Abstract: A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.

Abstract: A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.

Abstract: A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.

Abstract: A support for an x-ray cartridge includes a base to be placed under the patient having a series of projections or tie downs to which a length of gauze or surgical sponge may be attached. On one end of the base is a U-shaped member for receiving one edge of the x-ray cartridge. An upright U-shaped member is aligned with the first U-shaped member for supporting the cartridge in the aligned groove provided by the U-shaped members. The upright U-shaped member includes one or more projections or tie downs to which the gauge or surgical sponge may be attached. In use, a patient's foot is tied to the base and the upright member to stabilize the foot during exposure by a portable x-ray machine.