Abstract: The surgical prosthetic device according to the present invention is adapted for placement between two adjoining vertebrae for total or partial replacement of the disk from therebetween. The device has two plates with interior surfaces facing each other and being held at a distance by connecting means and exterior surfaces for contacting the end plates of the two adjoining vertebrae. The connecting means is made of a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A bone regeneration membrane containing resorbable or degradable, polymeric and/or polymeric-ceramic material with a glass transition temperature in the range of -30.degree. to +200.degree. C.The novel membrane can be used for the spontaneous regeneration of bone and for the improved application of autologous or allogenic graft materials and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The device is implantable in the living body for attachment and augmentation of tendons and/or reinforcement of bones. It comprises a substantially flat membrane having a rounded outer shape and at least two perforations. The membrane contains resorbable or degradable polymeric and/or polymeric-ceramic material, having a Young's modulus in the range of 1 to 50 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 0.1 to 20.0 GPa. It allows a more secure fixation of transosseous sutures.

Abstract: A drill guide for drilling screw holes in bone fragments that are to be stabilized by means of a device composed of a compression plate and round-headed screws, the drill guide having a hollow outer cylinder and hollow inner cylinder, positioned so that the hollow inner cylinder can be slid axially within the outer cylinder by means of a spring mechanism, the plate-side end of the outer cylinder and the plateside of the inner cylinder having the shape of the spherical underside of the head and the shank of the screws to be used, respectively.

Abstract: A device for the reconstruction of the orbit of the skull is described. The device is produced from biocompatible polymeric preferably from resorbable polymers having a shape of nonporous and/or microporous plates, membranes or films. The device is preshaped into a three-dimensional element to fit into the orbit of the human skull. Fixation elements with holes being integral part of the device, allow attachment of the device to the skull. Anatomical cuts in the body of the device allow through the nerves and vessels of the eye. An oblong shape of the edges of the anatomical cuts, protects the nerves and vessels from being damaged when the nerves and vessels rub against the edge surface.

Abstract: An absorbable bone screw and plate system with self-locking properties. The absorbable bone screw comprises a threaded shaft portion 1 for insertion into bone and a head portion 3 for rigid connection in the screw hole 13 of a bone plate 20, the diameter of said head portion 3 increasing in the direction opposite to the shaft portion 1, and the outer surface of said head portion 3 being provided with a three-dimensional structure 4 in the form of corrugations.

Abstract: The resorbable fixation device is useful for treating torn bodily material in vivo. It has a tip, a head, and a cylindrically shaped shaft portion lying between the tip and the head. The shaft portion has at least one retention element protruding radially therefrom to facilitate insertion of said shaft portion longitudinally into the bodily material in a forward axial direction extending from the tip to the head and to restrict movement of the shaft portion through the bodily material in a backward axial direction opposite to the forward direction. The shaft portion has further a hollow body with at least one radial opening extending transversely through the walls surrounding the hollow body and rendering the shaft radially elastic. The walls surrounding the hollow body are provided with at least one stiffening element providing a controlled stiffness to the fixation device.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic pressure plate having several holes for bone screws positioned along its longitudinal axis and having an underside with curved recesses, designed for positioning on the bone so that immediately upon implantation there are spaces between the bone and the pressure plate.

Abstract: A sighting instrument, particularly for surgical purposes, comprising a handle, a tool socket and a direction finder which may be held between a radiation source and a radiation receiver, the position of which can be represented visibly by means of an image converter, allowing continuous adjustment of its orientation.

Abstract: Implant for bone surgery and for dental therapeutics, comprising an alloy containing defined critical amounts of titanium and/or zirconium, and other selected elements including niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum and aluminum. Dissolved gases may also be included. The alloy is free from copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and tin, apart from the usual impurities.