Abstract: A crimp configured to fix a cable about a bone includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a first channel extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the first channel being sized and shaped to permit a cable to be slid therethrough along with a second channel extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the second channel being sized and shaped to permit a cable to be slid therethrough and a deformable extension attached to the proximal end of the body, the extension including a lumen aligned with the second channel and sized and shaped to permit the cable to be slid therethrough.

Abstract: An intramedullary osteosynthetic device includes an intramedullary nail, a hip helical implant, a sliding sleeve, a lateral set screw, and a distal locking screw. The intramedullary nail includes an oblique slotted bore that receives the sliding sleeve and in communication with a cannulation that is partially threaded to receive a coaxial set screw and a threaded notch compatible with the lateral set screw. The hip helical implant includes a frontal helical portion, at least two helical twisted blades attached to the frontal helical portion, and a rear smooth shaft having an external flat surface. The sliding sleeve includes a tube having an internal flat corresponding to the external flat and has external threads at the rear of the sleeve engaging the lateral set screw. The coaxial set screw fixes the sliding sleeve to the intramedullary nail by tightening the sliding sleeve inside the oblique bore.

Abstract: A method for determining a relative position of an hollow needle with a wire partially held by the hollow needle and a bone of a creature includes the following steps: i) capturing into a computer an X-ray image of the hollow needle inserted into a bone region; where the X-ray image has at least an image of the real bone, the hollow needle and the wire inserted in the hollow needle; ii) opening a 3D virtual model of the bone region, where the bone region has a virtual bone model, a virtual hollow needle and a virtual wire; iii) assessing a 3D virtual exact position of the needle relative to the bone region by freely moving, rotating and zooming the 3D virtual objects. The process does not require additional bulky equipment that must be held and maintained in the operating room.

Abstract: A method and a system assess a relative pose of an implant and a bone of a patient. The method includes: acquiring multiple medical X-ray images of the bone with the implant preliminarily mounted to the bone; providing a database of virtual 3D implant models and selecting the implant used; fitting the virtual implant to the medical X-ray image; selecting a bone model; and fitting the chosen bone model to the medical X-ray image. The system and method now allow directly in the operation room to assess the relative pose of the implant and the bone/bone fragments by a comparison of the medical image and the respective virtual image both having the same orientation in view. The resulting image is an image of the matching virtual 2D image of the implant used and the real medical image taken from the C-arm X-ray device.

Abstract: The invention relates to single chamber containers with internal indentions upon which flexible seals are placed to form separate compartments. Between these compartments is a contractible section upon which a cutting ring is welded. By applying pressure downward from the top, the contractible area retracts and the cutting ring reaches and pierces the seal. After a quick agitation, the consumer simply opens the discharge end and is ready to enjoy an instantly made beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone within a living body comprises a crimp including a first space extending longitudinally therethrough from a first space proximal opening to a first space distal opening, the first space sized and shaped to slidably receive a cerclage member therein and a second space extending parallel to the first space from a second space proximal opening to a second space distal opening, the second space including a proximal portion to receive the cerclage member and a distal portion decreasing in cross-sectional area and an insert that, when inserted into the second space distal opening adjacent to a cerclage member, a decreasing cross-sectional area of the second space distal portion forces the insert laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the second space, pinching and locking the cerclage member against movement relative to the crimp.

Abstract: A curved positioning and insertion instrument for inserting a guide wire into the femur has a curved guide tube with a distal end to be placed on the trochanter and/or the medial muscle and a proximal end for inserting a guide wire. The instrument also has a holding arm that links the guide tube to a handle. A positioning hook fitted with at least one correction bore for receiving the guide wire or another guide wire is arranged at the distal end of the guide tube. This structure makes it possible to easily insert further or additional guide wires relative to a reference guide wire.

Abstract: An aiming arm (4) comprises a rigid distal member a distal portion (4?) of which is configured to be releasably coupled to a proximal end (1?) of an implant (1) to be implanted in a medullary canal of a bone (2), so that, when coupled to the proximal end of an implant, an orientation of the proximal end of the implant relative to the distal portion of the aiming arm remains constant in combination with a rigid proximal member (4?) a distal portion of which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the distal member. The proximal member includes an aligning feature (8) defining an axis. (10) aligned with an axis of a fixation element receiving hole (9) extending through a distal portion of the implant, the proximal member being rotatable after implantation of the implant, to an adjusted configuration in which the aligning feature is aligned with a post-implantation orientation of the fixation element.

Abstract: A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. The device has coplanar holes, which allow insertion of protective sleeves. A drill and bone screws can be inserted through the protective sleeves. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the intramedullary nail holes. The aiming arm has a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, wherein said aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail after implantation.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.

