Abstract: A prophylactic implant is provided for protecting osteoporosis-affected bone segments against fractures, in particular the neck of the femur, the vertebral column and the wrist. According to a proposed solution, the implant comprises a thin-walled hollow reinforcing body (1) having such a large number of passages (2) in its outer wall (3) that the ratio of the total area of the passages (2) to the total surface area is at least 1:2.

Abstract: Bone fasteners consisting of a rivet and an expansion pin for attaching soft tissue and bone plates to bone. The rivet has an enlarged proximal end, a tubular body portion dimensioned to fit snugly within a hole drilled in a bone, and a distal end having expandable legs. The expansion pin is either slidably or rotatably mounted within an axial bore in the rivet. In a first embodiment, the expansion pin has a metallic traction portion and a conical, preferably bioabsorbable, distal end portion releasably affixed thereto. In use, the rivet is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in a bone. When tension is applied to the traction portion of the expansion pin, the conical end portion progressively advances into the bore thereby forcing the legs on the distal end of the rivet to expand outwardly. When the legs are fully expanded, further progress of the conical portion is arrested by a shoulder stop within the axial bore.

Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional joint for use in hip compression screw assemblies, allows for relative alignment of the lag screw and angle plate, even when these components are effectively fitted to the respective bone sections. The joint has first and second elements (2, 4), formed with complementary male and female cylindrical surfaces (10, 12), which define the plane of adjustment. The first element (2) also defines a hinge point (6) at the axis of the male cylindrical surface (10), and the second element (4) includes a fulcrum (8) extending to the axis of the female cylindrical surface (12). A setting device (20) extends between the two elements (2, 4), which can be extended or contracted to alter the angle subtended at the hinge point/fulcrum (6, 8).

Abstract: The invention refers to a prosthetic device for the application of simultaneous axial and transversal prestressing to obtain stable and elastic osteosynthesis of fractures. The device focuses on the concept of internal fixation with consideration for the natural frequency of the bone. The device for fracture fixation comprises a “tendon” (i.e, a tensionable wire) least one deformable element at the focus of the fracture, with the tendon and the deformable element being disposed almost parallel, whereby the device further comprises compression means to apply a compression force to the deformable element(s), so that the deformable element(s) deform(s) laterally. The device described can be used for fractures of long bones as well as for proximal femoral fractures. When used for long bone fractures, the device is an intramedullar flexible bar, with which we apply adjustable and measurable axial prestressing in order to compress the bone fragments and preload the bone.

Abstract: A surgical fastener method for fastening a first bio-organic tissue member to a second bio-organic tissue member comprising a plurality of suture anchors for insertion through respective openings in the first tissue member into respective aligned boreholes in the second tissue member and for securement in the borehole, a suture coupled to each of the plurality of suture anchors and fastening the plurality of suture anchors together, the suture fastening the plurality of suture anchors together being adapted to extend, in use, from a respective suture anchor through the respective opening in the first tissue member and spanning between respective suture anchors across a proximal surface of the first member with a preset tension thereby to secure the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism for use in a prosthesis implantable into bone comprises a main body defining an internal passageway and including a plurality of openings extending between the internal passageway and the exterior of the main body. The device has a plurality of bone engaging members, with each bone engaging member being mounted in a respective opening for movement between a retracted position in which the bone engaging member does not extend outside the body, and an extended position in which the bone engaging member extends through the respective opening into surrounding bone to secure the device. A plunger within the main body is adapted to directly or indirectly engage the bone engaging members to displace the bone engaging members out through their respective openings.

Abstract: An expandable soft tissue fixation assembly for use in anchoring soft tissue to bone. The assembly includes a tab connected to an anchor, a sleeve adapted to surround the anchor, and a flange adapted to hold a soft tissue segment next to a bone. The sleeve is inserted into a blind hole in a bone, and a section of soft tissue is placed over the hole next to the bone. Energy is applied to the flange while a predetermined axial tension is applied to the tab to compress a flared portion of the anchor against the sleeve. An upper tube portion of the anchor and the flange are bonded together, and the applied axial force on the tab separates it from the anchor, leaving the assembly anchored in the bone and the soft tissue section anchored in place between the flange and the bone.

