Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electrical energy to an electro-pen with an electric drive unit for driving a tool. The device comprises a console with an energy supply unit having an accumulator for supplying the electrical drive unit with electrical energy. The console may be configure to be sterilized by steam having a housing and electrical components that are sealed liquid-tight. The accumulator may include a sterile covering for sterile introduction into the console. A coupling between the console and the electro-pen carries the supply of electrical energy from the console to the electro-pen. The coupling may be an electrical contact in the form of a sterilizable connector or an inductive coupling. The console may be configured to store energy and is thus mobile, or the console may include a connection for connecting to a mains or external power supply for charging the accumulator. The console may include a switch-mode power supply for charging the accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for exerting axial forces on bone fragments or vertebral bodies. The inventive device comprises a first connecting element, a second longitudinal connecting element which is displaceable relative to the first connecting element and a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a front end that can be linked with the first connecting element. A tubular sleeve is coaxial relative to the longitudinal axis in which the longitudinal support is displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprises a front end that is directed against the first connecting element.

Abstract: A device for connecting a bone fastener to a longitudinal rod is disclosed. The apparatus may have two bores spaced a distance apart and having generally parallel axes. A holding member may be associated with one bore, the member configured to engage a bone fastener such as a bone screw or pedicle hook. A rod coupling member may be associated with the other bore, the member configured to engage a longitudinal rod. The holding member and rod coupling member both are configured to articulate within their respective bores, thus allowing the rod and rod coupling, as well as the holding member and bone fastener, to rotate about the both the first and second axes. The holding member and rod coupling member further may be separately lockable to allow independent locking of the bone fastener and the rod to the connector, thereby preventing or enabling relative rotation as desired.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: A bone plate includes an upper surface, a bone-contacting surface, and a plurality of holes extending through the upper and bone-contacting surfaces for receiving bone screws. At least one of the holes includes a protrusion disposed on the bone-contacting surface and at least partially surrounding the hole. The bone plate may define a nominal plate thickness in regions between holes, and the protrusion may define an increased plate thickness that is greater than the nominal plate thickness. A bone plate system including a plurality of bone screws is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lever for grasping bone tissue includes a shaft defining a channel and having a proximal end and a distal end, a claw member disposed on the distal end of the shaft for holding the bone tissue, and a rod threadably received in the channel and having a proximal end and a distal end. Rotation of the rod with respect to the shaft causes the rod to move substantially axially with respect to the shaft to selectively position the distal end of the rod with respect to the claw member. The lever may further include a locking member to allow the rod to slide axially with respect to the shaft. Various other features which improve the functioning of the lever may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A hand tool having first and second handle portions and a toothed bar that has first and second terminal ends, a plurality of teeth having free ends, and at least one shield member adjacent the teeth and having at least a portion which extends beyond the free ends of the teeth, wherein the toothed bar is pivotally attached at its first terminal end to a first handle portion and the teeth of the toothed bar engage with a pawl associated with the second handle. The invention is also directed to a safety ratchet mechanism for preventing undesired relative movement of two handle portions of a hand tool, wherein the toothed bar has a first end that is pivotally connected to at least one handle portion and a second end adapted and configured to move relative to the second handle portion when the handle portions undergo relative movement, and wherein the toothed bar has a plurality of teeth that are designed to interact with a pawl.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: A device for gauging and verifying the precision of surgical instruments is provided. The device includes a holder, at least one instrument, and a carousel having at least one cavity configured and dimensioned in the shape of the at least one instrument. The carousel is rotatably coupled to the holder. Markers or sensors for emitting or receiving signals are fitted to at least two of the holder, the carousel and the instrument, and allow determination of spatial information thereof. The spatial information is calibrated by inserting the at least one instrument in its respective cavity in the carousel and determining any change in dimensions from the instrument's first set of dimensions upon manufacture and its new set of dimensions following use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for replacing vertebral bones. The device includes an interior hollow body and an exterior hollow body. These hollow bodies can slide into each other coaxially along a central axis and can be moved in relation to one another in the direction of the central axis. The interior hollow body is provided with a catch mechanism on its outer surface. The exterior hollow body includes a hole or bore extending along the central axis. The exterior hollow body also includes at least one elastic element that projects into the bore at its top end. This reduces the diameter of the bore so that the elastic element latches onto the catch mechanism of the interior hollow body, thereby fixing the length of the device in such a way that it is resistant to compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for carrying and securing the lid of a container, such as a surgical sterilization tray. A tray is provided with rotating wire bail handles and at least two studs. The cover for the tray has a keyway and cutout which can be engaged with the studs when the lid is placed onto the case. Inadvertent disengagement of the keyway or cutout from the studs is prevented by the interaction of the handles with the lid. The lid is provided with slots and end panels which become mechanically associated with the handles when the handles are rotated to any of a variety of lid-securing positions. The association of the handles with the lid prevents any relative sliding motion of the lid and case which would allow disengagement of the keyway or cutout and the studs, until the handles are rotated to any of a variety of non-lid-securing positions. The system combines the handle and lid-securing functions in a very low part-count design with very few moving parts.

