Abstract: An implant has a threaded end for screwing into a bone on one side of a joint and an extending resorbable polymer shaft for crossing the joint. The resorbable shaft is fixed in a bone on the opposite side of the joint. The present invention avoids joint stiffness by allowing slight movement of the bones relative to one another initially while the soft tissues heal. As the shaft resorbs, it allows progressively more motion in the joint so that the articular surfaces are not degraded from lack of motion. Eventually, the shaft is completely resorbed thus requiring no removal operation. The implant of the present invention also finds application in bridging a bone fracture to allow progressive load shifting to the bone during healing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic template system for use with a bone (14) having a shaft and a bearing surface at an end of the shaft. A first template (30) is attachable to the bone end adjacent to the bearing surface, and includes a first saw guide surface or slot (40). A joint locator (10) is used to position the first template (30) relative to the bearing surface. A second template (50) is pivotally attachable to the first template (30), whereby the second template (50) may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to the first template. A third template (70) includes a second saw guide surface or slot (78), and is attachable to the first template (30) at a plurality of locations (72, 74, 76), whereby the second saw guide slot (78) may be selectively positioned relative to the first saw guide slot (40).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wrist fusion plate 10 configured to extend over a carpus area and position at least one metacarpal relative to a radius. The wrist fusion plate includes a saddle portion 36 which is placed over the carpus area. A proximal end 38 extending from the saddle portion and attachable to the radius defines a first longitudinal axis. A distal end 40 extending from the saddle portion and attachable to one of the metacarpals defines a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is not axially aligned relative to the first longitudinal axis in a medial-lateral direction.

Abstract: This invention provides for a pin cutter which forms an annular groove about the periphery of the pin. The cutter includes a cutting wheel that is rotated relative to the pin and is gradually tightened to force the cutting wheel into the pin and thereby widen the groove. The cutting action is similar to a pipe cutter used by plumbers to cut a length of copper tubing. The operator can continue tightening the cutting wheel against the pin until the pin is severed. A portion of the pin extends through the housing of the cutter. Since the pin is gradually cut, less force is required to sever the pin. Further, less force is released by the pin as it is severed. The severed and free portion of the pin is retained within the housing in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus 2 that allows the transfixation wire 10 to be secured at a plurality of discrete positions to provide adjustability of the angular orientation of the wire with respect to the plane of a frame ring 6. The fixation apparatus 2 includes a transfixation wire or pin 10 that is connected between a transmitting clamp 20 and a receiving clamp 40 that are shiftably carried atop of a partial frame ring 6. A wire retainer 50 is secured to the distal end 14 of the transfixation wire. The receiving clamp 40 includes a raised member 46 adapted for receiving distal end 14 of wire 10 and mating with retainer 50 at a variety of discrete positions along the length of raised member 46. Retainer 50 uses two screws 54, 56 to secure distal end 14 of wire 10 within a longitudinal through bore 51. Screw 54 extends into longitudinal bore 51 to engage wire 10 near the proximal end of retainer 50.