Abstract: To reduce the risk of damaging organs in a body while delivering a thread during surgery, an instrument for delivering a surgical thread has a grip, an outer cylinder fixed the grip, a hollow needle extending inside the outer cylinder and being configured to be moved relative to the outer cylinder in an axial direction and a loop configured to be housed in the outer cylinder. An end of the outer cylinder is bent in a state where force is not applied. The hollow needle is exposed from the outer cylinder when puncturing skin or etc., and the hollow needle is housed in the outer cylinder when it travels near organs which should not be damaged.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel devices for controlling the unloading stress and recoverable strain of Nitinol devices and/or other shape memory material devices. The devices may be used to bring bone fragments into close proximity with each other, generate a compressive load between the bone fragments, and maintain that compressive load between the bone fragments while healing occurs.

Abstract: A method of forming a surgical staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket and positioning the second staple leg within a second cup of the staple pocket, contacting the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward a first side of the base wherein the first staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a first compressive force is applied to the first staple leg, and contacting the second staple leg to bend the second staple leg toward a second side of the base wherein the second staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a second compressive force is applied to the second staple leg.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion, a modular adapter coupled to the housing and the robotic system, and a motion conversion assembly. The end effector comprises a circular stapler configured to support an interchangeable staple cartridge. The motor comprises at least two windings. The modular adapter comprises at least three rotary shaft interfaces. The at least three rotary shaft interfaces are configured to actuate a closing motion and a firing motion of the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is operably coupled to the motor and the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to at least one axial motion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a surgical staple for treating tissues of a patient in a surgical procedure. The surgical staple is deformable from a first configuration (e.g., an undeployed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., a deployed configuration) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The surgical staple includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein said surgical staple substantially resembles a V-shape or a suture needle in the first configuration and substantially forms a D-shape in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body and staples is disclosed. The cartridge body comprises a tissue-facing deck wherein a slot extends along at least a portion of the tissue-facing deck, staple cavities arranged in a plurality of rows comprising an inner row and an outer row on a first side of the slot, and projections extending from the tissue-facing deck. The staples comprise a first staple comprising a first staple height and a second staple comprising a second staple height greater than the first staple height. The first staple is positioned in an unfired position in a staple cavity in the inner row and the second staple is positioned in an unfired position in a staple cavity in the outer row. At least one projection is positioned to provide localized tissue compression on the first side of the slot intermediate the first staple and the second staple.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism includes a motor, a planetary gear train, and a bidirectional ratchet mechanism; the input sun gear of the planetary gear train engages the output shaft of the motor; an output carrier of the planetary gear train engages an executing mechanism of the surgical instrument through a transmission mechanism; the bidirectional ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet, a bidirectional pawl assembly, and a stop; the ratchet is in rigid connection with an annular gear of the planetary gear train; the bidirectional pawl assembly includes a bidirectional pawl; the stop selectively drives a first end or a second end of the bidirectional pawl to lock the ratchet, so as to lock corresponding rotation of the ratchet when the motor drives the planetary gear train, and unlock corresponding rotation of the ratchet when the transmission mechanism drives the planetary gear train.

Abstract: A wound closure device for positioning within a wound gap defined between at least two tissue segments has an effect of drawing the at least two tissue segments to a state of proximity that closes the wound gap. The wound closure device includes a tubular collapsible member having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The wound closure device further includes tissue engaging structure for attaching the tissue segments to the tubular collapsible member.

Abstract: An automated reloading system for replacing a used end effector is disclosed. Various embodiments include a drive assembly configured to apply a rotary decoupling motion to a used end effector and a rotary coupling motion to a new end effector. An end effector support member is configured to support the new end effector and support and receive the used end effector while defining a decoupling orientation.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to an expandable compression device for application to anastomotically joined tubular tissues, comprising: an upper ring-shaped or disk-shaped flange at a distal end of said device connected to a lower ring-shaped inflatable flange at a proximal end of said device via a hollow cylindrical tubular body, with an opening forming an axial passage through said upper flange, lower flange, and tubular body.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue closure devices and methods for ligating a target tissue, such as the left atrial appendage. The tissue closure device may have an elongate body, a snare at least partially housed within the elongate body, a suture at least partially housed within the elongate body, and a tightening element coupled to the suture. The suture may have a suture loop, and the tightening element may be configured to decrease the size of the suture loop when the area of a tissue within the suture loop decreases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical restriction device for hollow organs of a body, having a longitudinal flexible element having a first and a second end, a closure device locking the longitudinal element annularly in a predetermined diameter position, and a tip as an insertion aid at the first end of the longitudinal element for placing the restriction device on the hollow organ, wherein the tip comprises a reinforcing core made of rigid material, wherein an opening is provided at the second end of the longitudinal element as part of the closure device, the tip can be inserted with the first end of the longitudinal element into the opening at the second end of the longitudinal element for locking the closure device, and the tip is fixedly connected to the first end; and can be cut off after locking the longitudinal element by the closure device.

