Abstract: Intramedullary fixation assemblies (4, 8) and intramedullary fixation devices (1, 24) can be used in orthopaedic surgery for the fixation of bone fractures. Also disclosed is an insertion device (30) for inserting an intramedullary fixation device, and a method of fixing a bone fracture. The fixation devices are preferably for addressing fractures of the distal radius, and are preferably styloid nails. The styloid nails preferably have a head portion that can accept up to three bone screws; one of the bone screws is designed to extend across a fracture line between a proximal and a distal bone fragment while the other bone screws are designed to be retained in the distal bone fragment.

Abstract: A bone implant that is elongate along a longitudinal axis includes an implant body including first and second wire segments extending between first and second ends along the axis. The wire segments are spaced from each other along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define first and second apertures each extending through the implant body along respective directions that are offset from the axis. At least one of the first and second apertures is configured to receive a bone fixation element for securing the implant to bone. The first and second wire segments abut each other at least at one end of the first and second apertures. The first and second wire segments define respective first and second prongs each located at the second end and configured to be inserted within bone so as to further secure the bone implant to bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head in a distal direction. The head defines a ridge and at least one thread that is spaced from the ridge in the distal direction. The ridge is configured to compress a bone implant against the at least one thread so as to fixedly retain the bone implant with respect to the head.

Abstract: A bone fixation element comprises a shaft extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the fixation element in combination with a head including a plurality of fixation element openings distributed about a perimeter thereof. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head from a proximal surface thereof to a distal surface of the head. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head along an opening axis.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone fracture includes an intramedullary nail sized and shaped to be inserted through a medullary canal of a bone to extend across a fracture site of the bone, the intramedullary device extending from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending laterally therethrough, the openings sized and shaped to receive bone fixation elements therethrough, and an insertion device including a base portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, the base portion integrally formed with the intramedullary nail and connected thereto via a plurality of connection points which, when a force is exerted thereon, break to disconnect the insertion device from the intramedullary nail, the base portion including a plurality of guide channels extending therethrough, each of the guide channels being aligned with a corresponding one of the openings of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone fracture includes an intramedullary nail sized and shaped to be inserted through a medullary canal of a bone to extend across a fracture site of the bone, the intramedullary device extending from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending laterally therethrough, the openings sized and shaped to receive bone fixation elements therethrough, and an insertion device including a base portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, the base portion integrally formed with the intramedullary nail and connected thereto via a plurality of connection points which, when a force is exerted thereon, break to disconnect the insertion device from the intramedullary nail, the base portion including a plurality of guide channels extending therethrough, each of the guide channels being aligned with a corresponding one of the openings of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: The prosthetic joint has at least two members having each a cooperating articulating surface layer on a substrate material. At least one of said articulating surface layers comprises amorphous diamond-like carbon; or Titanium Nitrate (TiN) on a bonding layer bonded to the substrate material. The prosthetic joint provides a reduction of the number of wear debris and shows enhanced dry run properties.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone fracture includes an intramedullary nail sized and shaped to be inserted through a medullary canal of a bone to extend across a fracture site of the bone, the intramedullary device extending from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending laterally therethrough, the openings sized and shaped to receive bone fixation elements therethrough, and an insertion device including a base portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, the base portion integrally formed with the intramedullary nail and connected thereto via a plurality of connection points which, when a force is exerted thereon, break to disconnect the insertion device from the intramedullary nail, the base portion including a plurality of guide channels extending therethrough, each of the guide channels being aligned with a corresponding one of the openings of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A bone implant can be made from a wire that defines an aperture for receiving a bone fixation means. The wire can be selected to stably fix a bone across a fracture location.

Abstract: A bone implant that is elongate along a longitudinal axis includes an implant body including first and second side wire segments that are spaced from each other so as to define at least one apertures extending through the implant body. The at least one aperture is configured to receive a bone fixation element so as to secure the bone implant to bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a central axis. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head toward the distal end. The head defines a first ridge, a second ridge spaced from the first ridge, and a groove disposed between the first and second ridges. The groove can receive at least a portion of the inner wall to couple the bone fixation element to the bone implant.

Abstract: A method for elongating a tendon including by moving a cutting blade along the tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw comprises a proximal head being configured to lockingly engage a bone plate hole and a substantially helical shaft extending distally from the head along a substantially helical path. The head and the shaft are rotatably coupled to each other so that the shaft can rotate about a central longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the head.

Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.

Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a central axis. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head toward the distal end. The head defines a first ridge, a second ridge spaced from the first ridge, and a groove disposed between the first and second ridges. The groove can receive at least a portion of the inner wall to couple the bone fixation element to the bone implant.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation system is configured to be fixed to first and second bone segments that are separated by a defect. The system includes an intramedullary fixation member that includes first and second wire segments that are twisted about each other so as to define a plurality of intersections. A distal one of the intersections is separable, such that rotation of the fixation device in a medullary canal causes bone material in the medullary canal to apply a counterforce to the wire segments that causes the distal intersection to separate, thereby driving respective distal ends of the wire segments into the bone segment, such that subsequent movement of the intramedullary fixation member a toward the first bone segment causes the second bone segment to move toward the first bone segment. The intramedullary fixation system can further include a fixation clip that anchors the intramedullary fixation member to the first bone segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.

Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.