of the distance between the contralateral maxillary segments or halves in relation to each other. Two metal bone-plates may be fixed on the bony palatal shelves, the plate may include slotted extensions forming a receiving space into which disk-shaped wings of interchangeable distraction modules fit. The palatal plane concave female indent and the convex male wing pervert distraction module dislocation in case of oblique placement in the axial plane. In the frontal plane, the male wings are straight.

Abstract: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.

Abstract: An external fixator (10) for assisting healing of a fracture in a bone (18) comprises a securing portion (16) that defines a void; and an elongate bracket portion (12) extends from the securing portion. The bracket portion is arranged to engage one or more first percutaneous bone fasteners (20) locatable in the bone on a first side of the fracture. In use, one or more second percutaneous bone fasteners (26) are located in the bone on a second side of the fracture such that the second fasteners extend into the void of the securing portion. The void can be filled with a cement compound to secure the second bone fasteners in place with respect to the securing portion.

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: An apparatus for use in orthopedic distraction or compression is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiments, two arms are provided that are connected by a rod or bar with a mechanism that enables the arms to be brought toward or away from each other. At the end of each arm, an assembly for connecting to a bone implant is provided. The assemblies are pivotable with respect to the arms, and allow some rotational motion between parts of the assembly so as to accommodate different positions of the bone implants. Once the assemblies are appropriately positioned, connected and locked to the bone implants, the mechanism can be operated to move the arms together in compression or apart in distraction.

Abstract: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.

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 ball joint for use with an external fixator has a sleeve in engagement with a rod of a strut for the external fixator. A ring insert and a blocking element are provided, having a combined circumferential surface being able to be introduced into a hole of a ring of an external fixator. The ring insert and blocking element have complementary wedge surfaces allowing a relative radial displacement therebetween to enlarge the diameter of the combined circumferential surface for blocking the ball joint inside the hole. Additionally the sleeve comprises a spherical hollow ball portion with concentrical inner and outer spherical portions, wherein the outer spherical portion engages a complementary spherical socket of the blocking element and wherein the inner spherical portion is engaged by a ball nut. A connection element extends through the sleeve, blocking element and ring insert, wherein a radial displacement and axial displacement of the ring insert and blocking element are activated by the connection element.

Abstract: The invention relates to the medical field, particularly to traumatology and orthopedics, and may be utilized for the treating of patients with the bone injuries and diseases of extremities, specifically for the reducing of its deformities and shortenings. It comprises supports (1, 2) in the form of sectional, coaxially disposed relatively to each other rings (3, 4), one of them (3) is inner with a ring gear (21) on the external butt, another (4)—external with lugs (23) having holes (24), and also connecting supports (1, 2), threaded rods (25, 26, 27, 28), reposition units (29, 30), bone fixators (69) and locking element (63).

Abstract: An arrangement and method of use for supporting a plurality of vertebrae in a cervical column in predetermined spatial relation and for facilitating a spinal fusion procedure. A plurality of templates (12, 14) couple to respectively associated vertebrae at anterior lateral surfaces thereof. Such coupling is effected with fasterners, such as bone screws (19). The templates are slidingly coupled to each other by a coupler assembly (22) whereby they are displaceable along a path over a limited distance that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cervical column. The sliding displacement between the templates is limited by a pair of protruding tongues (27) that extend through elongated apertures (29). The elongated dimension of the apertures determines the extent of sliding travel, which extent is established to accommodate subsidence of the bone fusion and to prevent separation of the sliding elements of the coupler assembly.

Abstract: Power assist control capable of responding to feeling and sensibility when a man applies force to an object is performed. The power assist control outputs an assist force F or a speed F on the basis of an assist target force X detected by a force sensor 114 for detecting force applied to the object. The relationship between the assist target force X and the assist force F or the speed F to be outputted is F?f(X) on the basis of a function f(X) having the assist target force X as a variable. The function f(X) is assumed to be anon-linear function which is an increasing function and whose derivative f?(X) is a decreasing function. The function f(X) is a (1/n)-th order function or a logarithmic function. Moreover, a function fup(X) when the assist target force X is increased is different from a function fdown(X) when the assist target force X is decreased.

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: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system for mandibular distraction which includes a rod and a first pin clamp assembly coupled adjacent a first end of the rod. Furthermore, the first pin clamp assembly includes a first clamp. The system further includes a second pin clamp assembly which includes an advancement mechanism that moveably couples the second pin clamp assembly to the rod and a second clamp. Furthermore, a swivel joint is disposed between the advancement mechanism and the second clamp whereby the second clamp is enabled to rotate relative to the advancement mechanism.

