Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for fixing bone with a bone plate supported temporarily at a slant on bone by a leg member before the bone plate is used as a lever to reposition a region of the bone. In some embodiments, the leg member may be a post member that attaches to the bone plate by threaded engagement with an aperture of the bone plate. In some embodiments, the bone plate and the leg member may be used near the end of a long bone, such as on a distal portion of a radial bone.

Abstract: A method of fusing a joint between two bones, comprising boring a hole through one of the bones across the joint therebetween and into the other bone, placing the leading end of a screw into the hole, where the screw has a threaded region having a pitch that is larger toward a leading end of the screw and smaller toward a trailing end of the screw, and driving the screw into the bone until the threaded region spans the joint.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having a blade adapted to cut workpieces, and an actuating mechanism operable to move the blade toward the workpiece. The machines also include a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a user and the blade, and a reaction system configured to stop the movement of the blade toward the user upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for replacing part of a bone with a prosthesis. The prosthesis may comprise a head configured to replace an end portion of a first bone and to articulate with an adjacent second bone. The prosthesis also may comprise a stem configured to be disposed in a bore formed in a medullary canal of the first bone. The stem may define a longitudinal axis. The head and stem may include coupling structure that permits the head to be mounted onto the stem by sliding the head into engagement with the stem in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation with a bone plate attached to a fastener assembly including a first fastener disposed in threaded engagement with the bone plate and a second fastener disposed in threaded engagement with the first fastener.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for reaming bones with bone reamers.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for treating orthopedic conditions using a rod member structured for placement in a medullary canal of a bone and including at least one locking aperture with an internal thread structure. In some embodiments, the internal thread structure may include two or more thread leads disposed adjacent the same end of the locking aperture, two or more interspersed internal threads, and/or a thread depth substantially less than that of a corresponding threaded fastener for the locking aperture.

Abstract: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: Device and method for bone fixation. The device may comprise a bone plate including a plate body and a locking element. The plate body may define a plurality of openings configured to receive fasteners that secure the plate body to bone. The plurality of openings may include an elongate opening. The locking element, in turn, may define a through-hole disposed under the elongate opening for placement closer to bone than the elongate opening. The locking element may be configured to be disposed in threaded engagement with a fastener received by the locking element at the through-hole from the elongate opening. The locking element may be connected slidably to the plate body, in the absence of the fastener, to permit movement of the through-hole along the elongate opening.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for expanded bone fixation with bone plates. A bone plate and an extension plate may be provided. The bone plate may be secured to a proximal portion of a humerus and overlapping the greater tuberosity of the humerus using fasteners received in openings defined by the bone plate. The extension plate may be attached to the bone plate and the humerus using (a) a fastener disposed in an aperture defined by the first end region and in threaded engagement with the bone plate and (b) a fastener received in an aperture defined by the second end region and extending into the humerus. The attached extension plate may extend from a position over the greater tuberosity to a position over the lesser tuberosity of the humerus such that the intermediate region is disposed over a biceps tendon.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: Orthopedic systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits. In some embodiments, these systems may be used for selectively tapping apertures of bone plates, to form threaded apertures during installation of the bone plates (i.e., intraoperatively).

Abstract: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external fixation device for the foot and ankle of the human anatomical skeleton includes a yoke, three adjusters, and a base (or foot plate). The foot plate selectively couples to the yoke without the need of any tools, thereby enabling the patient to self attach and remove the foot plate from an existing circular fixation structure.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for retrograde placement of fasteners into bone.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: Bone plates having slots configured to permit positioning of the bone plates on bone, and methods of using the bone plates for bone fixation.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for fusing two or more bones with a bone plate.