Abstract: A ratcheting epiphysiodesis plate comprises a female base half having a ratchet arm and a male sliding half having a series of ratchet teeth, the male sliding half being slidably connected to the female base half with the ratchet arm engaging the ratchet teeth, one of the female and male sliding halves including a first fixation element receiving hole for receiving therethrough a fixation element for binding the plate to a bone.

Abstract: A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for bone fixation elements including first and second clamp structures configured to engage first and second bone fixation elements, respectively. The first clamp structure may have a first spherically contoured bearing surface. The second clamp structure may have a second spherically contoured bearing surface seated in sliding contact with the first bearing surface. A spring-loaded mechanism may apply a spring force urging the bearing surfaces together to resist pivotal movement of the clamp structures relative to each other. The clamp assembly may be used with an assembly of fixation elements to create an external fixation frame.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for bone fixation elements including first and second clamp structures configured to engage first and second bone fixation elements, respectively. The first clamp structure may have a first spherically contoured bearing surface. The second clamp structure may have a second spherically contoured bearing surface seated in sliding contact with the first bearing surface. A spring-loaded mechanism may apply a spring force urging the bearing surfaces together to resist pivotal movement of the clamp structures relative to each other. The clamp assembly may be used with an assembly of fixation elements to create an external fixation frame.

Abstract: A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Abstract: A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Abstract: The disclosed cranial flap clamp includes first and second clamping members and an extension member. A portion of the first member is positionable against inferior surfaces of a bone flap and skull and a portion of the second member is positionable against superior surfaces of the flap and skull. The extension member extends from the first member through the second member and fits between the flap and skull. Movement of either of the clamping members urges the inner surface of the first member against the inferior surfaces of the flap and skull and urges the inner surface of the second member against the superior surfaces of the flap and skull. The securing instrument includes features useful in cutting or crimping the extension member. The tension limiting assembly provides variable designs and combinations for limiting the tension placed on, and exerted by, the securing instrument during use.

Abstract: A ratcheting epiphysiodesis plate comprises a female base half having a ratchet arm and a male sliding half having a series of ratchet teeth, the male sliding half being slidably connected to the female base half with the ratchet arm engaging the ratchet teeth, one of the female and male sliding halves including a first fixation element receiving hole for receiving therethrough a fixation element for binding the plate to a bone.

Abstract: The disclosed cranial flap clamp includes first and second clamping members and an extension member. A portion of the first member is positionable against inferior surfaces of a bone flap and skull and a portion of the second member is positionable against superior surfaces of the flap and skull. The extension member extends from the first member and fits between the flap and skull. The second member has a through opening for receiving the extension member. Movement of either of the clamping members urges the inner surface of the first member against the inferior surfaces of the flap and skull and urges the inner surface of the second member against the superior surfaces of the flap and skull. A stop provided by mechanical deformation of the extension member at any location along its length secures the clamp.

Abstract: A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Abstract: A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Abstract: The disclosed cranial flap clamp includes first and second clamping members and an extension member. A portion of the first member is positionable against inferior surfaces of a bone flap and skull and a portion of the second member is positionable against superior surfaces of the flap and skull. The extension member extends from the first member and 10 fits between the flap and skull. The second member has a through opening for receiving the extension member. Movement of either of the clamping members urges the inner surface of the first member against the inferior surfaces of the flap and skull and urges the inner surface of the second member against the superior surfaces of the flap and skull. A stop provided by mechanical deformation of the extension member at any location along its length secures the clamp.

Abstract: A cranial spring clip for attaching a bone flap to a skull is disclosed. The clip includes a substantially flat flap clipping portion, a substantially flat skull clipping portion, an extension disposed between, connecting, and substantially perpendicular to the flap clipping and the skull clipping portions, at least one burr attached to the extension, and a fastening element. When the clip is implanted, the topography of the flap clipping and skull clipping portions, the only parts of the clip above the outer table of the skull, provides the clip with a low profile. At least a portion of the extension is resilient in nature so that, the resilient portion flexes inward upon insertion in the saw gap and then flexes back to fix the clip in place. The burr penetrates the skull to also fix the clip in place. As the extension has a length that is shorter than the thickness of the skull and the bone flap, there is minimal possibility of accidental injury to the brain.

Abstract: A plate holding drill guide or "trocar" is disclosed including a member having a channel with an internal diameter. A cannulated holding member having prongs is disposed, at least in part, within the channel. A cannula extends through the prongs. At one end, the prongs are flanged outward. The flanged portion has an external diameter which is greater than the internal diameter of the channel. The sliding member is displaceable over the flanged portion of the prongs. When an annular frame of a bone plate is disposed between the prongs and the sliding member is moved toward the flanged portion, the prongs grip the frame. A drill may be guided between the prongs through the cannula. A method is disclosed for holding a bone plate. An annular frame of the bone plate is positioned between prongs and aligned with a cannula extending between the prongs. A member is displaced along the prongs. The prongs are deflected inward, gripping the frame.