Abstract: A controlled removable fracture-reducing assembly (10) for reducing a bone fracture. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlled removable fracture reducing assembly (10) includes an implant (12), a reducer (14), a buttress (16), and a locking device (18) that engage a proximal bone fragment (2) and a distal bone fragment (4). The implant (12) is secured to the distal bone fragment (4) by the locking device (18). The buttress (16) engages the implant (12) through an opening (30). The reducer (14) contains a compressing screw (24) that applies a force (60) on the buttress (16), reducing the fracture. According to another embodiment of the invention, the reducer (114) contains a cam mechanism (124) which applies a force (186) on the buttress (116), which does not engage the implant (112), that pushes the proximal bone fragment (102) to reduce the fracture.

Abstract: An insert for an external fixation has two jaws for clamping a rod-shaped element. The insert includes a locking element and is an angled piece having two free ends, with at least one engagement edge for engagement into the rod-shaped element being provided at its one free end. The insert has a recess or bore for engagement with a locking shaft of the clamp provided at the free end thereof that lies opposite to the free end having the rod engagement edge. The insert is angled so that it may extend through a passageway in one of the jaws and into a cavity formed in the jaw for receiving the rod. The insert rod engaging edges are tapered to bite into the rod to prevent its movement.

Abstract: A clavicle clamp mechanism includes a first compression member, a second compression member, and an angular guide having a profile with a first end portion and a second end portion. The first compression member is disposed along the profile of the angular guide and is selectively rotatable about the angular guide. The second compression member is disposed along the profile of the angular guide between the first compression member and the second end portion. The second compression member defines a central axis and is selectively moveable along its central axis.

Abstract: An orthopaedic fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system and its method of use are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external fixator which has a retaining member (1) and connecting elements (2) which can be connected without screws to a bone or bone parts (5), in particular to both halves of an opened sternum, and provide possibilities for increasing or reducing the compressive stress between the two bone parts or sternum halves.

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 for temporary fixation of parts of a human joint includes two holding elements disposed opposite one another and a releasable fixing device configured to fix in place a respective joint part of the human joint between the two holding elements. In addition, the device includes a support surface configured to support a distal joint part and a proximal joint part, a guide configured to position and to limit a relative movement of at least one of a surgical instrument and a surgical aid, and a receiving means for receiving the guide.

Abstract: An adjustment device for an external fixator, which has an elongated fixator body connected to bone-pin clamps at proximal and distal ends of the elongated fixator body is disclosed. The adjustment device includes at least one adaptor for mounting to at least one of the bone-pin clamps. The adaptor stabilizes the bone-pins during an adjustment of the fractured bone to lessen the amount of pain experienced by a patient. An adjustment knob may be coupled to the adaptor and used to tighten or loosen a portion of the bone-pin clamp that facilitates rotation of the bone-pin clamp.

Abstract: An external fixation system for a bone and associated method. The fixation system includes a proximal frame defining a continuous proximal boundary, a distal frame defining a continuous distal boundary, and at least one frame connector configured for interconnecting the proximal and distal frames at any position along at least one of the proximal and distal boundaries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone dilator designed for treating osteoporotic compression fracture of vertebral body, fractures of cancellous bones at other sites and certain traumatic or pathologic compression fracture of vertebral body.

Abstract: The fixator is an apparatus for repairing fractures of the distal radius and wrist. Distal, pivot, distraction, and radial members provide an anatomically contoured, radiolucent apparatus that permits the wrist to move through a substantially normal range of motion. A means for distraction of the bones by the fixator is also provided. The fixator may be affixed to the lower arm and hand by spaced-apart elongate distal mounting pins with lower ends adapted or mounting in the metacarpal bone and by spaced-apart elongate radial mounting pins with lower ends adapted for mounting in the radius.

Abstract: Force-controlled autodistraction for lengthening a bone is disclosed. A distractor is coupled to a first fixator and to a second fixator distal to the first fixator. The distractor has a known distractor stiffness. The first fixator is configured to be coupled to a first portion of the bone, and the second fixator is configured to be coupled to a second portion of the bone. The first and second portions are on opposite sides of an osteotomy of the bone. A motor is controllable to produce a motion of the first fixator relative to the second fixator such that the first portion of the bone is distracted from the second portion of the bone. A force sensor is configured to measure a resistant force to the motion, and a distractor displacement sensor is configured to measure a distractor displacement. A controller is operably coupled to the force sensor, the distractor displacement sensor, and the motor.

