Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a first state in which at least a portion of the body is flexible and a second state in which the body is generally rigid, an actuateable gripper disposed at a distal location on the elongated body, a hub located on a proximal end of the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the gripper to deploy the gripper from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.

Abstract: A method of repairing a bone fracture comprises accessing a fracture along a length of a bone through a bony protuberance at an access point near an end of a bone. A bone fixation device is advanced into a space through the access point at the end of the bone. A portion of the bone fixation device is bent along its length to traverse the fracture. The bone fixation device is locked into place within the space of the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for bone reinforcement, fixation and treatment of diseased or fractured bones including a supporting structure optionally coated with therapeutic agent is provided. The supporting structure or device may be collapsible upon deployment at the surgical site, and include fixation features such as anchors to securely position in place once deployed. Bone cement or other material may be provided to alternatively secure the positioned supporting structure for treatment. A lockable bone fixation device is described that comprises: a sleeve adapted to be positioned in a space formed in a bone; a guidewire adapted to guide movement of the sleeve; and an actuable lock adapted to secure the sleeve within the space of the bone from an end of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for bone reinforcement, fixation and treatment of diseased or fractured bones including a supporting structure optionally coated with therapeutic agent is provided. The supporting structure or device may be collapsible upon deployment at the surgical site, and include fixation features such as anchors to securely position in place once deployed. Bone cement or other material may be provided to alternatively secure the positioned supporting structure for treatment. A lockable bone fixation device is described that comprises: a sleeve adapted to be positioned in a space formed in a bone; a guidewire adapted to guide movement of the sleeve; and an actuable lock adapted to secure the sleeve within the space of the bone from an end of the device.

Abstract: A bone fixation device having an elongate body, an actuateable gripper disposed on the elongated body, an actuator operably connected to the gripper to deploy the gripper from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration, and a membrane surrounding at least a portion of the elongate body or the gripper is disclosed. Also disclosed are systems, surgical kits and methods of using a bone fixation device with a membrane cover.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.

Abstract: A limb supporting apparatus adaptable for use during orthopedic surgery on a patient's limb having a platform base; an appendage rest supported by the platform base and adapted to immobilize the limb; an access port supported by the platform base; and a curved cannula supported by the access port and adapted to facilitate access to target bone during orthopedic surgery. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of performing an orthopedic procedure on a limb including the steps of immobilizing the limb on an appendage rest of a platform base; aligning a curved cannula supported by an access port with a target bone of the limb; and performing an orthopedic procedure on the target bone through the cannula.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to tools, systems and methods of preparing a bone site prior to deployment of bone repair devices. In one embodiment, a bone cutting instrument is provided with a generally rigid arcuate tube having a generally fixed radius and a lumen therethrough, a flexible drive shaft configured to be slidably and rotably received within the tube lumen, and a cutter head attached to an end of the drive shaft, whereby the shaft and cutter head may be first advanced together with the tube in an arcuate manner to cut an arcuate path in a bone, and then advanced in a telescoping manner relative to the tube being held in a generally fixed position to cut a straight path in the bone. Methods of forming a passage in a bone include advancing a cutter head into a bone along a curved path having a generally constant radius, and continuing to advance the cutter along a generally straight path extending from the curved path.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening in a bone comprising: inserting a tip of a curved rigid tool into an entry point in the bone and advancing the tool along a curved path into the bone. Another aspect of the invention provides an orthopedic tool comprising a rigid curved body having a diameter suitable for insertion into a bone and a sharp tip at a distal end of the curved body.