Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods of controlled drug delivery to a patient are provided. The drug delivery device may include one or two microchip elements, each of which has a body portion with one or more drug release apertures in fluid communication with at least one containment reservoir. The drug release apertures are closed off by one or more reservoir caps which can be electrically activated to open the drug release apertures. The drug delivery device also includes (i) a drug formulation disposed in the at least one containment reservoir, and (ii) at least one drug-permeable membrane. In some cases, an outer housing is spaced a distance from an exterior wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing includes the at least one drug-permeable membrane, and a depot space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the exterior wall of the body portion of the microchip element.

Abstract: An expandable rod is provided that is sized for insertion into a patient's bone. A method for using the expandable rod to prepare the patient's bone to receive an orthopedic implant is also provided. The expandable rod is adjustable between a first, contracted state and a second, expanded state, the expansion member expanding radially outwardly from the contracted state to the expanded state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus configured to strengthen and support a portion of a bone, such as the femoral head of the proximal femur, for example. The apparatus may include a housing or base member and a movable support member connected to the housing and configured to move between a first, undeployed position in which the support member is disposed proximate the housing or base such that the apparatus may be inserted into bone, and a second, deployed position in which the support member extends away from the housing or base for supporting the femoral head. The support member may be a rod, one or more wires, a leaf spring, a bladder, or an expandable mesh material, for example.

Abstract: An expandable rod is provided that is sized for insertion into a patient's bone. A method for using the expandable rod to prepare the patient's bone to receive an orthopedic implant is also provided. The expandable rod is adjustable between a first, contracted state and a second, expanded state, the expansion member expanding radially outwardly from the contracted state to the expanded state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus configured to strengthen and support a portion of a bone, such as the femoral head of the proximal femur, for example. The apparatus may include a housing or base member and a movable support member connected to the housing and configured to move between a first, undeployed position in which the support member is disposed proximate the housing or base such that the apparatus may be inserted into bone, and a second, deployed position in which the support member extends away from the housing or base for supporting the femoral head. The support member may be a rod, one or more wires, a leaf spring, a bladder, or an expandable mesh material, for example.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. An alignment guide in accordance with the present invention is provided to facilitate alignment of instruments used to create a cavity in the bone for reception of the femoral implant and to facilitate size selection of the femoral implant. The alignment guide of the present invention includes a reference element and pattern arms having geometries which track an anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure. A femoral implant achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head. To optimally position the femoral implant, a minimally invasive incision is aligned with the greater trochanter and the wound is developed to expose the greater trochanter. Various reamers are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.