Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) comprising an assembling piece (3) provided with a hole (4), and a fixing element (5) having a shank (6) as well as head (7). The device (1) has a locking screw (8a) of the head (7), characterized in that the hole (4) is shaped for producing a stop (9) for the head and for enabling the head (7), when it rests against the stop (9), to be displaced inside the hole (4) in the plane of the cross-section of the hole (4), the hole (4) having an inside thread in which the locking screw (8A) is to be screwed so that the locking screw (8A) rests against the head (7) and thus presses the latter against the stop (9). The invention also relates to fixing devices, in particular, surgical implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy by sintering. This process makes it possible, for the first time, to produce components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy which provide outstanding elasticity together with a sufficient strength. Materials of this type can be used as biocompatible endosseous implant materials.

Abstract: An anterior spinal plate has affixed to at least a portion of a surface thereof at least one preformed drug-eluting device fabricated from a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The lateral sliding plate has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: A bone alignment implant includes a first bone fastener with a first bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the metaphyseal bone and a second bone fastener with a second bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the metaphyseal bone. A link connecting the two fasteners spans across the physis. These implants act as a flexible tethers between the epiphyseal and the metaphyseal sections of bone during bone growth. These implants are designed to adjust and deform during the bone realignment process. When placed on the convex side of the deformity, the implant allows the bone on the concave side of the deformity to grow. During the growth process the bone is then realigned. A similar procedure is used to correct torsional deformities.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements for locking only one bone screw to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bushing, and at least one bone screw. The bushing is positioned within a through hole of the plate. The bushing and screw are configured to engage each other to inhibit the screw from backing out. The screw includes a visual indicator surface that is visible to the operator during insertion of the screw through the bushing and plate. The bushing is configured to cover at least a portion of the visual indicator surface to show when the bushing and screw are properly engaged to inhibit backout of the screw.

Abstract: An internal plate fixation device is provided for load bearing and non-load bearing fixation during and after a Ludloff osteotomy procedure for hallux valgus correction in the first metatarsal bone of the foot. The fixation device includes a U-shaped plate having a straight section interconnecting a pair of opposed legs which are bent relative to the straight section. The straight section is formed therethrough with a set of non-threaded holes for receiving non-locking screws therein, and the legs are formed therethrough with a set of threaded holes for receiving locking screws therein. The straight section and the non-locking screws are configured to engage a dorsal portion of the first metatarsal bone. The legs and the locking screws are configured to engage a medial portion of the first metatarsal bone.

Abstract: Medical devices having more than one degradation zone or degradation mechanism are used for orthopedic repair devices and soft tissue fixation devices.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable and modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones including specifically the small bones of the spine. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape including a central trunk portion including one or more screw holes along a longitudinal axis and a set of divergent upper and an oppositely extending set of divergent lower arms, each arm including screw holes which are placed at a radially equal distance but which diverging asymmetrically from the longitudinal axis relative to its paired upper or lower mate. The screws of the system are self-starting, self-tapping screws including the option of partial or full cannulation. In a further embodiment, the plate is intended for use through the length of the spine.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bone screw, and at least one cap member. The screw extends into a through hole of the plate and a head of the screw seats in the through hole. The plate includes an undercut slot adjacent to the through hole. The cap includes at least one tab member that extends radially outward. The cap is mounted in the through hole with the tab member positioned in the undercut slot to inhibit the screw from backing out of the plate. In some arrangements, the tab member is rotatable within the undercut slot from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: An occipital plating system includes a fixation assembly with a plate and a coupling member extending from a respective one of opposite lateral portions of the plate. The coupling members each include a passage that opens in at least one of a medial or lateral direction to receive a connecting element extending from the spinal column.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing ribs with bone plates.

