Abstract: This invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for preventing complications, including for example, infection associated with any percutaneous or external fixation of bones by placing a pharmacological sleeve over an external fixation element. The pharmacological sleeve may be comprised of a polymer sleeve having one or more internal splines along at least part of the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve may be suffused or coated on any or all surfaces with a pharmacological coating which allows accumulation of drugs in the tissue surrounding the external fixation element, thereby reducing potential complications.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail apparatus includes an elongated nail body having a longer section and a shorter section. A detachable connection affixes the larger and shorter sections together end to end, using a taper lock connection, for example. The shorter section can provide transverse openings therethrough for enabling one or more fasteners to attach it to bone tissue, depending upon the medical indication. The nail includes a bow that consists of two tangent radii. This bow allows for the anterior bow of the femur and the relative straightness of the tibia. Thus, the apparatus of the present invention enables the same stems to be used in the treatment of femoral and tibial fractures. A stem is selected for any indication based on the desired diameter and length. The bow allows for a simplified surgical technique and a reduction in inventory of the nail system.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the variation in tension of a ligament graft extending between first and second proposed fixation sites positioned on first and second articulated bones, respectively, comprises a yoke which carries a device for securing the yoke to one of the first and second bones. A yoke plate is rotatably carried by the yoke. A main housing is adapted for connection to the yoke plate. A sled is slidably carried by the main housing. The sled is adapted for connection to the ligament graft. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the sled relative to the housing so as to place a desired degree of tension on the ligament graft. A transducer is associated with the mechanism for adjusting for determining changes in tension, if any, from the desired degree of tension as the first and second bones are moved relative to one another.