Abstract: The combination of: a) a bone implant having a body with a first portion that overlies an outer bone surface and first and second projections; and b) a bone implant handling instrument comprising: a guide assembly; and an implant advancing assembly. With a part of the bone implant handling instrument bearing against at least one bone part, the bone implant can be guided by the instrument in substantially a straight line in a first direction, while being maintained in substantially a same orientation with respect to the straight line, between a starting position and an operative position. The implant advancing assembly has at least one part that is movable against the bone implant to advance it into the operative position wherein the first and second projections are advanced into one or more bone parts and the first portion of the body overlies an outer bone surface.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a bone implant having a body with a first portion that overlies an outer bone surface and first and second projections; and b) a bone implant handling instrument comprising: a guide assembly; and an implant advancing assembly. With a part of the bone implant handling instrument bearing against at least one bone part, the bone implant can be guided by the instrument in substantially a straight line in a first direction, while being maintained in substantially a same orientation with respect to the straight line, between a starting position and one operative position. The implant advancing assembly has at least one part that is movable against the bone implant to advance it into the operative position wherein the first and second projections are advanced into one or more bone parts and the first portion of the body overlies an outer bone surface. A method of placing the bone implant is also provided.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a bone implant having a body with a first portion that overlies an outer bone surface and first and second projections; and b) a bone implant handling instrument comprising: a guide assembly; and an implant advancing assembly. With a part of the bone implant handling instrument bearing against at least one bone part, the bone implant can be guided by the instrument in substantially a straight line in a first direction, while being maintained in substantially a same orientation with respect to the straight line, between a starting position and one operative position. The implant advancing assembly has at least one part that is movable against the bone implant to advance it into the operative position wherein the first and second projections are advanced into one or more bone parts and the first portion of the body overlies an outer bone surface. A method of placing the bone implant is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for bending a bone fixation plate in the horizontal plane of the plate. The apparatus and method provide for optimization of applied bending moments by controlling the orientation of a bending tool to prevent deviation from an axis of bending. The system includes a bending bar or bars with an aperture or slot for engaging a plate or rod and a bending cage that can be in the shape of a rectangular box having a front surface separated from a rear surface by a distance. The front surface has a front elongate opening and the rear surface has a rear elongate opening. The front and rear openings are each formed by two parallel edges separated by a vertical distance and having a horizontal length.

Abstract: A system and method for bending a bone fixation plate in the horizontal plane of the plate. The apparatus and method provide for optimization of applied bending moments by controlling the orientation of a bending tool to prevent deviation from an axis of bending. The system includes a bending bar or bars with an aperture or slot for engaging a plate or rod and a bending cage that can be in the shape of a rectangular box having a front surface separated from a rear surface by a distance. The front surface has a front elongate opening and the rear surface has a rear elongate opening. The front and rear openings are each formed by two parallel edges separated by a vertical distance and having a horizontal length.

Abstract: An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. Pivotal or hinged attachment of the bearing assembly to a handle member permits pivotal movement of the driver relative to the handle member and permits the jaws of the replaceable tip insert to remain in substantial engagement with the fracture fixation plate during expansion and compression.

Abstract: An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. Pivotal or hinged attachment of the bearing assembly to a handle member permits pivotal movement of the driver relative to the handle member and permits the jaws of the replaceable tip insert to remain in substantial engagement with the fracture fixation plate during expansion and compression.