Abstract: An instrument (10, 100) for locating an axis of a blocking screw is disclosed. The instrument (10, 100) is applicable for a retrograde installation of a femoral intramedullary device or an antegrade installation of a tibial intramedullary device. The instrument (10, 100) includes a drill jig (11, 105) with a radiolucent frame portion (14, 120) and a mounting portion (12, 110). The mounting portion (12, 110) is adapted to connect to an intramedullary device (204), and the frame portion (14, 120) has at least one aperture (18, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 126, 137, 337) for locating the axis of the blocking screw (210). The drill jig (11, 105) is adjustable to locate the aperture (18, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 126, 137, 337) in a longitudinal or rotational direction relative to the intramedullary device (204).

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic implant made of a ceramic metal composite. The composite (28, 48, 54) includes one phase that is a biocompatible metal or metal alloy and a second phase of ceramic particles examples of which include carbides, nitrides and/or oxides. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a homogeneous ceramic layer (24) as part of a multi-layered composition. In some embodiments, the multilayered composition comprises a homogeneous metal layer (32).