Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes an outer sleeve including a first proximal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and a first distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and an inner sleeve connected to the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween, the inner sleeve including a second distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof in combination with an interstitial mesh extending circumferentially between the inner and outer sleeves to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space, the interstitial mesh including a third longitudinal split extending along a length thereof so that a distal side of the device may be spread open to open the distal longitudinal slot from the outer sleeve, through the interstitial mesh and the inner sleeve to a space radially within the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a bone includes a bone plate including first and second portions joined to one another via a connecting portion, a rigidity of the connecting portion being less than rigidities of each of the first and second portions in combination with a first sensor mounted on the first portion measuring strain on the first portion and a second sensor mounted on the second portion measuring strain on the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail system for fixation of an olecranon osteotomy or fracture. The nail system of the present invention is securely held in place in the intramedullary canal to ensure proper anatomic reduction of an osteotomy. Further, the invention provides an insertion device and a method for inserting the osteotomy nail system, securing the osteotomy nail system, and fixing the osteotomy.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes a mesh outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of an outer surface of a target bone. The outer sleeve includes a longitudinal slot extending along a length thereof. The device also includes a mesh inner sleeve connected to an interior surface of the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween. The inner sleeve is sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of a medullary canal of the target bone. In addition, the device includes an interstitial mesh extending radially away from an exterior surface of the inner sleeve toward an interior surface of the outer sleeve to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes a first element extending from a first head to a first shaft along a first longitudinal axis and having a first channel extending therethrough. The first head rests against a portion of bone adjacent to a first hole through which the first shaft is inserted. A second element includes a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis to a second head and having a second channel extending therethrough, the second head resting against a portion of bone adjacent to a second hole through which the second shaft is inserted. The second channel is dimensioned to receive the first shaft therein. A tensioning element is insertable through the first and second channels so that tension applied at a second end thereof imparts a compressive force to the a bone into which the first and second elements are inserted.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant insertion instrument including an insertion handle and a radiolucent aiming guide and method of using same. The insertion handle may be formed of steel and is used for inserting an orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary nail or bone plate, into a patient. The radiolucent aiming guide is used to properly locate and guide a drill and/or other insertion instruments for installing fixation elements, such as screws, pins, nails, bolts, blades, etc., through the orthopaedic implant and into the affected bone to secure the implant in position and facilitate healing. The aiming guide is substantially hollow and tubular and is preferably formed of a carbon fiber material.

Abstract: A device for treating bone in a living body includes (a) comprises an implant configured for attachment to a bone; (b) a first sensor measuring a strain on a first portion of the implant, the first portion of the implant being configured to be mechanically coupled to a weakened portion of a bone when the implant is coupled to the bone in a target position in combination; and (c) a second sensor measuring strain in a non-weakened portion of the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes a first element extending from a first head to a first shaft along a first longitudinal axis and having a first channel extending therethrough. The first head rests against a portion of bone adjacent to a first hole through which the first shaft is inserted. A second element includes a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis to a second head and having a second channel extending therethrough, the second head resting against a portion of bone adjacent to a second hole through which the second shaft is inserted. The second channel is dimensioned to receive the first shaft therein. A tensioning element is insertable through the first and second channels so that tension applied at a second end thereof imparts a compressive force to the a bone into which the first and second elements are inserted.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes a first element extending from a first head to a first shaft along a first longitudinal axis and having a first channel extending therethrough. The first head rests against a portion of bone adjacent to a first hole through which the first shaft is inserted. A second element includes a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis to a second head and having a second channel extending therethrough, the second head resting against a portion of bone adjacent to a second hole through which the second shaft is inserted. The second channel is dimensioned to receive the first shaft therein. A tensioning element is insertable through the first and second channels so that tension applied at a second end thereof imparts a compressive force to the a bone into which the first and second elements are inserted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including at least one suture anchor configured to be implanted into bone and at least one suture assembly configured to extend from the suture anchor and about at least a portion of a fibula when the suture anchor is implanted in a tibia on either side of a fibular notch of the tibia. The suture assembly is selectively adjustable from a non-tensioned condition to a tensioned condition to stabilize and reduce the fibula relative to the tibia.

