Abstract: An instrument for applying fasteners such as bioabsorbable skull rivets, having a piston coaxially received within a housing. The piston has a tip at its distal end and the housing has a distal end sized to receive the tip and also to receive a portion of on of the fasteners. A slit in the housing allows it to flex and accommodate the fastener.

Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.

Abstract: A guard device with angled cranium guide that can be removably and replaceably attached to an existing craniotome for producing a stable bone flap system includes an elongate stem defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and distal end. The proximal end is adapted for attachment to the craniotome. A footplate extends from the distal end of the stem at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. The footplate is positioned adjacent to the cutting portion of the craniotome and prevents the cutting portion from penetrating too far into the skull. On one side of the stem between the proximal and distal ends is an angled cranium guide. The dura guard with its angled cranium guide enables the surgeon to rest the guide agains the cranium and the maintain the craniotome at a fixed angle to cut a bone flap at an angle.

Abstract: A guard device with angled cranium guide that can be removably and replaceably attached to an existing craniotome for producing a stable bone flap system includes an elongate stem defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and distal end. The proximal end is adapted for attachment to the craniotome. A footplate extends from the distal end of the stem at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. The footplate is positioned adjacent to the cutting portion of the craniotome and prevents the cutting portion from penetrating too far into the skull. On one side of the stem between the proximal and distal ends is an angled cranium guide. The dura guard with its angled cranium guide enables the surgeon to rest the guide agains the cranium and the maintain the craniotome at a fixed angle to cut a bone flap at an angle.

Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.

Abstract: An instrument for applying fasteners such a bioabsorbable skull rivets, having a piston coaxially received within a housing. The piston has a tip at its distal end and the housing has a distal end sized to receive the tip and also to receive a portion of on of the fasteners. A slit in the housing allows it to flex and accommodate the fastener.

Abstract: A bone fixation device such as a screw, pin, staple, cable or anchor has a microtextured contact surface to enhance installation or gripping characteristics, preferably by providing directional or anisotropic engagement. A surface texture comprised of patterned microfeatures imparts a roughness or actual mechanical engagement that prevents loosening. In different embodiments the features resemble an array of microbumps or pyramids, or anisotropic features such as rasp teeth, shingles, or slanted cantilevered fiber/rods. The use of microbumps present a smaller surface area when moving, while providing full area contact after the surfaces have relaxed or decompressed; installation may be effected with low force, while high static or resting friction prevents disengagement.

Abstract: A bone fixation device such as a screw, pin, staple, cable or anchor has a microtextured contact surface to enhance installation or gripping characteristics, preferably by providing directional or anisotropic engagement. A surface texture comprised of patterned microfeatures imparts a roughness or actual mechanical engagement that prevents loosening. In different embodiments the features resemble an array of microbumps or pyramids, or anisotropic features such as rasp teeth, shingles, or slanted cantilevered fiber/rods. The use of microbumps present a smaller surface area when moving, while providing full area contact after the surfaces have relaxed or decompressed; installation may be effected with low force, while high static or resting friction prevents disengagement.

Abstract: A bone plug for intramedullary insertion into the canal of a bone to restrict the bypass of cement during implant surgery is described. The bone plug is made of a bioabsorbable material and has a tapered central body providing the primary support for the plug. A plurality of radially extending disc-like fins extend from the body at spaced locations. The taper provides the distal fin with a greater degree of flexibility due to the long cantilever, thus permitting an ease of insertion into the intramedullary canal while the larger diameter body and shorter proximal fins lend structural stiffness to resist the migration of the device.