Abstract: A bone plating system includes a plate, fixed angle and variable angle bone screws, and corresponding set screws for each type of the bone screws. The plate includes common openings adapted to receive the variable and fixed angle bone screws, both of which can be locked relative to the plate with the set screws. In all modes of use, a set screw, sometimes in combination with a sliding washer, is then used to fix the level of compression and prevent loosening. In one mode of use, a bone screw can also be driven to cause displacement of the plate such that pressure is applied to maintain bone parts together about a fracture in tight engagement.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for a fracture of a head portion of a long bone which has subchondral bone defining a convex articular surface, and particularly the proximal humerus. The system includes a plate element positionable on the long bone substantially opposite the head portion of the long bone and on a first side of the fracture, and a post element extending from the plate and into the head portion and across the fracture.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for a fracture of a head portion of a long bone which has subchondral bone defining a convex articular surface. The system includes a plate element positionable on the long bone substantially opposite the head portion of the long bone and on a first side of the fracture, and a post element extending from the plate and into the head portion and across the fracture. A support structure for supporting of the subchondral bone of the articular surface is coupled to the post.

Abstract: A jig assembly includes a jig having an elevated first portion having holes or slots to align a drill with screw holes in an intramedullary portion of a fixation device, and a lower second portion having openings in axial alignment with holes on a plate portion of the fixation device. The jig may be locked relative to the fixation device. The jig assembly further includes one or more of sleeves, drill guides and gauges for facilitating the drilling of appropriate holes into bone both beneath and above the fixation device.

Abstract: A driver includes a polygonal cross-sectional shape which is both tapered and twisted by a defined degree so that in an end view the largest polygonal cross-sectional shape circumscribes the smallest polygonal cross-sectional shape such that the corners of the smallest polygonal cross-sectional shape lies at the sides of the largest polygonal cross-sectional shape. This twisting and tapering configuration facilitates engagement within a fastener socket and provide planar contact along each side of the polygonal shape as well as along the edges of the tapering portion.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for a fracture of a head portion of a long bone which has subchondral bone defining a convex articular surface. The system includes a plate element positionable on the long bone substantially opposite the head portion of the long bone and on a first side of the fracture, and a post coupled to the plate and into the head portion of the bone and across the fracture. A cross peg is coupled to the post to provide support of the subchondral bone.

Abstract: A drill guide includes a window and graduated indicia corresponding to a scale provided along a side of the windows. A gauge for use therewith includes a handle, a shaft having a reference mark thereon, and an end portion. The end portion is slightly angled relative to the remainder of the shaft and is spring-like. The end portion includes a rounded tip which ensures that the gauge rides smoothly in and out of drilled bone and bore, and an angled upper catch that allows a user to retrieve the gauge without chipping bone.

Abstract: A jig assembly includes a jig having an elevated first portion having holes or slots to align a drill with screw holes in an intramedullary portion of a fixation device, and a lower second portion having openings in axial alignment with holes on a plate portion of the fixation device. The jig may be locked relative to the fixation device. The jig assembly further includes one or more of sleeves, drill guides and gauges for facilitating the drilling of appropriate holes into bone both beneath and above the fixation device.

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation system includes a substantially rigid plate defining a first hole having at least one first thread at a first depth, and a second hole, a first fastener having a head portion and a shaft portion, with the head portion having a second thread with a second depth substantially greater than said first depth, and a second fastener sized for use within the second hole. In addition, a bone fracture fixation system includes a rigid plate defining at least one cylindrical first hole having at least two discrete helical threads each with a entry lead offset by a predetermined angular displacement, a fastener having a head portion with a thread sized for engagement within the first hole and a shaft portion, wherein when the first fastener is engaged in the first hole, the thread of the head engages with only one of the discrete helical threads.

