Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an orthopedic implant and an implant retainer. The orthopedic implant includes a transition section deformable to move the orthopedic implant between a natural shape and an insertion shape whereby a transition of the orthopedic implant from the natural shape to the insertion shape stores deliverable energy and a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape delivers stored energy. The implant retainer is configured to mechanically engage the orthopedic implant across the transition section such the implant retainer constrains the orthopedic implant in the insertion shape thereby preventing a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an orthopedic implant and an implant retainer. The orthopedic implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape whereby a transition of the orthopedic implant from the natural shape to the insertion shape stores deliverable energy and a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape delivers stored energy. The implant retainer is configured to engage the orthopedic implant and constrain the orthopedic implant in the insertion shape such that the implant grip prevents a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an orthopedic implant and an implant retainer. The orthopedic implant includes a transition section deformable to move the orthopedic implant between a natural shape and an insertion shape whereby a transition of the orthopedic implant from the natural shape to the insertion shape stores deliverable energy and a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape delivers stored energy. The implant retainer is configured to mechanically engage the orthopedic implant across the transition section such the implant retainer constrains the orthopedic implant in the insertion shape thereby preventing a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape. The implant includes a bridge defining a slot with a first end and a second end and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The implant insertion device moves between a loaded position and an unloaded position. The implant insertion device in its loaded position inserts through the slot of the bridge and engages the bridge at the first and second ends of the slot such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an orthopedic implant and an implant retainer. The orthopedic implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape whereby a transition of the orthopedic implant from the natural shape to the insertion shape stores deliverable energy and a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape delivers stored energy. The implant retainer is configured to engage the orthopedic implant and constrain the orthopedic implant in the insertion shape such that the implant grip prevents a transition of the orthopedic implant from the insertion shape to the natural shape.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes a sterile packaged implant kit and a sterile packaged instrument kit. The sterile packaged implant kit includes at least one surgical implant, an insertion device, and an implant package adapted to receive the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device therein. The implant package maintains the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged implant kit. The sterile packaged instrument kit includes one or more instruments necessary to use the sterile packaged implant kit and an instrument package adapted to receive the one or more instruments therein. The instrument package maintains the one or more instruments sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged instrument kit.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape. The implant includes a bridge defining a slot with a first end and a second end and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The implant insertion device moves between a loaded position and an unloaded position. The implant insertion device in its loaded position inserts through the slot of the bridge and engages the bridge at the first and second ends of the slot such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape and includes a bridge and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The first and second anchoring members each include a segment extending exterior to the bridge to provide an engagement point. The implant insertion device moves between loaded and unloaded positions. The implant insertion device in its loaded position by-passes the bridge and engages the segment of the first anchoring member at its engagement point and the segment of the second anchoring member at its engagement point such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system fuses bone, bones, or bone pieces in a predetermined anatomical position. The orthopedic fixation system includes an implant that transitions between an unconstrained shape and a constrained insertion shape, a drill guide, first and second K-wires, and a cannulated drill bit. The drill guide and the first and second K-wires retain the bone, bones, or bone pieces in an anatomical position corresponding with the predetermined anatomical position. The cannulated drill bit fits over the first and second K-wires and drills, respectively, first and second drilled holes into the bone, bones, or bone pieces. After insertion of the implant into the first and second drilled holes, the implant attempts to transition from its constrained insertion shape to its unconstrained shape such that the implant continuously compresses the bone, bones, or bone pieces thereby holding the bone, bones, or bone pieces in the predetermined anatomical position.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first and second legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which at least the first leg is substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which at least the first leg is substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is designed for use with a shape memory implant movable between an unconstrained shape and an insertion shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in its insertion shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone. Upon the release of the shape memory implant from the implant insertion device, the shape memory implant attempts to move from its insertion shape to its unconstrained shape, thereby releasing mechanical energy into the tissue or bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a bridge and at least a first leg extending from a first end of the bridge and a second leg extending from the second end of the bridge. The bridge includes a first upper section and a second lower section. The first upper section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the first upper section with a non-uniform cross-section. The second lower section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the second lower section with a non-uniform cross-section. The non-uniform cross-sections of the first upper section and the second lower section flatten the profile of the bridge, thereby producing an orthopedic implant with a smooth composite surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system fuses bone, bones, or bone pieces in a predetermined anatomical position. The orthopedic fixation system includes an implant that transitions between an unconstrained shape and a constrained insertion shape, a drill guide, first and second K-wires, and a cannulated drill bit. The drill guide and the first and second K-wires retain the bone, bones, or bone pieces in an anatomical position corresponding with the predetermined anatomical position. The cannulated drill bit fits over the first and second K-wires and drills, respectively, first and second drilled holes into the bone, bones, or bone pieces. After insertion of the implant into the first and second drilled holes, the implant attempts to transition from its constrained insertion shape to its unconstrained shape such that the implant continuously compresses the bone, bones, or bone pieces thereby holding the bone, bones, or bone pieces in the predetermined anatomical position.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which at least the first leg is substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which at least the first leg is substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first and second legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first, second, and third legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which at least the first leg is substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which at least the first leg is substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is adapted for use with a shape memory implant. The shape memory implant includes a bridge interconnecting first and second legs. The shape memory implant is movable between a first shape in which the first and second legs are substantially non-parallel and a second shape in which the first and second legs are substantially parallel. The implant insertion device engages the shape memory implant to maintain the shape memory implant in its second shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.