Abstract: A collapsible fixator system comprising a first frame member and a second frame member and at least one strut. Each frame member comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of apertures extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. Each of the at least one struts comprises first and second strut connectors, such that the first and the second strut connectors are operable to releasably connect the strut to the first frame member and the second frame member. When the first and second strut connectors are in a first, collapsed position, the strut is releasably positioned substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second frame members. When the first and second strut connectors are in a second, erect position, the strut may be fixedly positioned such that the first and second frame members are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports. and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: A wire tensioner tip for use with a wire fixation bolt. First and second wires may be anchored to and tensioned across an external fixator frame with first and second wire tensioners. The first and second wires may be anchored at first anchor locations with first and second wire fixation bolts. First and second wire tensioner tips may engage with third and fourth wire fixation bolts, thereby preventing the third and fourth wire fixation bolts from rotating. The first and second wires may be tensioned to a desired tension with the first and second wire tensioners at the same time to prevent over-tensioning or under-tensioning. The first and second wires may be anchored at second anchor locations with third and fourth wire fixation bolts. By engaging the wire fixator bolts with the wire tensioning tips, fewer tools are required and one medical professional can tension two wires at once.

Abstract: Modeling an object in 3-D space may be accomplished various embodiments disclosed herein. An exemplary method of creating a 3-D model includes receiving roentgenograms of an object and at least one reference marker. In some embodiments, the roentgenograms may each include an image of at least one object marker. The exemplary method may further include determining 3-D positions of the x-ray source using the images of the at least one reference marker. The location of the 3-D positions of the x-ray source may allow a 3-D model of the imaged object to be created.

Abstract: An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.

Abstract: A wire tensioner tip for use with a wire fixation bolt. First and second wires may be anchored to and tensioned across an external fixator frame with first and second wire tensioners. The first and second wires may be anchored at first anchor locations with first and second wire fixation bolts. First and second wire tensioner tips may engage with third and fourth wire fixation bolts, thereby preventing the third and fourth wire fixation bolts from rotating. The first and second wires may be tensioned to a desired tension with the first and second wire tensioners at the same time to prevent over-tensioning or under-tensioning. The first and second wires may be anchored at second anchor locations with third and fourth wire fixation bolts. By engaging the wire fixator bolts with the wire tensioning tips, fewer tools are required and one medical professional can tension two wires at once.

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: 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: A collapsible fixator system comprising a first frame member and a second frame member and at least one strut. Each frame member comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of apertures extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. Each of the at least one struts comprises first and second strut connectors, such that the first and the second strut connectors are operable to releasably connect the strut to the first frame member and the second frame member. When the first and second strut connectors are in a first, collapsed position, the strut is releasably positioned substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second frame members. When the first and second strut connectors are in a second, erect position, the strut may be fixedly positioned such that the first and second frame members are spaced apart from one another.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports. and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pedicle screw made with a bone fastener and a rod coupling head, the rod coupling head comprising an upper rod coupling: the lower rod coupling having a lateral rod opening adapted to receive a permanent rod; an angled bore extends into the lateral rod opening; and a permanent rod fastener in the angled bore to engage a permanent rod in the lateral rod opening; and a upper rod coupling having an upper rod opening adapted to receive a temporary rod, wherein the upper rod opening is formed to receive a temporary rod fastener; wherein the upper rod coupling is detachable from the lower rod coupling at a transition and a temporary rod is temporarily affixed into the upper rod opening during a bone realignment and a permanent rod is positioned in the lateral rod opening and engaged by the permanent rod fastener upon final bone alignment.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for adjusting the orientation of a first external fixator support member relative to a second external fixator support member, wherein a plurality of adjustable struts connect the first and second external fixator support members. The method include providing a programmable tool, and storing, in a memory unit of the tool, instructions for adjusting the length of each of the plurality of adjustable struts to a desired length. The method further includes receiving identification information corresponding to a first adjustable strut and retrieving, from the memory unit, the instructions for adjusting the length of the first adjustable strut. The method also includes activating an actuator of the tool to adjust the length of the first adjustable strut according to the retrieved instructions. Various embodiments of the programmable tools are also included in the present disclosure.

Abstract: An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.

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.

Abstract: Modeling an object in 3-D space may be accomplished various embodiments disclosed herein. An exemplary method of creating a 3-D model includes receiving roentgenograms of an object and at least one reference marker. In some embodiments, the roentgenograms may each include an image of at least one object marker. The exemplary method may further include determining 3-D positions of the x-ray source using the images of the at least one reference marker. The location of the 3-D positions of the x-ray source may allow a 3-D model of the imaged object to be created.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports, and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports. and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.