Abstract: An olecranon fracture fixation system includes an intramedullary core that is dimensioned for insertion in an intramedullary canal of the bone, and a hollow shell that is dimensioned for insertion in the intramedullary canal. The shell includes fixation elements that extend outwardly away from a proximal end of the shell. A fastener is provided for attaching the shell to the core in the intramedullary canal. When the core and shell are inserted in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements extend away from the fracture line of the bone, and when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements engage an end surface of the end section of the bone. In one example version of the invention, the system is an olecranon fracture fixation system wherein the fixation elements are dimensioned to engage the triceps tendon and an end surface of the olecranon when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal of the proximal ulna.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve.

Abstract: An olecranon fracture fixation system includes an intramedullary core that is dimensioned for insertion in an intramedullary canal of the bone, and a hollow shell that is dimensioned for insertion in the intramedullary canal. The shell includes fixation elements that extend outwardly away from a proximal end of the shell. A fastener is provided for attaching the shell to the core in the intramedullary canal. When the core and shell are inserted in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements extend away from the fracture line of the bone, and when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements engage an end surface of the end section of the bone. In one example version of the invention, the system is an olecranon fracture fixation system wherein the fixation elements are dimensioned to engage the triceps tendon and an end surface of the olecranon when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal of the proximal ulna.

Abstract: A joint fixation system particularly useful for joints of the hand is disclosed. The joint fixation system includes a joint fixation plate having a distal section, a proximal section, and an intermediate section connecting the distal section and the proximal section. The distal section includes a distal section screw hole, and the proximal section includes a proximal section screw hole. The joint fixation plate is pre-bent such that the distal section and the proximal section form an included angle of less than 180 degrees. The joint fixation system includes a first screw dimensioned to engage an inner surface of the distal section screw hole, and a second screw dimensioned to engage an inner surface of the proximal section screw hole. The first screw is angulated proximally when inserted in the distal screw hole, and the second screw is angulated distally when inserted in the proximal screw hole.