Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring temperature using wireless, flexible thermal sensors are disclosed. A wireless, flexible thermal sensor mountable on a body may comprise a substrate, a power source, a thermal actuator configured to receive power from a power source and supply thermal energy to a portion of a skin surface of the body, a temperature sensor configured to detect a change in a temperature related to the thermal actuator, and a comparator configured to receive an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the temperature sensor, compare the received signal to a reference signal, and output a signal based on the comparison. The sensor may further comprise a power control element configured to receive a signal corresponding to the output signal of the comparator and alter the delivery of power to the thermal actuator based at least in part on the signal received from the comparator.

Abstract: An intramedullary (“IM”) nail for internal fixation of a bone is disclosed. In one embodiment, the IM nail may be a retrograde femoral nail. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the IM nail may be a tibial IM nail. In one or more embodiments, the screw holes are arranged and configured to optimize placement of one or more screws, fasteners, or the like. In addition, and/or alternatively, an IM nail may be arranged and configured to facilitate removal of a broken screw. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the tibial IM nail may be arranged and configured to be side-specific so that the anatomic specific tibial IM nails can be used to, for example, target specific bony anatomy such as, for example, the patient's posterior malleolar, the syndesmotic joint, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring flow of cerebrospinal fluid through shunts are disclosed. A wireless, flexible flow sensor may comprise a substrate, a thermal actuation mechanism configured to supply thermal energy to a portion of a skin surface of the body, the portion of the skin surface overlaying a subdermal conduit for a body fluid, a temperature sensor configured to detect a change in a temperature related to the portion of the skin surface, a motion sensor supported by the substrate and configured to detect an orientation related to a segment of the subdermal conduit, and a microprocessor in wireless communication with a controller. The microprocessor may comprise circuitry configured to receive, from the controller, a first signal to activate the thermal actuation mechanism; and receive, from the temperature sensor, a second signal associated with the change in temperature related to the portion of the skin surface.

Abstract: Periprosthetic bone plates are disclosed including, for example, a periprosthetic distal femur plate. In use, the bone plate is configured for use in periprosthetic fractures. That is, the bone plate includes one or more features to facilitate positioning and securement of the bone plate to a patient's bone that previously received a surgically implanted orthopedic implant such as, for example, an intramedullary nail, a hip prosthesis, a knee prosthesis, etc. In use, the one or more features are designed and configured to facilitate avoidance of the previous surgically implanted orthopedic implant. In addition, the bone plate is configured to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the bone plate against the patient's bone while minimizing soft tissue irritation. In addition, and/or alternatively, the bone plate is configured to provide improved contouring to facilitate better positioning of the bone plate against the patient's bone (e.g., better contouring adjacent patient's greater trochanter).

Abstract: A bone plate incorporating a length adjusting elongate hole formed in a shaft portion thereof, along with corresponding methods of use. In one embodiment, the length adjusting elongate hole is configured to receive one or more bone fixation devices (e.g., bone screws). In use, the bone fixation device positioned within the length adjusting elongate hole may be partially loosened, without removal, to enable the patient's bone to be adjusted (e.g., loosening the bone fixation device within the length adjusting elongate hole allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the patient's bone, and hence the bone fixation device coupled thereto, relative to the bone plate). Once properly adjusted, the bone fixation device positioned within the length adjusting elongate hole may be retightened. In various embodiments, the length adjusting elongate hole is configured so that, in use, each of the plurality of bone fixation openings remains available to a surgeon.

Abstract: Periprosthetic bone fixation plates are disclosed including, for example, periprosthetic proximal femur plate, periprosthetic distal femur plate, periprosthetic humerus plate, periprosthetic ring plate, and periprosthetic troch plate. In use, the periprosthetic bone fixation plates are arranged and configured for use in periprosthetic fractures. That is, the periprosthetic plates include one or more features to facilitate positioning and securement of the bone fixation plate to a patients bone that previously received a surgically implanted orthopedic device or implant such as, for example, an intramedullary nail, a hip prosthesis, a knee prosthesis, etc. In use, the one or more features are designed and configured to facilitate avoidance of the previous surgically implanted orthopedic device or implant. In addition, the periprosthetic bone fixation plates are arranged and configured to facilitate plating of a longer working length as compared to existing bone fixation plates (e.g.

Abstract: A method of analyzing tissue includes inserting a radiation source into tissue, impinging radiation upon the tissue, obtaining a sample signal of the radiation that impinges upon the tissue, and determining a refractive index of the tissue from the sample signal. The method may also include determining at least one other optical property of the tissue. The method may provide for identifying tissue as part of a biopsy method. A device for analyzing tissue may include a low-coherence interferometer and a probe optically coupled to the interferometer, where the probe includes a radiation source.