Abstract: The surgical prosthetic device according to the present invention is adapted for placement between two adjoining vertebrae for total or partial replacement of the disk from therebetween. The device has two plates with interior surfaces facing each other and being held at a distance by connecting means and exterior surfaces for contacting the end plates of the two adjoining vertebrae. The connecting means is made of a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A motion converter comprising a drive head mounted eccentrically onto a drive shaft, and which is eccentrically displaced when the drive shaft rotates. The converter additionally comprises a displaceable transmission element and a displaceable tool holder holding a tool. The transmission element and tool holder are moved to-and-fro when the drive shaft is rotated. The excursion of the to-and-fro motion is adjustable by pivot means, preferably a first pivot pin, displaceably affixed to a housing and connecting the transmission element to the housing.

Abstract: A plate holding drill guide or "trocar" is disclosed including a member having a channel with an internal diameter. A cannulated holding member having prongs is disposed, at least in part, within the channel. A cannula extends through the prongs. At one end, the prongs are flanged outward. The flanged portion has an external diameter which is greater than the internal diameter of the channel. The sliding member is displaceable over the flanged portion of the prongs. When an annular frame of a bone plate is disposed between the prongs and the sliding member is moved toward the flanged portion, the prongs grip the frame. A drill may be guided between the prongs through the cannula. A method is disclosed for holding a bone plate. An annular frame of the bone plate is positioned between prongs and aligned with a cannula extending between the prongs. A member is displaced along the prongs. The prongs are deflected inward, gripping the frame.

Abstract: The device for dispensing of bone screws (1) comprises a drum device (3) that can be rotated around its axis (2), with several holes (4) serving as storage chambers for bone screws (1) or other osteosynthesis fixation elements, arranged peripherally and parallel to the axis (2).

Abstract: The resorbable fixation device is useful for treating torn bodily material in vivo. It has a tip, a head, and a cylindrically shaped shaft portion lying between the tip and the head. The shaft portion has at least one retention element protruding radially therefrom to facilitate insertion of said shaft portion longitudinally into the bodily material in a forward axial direction extending from the tip to the head and to restrict movement of the shaft portion through the bodily material in a backward axial direction opposite to the forward direction. The shaft portion has further a hollow body with at least one radial opening extending transversely through the walls surrounding the hollow body and rendering the shaft radially elastic. The walls surrounding the hollow body are provided with at least one stiffening element providing a controlled stiffness to the fixation device.

Abstract: An angle frame for surgical use is made of materials permeable by X-radiation.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic compression plate with holes for the insertion of bone screws, with a cross-section that is trapezoidal or otherwise provides for a decreased plate surface against the bone while providing necessary rigidity.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a tip portion provided with means for engaging a bolt previously inserted into a bone transverse to the bone axis.

Abstract: A sighting instrument, particularly for surgical purposes, comprising a handle, a tool socket and a direction finder which may be held between a radiation source and a radiation receiver, the position of which can be represented visibly by means of an image converter, allowing continuous adjustment of its orientation.