Abstract: Embodiments of aortic occlusion devices are described herein that include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: Provided herein is an occlusion device for intrasaccular implantation and/or vascular occlusion comprising: (a) a substantially solid marker having a proximal end, and a distal end; and (b) a low profile resilient mesh body attached to the distal end of the marker, the body having a delivery shape and a deployed shape capable of conforming to aneurysm walls; wherein the body has a diameter greater than a diameter of an aneurysm to be treated. Also provided herein is a kit comprising the occlusion device disclosed herein and a means for delivery thereof. Methods of manufacture and use of the occlusion device disclosed herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use in preventing stroke is provided. The device may include an expandable member that expands from a non-expanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The expandable member is located at a neck of a patient. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing a kinematically-aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are disclosed. Goals of the kinematically-aligned TKA can include restoration of (1) the femoral and tibial joint lines to the patient's natural joint line, (2) the patient's Hip-Knee-Ankle alignment to their constitutional alignment prior to developing osteoarthritis and (3) restoration of the patient's natural soft tissue laxity and envelope. A shim block assembly can be used in resecting the distal medial and lateral condyles to account for cartilage wear on the distal condyles from osteoarthritis. The shim block assembly can include a plurality of shims, and each shim can be attachable to or integral with a reference block. At least one of the plurality of shims can have a medial portion with a thickness different from a thickness of a lateral portion of the shim. The shims need not be joined together as a single medial/lateral component but may be independent of one another.

Abstract: A self-cleaning tissue removal instrument is disclosed and described herein. The self-cleaning tissue removal instrument generally comprising: a handle operably coupled with a proximal end of a rail portion; a jaw portion operably coupled to a distal end of the rail portion, a longitudinal axis running along the proximal portion to the distal portion of the self-cleaning tissue removal instrument; wherein the jaw portion is moved from an open position to a closed position by operation of the rail portion translating along the longitudinal axis of the self-cleaning tissue removal instrument, and the jaw portion clamps down and removes tissue in the closed position; and a cleaning mechanism operably coupled with the rail portion, whereby the cleaning mechanism disengages any tissue attached to the jaw portion when the jaw portion longitudinally translates to the open position.

Abstract: A kit for plantar plate repair may include implants and instruments specific to the procedure, such as an implant assembly, a needle assembly, a distractor, a needle driver, and k-wires. Methods of assembling the items of the kit and methods of plantar plate repair are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating patient specific instruments for use as surgical guides. A region of interest within a body of a patient is scanned to provide a three-dimensional model of the region of interest. A first user is allowed to position a model of a selected implant with the three-dimensional model of the region of interest via a graphical user interface. A patient specific instrument model is generated from a generic patient specific instrument model according to the position of the model of the selected implant within the three-dimensional model of the region of interest and the position of at least one extension of the model that is not visible to the first user. A patient specific instrument is fabricated according to the patient specific instrument model.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a multi-lumen catheter for extracting or aspirating a blood clot or thrombus from arterial or veinous sites. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods of the present invention generally provide for ablation and/or disruption of vascular occlusions. An ultrasound transmission member, such as a wire, transmits vibrational energy from an ultrasound transducer to a distal head of the catheter to disrupt vascular occlusions. An absorber member is disposed on or around the ultrasound transmission wire at a location adjacent the sonic connector of the catheter. The absorber member absorbs heat, vibrations, and/or the like from the ultrasound transmission wire at or near the area where the transmission wire is coupled with the sonic connector. The absorptive function typically slows the process of wear and tear on the transmission wire, thus extending the useful life of the ultrasound catheter.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue. Generally, the systems may include a grasper and a delivery device configured to releasably couple to the grasper. The grasper may have a first jaw and a second jaw and a main body having a barrel portion. The barrel portion may have a lumen extending therethrough, and a portion of the delivery device may be advanced through the lumen to rotate one or both of the jaws. The delivery devices may include a handle, a shaft, and a distal engagement portion. The delivery devices may further include an actuation rod which may be advanced through a barrel portion of a grasper to actuate the grasper. In some instances, the delivery device may further include a locking sheath, wherein the locking sheath is configured to temporarily couple to a grasper.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece includes a housing comprising a motor, and a surgical tool removably coupled to the housing and configured to be driven by the motor. The surgical tool includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The handpiece includes an antenna for wirelessly transmitting RF energy, and a coupler that is electrically isolated from the antenna and the RFID tag and that is configured to guide the transmitted RF energy to the RFID tag.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a mechanical lockout. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes an activation lever that is configured to move from a first activation position toward the longitudinal axis to a second activation position. The activation lever is oriented obliquely relative the longitudinal axis in the second activation position. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation lever is operable to trigger ultrasonic activation of the ultrasonic blade by moving to the second activation position. The mechanical lockout is operable to selectively restrict movement of the first activation lever to the second activation position.

