Abstract: An internal fixation assembly and associated method. The internal fixation assembly includes an elongated intramedullary implant for a long bone, the intramedullary implant defining a transverse bore having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a strength-enhancing lip surrounding at least one of the inlet and outlet openings. The lip includes a continuous curved surface having a continuous slope.

Abstract: A bone cerclage tool for conformally slidably abutting a device circumferentially about a bone, such that orthopedic surgical procedures can be performed on and/or in the vicinity of the bone with minimal access and/or visibility and satisfying the need for complex maneuvering around anatomical parts and minimizing unnecessary tissue removal and contact with delicate areas. The bone cerclage tool can be used to encircle a bone with a suture, wire, cable, band, or device, to secure the bone in place, or perform operations on the bone or in the vicinity of the bone. The bone cerclage tool has a resilient member housed within a curved tube for guiding a device adjoined to the resilient member circumferentially about the bone and an exit section for directing the device to conformally slidably abut against the bone as the device is extended from the exit section. A push-pull member housed within a tubular housing and adjoined to the resilient member is used to extend or retract the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fixation of a bone and a method for locking an intramedullary nail. The bone has a medullary canal for use with an intramedullary nail that has been inserted into the medullary canal, the intramedullary nail having a longitudinal axis and distal and proximal ends and apertures in the ends. It essentially comprises a first member in the form of a sliding tubular member, a compression assembly, a guide member and an alignment fixture. The first member is in the form of an elongated first element having first and second ends, a central aperture, and a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail. The first end engages the bone adjacent the proximate end of the intramedullary nail. The compression assembly bears against the second end of the first element and applies compressive force to the bone through the first element. The guide member is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the intramedullary nail; it has a proximal end and a proximal aperture.