Abstract: A device for bone fixation includes (a) a delivery gun having a handle and (b) an elongated cartridge coupled to the handle. The cartridge has a distal portion configured and dimensioned for insertion to a target area within a bone. The cartridge has a channel extending therethrough between a proximal end and an opening at the distal end and housing an injectable material therein. A first portion of the cartridge has a first heating element maintaining the injectable material within a first target temperature range. A second portion of the cartridge has a second heating element maintaining the injectable material within a second target temperature range.

Abstract: A device for bone fixation includes (a) a delivery gun having a handle and (b) an elongated cartridge coupled to the handle. The cartridge has a distal portion configured and dimensioned for insertion to a target area within a bone. The cartridge has a channel extending therethrough between a proximal end and an opening at the distal end and housing an injectable material therein. A first portion of the cartridge has a first heating element maintaining the injectable material within a first target temperature range. A second portion of the cartridge has a second heating element maintaining the injectable material within a second target temperature range.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a bone includes a bone plate including first and second portions joined to one another via a connecting portion, a rigidity of the connecting portion being less than rigidities of each of the first and second portions in combination with a first sensor mounted on the first portion measuring strain on the first portion and a second sensor mounted on the second portion measuring strain on the second portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail includes a longitudinal core extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal portion of the nail to a distal portion thereof, the core including a plurality of interlocking features around a circumference thereof and a polymeric casing extending about at least a portion of the circumference of the core including the interlocking features to mechanically interlock the casing and the core, at least a portion of a length of the core being embedded within the casing offset from a longitudinal axis of the nail so that a thickness of casing varies about a circumference of the nail, a maximum thickness of the casing being located at a site at which a polymeric locking element is to be bonded to the nail.

Abstract: A locking tack for attaching a bone fixation device to a bone includes (a) an elongated body including a distal portion formed of a weldable material and sized to be received within a bore through a portion of a target bone and a proximal portion which, when the distal portion is in a desired position within a target bone, extends out of the bone; (b) a channel extending longitudinally through the elongated body from a proximal end thereof to a channel distal end within the distal portion of the elongated body; and (c) an engaging feature at a distal end of the channel configured to engage an extraction mechanism so that forces applied to the extraction mechanism are transmitted to the distal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A device for treating bone in a living body includes (a) comprises an implant configured for attachment to a bone; (b) a first sensor measuring a strain on a first portion of the implant, the first portion of the implant being configured to be mechanically coupled to a weakened portion of a bone when the implant is coupled to the bone in a target position in combination; and (c) a second sensor measuring strain in a non-weakened portion of the bone.

Abstract: A device for treating bone comprises a rigid body including a polymeric material extending over at least a target portion thereof. The device further comprises a locking element extending into the bone and attached to the device by forming a permanent bond therebetween by melting a portion of an outer surface of the locking element and the polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved nail and an associated method for implanting the nail into a patient's bone. The nail preferably includes a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of spiral blades (e.g., vanes) and a cannulated bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end so that in use an injectable material such as, for example PCL material, can be injected into the patient's bone through the cannulated bore formed in the nail. The nail also preferably includes a cutout portion at the distal end thereof in order to direct the outflow of injectable material through the cannulated bore. The cutout portion preferably is configured to facilitate the injectable material outflowing past the distal end of the nail and superiorly of the nail when the nail is properly implanted and positioned in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail system for fixation of an olecranon osteotomy or fracture. The nail system of the present invention is securely held in place in the intramedullary canal to ensure proper anatomic reduction of an osteotomy. Further, the invention provides an insertion device and a method for inserting the osteotomy nail system, securing the osteotomy nail system, and fixing the osteotomy.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant insertion instrument including an insertion handle and a radiolucent aiming guide and method of using same. The insertion handle may be formed of steel and is used for inserting an orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary nail or bone plate, into a patient. The radiolucent aiming guide is used to properly locate and guide a drill and/or other insertion instruments for installing fixation elements, such as screws, pins, nails, bolts, blades, etc., through the orthopaedic implant and into the affected bone to secure the implant in position and facilitate healing. The aiming guide is substantially hollow and tubular and is preferably formed of a carbon fiber material.