Abstract: A catheter system and corresponding methods are provided for accessing a blood vessel true lumen from a sub-intimal plane of the vessel. The catheter includes components that are symmetric about the longitudinal axis and allow for reentry without the need to ensure a correct orientation of the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into vasculature of a patient to a target area in the vasculature includes a hollow inner shaft, a non-occluding self-expandable scaffold coupled to the distal end of the inner shaft and disposed at the distal end of the inner shaft, and a hollow outer shaft. The outer shaft is slidable over the inner shaft and scaffold such that the scaffold is in a non-expanded state when the outer shaft is around the scaffold. The outer shaft has a state where the distal end of the outer shaft remains near the target area without the inner shaft and the scaffold being within the outer shaft. The inner shaft and the scaffold are removable through the proximal end of the outer shaft while the distal end of the outer shaft remains near the target area.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for identifying elastic lamina during interventional procedures, such as atherectomy. Such identification can be used to avoid trauma to the external elastic lamina during the procedure.

Abstract: A sheath comprises an elastomeric tube having a self-expanding scaffold coupled to a wall. The scaffold can expand to a diameter larger than the tube diameter to provide an enlarged distal opening. An aspiration catheter has a balloon and an aspiration port so that occlusive material can be removed from a blood vessel by drawing the balloon through the vessel while simultaneously aspirating through the port.

Abstract: A position guidance system for minimally invasive medical procedures includes a medical device having a first end configured for percutaneous insertion and a second end configured to remain exterior to a patient's skin, a hub connection provided at the second end of the medical device, at least one bubble level including a bubble configured to provide a visual indication of a deviation from a target angle for medical device insertion, and a connector configured to reversibly and repeatedly connect the bubble level to the hub connection of the medical device. When the bubble is positioned at a center of the bubble level, an actual insertion angle of the medical device is the same as the target angle. When the bubble is positioned off-center of the bubble level, the actual insertion angle of the medical device deviates from the target angle.

Abstract: A uterine fibroid tissue removal device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and configured to be translated and rotated relative to the outer tube, and a separately formed unitary distal tip member attached to a distal end of the inner tube, such that the distal tip member translates and rotates relative to the outer tube along with the inner tube, wherein a distal facing open cutting end of the distal tip member in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the distal tip member translates across a tissue resection window in a sidewall of the outer tube so as to sever tissue extending therethrough, the distal tip member axial lumen being in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the distal tip member is greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.

Abstract: A system for abrading skin to remove outer portions thereof includes an apparatus having a skin abrading head with a head portion and a skin abrading brush. The outer head portion has a rim for placement in contact with the skin along with the bristles of the brush. Air flow is generated in the head to bring the skin into engagement with the rim and bristles and transport removed skin portions.

Abstract: Dynamization struts and methods of use are provided. A dynamization strut may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a biasing member, and a bushing. The sleeve may comprise an inner recess with a first and second section. The shaft may comprise an interior section to be disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and sized to fit within the first section of the inner recess of the sleeve. The bushing may be secured against a portion of the shaft. Rotation of the bushing may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft. Compression of the biasing member may occur without a corresponding change in a total length of the dynamization strut. Rather, changes in the length of the strut may occur as a result of external compressive forces acting upon it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure having a variable diameter, the structure including: a bolt which extends in a longitudinal direction; a body which is disposed at one side of the bolt so as to surround the bolt; a core which is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the bolt; a plurality of extensions which is radially disposed outside the core; and a plurality of outer shells which surrounds the extensions so as to correspond to the extensions, in which the extensions are expanded outward or contracted in a direction toward a center thereof by the core in accordance with a rotation direction of the bolt, such that a diameter of an outer circumferential surface of the extensions is changed.

