Abstract: Methods, instruments, and kits for attaching cranial plates. One embodiment implements a method which includes releasably attaching a plate to an instrument (using retaining members of the instrument) and placing the plate on a cranium (using an elongated and offset handle of the instrument). The method can include drilling a hole in the cranium, tapping the hole, and placing the screw in the hole using the instrument which defines a pattern of holes corresponding to, a pattern of holes on the plate. The drilling of the hole, tapping of the hole, and placing of the screw can occur by engaging one of the instrument holes with, respectively, a drill bit shank, a tap shank, and a screw head having a common diameter corresponding to a diameter of the instrument hole. The method can include selecting the plate, the drill bit, the tap, and the screw from a kit.

Abstract: An interlocking intramedullary nail assembly including an intramedullary nail, a first lag screw, a second lag screw and a locking screw. The first and the second lag screws are arranged to mate with one another and are received by the intramedullary nail at opposite ends of a transverse through bore passing through a distal portion of the nail. The interlocking screw is used to operatively couple the first lag screw and second lag so as to fix the first and the second lag screws to the nail.

Abstract: An interlocking intramedullary nail assembly including an intramedullary nail, a first lag screw, a second lag screw and a locking screw. The first and the second lag screws are arranged to mate with one another and are received by the intramedullary nail at opposite ends of a transverse through bore passing through a distal portion of the nail. The interlocking screw is used to operatively couple the first lag screw and second lag so as to fix the first and the second lag screws to the nail.