Abstract: Disclosed is a system suitable for affixing an orthopedic component to a bone using a polyaxial screw comprising an orthopedic component, a screw, and a locking cap; the orthopedic component having a hole with an entry side comprising an internal helical thread and an exit side comprising an internal concave base; the screw having a head comprising a convex base adapted to engage the concave base of the hole, and a convex crown having a plurality of splines; the locking cap comprising a proximal end having a cap socket, a distal end defining a substantially circular contact edge adapted to impinge on the plurality of splines on the crown of the screw when the locking cap is inserted in the hole, and a substantially cylindrical body therebetween having an external helical thread adapted to engage the internal helical thread of the hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fracture fixation plate assembly comprised of a body, a hinge, a pin, and one or more heads, in which the head or heads can pivot and displace laterally/medially and can tilt vertically with respect to the body of the plate, more efficiently and flexibly enabling the fastening of the body of the plate to a stable part of the bone prior to reduction of the fractured portion or portions of the bone.

Abstract: A grooved slot is provided in a bone fixation device for osteosynthesis that permits adjustment of the bone fixation device relative to the bone, before the bone fixation device is finally fixed to the bone. The grooves are formed on the two longitudinally extending, facing walls of the slot, with the grooves on a first side wall of the slot having a vertical displacement of exactly one-half pitch relative to the grooves on the second, opposite side wall of the slot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fracture fixation plate assembly comprised of a body, a hinge, a pin, and one or more heads, in which the head or heads can pivot and displace laterally/medially and can tilt vertically with respect to the body of the plate, more efficiently and flexibly enabling the fastening of the body of the plate to a stable part of the bone prior to reduction of the fractured portion or portions of the bone.

Abstract: A grooved slot is provided in a bone fixation device for osteosynthesis that permits adjustment of the bone fixation device relative to the bone, before the bone fixation device is finally fixed to the bone. The grooves are formed on the two longitudinally extending, facing walls of the slot, with the grooves on a first side wall of the slot having a vertical displacement of exactly one-half pitch relative to the grooves on the second, opposite side wall of the slot.

Abstract: A grooved slot is provided in a bone fixation device for osteosynthesis that permits adjustment of the bone fixation device relative to the bone, before the bone fixation device is finally fixed to the bone.

Abstract: A titanium aluminide component is disclosed based on intermetallic phases of the system titanium-aluminum and having an aluminum content between 42 at. Percent and 53 at. Percent. The titanium aluminide component has on its surface a lamellar, eutectoid Ti.sub.3 Al/TiAl structure. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the titanium aluminide component.