Abstract: A device for engagement with a bone includes a dynamically expandable tip (12), a dynamically expandable ring (40), or other dynamically expandable insert (60, 62, 401L) that reacts to forces pushing the implant into bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) expands at least normal to the direction of motion, increasing contact area between the surrounding bone tissue and the material and thereby reducing the occurrence of high areas of contact stress in the adjacent bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) translates forces along an axis of motion into lateral frictional forces that can resist penetration into the bone tissue without the need for additional operator or patient interaction. A method of reducing migration of the device for engagement includes the steps of providing the device and inserting the device within bone tissue.

Abstract: A device for engagement with a bone includes a dynamically expandable tip (12), a dynamically expandable ring (40), or other dynamically expandable insert (60, 62, 401L) that reacts to forces pushing the implant into bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) expands at least normal to the direction of motion, increasing contact area between the surrounding bone tissue and the material and thereby reducing the occurrence of high areas of contact stress in the adjacent bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) translates forces along an axis of motion into lateral frictional forces that can resist penetration into the bone tissue without the need for additional operator or patient interaction. A method of reducing migration of the device for engagement includes the steps of providing the device and inserting the device within bone tissue.

Abstract: A mechanism to connect the supporting portions of orthopaedic implants such as in the head, spine, upper limb and lower limb and thereby prevent loosening and fretting at the implant interface of an orthopaedic implant construct has been developed based on shape memory effect and super-elasticity of shape memory materials such as nickel-titanium (nitinol or NiTi) shape-memory-alloy, without the use of typical threaded fastening technique. Advantages are conferred by making the entire device, not just connecting pieces, out of shape memory alloy and having shape memory effect and super-elasticity. Heating the memory head of the device will compress the connection portion without the use of an auxiliary device (e.g. coupling member) so that the connection portion can be completely clamped down by the memory head.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioactive bone cements that not only have sufficient radiopacity, low physiological toxicity, and requisite mechanism strength, but also promote local bone in-growth. The bone cement utilizes strontium salts as radiopacifiers, and comprises a powder component and a liquid component. In an embodiment, the powder component comprises a strontium salt, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and a polymerization initiator; and the liquid component comprises methyl methacrylate (MMA) as reactive monomers and a polymerization accelerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone fixation device having a fixation member using a shape memory effect to secure bone fractures, including but not limited to, femur, tibia and humerus fractures. The fixation member can be malleable at a room temperature, but become rigid at a body temperature because of the shape memory effect, such as derived from a super-elastic property found in such as a nickel titanium alloy. The fixation member can be formed on one or more of the shaft portion and the two end portions of a nail member for securing bone fractures, such as by providing translational and rotational stabilities. The fixation member is also capable of providing a continuous and controllable compression force over the fractured bone, if needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone fixation device having a fixation member using a shape memory effect to secure bone fractures, including but not limited to, femur, tibia and humerus fractures. The fixation member can be malleable at a room temperature, but become rigid at a body temperature because of the shape memory effect, such as derived from a super-elastic property found in such as a nickel titanium alloy. The fixation member can be formed on one or more of the shaft portion and the two end portions of a nail member for securing bone fractures, such as by providing translational and rotational stabilities. The fixation member is also capable of providing a continuous and controllable compression force over the fractured bone, if needed.