Abstract: A bone alignment implant includes a first bone fastener with a first bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the metaphyseal bone and a second bone fastener with a second bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the diaphyseal bone. A link connecting the two fasteners spans across the physis. Alternatively, the bone alignment implant is adapted for fixation into the diaphyseal sections of two adjoining vertebral bodies. These implants act as a flexible tethers between the metaphyseal and the diaphyseal sections of bone during bone growth. These implants are designed to adjust and deform during the bone realignment process. When placed on the convex side of the deformity, the implant allows the bone on the concave side of the deformity to grow. During the growth process the bone is then realigned. A similar procedure is used to correct torsional deformities.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or aligning an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a pair of thumb wheel control elements to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint fracture. The control elements, their associated drive systems, and at least a tension member allow for converting a rotational force to a translational force to be applied to a driven article in one direction. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation of bone pins with rotation, in order to provide for a translated point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device and related method for treatment of a Jones fracture. An exemplary device may comprise a rod having a distal section and a threaded proximal section, and means for securing the distal section within a first bone portion on a distal side of a fracture site. The device may also comprise a compression collar threadably received over the proximal section for providing compression to the fracture site, the compression collar comprising a threaded portion on its exterior surface configured to engage an interior of a second bone portion on a proximal side of the fracture site. In addition, the device includes an anti-rotational system engaging the compression collar to prevent rotation of the compression collar from its position providing the compression to the fracture site.

Abstract: A fixator system includes an active strut that that can be gradually or acutely adjusted. Adjustments can be made in six degrees of freedom. Embodiments of the active strut can provide for two of the six degrees of freedom being about a first common point of rotation, and another two of the six degrees of freedom being about a second common point of rotation. Embodiments of the fixator can include one or more active struts in combination with one or more passive struts. The passive struts can be rigidly locked or can be unlocked so as to be freely and acutely adjustable while gradual or acute adjustments are made using the one or more active struts.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system having two rings or other base/frame elements separated by a plurality of struts. The struts are attached to the rings by a combination of a attachment mechanism having at least two degrees of movement each, and at least one connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanisms may be moveably or non-moveably connected to one or more tracks located on either or both rings of base elements. A combination of these elements provides a fixation device that allows for six degrees of freedom of movement between the rings or other base elements.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device having a distal section; a proximal section; a connecting member for adjustably securing the distal and proximal sections end to end along a longitudinal axis; means for securing the proximal section to a first bone; and means for securing the distal section to a least one different bone. The connecting member is rotated to provide compression across a bone arthrodesis site to be stabilized and fused. Also described is a method of utilizing the intramedullary fixation device with an outrigger assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to fixation plates for use in correcting Hallux Valgus deformities under the Lapidus approach. The plate includes holes defined therethrough in such a way to facilitate multiplanar stability across the metatarsocuneiform joint. The plate is further sized and shaped to approximate the natural anatomic contour of the bone segments surrounding the metatarsocuneiform joint. Related methods for using the Lapidus approach to correct Hallux Valgus deformities are also described.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device having a distal section; a proximal section; a connecting member for adjustably securing the distal and proximal sections end to end along a longitudinal axis; means for securing the proximal section to a first bone; and means for securing the distal section to a least one different bone. The connecting member is rotated to provide compression across a bone arthrodesis site to be stabilized and fused. Also described is a method of utilizing the intramedullary fixation device with an outrigger assembly.

Abstract: A screw insertion/extraction device is disclosed that is useful as a tool for screw insertion and extraction procedures. The device includes a shaft sleeve that is formed to define a passage for accommodating the shaft of a wrench. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft sleeve has a proximal portion and a distal portion interposed by an intermediate portion, where the proximal and distal portions extend along opposite sides of a central axis of the wrench shaft passage and the intermediate portion extends both along and about the central axis to connect the proximal and distal portions. A shoulder portion extends inwardly from the distal end of the shaft sleeve for engaging the base of a screw head such that the screw head can be captured between the distal end of a wrench and the shoulder portion of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or aligning an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a pair of thumb wheel control elements to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint fracture. The control elements, their associated drive systems, and at least a tension member allow for converting a rotational force to a translational force to be applied to a driven article in one direction. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation of bone pins with rotation, in order to provide for a translated point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments reveal an external fixation frame that encompasses an injured body part, having an integrated PEMF coil. The frame supports and stabilizes the injured body part, while the coil generates a PEMF signal that encompasses the injured body part. Working together, these elements speed the healing process for bone fractures and soft tissue injuries. Variants may be designed to specifically treat particular body parts. By way of example, one disclosed embodiment employs geometry that encompasses the foot, focusing the PEMF field on the rear and mid-foot regions to aid in treatment of Charcot Foot.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a volar plate generally for use treating distal volar fractures. The volar plate is designed in accordance with anatomical features and is generally Y-shaped, having a wider distal head portion that tapers to a narrower proximal body portion. A plurality of holes in the distal head of the volar plate allow for fixation means to fix the position of bone fragments with respect to the volar plate. The plurality of holes in the distal head basically form two substantially non-linear rows, with the distal row generally curving inward proximally and the proximal row generally curving outward distally such that the fixation means inserted through the holes generally converge. A central cavity may be located in the proximal body of the volar plate to promote bone growth, and mounting screws may border the central cavity on either side to provide secure support. Additionally, K-wire holes may be included which are visually linked to corresponding holes in the distal head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastening mechanism is provided for a field adjustable traction device having first and second supports coupled using one or more lifting mechanisms. A set of one or more posts are configured to be inserted through a set of one or more holes formed in a back strap of a support and also through a selected one of a number of sets of one or more holes formed in a front strap of the support to position the front strap relative to the back strap. A mechanism is configured to engage the set of one or more posts to secure the front strap in position relative to the back strap.

