Abstract: A monitoring system includes an implant having at least one sensor and configured for at least partial insertion into a patient, a microchip associated with the implant and the sensor, the microchip configured to receive at least a first signal from the sensor, and a transmitter associated with the microchip for transmitting a second signal, representative of the first signal. The monitoring system also includes a receiver located outside of the patient, the receiver configured receive the transmitted second signal and a display device associated with the receiver, the display device configured to provide an audible or visual representation of the second signal to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopaedic implant, such as a bone plate, for the fixation of bone where the implant also has at least one microchip and at least one sensor connected to the microchip. The sensor or sensors are configured to receive physical stimulus from a portion of the implant or the patient's tissue such as temperature, pressure, and strain. The information received from the sensor or sensors is gathered by the microchip and transmitted to a receiver, such as a personal computer, outside the patient. This information enables doctors to diagnose the useful life of the implant, the load sharing of the bone plate, and possible complications typically associated with orthopaedic implants such as infection, fracture non-union, and fatigue. The implant may also have one or more electrodes located on its surface which emit an electric current to stimulate healing of the broken or fractured bone.

Abstract: Orthopedic implant insertion instruments for precision guiding of a fracture fixation implant into fractured bone to promote healing are disclosed. The implant insertion instruments comprise an insertion handle for implantation of a first fixation implant, an aiming arm for precise guiding of a second fixation implant into bone, a guide sleeve for protection of soft tissue and for translational and rotational control of the second fixation implant, and a drive shaft with coupling screw for attachment to the second fixation implant and for driving the second fixation element through the aiming arm and guide sleeve into the fractured bone. The implant insertion instruments also include a soft tissue clearance device to aid the surgeon in inserting the first fixation implant into the fractured bone. Also disclosed is a measuring device that reduces measuring errors made by a user and a measuring device that determines implant length, diameter, and angle of insertion.

Abstract: Orthopedic implant insertion instruments for precision guiding of a fracture fixation implant into fractured bone to promote healing are disclosed. The implant insertion instruments comprise an insertion handle for implantation of a first fixation implant, an aiming arm for precise guiding of a second fixation implant into bone, a guide sleeve for protection of soft tissue and for translational and rotational control of the second fixation implant, and a drive shaft with coupling screw for attachment to the second fixation implant and for driving the second fixation element through the aiming arm and guide sleeve into the fractured bone. The implant insertion instruments also include a soft tissue clearance device to aid the surgeon in inserting the first fixation implant into the fractured bone. Also disclosed is a measuring device that reduces measuring errors made by a user and a measuring device that determines implant length, diameter, and angle of insertion.

Abstract: Orthopedic implant insertion instruments for precision guiding of a fracture fixation implant into fractured bone to promote healing are disclosed. The implant insertion instruments comprise an insertion handle for implantation of a first fixation implant, an aiming arm for precise guiding of a second fixation implant into bone, a guide sleeve for protection of soft tissue and for translational and rotational control of the second fixation implant, and a drive shaft with coupling screw for attachment to the second fixation implant and for driving the second fixation element through the aiming arm and guide sleeve into the fractured bone. The implant insertion instruments also include a soft tissue clearance device to aid the surgeon in inserting the first fixation implant into the fractured bone. Also disclosed is a measuring device that reduces measuring errors made by a user and a measuring device that determines implant length, diameter, and angle of insertion.

Abstract: A telescoping rod assembly which can be secured between two supports has a first hollow tube having first and second ends with a second hollow tube, also having first and second ends, fitted within the first hollow tube. One end of the second hollow tube is used for bracing against one of the supports. A flexible threaded rod is fitted within the second hollow tube, with one end of the flexible threaded rod used for bracing against the other support. Threading means are secured to the second hollow tube for extendable threading the flexible threaded rod in the first hollow tube. The first hollow tube is secured to the end of the flexible threaded rod which is braced against one of the supports.

Abstract: An expander mechanism to be used with telescoping tubes which might form, for example, a closet or a shower curtain rod. The mechanism has a bushing with a center threaded opening for receiving a threaded shaft of a bolt. A lock washer, which is resiliently deformable in one direction only, is attached to the head of the bolt. The bolt with the lock washer is threaded into the bushing. The bushing is then mounted on an end portion of a first tube. The first tube is slidable inside a second tube of larger diameter. When the first tube is telescoped within the second tube, an applied axial force causes the washer to deform and thus allows the first tube with the attached bushing, bolt, and washer combination to slide along the inside of the second tube, allowing the assembly of the two telescoping tubes to expand in length. Once the bolt and washer combination has been pulled through the tube in one direction and the axial force is no longer applied, the deformed washer returns to its original shape.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes: (1) an implant having at least one sensor and configured for at least partial insertion into a patient, a first one of sensors being in contact with a perimeter of a hole in a body portion of the implant for accepting a fastener; (2) a microchip associated with the implant and the sensor, the microchip configured to receive at least a first signal from the sensor; (3) a transmitter associated with the microchip for transmitting a second signal, representative of the first signal; (4) a receiver located outside of the patient, the receiver configured receive the transmitted second signal; and (5) a display device associated with the receiver, the display device configured to provide an audible or visual representation of the second signal to a user.