Abstract: The present invention regards an orthopaedic device (10; 110) to be associated with the outside of a bone and of the type comprising a support rail (12; 112), extended along a central longitudinal axis (Y-Y) substantially parallel to the bone (11; 111), at least two clamps (14, 18; 114, 118) mounted slidably along said axis (Y-Y) on the support rail (12; 112) and supporting endosseous screws (16, 20; 116, 120) insertable into the bone, and a distractor/compressor device (58) removably attachable to the two clamps (14, 18; 114, 118) by means of respective connection pins (68) inserted into corresponding holes (64; 164) of each clamp, wherein each clamp comprises a clamp body having a base or lower jaw (24; 124) and a lid, or upper jaw (23; 123) as well as two screws (25, 26; 125, 126) for fixing the upper jaw (23; 123) to the lower jaw (24; 124).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an osteosynthesis device of a long bone (11) of a leg, comprising an intramedullary nail (12, 112) inserted in a hole (14) formed in the medullary canal of the bone (11) between a bottom and an entrance, and comprising a stiff and elongated body (13, 113), which is extended along a predetermined axis (X) between a distal end (18a, 118a) facing the bottom of the hole (14), and an opposite proximal end (18b, 118b) facing the entrance (16) of the hole (14). The device further comprises a plurality of locking elements (15, 115) inserted in a transversal hole (17, 117) formed in a proximal zone of the nail (12, 112) and an axial stopping element (20) anchored to the bone at the entrance of the hole (14), and constituting an abutment [or the proximal end (18b, 118b) of the nail (12, 112).

Abstract: An intramedullary nail (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) suitable for insertion in a fractured elongate bone (12), of the type comprising a stem (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) extended between a proximal end (16, 116, 216, 416, 516, 616) and a distal end (18, 118, 218, 418, 518, 618). The nail comprises a plurality of elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) realised with at least one shape-memory material, a plurality of seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) formed in the stem (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) for housing the elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620). The elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) are suitable to take a first shape wherein they are retractably housed in the respective seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) and a second shape wherein they project from the respective seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619).

Abstract: An external fixator apparatus (1) of the ring type for stabilizing bone fractures, including at least one pair of rings (6, 7), of which one (6) is proximal and the other (7) is distal, and at least one tie rod (8, 9, 10) interconnecting the rings (6, 7) to each other. The rod (8, 9, 10) is split into two rod sections (11, 12) connected together by a joint (21) and the joint (21) includes a pivot mount (22) having a predetermined axis (x—x) for the angular displacement of the rod sections (11, 12), and a sliding mount (23) according to a pre-determined sliding direction (y—y) for offsetting the rod sections (11, 12).

