Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and adjusting one or more segments of membrane to affect skin tension at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A polymeric article of high ductility is produced by rapid prototyping or selective laser sintering. The article includes a plurality of layers of a fused thermoplastic powder, the thermoplastic powder including asymmetric fibrous particles having a mean length L and a mean width W, wherein L>2W. Within each of the layers, the mean length L of the asymmetric fibrous particles is preferentially oriented in a plane parallel to the layer. The polymeric article may have a microtextured surface, and a stress-strain curve such that ultimate strength is reached at a strain of 10% to 20%, and breaking stress is reached at >30% strain.

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A polymeric article of high ductility produced by rapid prototyping or selective laser sintering, and a method of making the same. The article comprises a plurality of layers of a fused thermoplastic powder, the thermoplastic powder comprising asymmetric fibrous particles having a mean length L and a mean width W, wherein L>2 W. Within each of the layers, the mean length L of the asymmetric fibrous particles is preferentially oriented in a plane parallel to the layer. The polymeric article has a stress-strain curve such that ultimate strength is reached at a strain of 10% to 20%, and breaking stress is reached at >30% strain.

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone includes a first clamp member sized and shaped to be mounted over a bone laterally across a fixation plate positioned along a length of the bone. In addition, the device includes a second clamp member coupleable to the first clamp member so that, when the first and second clamp members are coupled together in an operative position, the first and second clamp members extend about at least a portion of a periphery of the bone. The second clamp member includes a spring feature biased toward an initial configuration and deflectable toward a second configuration away from the bone.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone includes a first clamp member sized and shaped to be mounted over a bone laterally across a fixation plate positioned along a length of the bone. In addition, the device includes a second clamp member coupleable to the first clamp member so that, when the first and second clamp members are coupled together in an operative position, the first and second clamp members extend about at least a portion of a periphery of the bone. The second clamp member includes a spring feature biased toward an initial configuration and deflectable toward a second configuration away from the bone.

Abstract: A polymeric article of high ductility is produced by rapid prototyping or selective laser sintering. The article comprises a plurality of layers of a fused thermoplastic powder, the thermoplastic powder comprising asymmetric fibrous particles having a mean length L and a mean width W, wherein L>2W. Within each of the layers, the mean length L of the asymmetric fibrous particles is preferentially oriented in a plane parallel to the layer. The polymeric article has a stress-strain curve such that ultimate strength is reached at a strain of 10% to 20%, and breaking stress is reached at >30% strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transbuccal plate holding cannula used in osteofixation procedures. The transbuccal plate holding cannula of the present invention can be releasibly secured to a bone plate such that tools and fasteners may be passed through the plate holding cannula in order to secure the bone plate to a bone.