Abstract: A three-dimensional substrate with structural and compositional gradient for microbial cultures and cocultures is provided. The three-dimensional substrate includes a diffusion system having a first apical compartment placed above a second basolateral compartment, the first and second compartments being separated by a semipermeable membrane, a base solution comprising polysaccharides, proteins and salts or a preformed hydrogel comprising polysaccharides, proteins and salts, and a cross-linking medium comprising salts, culture media and distilled water. A method for preparing a three-dimensional substrate with structural and compositional gradient for microbial cultures and cocultures is also provided.

Abstract: A bone plate including a main bone plate body having two opposing curved sections adapted for a clavicle; a bendable waist portion narrower than the main body of the bone plate; and a node at each end of the main body connected to the main body by a bridge portion which is narrower than the main body, wherein the bridge includes a cut-out relief portion on a bottom side of the bone plate.

Abstract: A bone plate including a main bone plate body having two opposing curved sections adapted for a clavicle; a bendable waist portion narrower than the main body of the bone plate; and a node at each end of the main body connected to the main body by a bridge portion which is narrower than the main body, wherein the bridge includes a cut-out relief portion on a bottom side of the bone plate.

Abstract: A plate is provided with feet located laterally of adjacent compression screw holes and absent from about threaded locking holes so as to suspend the plate segment having the threaded locking holes from over the bone. This forces a minimum gap between the threaded holes and the bone, and allows the plate thereat to deflect under loads that can be practically delivered by the locking screws. By allowing the plate to deflect, the threads on the head of the locking screw can be aligned, or timed, with the threads of the threaded plate hole to reduce the required torque to insert the locking screw into the locking hole and the bone.

Abstract: A template for orthopaedic bone implants formed from bio-compatible steel using photo chemical machining and etching. The template is processed on both faces to form right and left guides for implant fasteners and length indicators. Indicia are etched on opposite faces so that it does not overlie one another and presents sufficient contrast to be observed in an x-ray. The manufacturing cost is sufficiently low that the template may be provided in a single use form.

Abstract: A bone plate including a main bone plate body having two opposing curved sections adapted for a clavicle; a bendable waist portion narrower than the main body of the bone plate; and a node at each end of the main body connected to the main body by a bridge portion which is narrower than the main body, wherein the bridge includes a cut-out relief portion on a bottom side of the bone plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate. Further, the screw holes are structured for arrangement in tight clusters on the bone plate, thereby facilitating a compact design on the bone plate.

Abstract: A template for orthopaedic bone implants formed from bio-compatible steel using photo chemical machining and etching. The template is processed on both faces to form right and left guides for implant fasteners and length indicators. Indicia are etched on opposite faces so that it does not overlie one another and presents sufficient contrast to be observed in an x-ray. The manufacturing cost is sufficiently low that the template may be provided in a single use form.

Abstract: A plate is provided with feet located laterally of adjacent compression screw holes and absent from about threaded locking holes so as to suspend the plate segment having the threaded locking holes from over the bone. This forces a minimum gap between the threaded holes and the bone, and allows the plate thereat to deflect under loads that can be practically delivered by the locking screws. By allowing the plate to deflect, the threads on the head of the locking screw can be aligned, or timed, with the threads of the threaded plate hole to reduce the required torque to insert the locking screw into the locking hole and the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate. Further, the screw holes are structured for arrangement in tight clusters on the bone plate, thereby facilitating a compact design on the bone plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate.