Abstract: A system for assisting a surgeon in implanting hook plate-type bone plates includes a cannulated multiple barreled drill guide, a cannulated inserter/impactor, and a cannulated fastener coupling the inserter/impactor to a bone plate. The multiple barreled drill guide facilitates the drilling of at least two parallel holes at the distal end of a bone at the correct position and angle of entry, and includes a body and two drill guide channels coupled to the body in substantially parallel orientation relative to each other, with a guide pin aperture disposed between and substantially parallel to the drill guide tubes. The inserter/impactor likewise includes a central channel accommodating the same guide pin employed to place and align the multiple barreled drill guide.

Abstract: A system for controlling a relationship between first and second bodies and made up of a suture assembly with at least a first suture configured to define a restrictable loop structure with the suture assembly in an operative state. At least first and second restrictable sub-loops cooperatively define a first loop that can be reduced in size to thereby produce a force on the first and second bodies that urges them towards each other. A first loop length has a first sliding portion with a second loop length having a second sliding portion. At least one knot extends around the first and second sliding portions. The first and second sliding portions, upon each being moved within the at least one knot in a tightening sliding direction, cause a size of a respective sub-loop to be reduced.

Abstract: An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. Pivotal or hinged attachment of the bearing assembly to a handle member permits pivotal movement of the driver relative to the handle member and permits the jaws of the replaceable tip insert to remain in substantial engagement with the fracture fixation plate during expansion and compression.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the distal radius. The plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. A contoured region is configured to approximate the surface contour of the distal radius proximate the volar rim, the dorsal rim, or the radial arm. Each hook member is configured to provide subchondral support to a distal bone fragment, without causing shortening of the fragment into the metaphyseal bone, and without providing a bending torque directed to the base of the plate. The tooth members of the hook plate are preferably sharpened at their tips and edges to facilitate their impaction. A holder/impactor for gripping the radial hook plate, and for further facilitating impacting of the hook plate without the need to pre-drill pilot holes, is also provided.

Abstract: A combination of a bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the distal radius and a holder/impactor for gripping the bone plate and for facilitating impacting the bone plate, with or without predrilled holes. The bone plate includes hook members configured to provide subchondral support to a distal bone fragment, without causing shortening of the fragment into the metaphyseal bone, and without providing a bending torque directed to the base of the plate. The holder/impactor is securely attachable to the bone plate, and includes a striking surface and a distal surface contour overlying and resting adjacent an apex of the hook member. The tooth members of the hook plate are preferably sharpened at their tips and edges to facilitate their impaction.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the distal radius. The plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. A contoured region is configured to approximate the surface contour of the distal radius proximate the volar rim, the dorsal rim, or the radial arm. Each hook member is configured to provide subchondral support to a distal bone fragment, without causing shortening of the fragment into the metaphyseal bone, and without providing a bending torque directed to the base of the plate. The tooth members of the hook plate are preferably sharpened at their tips and edges to facilitate their impaction. A holder/impactor for gripping the radial hook plate, and for further facilitating impacting of the hook plate without the need to pre-drill pilot holes, is also provided.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the distal radius. The plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. A contoured region is configured to approximate the surface contour of the distal radius proximate the volar rim, the dorsal rim, or the radial arm. Each hook member is configured to provide subchondral support to a distal bone fragment, without causing shortening of the fragment into the metaphyseal bone, and without providing a bending torque directed to the base of the plate. The tooth members of the hook plate are preferably sharpened at their tips and edges to facilitate their impaction. A holder/impactor for gripping the radial hook plate, and for further facilitating impacting of the hook plate without the need to pre-drill pilot holes, is also provided.

Abstract: An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. Pivotal or hinged attachment of the bearing assembly to a handle member permits pivotal movement of the driver relative to the handle member and permits the jaws of the replaceable tip insert to remain in substantial engagement with the fracture fixation plate during expansion and compression.