Abstract: An elongated plate for coupling severed bone regions comprising at least one bridge region, the at least one bridge region terminating in at least two bone fixation regions. The at least two bone fixation regions each contain at least one aperture for receiving a suitable fastening device for securing the elongated plate to the bone regions to be coupled. The bridge region may be configured so as to be easily severed by a suitable severing device such as surgical scissors. The elongated plate and fastening device may be formed from a bio-compatible or bio-resorbable material.

Abstract: A bone distractor for distracting bone on opposite sides of an osteotomy of the bone includes a first affixation member for affixation to the bone on one side of the osteotomy and a second affixation member for affixation to the bone on another side of the osteotomy. A rotatable member engages the first and second affixation members to distract the first and second affixation members relative to each other in response to rotation of the rotatable member. An extension member is removably connectable to the rotatable member for imparting torque thereto when rotated. The extension member can be flexible to permit elastic bending while imparting torque.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for repairing a bone defect according to the invention includes a base, a cap opposing the base, and a post connecting the cap and the base in a fastening position on adjacent bone plate and surrounding cranium. The clamp assembly may further include an applier interacting with the post to position the cap and base in the fastening position. A method according to the invention includes placing the base and cap on opposing internal and external surfaces of the bone plate, with a portion of each of the base and cap overlapping a border of junction between the bone plate and surrounding bone. The post is rotated to bring the base and cap to the fastening position. The method may further include removing a distal portion of the post projecting from the cap and leaving a proximal portion of the post projecting from the cap and which can be deformed to secure the base and cap in the fastening position.

Abstract: A bone member fastener for closing a craniotomy includes a cap and a base interconnected by a narrow cylindrical collar. The cap has an externally threaded stud that screws into an internally threaded bore of the collar, thereby allowing the cap and base to be brought into clamping engagement against the internal and external faces of a bone plate and surrounding bone. In a particularly disclosed embodiment, the base of the fastener is placed below a craniotomy hole with the collar projecting into the hole, and the stud of the cap is screwed into the bore of the base from above the hole to clamp a bone flap against the surrounding cranium. This device provides a method of quickly and securely replacing a bone cover into a craniotomy. The distance between the cap and base can be selected by how far the threaded stud of the cap is advanced into the internally threaded collar. The fastener is therefore adaptable for use in several regions of the skull having various thicknesses.

Abstract: An instrument for mobilizing the midface bones of a human skull in which at least a partial osteotomy between the midface bones and the skull has been performed. A first member includes a dentition engaging portion for engaging the dental arch of the maxilla. A second member includes a nasal engaging portion for engaging the nasal floor of the nasal cavity. An adjustable member is connected to the first member and to the second member and is adjustable to draw the first and second members toward each other so that the first member can be drawn against the dental arch and the second member can be drawn against the nasal floor. A lever is connected to at least one of the first and second members. The lever is disposed anteriorly of the forehead and extends in a superior-inferior direction relative to the skull when the first and second members are engaged with the dental arch and nasal floor, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching the skin between the fingers of a syndactyly includes first and second upper members, and first and second lower members. Means are provided for adjustably spreading the first and second upper members relative to each other and for adjustably spreading the first and second lower members relative to each other. A first plurality of wires, configured to pierce the skin of the syndactyly and to translate force to bones of the first finger, are connected to the first upper member and to the first lower member. Likewise a similar second plurality of wires are connected to the second upper member and to the second lower member. A method for stretching the skin of the syndactyly includes inserting the first plurality of wires through the skin of the syndactyly between the first and second fingers adjacent the bones of the first finger. The second plurality of wires are inserted similarly adjacent the bones of the second finger.

Abstract: A bone distractor for distracting bone on opposite sides of an osteotomy of the bone. Included are a first affixation member for affixation to the bone on one side of the osteotomy and a second affixation member for affixation to the bone on another side of the osteotomy. A distraction element includes a screw having a rotatable member engaging the first and second affixation members for distracting the first and second affixation members relative to each other in response to rotation of the rotatable member. The first and second affixation members comprise resorbable material that is resorbed in the body after distraction is complete, thereby minimizing the size of the surgical wound required to remove the non-resorbable screw. Bone screws for affixing the affixation members to bone comprise a resorbable material, whereby the bone distractor can be explanted without explanting the bone screws.

Abstract: This invention relates to a set of surgical instruments for use in reattachment of a cranial flap using a cranial clamp having a base, a cap and a stem. The set of surgical instruments includes an applier instrument, a stem holder instrument and a stem cutter instrument. The applier instrument slidably receives a portion of the stem and moves the cap relative to the base. The applier instrument includes a handle, a trigger and a barrel configured as a gun-style instrument, as well as includes an engagement mechanism having a contoured surface that matingly engages a contoured surface on a portion of the stem. The stem holder instrument engages and holds a portion of the stem. The stem holder instrument includes a pair of handles and a lock mechanism that may be locked upon squeezing a pair of handles once and be opened upon squeezing the pair of handles once again. The stem cutter instrument removes a portion of the stem from the cranial clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for osteosynthesis of a mandible. An elongated plate has a plurality of apertures. A cover has a lateral wall, a top wall, and a medial wall defining a channel. A portion of the mandible is resected to leave a bony gap. The elongated plate is received within the channel of the cover, and the cover is received within the bony gap to alleviate growth of soft tissue against the elongated plate. Screw fasteners received through the apertures of the elongated plate secure the plate to the mandible.