Abstract: A paste injector gun, especially adapted for injecting bone cement, has first and second mechanical advantages. In a first embodiment, the first and second mechanical advantages are produced by two fulcrums engageable during different portions of the trigger stroke. In a second embodiment, the first and second mechanical advantages are produced by a fixed fulcrum and a rotatable fulcrum. The first mechanical advantage is greater than the second such that the first facilitates pressurizing the bone cement and the second facilitates high volume dispensing of the bone cement. The injector gun also includes a pair of U-shaped slots. One of the slots is sized to accept a large cement cartridge and the other slot is sized to accept a small cement cartridge. An alternative embodiment provides a hinged cartridge retaining gate for closing the U-shaped slots for positive retention of the cartridge.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus including a body portion and a plurality of leg portions extending from the body portion. The body portion is resiliently deformable between an initial orientation and an insertion orientation upon application of a force to the body portion. The leg portions are oriented at an angle relative to the opposite leg portion when the body portion is in the initial orientation and the leg portions are substantially parallel when the body portion is moved to the insertion orientation for insertion of the leg portions into tissue. The leg portions at least partially return to the initial orientation when the force applied to the body portion is released such that the leg portions anchor the fixation apparatus to the tissue.

Abstract: Hip joints are reinforced preventively by a device composed of a tubular element fashioned from biocompatible material, accommodated by a socket drilled in the femoral bone parallel and adjacent to an axis connecting the ball and the diaphysis, and two independent locking assemblies operating unidirectionally and in mutual opposition, likewise of biocompatible material, by which the tubular element can be deformed and manipulated in such a manner as to lodge stably in the surrounding bone tissue of the socket, establishing a load-bearing axis that functions as a bridge between the weaker axis and the main axis of the femur.

Abstract: An expandable fastener device for attaching tissue to bone and a surgical operating technique for using The fastener device includes a shaft which will pierce tissue and when rotated, will drill a hole in bone with a drill point to receive the fastener in bone. The device can be drilled in place and fixed in place by actuation of the device itself.

Abstract: A compression hip screw plate for a hip screw system used to compress a proximal femur having a shaft with a lateral aspect and a neck extending from the shaft at an anteverted angle, both of which follow the anatomical contours of the proximal femur. The compression hip screw plate may include a side plate having a face side attachable to the lateral aspect of the shaft of the proximal femur; and a barrel having a first end extendable through the lateral aspect of the shaft of the proximal femur and into the neck of the proximal femur, and having a second end attached to the side plate with the first end extending away from the face side of the barrel at an anteverted angle. The compression hip screw plate may include a side plate with an anterior bow to match the natural femur.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a long bone combines an external fixator with a locking nail implanted in the medullary canal of a long bone. The external fixator has fixed bone pins at each of its ends and movable bone pins intermediate its ends. The fixed bone pins extend through transverse bores at each end of the bone nail and the movable pins extends through a slot in the bone nail intermediate its ends. By this method a fracture can be compressed and stabilized while healing.

Abstract: An implantable bone lengthening apparatus may utilize an entirely self-contained lengthening mechanism which includes a shape memory material-powered hydraulic pump, a shape memory material-powered ratchet mechanism, a permeable head piston mechanism, and a bellows extension mechanism. The bone lengthening nails are more compact, simpler, eliminate unnecessary shifting or torsional movement, and maintain alignment of the bone during its natural healing process.

Abstract: A modular intramedullary nail includes three connectable sections that are connectable end to end. The three sections include an upper proximal nail component, a lower distal nail component, and a central nail component. The nail components are connected and the end using corresponding frustroconical socket and frustroconical projecting end portions of adjoining end nail components that can be fitted together with a taper lock or morse taper connection and secured tightly together upon impact. Upon assembly, the connections are self orienting, providing corresponding key and slot portions adjacent the respective frustroconical socket and frustroconical projecting end portions of the nail components. The interlocking keys and slot align and abut upon assembly so that the adjoining nail components only align in one relative rotational position.

Abstract: A modular intramedullary nail has two or more modular components of varied sizes and designs, which are joined by a morse taper friction fit. Adjacent modular components are prevented from rotating relative to each other and can be properly aligned when assembled.

