Abstract: A dynamization device includes a first module and a second module. The first and second modules are each rigidly affixed to and mated together by one or more deformable rings. Each of the first and second modules includes an inner column positioned within the one or more deformable rings. The mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between the inner column of the first module and the inner column of the second module. The first displacement gap extends along the longitudinal axis between adjacent deformable rings of the one or more deformable rings.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising: a primary coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the primary coil spring forms a plurality of spirals layered against one another when the primary coil spring is in an unexpanded state; wherein the primary coil spring comprises surfaces that are configured to nest against each other to resist translational or shearing movement between adjoining spiral layers.

Abstract: An external fixation strut includes an elongated body including first and second tubular shafts. Opposite connectors are respectively coupled to one of the shafts and include a ball and socket joint. One shaft has an internal diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the other to host the other shaft in a slidably and telescopic manner. The shafts of the strut are a synthetic radiolucent plastic material. A clamp element is in proximity of overlapping ends of the shafts for fast gripping action stopping the sliding of one shaft inside the other. A fixation element is manually operated and acts on the clamp element. A sleeve is provided around the central portion of the strut where the shafts overlap. The clamp element is a clamp band around the sleeve and includes opposite and facing gripping portions. The gripping portions are connected by a threaded connector of the fixation element.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an external fixation device includes a first joint having a first rotatable member housing, a first rotatable member disposed within the first rotatable member housing, and a first connecting member. The first rotatable member has a first bore. The first connecting member includes a first connecting member insert having a stem partially disposed within the first bore of the first rotatable member. The first connecting member insert includes a second bore. The second bore is operable to receive a connecting element from a first external fixation ring.

Abstract: A radiography aid and method of using the same comprising: attaching a radiographic reference device to the external fixation device, the radiographic reference device comprises at least two surfaces; positioning the first surface of the radiographic reference device on an imager surface to capture a first radiographic image of the external fixation device and the one or more objects; repositioning the external fixation device to position the second surface of the radiographic reference device on the imager surface to capture a second radiographic image of the external fixation device and the one or more objects that differs in position from the first radiographic image by the first angle; and calculating the position of the one or more objects in three dimensions.

Abstract: A device for spinal correction includes a stabilizer assembly including a hinge including a first rod-bearing leaf; a second rod-bearing leaf rotatably coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf to provide coronal or sagittal freedom of movement, or both, of the stabilizer assembly; a locking mechanism to lock the first and second rod-bearing leaves at a desired angle; a first stabilizing rod coupled to the first rod-bearing leaf; a second stabilizing rod coupled to the second rod-bearing leaf; and a plurality of monoaxial or polyaxial links, wherein each monoaxial or polyaxial link is movably coupled to the first or second stabilizing rod and is movably couplable to a first spinal rod or a second spinal rod fixed to the spine; wherein the stabilizer assembly is couplable to the first or second spinal rod to stabilize the spine to prevent compression, distraction, or translation of the spinal cord during a spinal correction.

Abstract: An orthopedic spring hinge and associated external fixation systems for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising a first base member, a second base member, a flexible first spring having a first longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member, and a flexible second spring spaced apart from the first spring and having a second longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member. The spring hinge is configured to have a maximum bending resistance in a first plane extending between the first spring and the second spring and a minimum bending resistance in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising: a primary coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the primary coil spring forms a plurality of spirals layered against one another when the primary coil spring is in an unexpanded state; wherein the primary coil spring comprises surfaces that are configured to nest against each other to resist translational or shearing movement between adjoining spiral layers.

