Abstract: By virtue of its modular construction, this external fixator makes it possible to position the pins (21 to 25) in the bone fragments (11 to 13) taking account of anatomical criteria. The pins are at least indirectly integral with universal joints (36 to 38) with balls (46 to 48) permitting the orientation of the pins relative to connecting bars 503 and 504. The external fixator additionally comprises connecting pieces for articulation between the connecting bars (501 to 507), such as the articulation (7), the telescopic connecting piece (8) and orientable connecting pieces (97 to 99). After the onset of osseous consolidation, some of the connecting bars and their connecting pieces can be removed, it being possible for the bars (501,502) to be withdrawn from the vices (65, 66).

Abstract: A device comprises two jaws arranged to be pressed one against the other and to grasp a part to be positioned and secured. The part and/or the jaws comprise circular regions presenting a succession of planar or curved facets regularly disposed over said regions, with adjacent facets forming obtuse angles between them whose vertices define sharp edges or points. In a preferred embodiment, the jaws clamping a part having a rounded portion are tightened by means of two screws whose centerlines form an angle with each other, so that upon tightening of the jaws, at least one of the jaws flexes so as to assure a better grip of the rounded portion of the part.

Abstract: An arcuate cradle element for use in an external fixation device is generally in the shape of a partial or full circular toroid whose transverse cross-section comprises two opposed and symmetrical polygonal portions, joined by a web serving to connect and space apart the polygons. The polygonal portions are preferably triangular portions. Two of the arcuate cradle elements of unequal length may be combined to form a full circle.

Abstract: A device comprises two jaws arranged to be pressed one against the other and to grasp a part to be positioned and secured. The part and/or the jaws comprise circular regions presenting a succession of planar or curved facets regularly disposed over said regions, with adjacent facets forming obtuse angles between them whose vertices define sharp edges or points. In a preferred embodiment, the jaws clamping a part having a rounded portion are tightened by means of two screws whose centerlines form an angle with each other, so that upon tightening of the jaws, at least one of the jaws flexes so as to assure a better grip of the rounded portion of the part.

Abstract: An external fixation device for the fixation of a broken joint includes first and second fixation rods connected to bone pins intended to be introduced into the bone, and an articulating portion joining the two rods. One of the two fixation rods is connected to a sliding block that slides within the housing of the articulating portion upon a sliding surface having a virtual axis. The articulating portion housing is provided with viewing lines on its cover for accurately sighting the location of the articulation axis of the prosthetic joint.

Abstract: An arcuate cradle element for use in an external fixation device is generally in the shape of a partial or full circular toroid whose transverse cross-section comprises two opposed and symmetrical polygonal portions, joined by a web serving to connect and space apart the polygons. The polygonal portions are preferably triangular portions. Two of the arcuate cradle elements of unequal length may be combined to form a full circle.