Abstract: A system for mandibular reconstruction generally includes an elongated locking plate having a plurality of internally threaded apertures and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener includes a main body portion having an upper threaded shaft and a lower threaded shaft. The lower threaded shaft is adapted to engage the mandible. Each fastener further includes a removable head portion internally threaded for engaging the upper shaft portion and externally threaded for engaging a selected one of the internally threaded apertures of the locking plate. In the preferred embodiment, the thread leads of the head portion and lower shaft of the main body portion are identical.

Abstract: A bone member fastener for closing a craniotomy includes a cap and a base interconnected by a narrow cylindrical collar. The cap has an externally threaded stud that screws into an internally threaded bore of the collar, thereby allowing the cap and base to be brought into clamping engagement against the internal and external faces of a bone plate and surrounding bone. In a particularly disclosed embodiment, the base of the fastener is placed below a craniotomy hole with the collar projecting into the hole, and the stud of the cap is screwed into the bore of the base from above the hole to clamp a bone flap against the surrounding cranium. This device provides a method of quickly and securely replacing a bone cover into a craniotomy. The distance between the cap and base can be selected by how far the threaded stud of the cap is advanced into the internally threaded collar. The fastener is therefore adaptable for use in several regions of the skull having various thicknesses.

Abstract: A system for mandibular reconstruction generally includes an elongated locking plate having a plurality of internally threaded apertures and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener includes a main body portion having an upper threaded shaft and a lower threaded shaft. The lower threaded shaft is adapted to engage the mandible. Each fastener further includes a removable head portion internally threaded for engaging the upper shaft portion and externally threaded for engaging a selected one of the internally threaded apertures of the locking plate. In the preferred embodiment, the thread leads of the head portion and lower shaft of the main body portion are identical.

Abstract: Fracture reduction and intermaxillary fixation are performed with a dental splint that is directly bonded by cement to the teeth of a patient for temporarily fixing and immobilizing the patient's jaws during and following oral surgery. The splint includes an arch band having a back side surface for receiving a deposit of bonding cement and a facial side surface from which multiple ligature studs project for engaging ligature wires. Each stud includes a tapered shank portion and a symmetrical head portion. The head portion of each stud is conformed for pivotal coupling engagement with a forceps tool. The arch band is intersected by multiple flow passages that permit bonding cement deposited on the back side surface of the arch band to flow or extrude onto the facial side surface as the arch band is pressed against the patient's teeth. Symmetrical construction of the head portions allows universal coupling engagement and manipulation by installation and de-bonding tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing pectus excavatum repair on a deformed sternum. The apparatus includes an elongated pectus bar having a first end and a second end. The elongated pectus bar provides a minimum bendable strength of about 65 in-lbs or a minimum material yield strength of 35.times.10.sup.6 psi or a minimum bendable stiffness of about 1000 lb-in.sup.2. The elongated pectus bar is shaped into a convexly curved pectus bar. The convexly curved bar is passed under the deformed sternum with the convexity facing posteriorly. The elongated pectus bar is then rotated so that the convexity faces anteriorly such that the deformed sternum is raised into a desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for stabilization of a shunt relative to a bone. The apparatus includes a body member and a plurality of attachment members forming a part of the body member. Each of the attachment members are operable to receive a bone screw so as to secure the body member to the bone. A plurality of movable fingers are movably attached to the body member. The plurality of movable fingers are adapted to engage and stabilize various size shunts relative to the bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formable mesh for use in osteosynthesis and a method of use therefore. The formable mesh includes a plurality of orifice plates linked together by a plurality of connecting arms. The plurality of orifice plates includes a first orifice plate having at least six radially offset connecting arms. Each of the radially offset connecting arms includes a first end coupled to the first orifice plate and a second end coupled to a second orifice. Upon rotation of the first orifice plate in a first direction, each of the second orifice plates is retracted relative to the first orifice plate. Upon rotation of the first orifice plate in a second direction, each of the second orifice plates is extended relative to the first orifice plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-configurable plating system for use in osteosynthesis and a method therefore. The multi-configurable plating system includes a multi-configurable plate formed from a plurality of annular mounting tabs linked together by a plurality of linking members. The plurality of annular mounting tabs and the plurality of linking members form a separable straight plate, a separable L-shaped plate and a separable T-shaped plate. The separable straight plate is connected to the multi-configurable plate by no more than two linking members. The separable L-shaped plate is connected to the multi-configurable plate by no more than two linking members. The separable T-shaped plate is connected to the multi-configurable plate by no more than three linking members. This enables a user to easily separate the separable straight plate, the separable L-shaped plate and the separable T-shaped plate from the multi-configurable plate by cutting along the appropriate linking members.

Abstract: A self-retaining screwdriver having a plurality of diametrically opposed, radially extending blades on its tip for engagement with corresponding slots of a screw or other fastener, wherein the blades vary radially in thickness. The screwdriver also includes diametrically opposed, radially extending blades of constant thickness arranged perpendicular to the blades of radially varying thickness. Tapered blades having a thickness which increases with distance from the screwdriver axis are disclosed in one embodiment in which the blades also have a convex end surface, for use with a screw having a convex head.