Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a posterior side, an anterior side, a proximal portion and a distal portion is described. A transverse bore is arranged in the proximal portion and is configured to receive a bone engagement member. The transverse bore includes at least two recesses formed at an inner wall of the transverse bore, wherein one recess is arranged on the posterior side and the other recess is arranged on the anterior side of the transverse bore of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A targeting device for targeting a cross bore in a bone nail has an arm member coupled to an end portion of the bone nail and an aiming portion forming part of the arm member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone nail. An adjustable aiming device is mounted on the aiming portion, the adjustable device having a guide bore alignable with the cross bore in the nail. The adjustable device is moveable with respect to the aiming portion in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing both the nail longitudinal axis and central axis of the cross bore. A target indicator is mounted on the adjustable aiming device. The target indicator has a radiolucent body including first and second spaced parallel planar portions each having a spaced radiopaque element therein.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting reduction for complex fractures includes the steps of receiving an x-ray image of a fractured bone having a plurality of bone fragments, identifying structural aspects of at least one of the bone fragments, adapting a virtual bone model to the imaged bone based on the identified structural aspects, and generating an overlay of the virtual bone model onto the x-ray image, with the virtual bone model aligned to the identified structural aspects. The device is adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a tissue density based on an x-ray image including a reference body. The method uses a device for receiving an X-ray image of a region of interest and information about a theoretical distribution of more or less dense tissue in the region of interest. Pixels of the X-ray image related to tissue are compared with a pixel related to a reference body. The actual distribution of tissue density is estimated based on the received information and the result of the pixel comparison.

Abstract: A targeting system is used for positioning of a medical sub device with respect to a medical device. A reference body is reproducibly positioned with respect to a targeting device coupling section and reproducibly positioned with respect to a targeting unit. The targeting unit has a targeting direction and is adjustable with respect to the targeting device so that the targeting direction points toward a medical sub device receptacle of the medical device coupled to the targeting device coupling section. The imaging system is positionable with respect to the targeting device such that the imaging system is capable of imaging a single two-dimensional view of the reference body and the medical sub device receptacle. The evaluation unit generates position data of the single two-dimensional view and to determine from the position data a lateral distance between the targeting direction and a receiving direction of the medical sub device receptacle.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: A boring tool for a bone, particularly the proximal femur, which has an elongate shank having a cutting portion at the front end, and a portion to mount a rotary driving device at the rear end of the shank. The tool has an axial through bore for receiving a guide wire, wherein the shank, in a rear portion, has at least one radial aperture which is open to the axial bore.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system and a method for operating a computer assisted surgery system is described therein. The system and method includes providing a virtual representation of a medical device to provide an easier application of a medical device, such as an implant or the like. The described system and method allows for simple and fast positioning of a medical device to be applied, such as an implant, for example.

Abstract: A stereotaxic apparatus for a locking nail which has two oscillating circuits which are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the locking nail. The apparatus has a guide sleeve to place a drill and/or bone screw which, when the stereotaxic apparatus is in an oriented condition, points to a cross-bore in the locking nail. The guide sleeve has three or more oscillating circuits arranged in a first plane that are equidistant each from a first center located in the plane; three or more oscillating circuits are arranged in a second plane extending in parallel with said first plane that are equidistant each from a second center located in said second plane. The first and second planes are arranged towards each other such that a face normal to one of said planes extends through the first and second centers.

Abstract: A bone plate having a plurality of openings for receiving a compression bone screw or a cortical screw. An end cap, threadably insertable in the opening and having a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head such that the compression of the polymeric material would allow slight axial movement of the screw. Alternatively, a locking ring adapted to attach to the head of the screw and having shape complimentary to the features formed on the head. The locking ring and the bone screw being assembled together and being insertable in the bone simultaneously using a dedicated instrument. Compression may be applied to a bone fracture by turning the bone screw alone after the locking ring has reached its final axial position.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: A targeting device for targeting a cross bore in a bone nail has an arm member coupled to an end portion of the bone nail and an aiming portion forming part of the arm member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone nail. An adjustable aiming device is mounted on the aiming portion, the adjustable device having a guide bore alignable with the cross bore in the nail. The adjustable device is moveable with respect to the aiming portion in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing both the nail longitudinal axis and central axis of the cross bore. A target indicator is mounted on the adjustable aiming device. The target indicator has a radiolucent body including first and second spaced parallel planar portions each having a spaced radiopaque element therein.