Abstract: Dynamization devices and methods of use are provided. A dynamization device may comprise first and second modules that are mated together in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the first and second modules are connected to deformable rings that may be deformed when a longitudinal force is applied to the first and second modules. The deformation of the rings creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the device to return it to its original shape. The strength, spring coefficient, and size of the dynamization device can be adjusted depending upon the particular needs of the application.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and devices for treating osteonecrosis in, e.g., children, adolescents, and adults comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; drilling two or more holes into a bone in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; inserting two or more needles or cannulas into the holes in the bone; washing an interior of the bone with a washing fluid introduced through one or more of the needles or cannulas inserted into the bone; and after washing the interior of the bone introducing one or more bone growth promoting materials or cells into the bone.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and devices for treating osteonecrosis in, e.g., children, adolescents, and adults comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; drilling two or more holes into a bone in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; inserting two or more needles or cannulas into the holes in the bone; washing an interior of the bone with a washing fluid introduced through one or more of the needles or cannulas inserted into the bone; and after washing the interior of the bone introducing one or more bone growth promoting materials or cells into the bone.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an external fixation device may include a telescopic housing having an axial bore, an inner sleeve slidably disposed within the axial bore of the telescopic housing, a fastener operable to releasably couple the inner sleeve and the telescopic housing, an elongated member coupled to the inner sleeve, and two joints. One joint may be coupled to a proximal end of the telescopic housing, and include a rotatable member and a connecting member coupled to the rotatable member, such that the connecting member is operable to receive a connecting element from an external fixation ring. The other joint may be coupled to a distal end of the elongated member, and include a rotatable member and a connecting member coupled to the rotatable member. Each joint may also include a rotatable member housing with one or more sidewall grooves that limit rotation of the respective rotatable members.

Abstract: Walking skates system removably coupled underneath a bottom half-ring of an external ring fixation system comprising a pair of skates, each skate of the pair of skates having a curved bottom profile from which a protruding connection body provided with at least one slot projects, the system further comprising a connecting member having a first end configured to be connected to an opening in the bottom half-ring of the external ring fixation system and a second end provided with a hole for connection to the slot in the connection body of the skate.

Abstract: A dynamization device may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a dial, a contact feature, and a biasing member. The shaft may comprise an interior section partially within an inner recess of the sleeve; a flat surface on the interior section of the shaft; and a plurality of external threads on the interior section of the shaft. The dial may comprise a body disposed partially within the inner recess; an annular lip; and internal threads secured to external threads of the shaft. The contact feature has an annular geometry disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and disposed between the contact feature and a shoulder within the inner recess of the sleeve. Rotation of the annular lip may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft.

Abstract: Dynamization struts and methods of use are provided. A dynamization strut may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a biasing member, and a bushing. The sleeve may comprise an inner recess with a first and second section. The shaft may comprise an interior section to be disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and sized to fit within the first section of the inner recess of the sleeve. The bushing may be secured against a portion of the shaft. Rotation of the bushing may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft. Compression of the biasing member may occur without a corresponding change in a total length of the dynamization strut. Rather, changes in the length of the strut may occur as a result of external compressive forces acting upon it.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an external fixation apparatus comprising a strut having a longitudinal axis defined therein, the strut comprising a strut housing having a housing adjustment aperture, an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the strut housing, and a fastener that releasably couples the strut housing with the adjustment sleeve. An embodiment of the adjustment sleeve comprises a first and a second bore extending from a top towards a bottom surface of the adjustment sleeve, a first sleeve member with a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial bore, and a second sleeve member adjoining the first sleeve member. In an embodiment, the second sleeve member comprises a body and a beveled end that is slidably disposed within the axial bore of the first sleeve member. The adjustment sleeve further comprises a biasing mechanism between the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member.

Abstract: A 3-D model of a body part is created by using an object comprising markers, fixation members, and struts. The method involves first and second roentgenograms of the body part and the object disposed between an x-ray source and an x-ray imager. It then determines first and second sets of distances between projections of the markers or the struts, and determines first and second 3-D positions of the x-ray source and of the object with respect to the x-ray imager using predetermined distances between the markers or struts and the first and second sets of distances between their projections. The method then aligns the first and second 3-D object projections in a 3-D reference frame using the 3-D positions of the markers or struts with respect to the x-ray imager in the two orientations. The method creates the 3-D model of the object based on the 3-D object projections.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.

Abstract: Dynamization struts and methods of use are provided. A dynamization strut may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a biasing member, and a bushing. The sleeve may comprise an inner recess with a first and second section. The shaft may comprise an interior section to be disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and sized to fit within the first section of the inner recess of the sleeve. The bushing may be secured against a portion of the shaft. Rotation of the bushing may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft. Compression of the biasing member may occur without a corresponding change in a total length of the dynamization strut. Rather, changes in the length of the strut may occur as a result of external compressive forces acting upon it.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of an elongated member. The elongated member is coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.