Abstract: Devices and methods for non-invasive implant rupture detection are described herein. Some variations of a non-invasive implant rupture detection device comprise a single optical waveguide, such as a silicone fiber, embedded in the shell of the implantable device where one end of the optical waveguide is connected to a photo emitter and the other end of the waveguide is connected to photo detector. An optical signal successfully transmitted from the photo emitter through an intact optical waveguide to the photo detector indicates that the implant shell is intact, while an optical signal that is transmitted by the photo emitter, but not detected by the photo detector, indicates that there is a discontinuity or rupture in the shell. The status of the implant shell is wirelessly communicated to an external reader and provided to a patient and/or a practitioner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for non-invasive implant rupture detection are described herein. Some variations of a non-invasive implant rupture detection device comprise a single optical waveguide, such as a silicone fiber, embedded in the shell of the implantable device where one end of the optical waveguide is optically connected to a photo emitter through a lens and the other end of the waveguide is optically connected to photo detector. An optical signal successfully transmitted from the photo emitter through an intact optical waveguide to the photo detector indicates that the implant shell is intact, while an optical signal that is transmitted by the photo emitter, but not detected by the photo detector, indicates that there is a discontinuity or rupture in the shell. The status of the implant shell is wirelessly communicated to an external reader and provided to a patient and/or a practitioner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for non-invasive implant rupture detection are described herein. Some variations of a non-invasive implant rupture detection device comprise a single optical waveguide, such as a silicone fiber, embedded in the shell of the implantable device where one end of the optical waveguide is connected to a photo emitter and the other end of the waveguide is connected to photo detector. An optical signal successfully transmitted from the photo emitter through an intact optical waveguide to the photo detector indicates that the implant shell is intact, while an optical signal that is transmitted by the photo emitter, but not detected by the photo detector, indicates that there is a discontinuity or rupture in the shell. The status of the implant shell is wirelessly communicated to an external reader and provided to a patient and/or a practitioner.

Abstract: The instrumentation is used by orthopaedic surgeons for accurate and rapid placement of distal locking screws in intramedullary nails. A probe inserted into the intramedullary nail positions two electromagnetic drive coils with their magnetic axes parallel to and at a fixed offset from the axis of a transverse hole to be drilled. The drive coils generate alternating magnetic fields over intermittent and non-overlapping time intervals in a manner that provides independent sources of positional information. A hand-held guide, containing a drill bushing and four receiving coils with the same offset as the drive coils, when moved about in the vicinity of the probe, produces a corresponding movement of graphical images on a display screen. The graphical images provide intuitive information as to how the guide must be moved to accurately align the drill bushing with the axis of the transverse hole.