Abstract: An expandable bone marrow cavity fixation device comprises a hollow tubular body provided peripherally with a plurality of through holes, in each of which a diameter-adjusting element is movably disposed. An adjustment element is adjustably disposed in the hollow interior of the tubular body such that the inner end of the diameter-adjusting element is urged by the adjustment element. An urging element is rotatably disposed in the hollow interior of the tubular body such that the upper end of the adjustment element is urged by the bottom end of the urging element, and that the adjustment element can be so actuated by a rotational motion of the urging element as to force the diameter-adjusting elements to jut out of the through holes of the tubular body to bring about an increase in outer diameter of the tubular body.

Abstract: Hip joints are reinforced preventively by a device composed of a tubular element fashioned from biocompatible material, accommodated by a socket drilled in the femoral bone parallel and adjacent to an axis connecting the ball and the diaphysis, and two independent locking assemblies operating unidirectionally and in mutual opposition, likewise of biocompatible material, by which the tubular element can be deformed and manipulated in such a manner as to lodge stably in the surrounding bone tissue of the socket, establishing a load-bearing axis that functions as a bridge between the weaker axis and the main axis of the femur.

Abstract: A device for effecting progressive elongation of a sectioned bone having no extracutaneous elements, and a method for using the device, are presented. The device, which includes a pair of telescopically engaged cylindrical members, is inserted into the medullary space of the bone, and one cylindrical member is affixed to each section of bone. Under the normal torsions experienced by the affected limb, a clutch mechanism is provided that causes the cylindrical members to be forced apart, separating the sections of bone, at which site new bone growth is stimulated. Rotations as small as 1 degree are sufficient to activate elongation. In order to limit excessive rotational displacement, a keyring mechanism is provided that limits rotation to that which is physically tolerated yet provides sufficient lengthening, typically between 3 and 5 degrees.

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 bone nail for upper arm fractures, including a hollow first shank adapted to be inserted into the proximal end portion of a medullary canal, the first shank having a distal end that has a slotted portion provided with a plurality of slots and an internal thread extending beyond the slotted portion.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary bone lengthening device for correction of limb length deficiencies without a need for transcutaneous connections. The implantable intramedullary bone lengthening nail has an implantable housing, an adjustment mechanism attached to the telescoping cylinder housing, and a drive assembly attached to the housing and the adjustment mechanism for transmitting an expansion force to the adjustment mechanism. The implantable housing may be sealed, encapsulating the unit. The intramedullary bone lengthening nail is inserted into the intramedullary cavity of a bone, which may have been enlarged by reaming. The implantable housing of the intramedullary nail is formed from two telescoping cylinders and is affixed at either end to the bone using pins. The adjustment mechanism is attached to both cylinders of the housing and includes a mechanism for expanding the nail and a ratcheting mechanism for regulating the expansion.

Abstract: A kit for coupling two bone segments has a first longitudinally extending intercalary element with a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of one of the bone segments and a second end in the form of a male conically tapered section, The kit also has a second longitudinally extending intercalary element having a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of the other bone segment which element has a second end in the form of a female conically tapered section for mating with the male section of the first intercalary element, Both intercalary elements have engagement elements formed thereon intermediate the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail is provided having a top end and a distal end. Pivotally mounted jaws are located at the distal end which, when closed, are adapted to be secured about fixed supports in a fractured bone to be healed. The jaws can be fixed into position about the fixed supports.

Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: A winged compression bolt for repairing or fusing bone which is implanted and later removed from bone through a single skin incision. The device includes a central elongated shaft which movably sits in an outer cylindrical tube and supports adjacent one of its ends a pair of wings. A bore is drilled through the bone portions, the device is inserted and the wings are rotated to the horizontal position and compressed against the edge of the outer cylindrical tube and an adjacent bone surface. A securing means is on the opposite end of the central elongated shaft and tightened against the adjacent edge of the outer cylindrical tube and an adjacent bone surface, compressing the bone portions between the securing means and the wings.

Abstract: A nail is inserted into the medullary canal of a fractured bone to fixate the bone segments in order to promote healing. The nail provides compressive force to close the fracture and further promote healing. The nail has an outer member and an inner member that is slidable within the outer member. The inner member has at one end arms for engaging the interior of the bone cortex in the distal bone segment and at the other end a holding member for engaging the cortex in the proximal bone segment. The arms are movable between stowed positions, for allowing the insertion of the nail into the bone, and deployed positions, for engaging the bone cortex. The force exerted by the arms and the holding member on the bone is adjustable.