Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for affixing intramedullary devices in a body. In particular the apparatus comprises a jig affixable to an intramedullary nail. There is also provided a method of determining the position of holes to be drilled through a bone which align with holes in the nail.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling of at least one implant for a body is provided. The apparatus has a radio translucent portion and a radio-opaque marking. The apparatus can optionally comprise a jig affixable to an intramedullary nail, which can be used to determine the position of holes to be drilled through a bone which align with holes in the nail. The radio-opaque marking will appear on an x-ray and can be used to indicate the relative alignment of the jig and the nail.

Abstract: A fracture brace for the treatment of limbs with bone fractures has a first portion comprising a rigid shell having at least two load areas for contact with the limb; a second portion comprising at least one load area for contact with the limb; and a strap adapted to encircle the first and second portions. The first portion has a resilient material attached to the radially outer part of the shell, and the strap overlies and compresses the resilient material so that the fracture brace exerts pressure on the limb, so that the resilient material re-expands upon any decrease of swelling in the limb to maintain pressure on the limb. As the fracture swelling subsides, the resilient material reacts by partially returning towards its original shape, so that any slackening of the strap caused by the reduced swelling is taken up by the resilient material.

Abstract: A flexible prosthetic cover shaped to form a replacement nucleus pulposis for an intervetebral disc with an aperture for the introduction of filling material therein, and an elongate introducer member configured to pass into the aperture is provided. The cover has a strengthened portion substantially opposite the aperture for engaging the distal end of the member, the strengthened portion and the distal end being arranged to interlock, for facilitating orientation of the cover, for example so as to prevent relative rotation there between.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining information concerning ischaemia using a pH sensor. Embodiments of the invention can be used to determine ischaemia caused by a number of factors, including acute compartment syndrome and vascular disorders, e.g. scepticaemia.

Abstract: Provided are previously uncharacterised markers of cancers, for example colorectal cancers, and uses of these as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cancers, and in particular colorectal cancers. The markers are SEQ ID NO: 1—hnRNP-K; SEQ ID NO:2—HMG-1; SEQ ID NO:3—proteasome subunit alpha type 1; SEQ ID NO:4—bifunctional purine biosynthesis protein; SEQ ID NO:5—ST11; SEQ ID NO:6—annex in IV; SEQ ID NO:7—60 kDa heat shock protein; SEQ ID NO:8—T complex protein 1 beta subunit; SEQ ID NO:9—T complex protein 1 epsilon subunit; SEQ ID NO: 10—mortalin; and SEQ ID NO: 11—TER-ATPase. The invention further provides related methods and materials for the use of the markers in therapeutic intervention in colorectal and other cancers e.g. to specifically target neoplastic cells without causing significant toxicity in healthy tissues, and to provide methods for the evaluation of the ability of candidate therapeutic compounds to modulate the biological activity of cancerous cells from the colon, rectum and other tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle guidance apparatus. The needle guidance apparatus comprises a needle guide configured for location in relation to a site on the human or animal body. The needle guidance apparatus is also configured to cooperate with a needle such that the needle is moveable at a predetermined angle in relation to the needle guide.

Abstract: A bone fixture apparatus has an elongate fixture device intended to be inserted in a metaphysical region of a long bone. The device is inserted generally transversely of the direction of the medullary cavity in the bone. The fixture device includes an aperture extending laterally thereof and intended to accommodate an intramedullary nail inserted longitudinally therethrough into the cavity. The fixture device is further formed with an axial aperture intended to receive a securing element capable of insertion therein to firmly engage said nail with the fixture device. Also disclosed is a jig arrangement for locating, relative to a long bone, the bone fixture apparatus.

Abstract: A bone fixture apparatus has an elongate fixture device intended to be inserted in a metaphysical region of a long bone. The device is inserted generally transversely of the direction of the medullary cavity in the bone. The fixture device includes an aperture extending laterally thereof and intended to accommodate an intramedullary nail inserted longitudinally therethrough into the cavity. The fixture device is further formed with an axial aperture intended to receive a securing element capable of insertion therein to firmly engage said nail with the fixture device. Also disclosed is a jig arrangement for locating, relative to a long bone, the bone fixture apparatus.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace apparatus for the treatment of fractures is described. The brace comprises two portions (2,3) joined together by a strap (4). The first portion (2) comprises at least one preformed pad and the second portion (3) comprises at least two preformed pads (5, 6) joined together by resilient material (7). The resilient material is elastically deformable and the preformed pads are formed from a material that resists slippage such that the apparatus provides gentle compression on the fracture.

Abstract: A bone fixing device and a method of distracting a fracture are described. The bone fixing device has threads at both a leading end and a trailing end, and the pitch of the threads are greater at the trailing end. This causes the leading end of the bone fixing device to travel more slowly through the bone than the trailing end, which loads the threads of the screw to put the screw under compression, so that the threads bite more effectively into the bone. A jig and method for insertion of two bone fixing devices are also described. The jig defines parallel planes of insertion which cross when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the parallel planes.