Abstract: A bone plate is especially adapted to solve the problems pertinent to all fracture types of the proximal humerus but especially all three-part and four-part fractures and fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus. The first bone plate (30) is configured and arranged to match the contour of a healthy unfractured proximal humerus. The bone plate (30) includes an elongate shaft portion (32) and a head portion (34). The shaft portion (32) is adapted for receiving bone screws to fix the bone plate to a shaft of a humerus. The head portion includes a first head section (53) and a second head section (54), with an obtuse angle defined therebetween. The first and second head sections (53, 54) extend laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion (32) in generally opposite directions.

Abstract: A pelvic drill guide apparatus is used to insert external fixation pins into a patient's pelvis that is fractured (for example as a result of trauma such a automobile roll-over) in "open book" fracture fashion. Multiple fixation pins are placed into the pelvis on each side (for example 2 pins on each side). An external fixation frame holds the pins and thus the pieces of the pelvis together. The guide apparatus includes an elongated probe to track the surface of the pelvis at the inner table of the pelvis. A barrel portion of the guide apparatus tracks a drill to form surgical openings that begin at the iliac crest. The drill path is off-set slightly with respect to the tip of the probe so that the surgeon can drill holes in the pelvis with minimal invasion.

Abstract: A surgical needle comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, said distal end further comprising an eye which can be opened and closed, and said elongate shaft further comprising a means for opening and closing said eye. The needle may be securely affixed to a handle for convenient use. The needle may be used to place sutures in a wide variety of applications.