Abstract: The present invention provides an improved contourable surgical fixation device that is made from a resorbable material and useful in bone reconstruction. In one embodiment, the fixation device may be made of a polymeric material. The fixation device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fastening plates, links interconnecting the plates, and openings defined between the fastening plates by the links and fastening plates. In one embodiment, at least some of the fastening plates have fastener holes therethrough for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or tack, to secure the fixation device to the bone. The present invention provides an open-structured fixation device that is capable of being contoured in three dimensions to approximate the anatomical shape of a bone to which the fixation device may be attached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an improved bone fixation implant that provides tactile indication of the top surface of the implant. In one embodiment, an implant comprises a top surface, a bottom bone-contacting surface, and recessed portion disposed in the top surface of the implant to provide a tactile indicator for readily identifying the top surface of the implant. In another embodiment, the top surface indicator may be in the form of an elongated top surface groove that is recessed below the top surface of the implant. The implant may further include at least two fastener holes for receiving fasteners therethrough to secure the implant to the bone. In preferred embodiments, the implant may be made of a resorbable or metallic materials. In another embodiment of the present invention, an implant may comprise transverse slots preferably disposed between at least some of the fastener holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved contourable surgical fixation device that is made from a resorbable material and useful in bone reconstruction. In one embodiment, the fixation device may be made of a polymeric material. The fixation device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fastening plates, links interconnecting the plates, and openings defined between the fastening plates by the links and fastening plates. In one embodiment, at least some of the fastening plates have fastener holes therethrough for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or tack, to secure the fixation device to the bone. The present invention provides an open-structured fixation device that is capable of being contoured in three dimensions to approximate the anatomical shape of a bone to which the fixation device may be attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching fixation elements to bone, having a longitudinal member with a channel extending therein adapted for receiving at least one fixation element. A shaft extends within the channel and is positioned coaxially within at least a portion of the longitudinal member and at least a portion of the shaft is retained within the longitudinal member and a distal end of the shaft is configured and adapted to contact at least a portion of the fixation element received within the longitudinal member. A spring is positioned adjacent the shaft for resiliently biasing the shaft in an axial direction and the shaft is moveable with respect to the longitudinal member to drive the fixation element into bone.