Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a bone screw 20 to a clamping element 30 of an osteosynthesis holding system 5 is provided. The bone screw 20 has a circumferential groove 25 located on a top portion of the screw 20 below a screw head 22. Snap catches 35 protrude from a bone-contacting surface 38 of the clamping element 30 and interlock with the groove 25 in the screw 20 when the screw 20 is inserted into the clamping element 30 (e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal device 90 is provided for removing the screw 20, as a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screw 20 from the locking mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: In order to produce a bone screw having a screw body which is provided with an external thread and which comprises a flow-through mechanism for bone cement that is used for the production of a cement jacket around the bone screw, such that the bone screw will be anchored in a highly stable manner after being implanted in a bone and especially after being implanted in a bone of reduced quality, it is proposed that the flow-through mechanism should comprise at least one longitudinal recess which is formed in the screw body such that it extends transversely relative to the radial direction and/or transversely relative to the peripheral direction.

Abstract: In order to provide an implant for fixing adjacent bone plates, in particular cranial bone plates, which has an inner abutment element by means of which a separation gap between the bone plates can be overlapped at a bone plate inner side and has an outer abutment element for overlapping the separation gap at a bone plate outer side lying opposite the bone plate inner side and which is easy for a surgeon to use and by means of which the bone plates may be securely fixed, it is proposed that at least one tension band is guided displaceably through the outer abutment element, by means of which, when a tensile stress is exerted, the inner abutment element and the outer abutment element are mutually braceable, and that the at least one tension band is fixable on the outer abutment element.

Abstract: In a bipolar grasping instrument with two clamping jaws movable relative to each other, electrically isolated from one another and each connectable to a pole of an electric high-frequency voltage source, each of the clamping jaws comprising two clamping elements arranged in spaced relation to one another, forming between them a longitudinal slot and each having a clamping surface, and with a cutting device comprising a cutting element displaceable in the longitudinal slots of the clamping jaws and having a cutting edge, in order to improve the design of the drive mechanism and the operability, it is proposed that the cutting element be arranged in the longitudinal slot of the one clamping jaw such that its cutting edge is contained in the longitudinal slot between the clamping elements of this clamping jaw and does not extend beyond its clamping surfaces in the direction towards the other clamping jaw, and that the clamping elements of this clamping jaw be elastically movable relative to the cutting element o

Abstract: In an implant for fixing neighbouring bone plates of the cranial bone comprising an inner bearing element which covers a spacing gap between the bone plates, an outer bearing element which covers the spacing gap and a connecting device which penetrates the spacing gap and which, when said bearing elements approach one another, connects the bearing elements together by means of a latching or a clamping connection in such a manner that they are no longer able to be moved apart, it is proposed that the two bearing elements be additionally connected by a thread-like tensioning element which is passed through the outer bearing element in displaceable manner and, when tensioned, moves the inner bearing element towards the outer bearing element in order to simplify the process of applying the implant and to ensure a secure connection of the bearing elements.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical saw blade comprising a holder body and a row of teeth which includes a plurality of teeth and is arranged at one end of the holder body wherein each tooth is formed with three flanks in the vicinity of the tip of a tooth such that it will be utilisable in a simple and reliable manner, it is proposed that there be formed between adjacent teeth a channel via which, and in relation to the tip of a tooth, the cuttings of material are adapted to be carried away to behind the row of teeth.

Abstract: In order to facilitate insertion and reduce movement of the tendon replacement part in the channel in an implant for fastening of a tendon replacement part to a channel receiving the tendon replacement part in the region of the tibia and/or femur close to the knee, with an abutment element abutting against the channel and with a connecting element, wherein the tendon replacement part and the abutment element may be coupled by means of the connecting element, it is proposed that the abutment element and the connecting element defining a longitudinal direction are configured and reconciled with one another such that the tendon replacement part is fixable in the channel by relative movement between the abutment element and the connecting element in longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A Kirschner wire 10 for use in endoscopic surgery is provided, as well as methods and apparatus for installing and removing Kirschner wire 10. Kirschner wire 10 has a holding device 20 for ease of insertion and removal. Kirschner wire 10 is sufficiently short so as not to protrude from the working channel of the endoscope. Insertion instrument 30 has a receptacle 40 which for engagement with holding device 20 of Kirschner wire 10. A targeting ring 46 on insertion instrument 30 enables placement of Kirschner wire 10 under x-ray supervision. Removal device 60 has a wire body 62 with a receptacle 64 located at a distal end thereof for engagement with holding device 20 of Kirschner wire 10. Kirschner wire 10 may be adapted for use in marking a point of entry for a cannulated bone screw or as a point of orientation for an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: In order to optimize the handling of a rotating surgical tool for producing a depression in bone material, provision is made for an ultrasonic transducer which is capable of emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to be arranged in the tool, and for the ultrasonic transducer to be connectable to an ultrasonic generator and to a receiver which generates signals in dependence upon the strength of the ultrasonic radiation received by the ultrasonic transducer and upon the length of time between the emission of ultrasonic radiation and the reception of reflected ultrasonic radiation, which are a measure of the condition of the bone material in the direction of emission.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning the cutting angle of a bone cutting guide, wherein the bone is preferably a tibia and/or a femur, which includes a first fastener to fasten the positioning apparatus to the bone such that the whole of the apparatus and the fastener of the cutting guide can rotate relative to the fastening axis, and a second fastener to fasten the positioning apparatus at a second fastening location onto the bone different from the first fastening location, so as to fix apparatus at a required position within the rotation relative to the first fastening axis.