Abstract: A novel disposable axial external fixation device for reducing bone fractures, of the type comprising an extendible rod-like middle body and oppositely located bone screw clamps which are articulated to the respective ends of the rod like middle body by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint is mounted to each clamp within a main body with which a clamping mechanism for clamping bone screws clamping is associated or co-operates. Also provided is an ancillary member adapted for releasable association with one end of each clamp to better adapt each clamp for use in different conditions of installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved bone screw for use in orthopaedic surgery, in particular with external fracture fixation devices, of the type which comprises ahead (3), a shank (4), and a threaded portion (5) tapering towards a tip (2) at the opposite end from the head (3). Advantageously, the threaded portion (5) has at least one constant pitch section comprising threads (9) which have a triangular cusp-like profile in cross section and are separated from each other by a shaped bottom land with a concave profile (10) defined by two countersloping planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of axial unilateral external splint device for stabilizing bone fractures, comprising an extendible rod-like middle body (2) and oppositely located bone screw clamps (5, 6) which are articulated to respective ends (3, 4) of the rod-like middle body (2) by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint (16) is mounted to each clamp (5, 6), within a main body (20) with which a bone screw clamping arrangement (25, 26, 21, 22, 23) is associated or co-operates. Also provided are ancillary members (30) adapted for removable association with the end of each clamp (5, 6) to allow each clamp to be more suitable for use, depending on the different operative installation conditions of the fixator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw, particularly for use with external splints in fracture stabilization, comprising an elongate cylindrical body (2) of predetermined length and diameter tapering into a threaded end portion (5) which terminates with a tip (6), and an opposite screw-handling end (3). The screw-handling end (3) has substantially the same diameter as that of the elongate cylindrical body (2) and comprises a flat (7) extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body over the main part of the cylinder body portion unoccupied by the thread. In a further embodiment, the screw-handling end (3) is formed with a plurality of flats (8) extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder body (2) at predetermined spacings. These flats extend over the main part of the cylindrical body portion unoccupied by the threadway and alternate with lands (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw for use with external bone fracture fixation devices, comprising a substantially cylindrical shank (2) with a longitudinal axis (X-X), a head (3) formed at a free end (4) of the shank (2) and having substantially the same thickness as the shank (2), and a threaded portion (5) terminated with a tip (6) at the opposite end from the free end (4). Advantageously, the screw head (3) includes a first flat (7) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) from the free end (4), at least a second flat (8) aligned to the first flat (7) at a predetermined spacing therefrom, and at least a non-flat spacer portion (9) provided between the flats (7, 8). The spacer portion (9) is arranged to enable said shank (2) to be cut off if necessary, and is formed with a groove (11) of predetermined depth to define a location of potential cut off of the shank (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved device for external fixation of bone fractures, specifically for ankle fractures, of the type adapted for mounting to a unilateral external fixator and comprising an extendible central body and opposed articulated portions which are connected to the respective ends of the central body by ball joints. The device is an ankle clamp having a stem, preferably made of a transparent material to X-radiation, with a bifurcated end formed with a pair of prongs having a first jaw portion of a tilting clamp journalled on a pivot provided between the prongs and comprises a second jaw portion coupled to the first jaw portion and fastened thereto by a pair of screws.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for the gradual correction of angular and longitudinal defects of elongated bones, comprising at least one first clamp for a first group of screws insertable in a proximal portion of a bone, and at least one second clamp for a second group of screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone, a longitudinal guide bar positioned externally of the limb to be corrected for slidably supporting the clamps; at least one of the clamps is selectively orientable about a substantially transverse axis for carrying out angular corrections of the bone. There are provided a compression/distraction device movably coupleable with the clamps for carrying out longitudinal corrections of the bone. The orientably clamp is adjustable angularly in a predetermined geometric plane, as well as adjustable transversely for the group of bone screws carried by the clamp parallel to themselves for compensating the lateral movement induced by the angular correction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intramedullary awl assembly for opening the bone upon a femur nailing with a guide of a guide tool equipped with a hand grip, and an awl with a working tip equipped with an actuating handle. The guide is formed by an angle plate which is arranged on the end of the guide tool opposite the hand grip. The angle plate has a guide hole in the one arm, and an anchoring tip provided on the side of the other arm facing the bone. A shank of the guide tool acts on the top of the other arm in alignment with the central axis of the anchoring tip.

Abstract: An intramedullary cavity nail for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, comprises a solid elongate body with a proximal portion (2) having at least one transverse bore for accommodating a corresponding screw (9, 10) for stabilizing the femoral neck, the proximal portion being joined to a distal portion (3) having at least one distal bore (16) for accommodating at least one diaphysis screw for stabilizing the distal part of the femur. The proximal portion (2) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.p) adapted to be stably anchored in a relatively limited length bore of the femur for reducing blood losses, while said distal portion (3) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.d) which is less than that of said proximal portion, for ease of insertion in the medullary canal of the femur without any drilling. The proximal and distal portions (2, 3) are substantially rectilinear and form between themselves a predetermined deviation angle (.beta.) in a lateral plane.

