Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device in which two or more translation members are secured to adjacent tissue segments for reorientation relative to each other. The device includes telescopically adjustable struts that can be secured to base members by connectors that permit movement of the struts relative to the base members. Rotation of the struts is possible about three axes that intersect at a single coincident point of universal rotation.

Abstract: A pin-to-bar construct for an external fixation system of the type including a plurality of pins for securing first and second elements, and an elongated bar. The pin-to-bar construct includes a spool component for attachment to the bar; and an intermediate component for fixed attachment to the spool component and for joining at least one of the pins to the spool component. The intermediate component includes pin receiving structure for receiving one of the pins and intermediate component attachment structure for allowing fixed attachment to another intermediate component.

Abstract: A plate for use in fixating the position of a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment, the plate comprising a body portion having a plurality of attachment mechanisms located therein, wherein the attachment mechanisms include: a first group of three attachment mechanisms substantially positioned within 90.degree.-150.degree. of one another about a circle, and preferably within substantially 120.degree. of one another, whereby the first group of attachment mechanisms is designed to facilitate attachment of a plurality of adjustable length struts to the plate; and a second group of attachment mechanisms substantially positioned about the circle that are designed to facilitate attachment of accessories to the plate, wherein the total number of the attachment mechanisms is a multiple of three.

Abstract: A spatial frame for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: An improved fracture fixation device for securing an external fixator system to bone structure and for compressing a first bone fragment of the bone structure against a second bone fragment of the bone structure. The fracture fixation device includes a screw portion for screwing into the first bone fragment; a bone engagement portion for engaging the second bone fragment and for coacting with the screw portion to compress the first bone fragment against the second bone fragment when the screw portion is screwed into the first bone fragment and the engagement portion engages the second bone fragment; and a attachment portion for attaching the engagement portion to the external fixator system.

Abstract: An improved connector for an external skeletal fixation system of the type including a first elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a non-circular cross section and including a second elongated bar having a longitudinal axis. The connector includes a body having a first aperture therethrough for receiving the first elongated bar and having a second aperture therethrough for receiving the second elongated bar. The first aperture has a cross section that is at least partly congruent with the cross section of the first elongated bar for receiving the first elongated bar and for preventing rotation of the first elongated bar about the longitudinal axis of the first elongated bar.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing two or more bone elements. The external fixator includes an elongated bar; a first carriage for mounting on the bar and for securement to a first bone element; a second carriage for mounting on the bar and for securement to a second bone element; and a drive mechanism for driving the first and second carriages along the length of the bar independent of one another.

Abstract: A plate for use in fixating the position of a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment, the plate comprising a body portion having a plurality of attachment mechanisms located therein, wherein the attachment mechanisms include: a first group of three attachment mechanisms substantially positioned within 90°-150° of one another about a circle, and preferably within substantially 120° of one another, whereby the first group of attachment mechanisms is designed to facilitate attachment of a plurality of adjustable length struts to the plate; and a second group of attachment mechanisms substantially positioned about the circle that are designed to facilitate attachment of accessories to the plate, wherein the total number of the attachment mechanisms is a multiple of three.