Abstract: A plate for securing bones together includes an elongate spine having at least one groove spanning along a length of the spine parallel to a central axis of the spine, and a plurality of arms extending laterally from the spine, the plurality of arms comprising at least one arm on a first side of the spine and at least one arm on a second side of the spine.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures and other bone maladies. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of a stabilizing structure, such as an implant, bone plate, or other device and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The stabilizing structure in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the stabilizing structure.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against a bone, a plurality of bone screws for securing the plate along an non-fractured portion of the bone, and a plurality of bone pegs which extend from the plate and into bone fragments of the fracture to provide a supporting framework. The pegs can be oriented at various angles relative to an axis normal to the lower surface of the plate. For each peg, once the peg has been appropriately positioned within the peg hole, a set screw is threaded into the peg hole and tightened, thereby securing the peg in the selected orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape including a central trunk portion including one or more screw holes along a longitudinal axis and a set of divergent upper and an oppositely extending set of divergent lower arms, each arm including screw holes which are placed at a radially equal distance but which diverging asymmetrically from the longitudinal axis relative to its paired upper or lower mate. The screws of the system are self-starting, self-tapping screws including the option of partial or full cannulation.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis device is provided. The device includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The first portion is positioned substantially along a first plane and is configurable to fit a first bone surface. The second portion is positioned substantially along a second plane that is different from the first plane and is configurable to fit a second bone surface.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal fixation plate assembly includes a spinal plate, a receiving member, and a fastener resulting in a low profile orthopedic device. The plate may comprise a hole for maintaining the receiving member. The relationship between the receiving member and the plate may allow the plate to adjust during graft settling. The receiving member may be locked to the plate utilizing the mechanical or chemical properties of the device, or the receiving member may be configured to move and rotate freely within the plate hole, even after the fastener has been secured to the bone. The receiving member may have a tapered sidewall defining a through hole to matingly engage the fastener, which may also have a tapered portion forming a tapered lock-fit therebetween. The receiving member may comprise a lip for retaining the fastener within said receiving member.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plate holder having (i) a body, and (ii) a coupling component rotatably supported by the body. The assembly also includes a bone plate defining (i) a plurality of fastener openings, and (ii) a recess. The coupling component has a set of external threads. The bone plate has a set of internal threads located within the recess. The set of internal threads are configured to mate with the set of external threads.

Abstract: A device is formed by a discontinuous process into a bone screw, plate, or fastener, wherein the device has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and upon reheating above glass transition temperature of the polymer, the device remains dimensionally stable, as it maintains its dimensions, strength, and degree of polymer orientation. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for use with a bone plate having fastener holes oriented at predetermined angles with respect to the plate, the surgical drill guide having at least one alignment drill guiding barrel that is aligned with the respective fastener holes in the bone plate for drilling the holes at the desired range of angles permitted by the plate hole.

Abstract: A cervical compression plate assembly having screw receiving elements at opposite ends that are configured for engaging bone fixation screws extending from respective vertebral elements. The assembly permits the distance between the screw receiving elements at opposite ends to be shortened but prevents the distance from increasing. A spring mechanism is housed within the plate assembly and is configured for continuously urging the screw receiving elements at opposite ends together for thereby providing continuous compressive loading on bone graft material disposed between the vertebral elements.

Abstract: The device according to the invention, for reducing a fracture, in particular a fracture at bone epiphyses, comprises: an osteosynthesis plate with an elongated body part prolongated by a single-piece head part, said head part including at least some orifices adapted for “poly-axial” assembly of fastening screws, a targeting guide type device fitted with through-orifices adapted for acting as a guide to said fastening screws, means for drilling orifices with a set of suitable drill bits, a first drilling guide suitable to cooperate with one of said orifices of the plate head, to allow the drilling into the bone of a pre-drill-hole by a “poly-axial” type technique, and a second drilling guide adapted for co-operating with one of the orifices of said targeting guide positioned on said plate head so as to enable the realisation of a pre-drill-hole in the bone by a “mono-axial” type technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ulnar osteotomy plate for use in an ulnar shortening osteotomy. The ulnar osteotomy plate includes an elongated metallic plate having tapered ends, wherein the plate is concave in a direction perpendicular to a main axis. The ulnar osteotomy plate further includes a plurality of holes along the main axis, wherein the plurality of holes includes a substantially elliptical hole with a beveled interior edge located on a first side of the plate and a threaded hole located on a second side of the plate. A first screw is inserted into one end of the elliptical hole and further into an ulna underneath the plate, wherein the first screw includes a beveled edge underneath a head. A second screw is inserted into the threaded hole and further into the ulna, wherein the second screw includes a portion of the shaft near a head to be threaded.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for a fracture of a head portion of a long bone which has subchondral bone defining a convex articular surface, and particularly the proximal humerus. The system includes a plate element positionable on the long bone substantially opposite the head portion of the long bone and on a first side of the fracture, and a post element extending from the plate and into the head portion and across the fracture.

