Abstract: A method is described for navigating in the interior of the body using three-dimensionally visualized structures. In a first step of the method, at least two two-dimensional images of the same anatomical object are provided from different perspectives, and also items of information that make it possible to draw conclusions about the respective spatial position of an imaging system relative to the anatomical object. The projections of a geometrical structure to be visualized are then created in every two-dimensional image, wherein a geometrical structure to be visualized is created in each two-dimensional image, wherein the geometrical structure to be visualized is different from the anatomical object.

Abstract: A method for easily calibrating both the position of the tip of a surgical tool and the orientation of that tool includes attaching a tracking device capable of communication with the surgical navigation system to the surgical tool using an adapter, where the adapter has a known relation between the tracking device and the axis of the surgical tool. The method then performs a calibration process to calculate the position of the tip of the surgical tool and the position of the tracking device and orientation data for the surgical tool from the known relation between the tracking device and the axis of the surgical tool and from the tool tip position. Lastly, the method stores the position of the tool tip for the surgical tool and the orientation data within memory of the surgical navigation system so the position and the orientation of the surgical tool can be tracked by the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: A measuring device for bone screw types of different shaft diameters is described. This measuring device has multiple receiving grooves for bone screws in a surface or an area near the surface. In the area of each receiving groove a length measuring scale, which is associated with one or more of the different bone screw types, is arranged. Also, for each of the receiving grooves a limit stop to work with a received bone screw is provided. The receiving grooves and/or the associated limit stops have a selectivity with respect to the shaft diameter of the bone screw types which can be received in the individual receiving grooves.

Abstract: A compression bone screw is described, with a shank having two opposite shank sections along its axial extent, a first thread being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shank in the region of the first shank section. The shank has at least one latching element for rotatably coupling a threaded component bearing a second thread to the second shank section. The invention furthermore relates to a screwdriver blade for the compression bone screw.

Abstract: A method of correcting distortions in magnetic resonance (MR) data is described. The method comprises providing distorted MR data of an object of interest and distortion parameters for one or more generic objects, determining transformation parameters correlating the object of interest and one or more of the generic objects, and processing the distorted MR data taking into account the distortion parameters and the transformation parameters to obtain corrected MR data.

Abstract: A device for detecting or following the position of a bone is described. The device comprises a holder (10) for a position indicator, and a gripping mechanism (20, 30) for fastening the holder (10) to the bone. The gripping mechanism (20, 30) is designed to surround the bone on two opposite sides and on a further, third side and executes a constrained movement in the direction of the third side as the bone is being surrounded by the gripping mechanism (20, 30) on the two opposite sides.

Abstract: A calibrating device for detecting the position, firstly, of the axis of the shank (axis of action) and, secondly, of the front end (point of action or line of action) of a surgical instrument relative to an reference position determination device 42 mounted on the rear part of the instrument, has: two clamping-device carriers, each with a clamping device, in a clamping state the clamping devices bringing the shank of the instrument into a clearly defined clamped position; a supporting plate 12 on which the front end of the instrument rests in the clamped state; and a reference position determination device 42, the axis of action being essentially perpendicular to the supporting plate 12 in the clamped position, and the supporting plate and the reference position determination device 42 being connected firmly to one another.

Abstract: A lattice for the fixation of bone parts or for the bridging of bone defects, particularly in the region of the skull and jaw, is made of biocompatible material with a reticular structure and with recesses for receiving bone screws, with which the lattice can be secured on the bone. The lattice does not have circular rings for receiving bone screws, but instead each lattice recess (32) can be used for receiving a bone screw. The bridges form meandering, continuous, regular bridge rows along the main axes of the lattice.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis device comprises a plate and screws which are screwed into bone through holes in the plate. The diameters of the holes at the top face of the plate are larger than at the bottom face of the plate. The screws have a spherical head which, when screwed in rests snugly against the wall of the screw hole with an annular contact surface. Both when the screw is located perpendicularly with respect to the plate and when located at an angle with respect to the plate, the contact surface is located above the center line of the hole depth.

Abstract: A mesh grid implant of titanium or other biocompatible material having a plurality of orifice plate sections that accept bone screws and having curved connecting arms coupling each orifice plate section with each adjacent orifice plate section. The length of the curved arm and the included angle may be set to determine the flexibility of the mesh grid. The curved arms allow the mesh to cover not only flat bone segments but also to conform to curved, concave, and convex bone surfaces.

Abstract: A device for marking body sites for imaging medical examinations, such as nuclear spin resonance tomography (NMR), computed tomography (CT), roentgen ray analysis (X-ray), or positron emission tomography (PET), comprises fixtures (10) which are adapted to be fastened to the body and/or to a stereotaxic means or a mask arrangement. Markers (18) containing a substance (20) which provides sharp contrast in the generation of images are adapted to be slid selectively into those fixtures. The fixtures are made of a material which does not disturb the imaging, with at least two different imaging examination procedures.

Abstract: A device for securing artificial body parts, in particular ears, noses and eyes, to a support 12 secured in turn to a bone 10 comprises a post 24 connectable rigidly to the support 12. Rotatably mounted on the post is a rotary member 26 which has a recess 30 for a wire. The artificial body part can be secured to the wire by means of a clamp, clip or the like.

Abstract: A plate for covering a drill hole in a skull cap and for fixing a cranial bone cover comprises a plurality of vanes (16a-16e) extending radially with respect to a center (12) and slots (20a-20e) between the vanes. For receiving bone screws holes (18a-18e) are provided in the respective region of the outer periphery of the vanes.

Abstract: A screwdriver is provided which engages the head of the screw, and also grips the screw. The screwdriving and gripping assemblage may be readily interchanged with another in the handle of the screwdriver. Opening and closing of gripping jaws is effective by the sliding of an outer sleeve which surrounds another sleeve of which the gripping jaws form a part, and which other sleeve is slidable on the shaft of the screwdriver. The handle comprises a front part and a rear part which are rotatably connected together for rotation of the forward part and of the screwdriver shaft, while the rear part is held fixed.

Abstract: A plate for covering a drill hole in a skull cap and for fixing a cranial bone cover comprises a plurality of vanes (16a-16e) extending radially with respect to a center (12) and slots (20a-20e) between the vanes. For receiving bone screws holes (18a-18e) are provided in the respective region of the outer periphery of the vanes.