Abstract: A T-type bone anchor for attaching a structure, such as a braided cable, to bone includes an end unit attached in a T configuration to surgical cable. The anchor and cable can be made of a biocompatible material such as stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, or other metals. The end unit enables distribution of pull forces over a large cross section of bone. The T-type arrangement of the end unit also enables insertion of the T-type bone anchor through a small hole relative to cable diameter. The cable portion of the T-type bone anchor enables folding of the T-type bone anchor to facilitate insertion, flexibility, and resistance to fatigue failure. The cable can be coupled to orthopedic devices in a conventional manner. The T-type bone anchor and attached cable can be folded onto the end unit portion allowing packing into a conduit or needle for delivery into the bone.

Abstract: A furcated orthopedic bone screw includes a threaded portion that is cut or slotted into multiple radial segments. The furcated bone screw can be bifurcated, trifurcated, or have a number of radial segments greater than two or three. Each of the radial segments of the furcated bone screw is plastically deformed in a radially outward direction to create a compressible screw tip of increased diameter over the non-furcated portion of the bone screw. The resilient and elastic properties of the furcated bone screw material enable the compression of the radial segments during insertion of the furcated bone screw into a bone or prosthetic. Once inserted, the resilient properties of the furcated bone screw material cause the radial segments of the screw tip to return to their plastically deformed radially expanded state, thus causing a radial force against the screw hole and the bone or prosthetic.