Abstract: A device for maxillary jawbone and dentition expansion and/or retraction is configured for mounting within the mouth and connects the right and left halves of the skull. The maxillary distraction device includes at least two implantable anchors configured to be implanted in the maxillary bones of the skull on opposite sides of a midline of the skull. A facebow having two posterior ends is connectable to the implantable anchors and is configured to extend from the maxillary regions entirely within the mouth across the midline of the skull. The facebow has at least one expandable section for bone lengthening. The facebow is connected to the anchors and is lengthen periodically to lengthen the maxillary bones. The facebow may provide horizontal, vertical, and transverse distraction.

Abstract: A distractor frame comprises an upper pin, a lower pin positioned substantially parallel to the upper pin, a pair of adjustment mechanisms, wherein each adjustment mechanism couples to the upper pin and the lower pin such that each adjustment mechanism is positioned generally perpendicular to the upper and lower pins, wherein each adjustment mechanism comprises a shaft, a first pin connector for coupling the upper pin to the shaft, a threaded rod coupled to an end of the shaft, a cylindrical sleeve adapted for threadedly engaging the threaded rod, such that a portion of the shaft and a portion of the threaded rod may be positioned within the cylindrical sleeve, and a second pin connector coupled to the cylindrical sleeve for coupling the lower pin.

Abstract: An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.

Abstract: A device for electromechanically and/or electro-pneumatically positioning a fractured bone having a first clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one first bone fastener, a second clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one second bone fastener, and at least one of: (i) a translation component operatively driven by a translational driver for relative translational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a translational axis; (ii) an angulation component operatively driven by an angulational driver for relative angulational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along an articulation axis; and (iii) a rotational component operatively driven by a rotational driver for relative rotational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a rotational axis.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a bridge cap comprising a compressible resilient material having a substantially oval shape with a planar surface on the distal ends 24 thereof. The bridge cap 10 has a cavity 28 with a pliable material 30 therein whereby the bridge cap can be releasably positioned on protruding pins 16 such that the pins extending from the fixator devices can be covered to prevent inadvertent potentially damaging contact with the protruding pins especially while sleeping.

Abstract: A one-piece clamping element has two opposing clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a rod-shaped element. A hinge is located between the jaws, arranged opposite the cavity, and connecting the clamping jaws with one another and thus allowing them to be movable with respect to one another. Each clamping jaw has one bore, aligned flush with one another. One clamping jaw has a receptacle for an anti-rotation device. The receptacle makes it preferable—with the exception of an immediate tightening of the screw in this or another place of an external fixator clamping element used for the same patient—to use the clamping element only once and discarding it after use. Two identical clamping elements, with the possible exception of the size of the rod receptacle, can be placed on top of one another to form an articulation element.

Abstract: An orthodontic distractor comprising a pair of telescopically interconnected channels, a drive screw operable to withdraw the inner channel from the outer channel and the outer channel being formed in the shape of a logarithmic curve.

Abstract: A device for external fixation of a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna includes an frame having a distal elongated portion extending below the ulna, holding a number of pins extending upward into the shaft portion, and a proximal portion extending rearward, and upward around the proximal end of the ulna, holding a medullar pin extending into a medullar channel and a number of pins extending into fragments of the fractured ulna.

Abstract: A fixture is configured to provide external fixation of a fractured end portion of a bone by including a first number of holes for pins extending from the fixture into one or more fragments in the end portion and a second number of holes for pins extending from the fixture into the bone shaft. The second number of holes includes a hole within a sliding structure allowing a single pin to be moved with a fixture to provide extension between the fragments and the shaft. A first version of the fixture includes a sliding block through which rods extend to hold pins directed laterally into the fragments(s), and a sliding for clamping pins within the first number of holes. A second version of the fixture includes an arcuate portion in which the first number of holes extend in radial directions.

Abstract: A novel disposable axial external fixation device for reducing bone fractures, of the type comprising an extendible rod-like middle body and oppositely located bone screw clamps which are articulated to the respective ends of the rod like middle body by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint is mounted to each clamp within a main body with which a clamping mechanism for clamping bone screws clamping is associated or co-operates. Also provided is an ancillary member adapted for releasable association with one end of each clamp to better adapt each clamp for use in different conditions of installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: A plug-type spinal retrieving device includes a retrieval rod; a fastening screw assembly including a fastening screw and a C-shaped ring having a convex outer surface; a plug; and a fixation seat having a receiving hole in which the retrieval rod is slidably received, a fastening hole having a concave wall in which the C-shaped ring is rotatably received, and an interconnecting hole through which the receiving hole communicates with the fastening hole. The C-shaped ring is mounted on the fastening screw, so that the fastening screw is grasped by the C-shaped ring, when the C-shaped ring is received in the fastening hole of the fixation seat. The C-shaped ring and the retrieval rod are immobilized in the fastening hole and the receiving hole of the fixation seat by inserting the plug into the interconnecting hole.