Abstract: Flexible spinal stabilization apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses include a flexible support element configured to be attached to a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The apparatuses also include a bone growth promoter coupled to the flexible support element. The flexible support element spans one or more intervertebral spaces but the bone growth promoter does not.

Abstract: Bone plate systems and anchor retainers are provided for use in surgical implants and bone repair. In a preferred form, the bone plate may include bores for receiving the bone anchors, and the bores may permit and define a path of translation or shifting of the bone anchors relative to the bone plate. The anchor retainers may be held in the bores to prevent back-out of the bone anchors. Once the anchor member is seated within the bone plate, the retainer may rest over a top surface of the anchor member so the anchor member is impeded from backing out of the bone plate. The retainer may expand or change shape to permit an anchor member to be driven through the retainer and may contract once an anchor member has been seated within the plate. In addition, a tool for insertion or extraction of the bone anchors is provided.

Abstract: Template systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in conjunction with corresponding spinal fusion plates. Preferred templates are slotted to allow for use with distractor pins and a distractor. Additionally preferred templates include windows to allow the operating surgeon to have more visibility of the intervertebral area, including the graft. After the appropriate sized template has been placed against the targeted vertebrae, holding pins can be placed into the vertebral bodies to help guide the fusion plate and to compress the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes a patient-specific alignment guide having a three-dimensional engagement surface custom-made by computer imaging to conform to a corresponding portion of a patient's tibial bone. The patient-specific alignment guide defines an elongated planar slot for guiding a blade. The planar slot is oriented at a selected angle and at a selected position relative to an anatomic axis of the patient when the engagement surface engages the corresponding portion of the tibial bone. The selected angle and selected position are determined during a pre-operative planning stage.

Abstract: A device, system and method for securing a plate to a bone. An anchor device has a screw (with a head portion) and a locking disc. The head portion includes a slotted wall defining a plurality of petals disposed around a central opening. The screw further includes an internal bore. The locking disc is rotatably disposed within the central opening, such that in a first rotational position the petals may flex inwardly, and in a second rotational position the petals are substantially prevented from flexing inwardly. A tool for manipulating the anchor device has a shaft with its end configured to mate with the internal bore of the screw to permit selective rotation of the screw, and a sleeve member rotatably and slideably mounted on the shaft having an end that mates with the locking disc to permit selective rotation of the disc.

Abstract: In some aspects, the spinal plates of the present disclosure are sized and shaped for use in a spinal level adjacent to a previously treated spinal level. The spinal plates of the present disclosure are generally no-profile or low-profile plates. That is, the spinal plates are sized and shaped for positioning entirely within the disc space between adjacent vertebrae such that the plates either do not extend beyond the outer boundaries of the vertebrae (no profile) or extend only slightly beyond the outer boundaries of the vertebrae (low profile). The spinal plates of the present disclosure are also configured to receive fixation members, such as bone screws, in a hyper-angulated orientation. The hyper-angulated screws facilitate optimal cortical bone purchase or penetration of the adjacent vertebrae to fixedly secure the spinal plates to the vertebrae.

Abstract: A fixation system (10) includes a device having a nail portion (12) and a plate portion (14), preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion (16). The nail portion (12) includes preferably threaded screw holes (24, 26), and the plate portion (14) includes longitudinally displaced peg holes (50, 52, 54), each of which is adapted to orient a peg (56, 58, 60) in a different orientation from the others. The system (10) also includes unicortical screws (28) having a reasonably large head (36) adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft (32) adapted to engage in the screw holes (24, 26), and pegs (56, 58, 60) adapted to engage in the peg holes (50, 52, 54). Where threaded screw holes (24, 26) are used, bone is clamped between the nail portion (12) and the head (36) of the unicortical screws (28, 30). The pegs (56, 58, 60) provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments.

Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A bone plate(s) of complex form is provided, particularly suited to tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy and a distal femoral osteotomy. The bone plate has a main longitudinal axis, a bone-contacting bottom side (not shown) and a top side with at least three sets of overlapping holes which communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The sets of overlapping holes define threaded apertures having multifaceted surfaces. When applied to a bone, two sets of such overlapping holes are located so as to lie on opposite sides of an osteotomy site and on the tibial plate; a third is aligned at approximately 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis. The configuration of this complex bone plate vary, depending on the physiology of the patient. An object of the invention is to provide an orthopedic surgeon greater flexibility of choice in that a threaded peg providing secure fixing can be positioned at any interval along the bone plate, including at its extreme ends or on its elbow.

Abstract: An occipital plating system includes a fixation assembly with a plate and a coupling member extending from a respective one of opposite lateral portions of the plate. The coupling members include a channel to receive a connecting element extending from the spinal column. The coupling members are rotatable and translatable relative to the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of bony region stabilization are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An instrument for use in moving bone fragments of a bone fracture with respect to one another is disclosed. Preferably, movement of a portion of the instrument causes translational movement of a first bone fragment with respect to a second bone fragment. In certain embodiments, the instrument is used in conjunction with a bone plate and an elongate element, such as a K-wire. Methods for utilizing the instrument and moving bone fragments with respect to each other are also disclosed.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: A system for lockably engaging bone screws into a fixation plate may include a locking fixation plate including a threaded screw hole defined by an inner surface surrounding the threaded screw hole, the inner surface comprising an upper countersink and a threaded portion, the threaded portion comprising a pair of threads arranged in a double helix configuration, and a screw comprising a generally conical head tapering into a generally cylindrical shaft that ends at a tip and a single thread beginning near the tip and extending along the generally cylindrical shaft and onto the generally conical head, a thread height of the single thread being constant over a majority of the generally cylindrical shaft and tapering as the thread extends onto the head.

Abstract: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite direction and in laterally offset relation. The connector includes first and second side-by-side receptacles for receiving respective ones of the rods. The connector includes a clamping arrangement to releasably secure the rods in the respective receptacles. The receptacles allow the relative axial position between the rods to be adjusted to accommodate anatomical conditions.

Abstract: Craniotomy closure systems comprising surgical fasteners and a protective covering over the dura are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips optionally used in combination with the craniotomy closure systems are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closure systems are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.

Abstract: Cerclage system, including methods, devices, and kits, for stabilizing bone, such as a sternum. The cerclage system may include a wire or cable that encircles bone, and a bone plate to which segments of the wire or cable lock. The cerclage system also or alternatively may include a tensioner for applying tension to a wire or cable.

Abstract: A bone plate with a longitudinal axis has a bone-contacting bottom side and a top side. Sets of overlapping holes communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The overlapping holes have multifaceted surfaces such as a threaded surface or a coaxial series of annular grooves. The sets of overlapping holes are a adapted to receive a bone screw with a head and a bone-engaging thread.

Abstract: A polyaxial occipital plate assembly and method comprises a longitudinal member; a polyaxial connector head; a socket portion adapted to retain the connector head; a flexible clip operatively connected to the socket portion and adapted to receive the longitudinal member; an occipital plate comprising clips operatively connected to the connector head; and a locking mechanism operatively connected to the connector head and the clips, wherein engagement of the locking mechanism to the connector head causes the clips to lock into the connector head and outwardly expand the connector head thereby causing the flexible clip to squeeze against the longitudinal member. The plate comprises a pair of opposed legs comprising the clips attached to ends of the legs; a body portion operatively connected to the pair of opposed legs, wherein the body portion is positioned at any of an obtuse and an acute angle relative to the pair of opposed legs.

Abstract: A vertebral plate assembly is configured to be attached to an existing plate assembly for fixation of at least a first vertebrate to a second vertebrate in a spinal column. The existing plate assembly fixates the second vertebrate to one or more other vertebrae in the spinal column. The vertebral plate assembly includes a vertebral plate having a length along a central axis extending between a first end and a second end. The second end is sized to sit on at least a portion of one end of the existing plate assembly.

Abstract: A new Intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced that comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. The invention has a number of new design features including: double axis adjustable side plates, stepped conical tipped body and piercing tips on side plates, among many mentioned in this disclosure, that improves the quality of the surgery and the result for the patient. More examples are given in this application.