Abstract: A fixation device is provided which includes a proximal nail portion and a distal plate portion. The nail portion includes a flexible tapered section, and a rigid distal section larger in diameter and is adapted to be inserted into a medullary canal of a fractured bone. The plate portion has a low, narrow profile and includes three longitudinally displaced peg holes, each of which is adapted to orient a peg in a different orientation from the others. The plate portion is adapted to be positioned on the outside of a fractured bone when the nail portion is within the medullary canal. The device provides the benefits of both an intramedullary nail and a bone plate in a single device. The fixation device permits a minimally invasive treatment of the metaphyseal fractures that may otherwise be undertreated.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a device having a nail portion and a plate portion, preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion. The nail portion includes threaded screw holes, and the plate portion includes longitudinally displaced peg holes, each of which is adapted to orient a peg in a different orientation from the others. The system also includes unicortical screws having a reasonably large head adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft adapted to engage in the screw holes, and pegs adapted to engage in the peg holes. Bone is clamped between the nail portion and the head of the unicortical screws. The pegs provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments. Moreover, as the pegs preferably enter the subchondral fragments from a plurality of directions, additional fixation of the device into the bone is provided.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a device having a nail portion and a plate portion, preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion. The nail portion includes threaded screw holes, and the plate portion includes longitudinally displaced peg holes, each of which is adapted to orient a peg in a different orientation from the others. The system also includes unicortical screws having a reasonably large head adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft adapted to engage in the screw holes, and pegs adapted to engage in the peg holes. Bone is clamped between the nail portion and the head of the unicortical screws. The pegs provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments. Moreover, as the pegs preferably enter the subchondral fragments from a plurality of directions, additional fixation of the device into the bone is provided.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly having a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has (i) a lumen defined therein and (ii) a length L1, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position.

Abstract: A fixation device is provided which includes a proximal nail portion and a distal plate portion. The nail portion includes a flexible tapered section, and a rigid distal section larger in diameter and is adapted to be inserted into a medullary canal of a fractured bone. The plate portion has a low, narrow profile and includes three longitudinally displaced peg holes, each of which is adapted to orient a peg in a different orientation from the others. The plate portion is adapted to be positioned on the outside of a fractured bone when the nail portion is within the medullary canal. The device provides the benefits of both an intramedullary nail and a bone plate in a single device. The fixation device permits a minimally invasive treatment of the metaphyseal fractures that may otherwise be undertreated.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly having a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has (i) a lumen defined therein and (ii) a length L1, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for the insertion of a fixation pin into the medullary canal of a fractured metacarpal, metatarsal, or phalangeal bone for stable bone fixation. The system includes one or more pins and an instrument for implanting the pins. According to one embodiment of the invention, the instrument includes a main handle and a pin handle movable relative to the main handle. The main handle includes a distal end, a drill coupled to the distal end, and a longitudinal slot which receives the pin handle. The drill includes a shaft having a distal boring tip and a groove proximal the boring tip for guiding the fixation pin. The pin handle is shaped and sized to slidably move within the longitudinal slot. Each pin preferably includes a curved, distal end. The distal end rests within the groove of the drill shaft. Movement of the pin handle within the slot of the main handle distally relative to the main handle causes the distal end of the pin to move relative to the drill shaft.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for the insertion of a fixation pin into the medullary canal of a fractured metacarpal, metatarsal, or phalangeal bone for stable bone fixation. The system includes a pin and an instrument for implanting the pin. According to one embodiment of the invention, the instrument includes a main handle and a pin handle movable relative to the main handle. The main handle includes a distal end, a drill coupled to the distal end, and a longitudinal slot which receives the pin handle. The drill includes a shaft having a distal boring tip and a groove proximal the boring tip for guiding the fixation pin. The pin handle is shaped and sized to slidably move within the longitudinal slot. The pin includes a curved, distal end. The distal end rests within the groove of the drill shaft. Movement of the pin handle within the slot of the main handle distally relative to the main handle causes the distal end of the pin to move relative to the drill shaft.