Abstract: An orthopaedic apparatus, particularly for the surgical correction of angular and longitudinal defects of the bones of limbs, of the femur and tibia type, comprising a longitudinal rod externally positionable substantially parallel to a bone for correction, a first clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a proximal portion of the bone, and at least one second clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone. The first and second clamps are orientable and selectively lockable, before the surgical intervention, in predetermined angular positions with respect to the rod corresponding to the angular deformations of the bone, and are repositionable with respect to the rod in correct angular positions after the osteosynthesis for the proximal and distal portions of the bone so as to eliminate the angular deformations of the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for the gradual correction of angular and longitudinal defects of elongated bones, comprising at least one first clamp for a first group of screws insertable in a proximal portion of a bone, and at least one second clamp for a second group of screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone, a longitudinal guide bar positioned externally of the limb to be corrected for slidably supporting the clamps; at least one of the clamps is selectively orientable about a substantially transverse axis for carrying out angular corrections of the bone. There are provided a compression/distraction device movably coupleable with the clamps for carrying out longitudinal corrections of the bone. The orientably clamp is adjustable angularly in a predetermined geometric plane, as well as adjustable transversely for the group of bone screws carried by the clamp parallel to themselves for compensating the lateral movement induced by the angular correction.

Abstract: An all-mechanical system for bone-drilling alignment of a blind distal bone-screw hole of an installed intra-medullary nail, wherein the system provides (i) a drill jig that features a longitudinally adjustable nail-contactable contact-rod mounting in the jig and (ii) a drill-guide which can align with the blind distal bone-screw hole for a correct nail-contactable adjustment of the contact rod. The system enables the surgeon to check-out the drill jig in assembled relation to a selected intramedullary nail, prior to nail installation, and to perform an adjustment to compensate for nail diameter when the contact end of the rod engages the nail. He can then either visually satisfy himself of the drill-guide/bolt-hole alignment, or he can use a plug-gage or trocar tool having guidance in the drill guide, and checking for whether the plug gage has entry into the bone-screw hole in the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: An external minisplint device comprises an elongated body (2; 2'; 2"; 2'"; 2.sup.iv ; 101, 102) supporting at least one pair of clamps (3, 4; 3', 4'; 3", 4"; 3'", 4'"; 3.sup.iv, 4.sup.iv ; 103, 104) each of which is capable of securing at least one pair of transverse bone bolts (F, F', F", F'", F.sup.iv, F1). A longitudinal guide (5; 5'; 5"; 5'"; 5.sup.iv ; 105, 106) associated with the elongated body guides the longitudinal translational movement of at least one of the clamps (4; 4'; 4"; 4'"; 4.sup.iv ; 103, 104). The minisplint device further comprises at least one longitudinal adjustment screw (6; 6'; 6"; 6'"; 6.sup.iv ; 107, 108) which can rotate within the elongated body and which engages a corresponding threaded hole (13; 13'; 13"; 13'"; 13.sup.iv ; 135, 136) formed in the clamp capable of translational motion for selectively positioning it along the longitudinal guide. The screw has a head (7; 7'; 7"; 7'"; 7.sup.iv ; 111, 112) which partly projects from the end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A device for the extraction of screwthreaded sires for osteosynthesis, characterized in that it comprises: at least two lever pieces (20, 21) hinged together and having at one longitudinal end (20a, 21a) seats (22, 23) for grasping the end of a wire (19) which it is required to extract, and clamp means acting on the ohter end of said lever pieces (20, 21) to promote their opening in such a way as to generate a couple of gripping forces on the end of the wire (19). Said clamp means are of screw type and preferably consist of a threaded pin (24) fitted with a knob (24a) and screwed into a tapped piece (25) integral with the end (21b) of one of said lever pieces (21). The end (24b) of the threaded pin nearest the pivot is of a generally frustoconical shape to interact with an inclined plane surface (26) formed in the end (20b) of the other lever piece (20) in such a way as to force it outwards when said pin (24) is screwed in.

Abstract: A compact external fixation device for the treatment of bone fractures of reduced dimensions and of children comprises a pair of clamps (2, 3) for bone screws (V) connected by respective spherical joints (5, 6) and a central body (4) formed by at least one male element (7) and one female element (8) which are telescopically coupled. In a preferred embodiment, one element (7) is made of a material of high radiotransparency and the other element (8) is made of a substantially radiopaque rigid material with walls of such minimum thickness as to be at least partially radiotransparent. Antirotation means are provided between the male telescopic element (7) and the female telescopic element (8); transverse eccentric pins (34, 35) contained in each clamp act on respective slides (28, 29) for locking the ball (24, 25) of each joint.