Abstract: A device for the positioning of a bone plate against a bone comprises first and second arms pivotally connected at a first joint, distal ends of the first and second arms defining a gripping surface for gripping the bone therebetween, proximal portions of the first and second arms extending in a first plane. An extension member couples to the first and second arms at the first joint and includes a first section extending distally from the first joint parallel to the first plane and a second section extending distally from the first section angled relative to the first section so that when the first and second arms are in a desired configuration gripping the bone, the second section extends parallel to the bone. A compression mechanism couples to the second section and includes a compression member and a coupling member being movable toward and away from the second section.

Abstract: A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. The device has coplanar holes, which allow insertion of protective sleeves. A drill and bone screws can be inserted through the protective sleeves. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the intramedullary nail holes. The aiming arm has a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, wherein said aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail after implantation.

Abstract: A surgical cable and crimp device is provided. The cable has an enlargement (bead) affixed to one of its ends. The crimp member includes two holes. One of the holes includes a slot and a cavity. The cavity is sized to accept the bead of the cable, and the slot is sized to receive the flexible cable but not allow the bead to pass through. The other hole is a simple through hole. The cable can be inserted to loop the bone isolated from the crimp member. After the beaded end of the surgical cable is fastened to the crimp, the cable is passed through the simple through hole. The cable is then tensioned by the application thereto of a tensioning tool with the tool applied to the cable and to an abutment face of the crimp member.

Abstract: A plate for fixation to a target portion of bone to be treated, comprises a first fixation element receiving opening extending therethrough from a proximal surface to a distal surface, the first fixation element receiving opening including a plurality of columns distributed about a circumference thereof and a plurality of radially expanded sections separating adjacent ones of the columns from one another in combination with a plurality of projections formed on the columns, the projections extending from surfaces of the columns, shapes of the surfaces of the columns on which the projections are formed being selected so that, when engaged by a head of a bone fixation element, the projections engage a thread of a head of the bone fixation element to lock the bone fixation element in the first fixation element receiving opening at any user selected angle within a permitted range of angulation.

Abstract: A surgical cable and crimp device is provided. The cable has an enlargement (bead) affixed to one of its ends. The crimp member includes two holes. One of the holes includes a slot and a cavity. The cavity is sized to accept the bead of the cable, and the slot is sized to receive the flexible cable but not allow the bead to pass through. The other hole is a simple through hole. The cable can be inserted to loop the bone isolated from the crimp member. After the beaded end of the surgical cable is fastened to the crimp, the cable is passed through the simple through hole. The cable is then tensioned by the application thereto of a tensioning tool with the tool applied to the cable and to an abutment face of the crimp member.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones. The measurement tool comprises: a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, lying into the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone comprises a crimp including a first lumen extending therethrough from a first lumen proximal opening to a first lumen distal opening and being configured to slidably receive a cerclage member therein, a proximal portion of the first lumen comprising a first recess configured to receive an enlarged proximal end of the cerclage member, the crimp further comprising a second lumen extending parallel to the first lumen from a second lumen proximal opening to a second lumen distal opening, a distal portion of the second lumen comprising a second recess configured to slidably receive a sleeve provided over a distal end of a cerclage member. A first wall of the crimp adjacent the second lumen distal opening is angled with respect to a second wall of the crimp adjacent the first lumen distal opening to permit pivoting of the sleeve thereagainst.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone within a living body comprises a crimp body including a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough from a first proximal opening to a first distal opening, the first lumen being sized and shaped to slidably receive a cerclage member therein and a second lumen extending substantially parallel to the first lumen from a second proximal opening to a second distal opening, a diameter of a distal portion of the second lumen being greater than a diameter of a proximal portion thereof and an insert sized to be inserted into the distal portion of the second lumen, an insert lumen extending through the insert aligning with the second lumen when the insert is received therewithin, the insert being crushable over a cerclage member inserted therethrough to lock the cerclage member relative to the crimp body and apply tension thereto.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to emulsions such as multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making emulsions, and techniques for using the same. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein which, in some cases, can contain even smaller droplets therein, etc. Emulsions, including multiple emulsions can be formed in certain embodiments with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include any number of inner droplets, in any desired nesting arrangement, within a single outer droplet. In addition, in some aspects of the invention, one or more droplets may be controllably released from a surrounding droplet.

Abstract: A bone clamping device, comprises first and second arms pivotally connected to one another, the first arm including a distal end configured to directly contact a portion of bone to be clamped and the second arm including a distal end comprising a substantially spherical tip and an insert configured for attachment to the spherical tip of the second arm, the insert comprising a first face having an opening for receiving the spherical distal tip of the second arm and a second face opposite the first face, the second face having a contour selected to match a contour of a portion of skin against which the insert is to be positioned when in an operative configuration.