Abstract: An improved dynamic longitudinal connecting member includes a rod portion joined with a tensioned cord portion, for use in a medical implant assembly having at least two bone attachment structures, a spacer covering the join of the rod and cord portions and extending between the at least two bone attachment structures, a sleeve, a bumper and a cord blocker. The spacer and bumper are compressed. The cord portion is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone attachment members.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A modular uniplanar pedicle screw assembly for use with a polyaxial bone fastener. The modular assembly comprises a uniplanar tulip assembly adapted to be coupled to a head of the polyaxial bone fastener, wherein the uniplanar tulip assembly includes a longitudinal slot. The modular assembly further includes an adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is sized and shaped to be received in a recess of the bone fastener head. The upper portion extends from the lower portion and is adapted to slide along the longitudinal slot of the uniplanar tulip assembly to allow movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a first plane along a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot preventing movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a second plane lateral to the first plane relative to the bone fastener.

Abstract: A uniplanar bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw is provided. The lower region of the housing defines mating elements that mate with engaging elements on the bone screw to limit movement of the housing relative to the bone screw to a single plane.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic fastener blocking system that allows for a desirable number of fasteners to be used with an orthopedic device even when the orthopedic device is too small to accommodate a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners or when the accessibility to the device is reduced so that addressing a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners is not possible. The system includes an orthopedic implant and at least first and second fasteners where one of the first and second fasteners prevents the other of the first and second fasteners from uninstalling when the first and second fasteners are in the installed position.

Abstract: A vertebral surgery instrument includes: an engagement part for engaging with a pair of opposing parts provided on or attached to a vertebral implant in a state in which the vertebral implant is fixed to a vertebra, the pair of opposing parts forming a slit into which a fixation rod for fixing a plurality of vertebrae to each other is to be inserted; and a pair of guide parts that are provided integrally with or attached to the engagement part. The pair of guide parts are formed extending so as to separate from each other toward a side on which the fixation rod is to be inserted, in a state in which the engagement part is engaged with the pair of opposing parts, and the slit and a guide passage that is formed between the pair of guide parts are in communication with each other.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlocking nail (10) for fixation of transverse and short spiral fractures of, long bone, particularly shaft of the femur, tibia and humerus, having Graft extrusion space/slot (101) for holding stem cells graft and 4 or 5 holes for putting interlocking bolts from lateral to medial direction. Constant compression achieved (irrespective of weight bearing cycle) at the fracture site by tightening of the Endo-Compression Screws (108, 109 and 110) results in stimulation of stem cells and reduction in bone gap, thus enhances bone healing and union manifolds.

Abstract: A growth control device includes a bone plate having a stepped profile defined by a first level, a second level and an intermediate ramp connecting the first and second levels. The first level includes a first threaded hole for receiving a first bone fastener and the second level includes a second threaded hole for receiving a second bone fastener. The bone plate includes a proximal pair of side female notches, a distal pair of side female notches, a proximal guide hole and a distal guide hole.

Abstract: Devices and methods for locking one or more bone screws to a fixation plate. A cam-style locking feature may be disposed in the fixation plate such that, when the locking feature is in a first position, the bone screw is able to traverse an opening in the fixation plate and engage adjacent bone; and when the locking feature is rotated into a second position, an interference between the locking feature and bone screw causes the bone screw to be firmly secured to the fixation plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate and fastener system is provided for fixation of bones which has an implant that can selectably be used to achieve fixed angle and variable locking of the fasteners, as well as non-locking of the fasteners. The system includes a variable locking assembly that includes a locking insert, having threads which mates with internal threads of a through opening in the implant. The system also provides for locking fixed angle fixation, and non-locking variable angle fixation, all of which can be used with the threaded holes of the plates. The locking insert is provided on a ring driver, which is similar to or acts as the drill guide used with the locking fasteners of the present. Thus, the invention also relates to a method of enabling surgery where the surgeon can select the mode of fixation of fasteners between variable axis locking, variable axis non-locking, and fixed angle locking fixation, all utilizing the same fastener opening within the implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bone fixation plate has first and second ends spaced apart along a first direction so as to define a length, and third and fourth ends spaced apart along a second direction so as to define a height that is less than the length. The plate has an inner and outer surface spaced apart along a third direction so as to define a thickness that is less than both the height and length. Openings extend from the inner surface to the outer surface along the third direction and are spaced apart along the first direction. Further, the plate has tangs that are offset from the openings with respect to the second direction, and extend out with respect to the outer surface along the third direction. The tangs are spaced apart from one another along the first direction, and are configured to receive a securement device.

Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first porti

Abstract: Implementations described herein include headless compression screws and corresponding systems. The headless compression screw has a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from an insertion end to a driving end. The shaft includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from proximate the insertion end to a first intermediate point and includes a first thread extending along at least a portion thereof that has a constant pitch. The second portion extends from proximate the driving end to a second intermediate point and includes a thread extending along at least a portion thereof that has a variable pitch that decreases from a first value proximate the second intermediate point to a second value proximate the driving end. Methods of reducing a fracture using headless compression screws are also described.