Abstract: A device and method to mechanically strengthen bone matrix and deliver tissue reinforcement material to weakened areas in skeletal structures. A preferred embodiment is an orthopedic screw configured to receive and directionally disperse a therapeutic fluid through the screw's channels and apertures.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plate holder having a body. The assembly further includes a guide component having a plurality of guide holes defined therein, the guide component being movably secured to the body of plate holder so that the guide component is movable in relation to the body between a first position and a second position. Also, the assembly includes a bone plate having a plurality of fastener openings defined therein, the bone plate being attached to the body. When the guide component is positioned at the first position, the plurality of guide holes are respectively aligned with the plurality of fastener openings. When the guide component is positioned at the second position, the plurality of guide holes are respectively misaligned with the plurality of fastener openings.

Abstract: A device and method to mechanically strengthen bone matrix and deliver tissue reinforcement material to weakened areas in skeletal structures. A preferred embodiment is an orthopedic screw configured to receive and directionally disperse a therapeutic fluid through the screw's channels and apertures.

Abstract: A fixator for internally fixating bone fractures includes an elongate plate portion, a head portion and a barrel extending from the head portion. The elongate plate portion defines at least one plate aperture extending through the plate for receiving bone screws to fasten the fixator to a shaft of a bone. The barrel extends from the head portion and has a generally cylindrical inner surface configured for slidably receiving an end of both keyed and non-keyed lag screws. The cylindrical inner surface further defines at least one keyway along a length of the tube for receiving a key of a keyed lag screw to prevent rotation of the keyed lag screw and for also allowing rotation of a non-keyed lag screw.

Abstract: An implant fixation stem has a distal portion with a controlled stiffness. In one embodiment the deflection in response to a given force is equal to other similarly designed stems to give a surgeon consistent implantation feedback regardless of implant size. The deflection is preferably provided via a slot in the stem, the slot length being determined as a function of the stem's moment of inertia. Alternate embodiments provide for flutes of unequal length.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a modular humeral prosthesis for implantation into a humerus of a patient. The prosthesis includes a proximal humeral component having a platform disposed on an upper end. A tapered projection is disposed on the platform. A cup-shaped fracture cap having a tapered opening with generally the same shape as the tapered projection is removably disposable on the tapered projection. The fracture cap is shaped so as to allow for space between the cap and the glenoid of a patient into whom the prosthesis is to be implanted and thereby allow the bones of the patient's humeral head to be reconstructed by reassembling and securing the bone fragments about the fracture cap. The prosthesis further includes a humeral head having a tapered opening which may be disposed on the proximal humeral component. The humeral head is interchangeable with the fracture cap.

Abstract: An implant fixation stem has a distal portion with a controlled stiffness. In one embodiment the deflection in response to a given force is equal to other similarly designed stems to give a surgeon consistent implantation feedback regardless of implant size. The deflection is preferably provided via a slot in the stem, the slot length being determined as a function of the stem's moment of inertia. Alternate embodiments provide for flutes of unequal length.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail is disclosed having a tubular elongated body that includes a proximal head portion, an intermediate portion and a distal end portion. The intermediate portion has a longitudinal slot along one side thereof, a groove coextensive with a portion of the slot, and three other grooves spaced about the circumference of the body. This construction provides more desirable flexibility and allows improved revascularization about the nail. The nail is formed of a rod material and the slot and grooves are machined therein to the desired depth and shape.

Abstract: A dye injector apparatus is operatively disposed between a syringe containing an opaque dye suitable for x-ray photography and a cannulated screw or an orthopedic hip fixation device implanted in the ball head of a femur fractured at the femur neck. The dye injector comprises a cannulated shaft, a flange end suitably formed to receive the spout of the syringe, and a needle end suitably formed for insertion into the fixation device. The dye injector communicates the dye from the syringe to the cannulated screw. If the cannulated screw has extended beyond the femur ball head and penetrated the hip socket, an x-ray photograph of the hip socket shows the presence of the dye in the hip socket signaling the need for further operative care so that the cannulated screw will not postoperatively injure the hip socket.

Abstract: A femoral insert combines bone ingrowth surfaces in the proximal portion of the shaft which is wide in the medial-lateral direction and curved in the medial aspect with a distal portion which has a round cross-section and is curved in the direction of the anterior bow of the femur. Accordingly, firm fixation of the implant is initially provided by the distal portion functioning as an intramedullary rod while long term stabilization is achieved proximally through bone ingrowth. Also, the neck connecting the spherical head to the shaft through the collar is anteverted with respect to the collar at an angle of about 10.degree. to 12.degree.. The prosthesis for the left femur is basically a mirror image of the prosthesis for the right femur.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in reduction of fractures in the vicinity of the neck of the femur comprising a lag screw for being threadably received in or adjacent the head of the femur, and extending through the neck of the femur, an annular sleeve telescopingly receiving the shaft of the lag screw, with means capturing the lag screw within the sleeve for limited telescoping movement therein, and a trochanteric plate for securement to adjacent cortex portions of the femur is disclosed.

Abstract: A femoral insert combines bone ingrowth surfaces in the proximal portion of the shaft which is wide in the medial-lateral direction and curved in the medial aspect with a distal portion which has a round cross-section and is curved in the direction of the anterior bow of the femur. Accordingly, firm fixation of the implant is initially provided by the distal portion functioning as an intramedullary rod while long term stabilization is achieved proximally through bone ingrowth. Also, the neck connecting the spherical head to the shaft through the collar is anteverted with respect to the collar at an angle of about 10.degree. to 12.degree.. The prosthesis for the left femur is basically a mirror image of the prosthesis for the right femur.