Abstract: In order to provide effective protection in the vicinity of a drill bit in a simple manner in the case of a drilling tool for a surgical drilling machine including a drill bit which comprises a shaft, a tip and a coupling member for establishing a rotary connection to a rotary drive for the drilling machine, it is proposed that a surrounding proximal protective sleeve having a proximal and a distal end be mounted on the shaft and a distal protective sleeve be resiliently insertable into said proximal protective sleeve and surround the drill bit between the distal end and the tip of the drill bit over at least a portion of the length thereof.

Abstract: In order to improve the quality of the drilling process in a surgical drilling apparatus for perforating the cranium including a drill plate which can be placed upon the cranium and a drill which is guided in the drill plate, it is proposed that the drill be accommodated in a mounting which is rotatably mounted on the drill plate, said drill being displaceable along the rotational axis and being accommodated so as to be non-rotatable relative to said mounting, and in that the drill be displaceable towards the mounting against the effect of a spring.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a bone screw 20 to a clamping element 30 of an osteosynthesis holding system 5 is provided. The bone screw 20 has a circumferential groove 25 located on a top portion of the screw 20 below a screw head 22. Snap catches 35 protrude from a bone-contacting surface 38 of the clamping element 30 and interlock with the groove 25 in the screw 20 when the screw 20 is inserted into the clamping element 30 (e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal device 90 is provided for removing the screw 20, as a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screw 20 from the locking mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: In order to improve a lid for closing a receptacle, which is formed by a container bottom and container walls and defines a holding space, of a sterile container which comprises the lid and which is developed in particular for holding surgical instruments or material and preserving the latter in a sterile state, wherein the lid comprises an angular cover place which has a plurality of lid corners and closes the holding space in a closure position, such that it can be quickly and securely mounted on the receptacle and transferred to the closure position, it is proposed that the lid should have a mounting aid for mounting the lid on the receptacle, that the mounting aid should comprise a plurality of mounting aid elements and that the mounting aid elements should each overlap at least one container wall at least partly in the closure position.

Abstract: In order to avoid the use of a marking element on the pelvic bone in a method for determining the mechanical axis of a femur, with which the femur is moved about the hip joint, the movement of the femur is followed via a navigation system by means of a marking element on the femur, position data of the femur obtained therefrom are stored and the position of the mechanical axis of the femur is calculated relative to the same from the various position data of the femur in various positions, it is suggested that the femur be pivoted from an initial position only through a maximum pivoting angle of 15° in various directions and that the mechanical axis of the femur be calculated from the position data of the surface area thereby covered by the marking element and from the position data of the knee joint otherwise determined. In addition, a device for carrying out this method is described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating spinal stenosis by pedicle distraction. The vertebral segment is cut so that the pedicles are separated from the main portion of the vertebral segment. After being cut, each pedicle is separated from the main portion and fixed at a distance from the main portion using screws. For example, two-component compression screws or stenosis screws may be used to fix the pedicles from the main portion. The screws may be inserted through bores drilled into the vertebral segment. The bores are preferably drilled prior to the cutting. As a result of fixing the cut portion at a distance from the main portion, there will be a gap between the main portion and the two pedicles, thereby enlarging the cross-section of the spinal column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for immobilizing adjacent bone segments. An osteosynthesis plating system is provided for fixing or immobilizing several pieces or segments of bone utilizing screws which may be screwed into the segments of bone through openings provided in the osteosynthesis plate. The osteosynthesis plate is pressed against the bone surface by the screws and fixed thereto. In particular, the invention relates to an osteosynthesis extension plate for immobilizing adjacent segments of bone in a second surgery wherein the removal of a previously implanted osteosynthesis plate is avoided. In this manner the disadvantages associated with removal of the previously implanted plate are avoided.