Abstract: A screw insertion/extraction device is disclosed that is useful as a tool for screw insertion and extraction procedures. The device includes a shaft sleeve that is formed to define a passage for accommodating the shaft of a wrench. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft sleeve has a proximal portion and a distal portion interposed by an intermediate portion, where the proximal and distal portions extend along opposite sides of a central axis of the wrench shaft passage and the intermediate portion extends both along and about the central axis to connect the proximal and distal portions. A shoulder portion extends inwardly from the distal end of the shaft sleeve for engaging the base of a screw head such that the screw head can be captured between the distal end of a wrench and the shoulder portion of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A method for activating a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor of one or more cells includes positioning an electromagnetic field generator in proximity to a VEGF receptor such that the flux of an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator will extend through the VEGF receptor. The method also includes generating an electromagnetic field, using the electromagnetic field generator, having a rate of fluctuation that activates the VEGF receptor.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a plurality of measurement belts and a plurality of side plates configured to be positioned around a user's body. A plurality of locking mechanisms each operable to adjustably couple one of the measurement belts and one of the side plates. The measurement device also includes a plurality of canting mechanisms coupling the measurement belts and the side plates. The canting mechanisms allow the associated measurement belt and side plate to rotate about associated pivots to allow the measurement belt and side plate to conform to user's body. The canting mechanisms also synchronize the movement of the side plate and the measurement belt such that movement of one causes an equivalent movement of the other. The point at which each measurement belt is coupled to the associated canting mechanism and the associated side plate is identifiable by one or more measurement indicators.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stabilization brace includes an upper belt configured to be positioned around a portion of a user's body, a lower belt configured to be positioned around the portion of the user's body, and one or more supports coupled between the upper and lower belts. Each support includes a housing, a piston slidably engaged with the housing, and a motion limiter adjustably coupled to the housing in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, the support operable to limit flexion of the portion of the user's body to a predetermined range according to the position of the motion limiter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a brace with an integrated lumbar support system includes a belt adapted to be positioned about a user's lower torso, the belt including a tube at least partially integrated within the belt. The brace includes a lumbar pad coupled to the belt, the lumbar pad adapted to be positioned proximate the user's lumbar region and to be inflated to provide lumbar support to the user. The brace includes a pump coupled to the belt, the pump adapted to provide air to the lumbar pad through the tube at least partially integrated within the belt to inflate the lumbar pad.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the length of a belt having right and left front portions and a back portion, the right and left front portions of the belt each moveable with respect to the back portion of the belt. Opposite ends of a strap are attached to the right and left front portions of the belt. The strap includes a middle section including opposing portions detachably coupled to one another. The strap is coupled to the back portion of the belt between the opposite ends of the strap such that movement of the right and left front portions of the belt away from the back portion of the belt causes detachment of the opposing portions of the middle section of the strap from one another.

Abstract: A method for providing electromagnetic therapy to a patient includes placing the patient in proximity to an electromagnetic therapy apparatus. The electromagnetic therapy apparatus includes an electrical circuit for generating an electrical drive signal, a first transducer coil and a second transducer coil for generating respective electromagnetic fields in response to the drive signal, a first portion with a configuration corresponding generally with a chair seat, and a second portion with a configuration corresponding generally with a chair back. The first transducer coil is disposed within the first portion and the second transducer coil is disposed within the second portion. The method further includes stimulating the patient with a pulsed electromagnetic field from at least the first and second transducer coils. The pulsed electromagnetic field having a number of pulses, each pulse having a pulse period of ten microseconds to twenty microseconds.