Abstract: A stereotaxic apparatus for a locking nail which has two oscillating circuits which are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the locking nail. The apparatus has a guide sleeve to place a drill and/or bone screw which, when the stereotaxic apparatus is in an oriented condition, points to a cross-bore in the locking nail. The guide sleeve has three or more oscillating circuits arranged in a first plane that are equidistant each from a first center located in the plane; three or more oscillating circuits are arranged in a second plane extending in parallel with said first plane that are equidistant each from a second center located in said second plane. The first and second planes are arranged towards each other such that a face normal to one of said planes extends through the first and second centers.

Abstract: A boring tool for a bone, particularly the proximal femur, which has an elongate shank having a cutting portion at the front end, and a portion to mount a rotary driving device at the rear end of the shank. The tool has an axial through bore for receiving a guide wire, wherein the shank, in a rear portion, has at least one radial aperture which is open to the axial bore.

Abstract: A bone nail including a hollow shank which has at least one cross-bore to receive a bone screw. A retaining sleeve is inserted into the shank to receive one or more signal generators. The signal generators received in the sleeve are adapted to emit signals at a predetermined spacing from and in a predetermined alignment relative to the cross-bore wherein the retaining sleeve has recesses or through openings in its wall to accommodate the signal generators.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting and removing a bone nail connected to a rod is provided. The instrument includes a head element that has a guide surface for guiding the head element along the guide rod. The head element is cylindrical or barrel-shaped, and the guide surface is formed by an axial channel in the head element, and has a lateral access which is formed in the head element. The access is used to introduce the guide rod into the axial channel, in such a way that the head element is secured to prevent it from being removed from the guide rod in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A device to retain screws during insertion into an object such as a bone by use of a screw-driver. The device comprises comprising a gripping sleeve the free end of which has a radially expandable portion for receiving the screw and the other end of which has at least one radial bore for movably receiving a locking ball. A safety sleeve is slidingly disposed on an outer surface of the gripping sleeve. The safety sleeve blocks an expansion of the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve and releases the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve. A handle is axially movable and hold the first locking ball in engagement with an annular groove of the gripping sleeve. A first spring acts between an inner shoulder at the end of the handle portion facing the expandable portion and a radial shoulder of the safety sleeve.

Abstract: A bone nail including a hollow shank which has at least one cross-bore to receive a bone screw. A retaining sleeve is inserted into the shank to receive one or more signal generators. The signal generators received in the sleeve are adapted to emit signals at a predetermined spacing from and in a predetermined alignment relative to the cross-bore wherein the retaining sleeve has recesses or through openings in its wall to accommodate the signal generators.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting and removing a bone nail connected to a rod is provided. The instrument includes a head element that has a guide surface for guiding the head element along the guide rod. The head element is cylindrical or barrel-shaped, and the guide surface is formed by an axial channel in the head element, and has a lateral access which is formed in the head element. The access is used to introduce the guide rod into the axial channel, in such a way that the head element is secured to prevent it from being removed from the guide rod in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A device to retain screws during insertion into an object such as a bone by use of a screw-driver. The device comprises comprising a gripping sleeve the free end of which has a radially expandable portion for receiving the screw and the other end of which has at least one radial bore for movably receiving a locking ball. A safety sleeve is slidingly disposed on an outer surface of the gripping sleeve. The safety sleeve blocks an expansion of the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve and releases the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve. A handle is axially movable and hold the first locking ball in engagement with an annular groove of the gripping sleeve. A first spring acts between an inner shoulder at the end of the handle portion facing the expandable portion and a radial shoulder of the safety sleeve.