Abstract: An intramedullary nail includes a body sized and shaped for insertion into a medullary canal of a bone and extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and a channel extending through the body along the longitudinal axis in combination with a locking hole extending laterally through the body along a central axis and in communication with the channel, the locking hole defined by a first opening extending through a first portion of a wall of the nail and a second opening extending through a second portion of the wall substantially opposing the first portion, the first opening being elongated in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail and the second opening including a coupling element configured to lock a portion of a bone fixation element therein.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone includes a bone plate with threaded holes and two types of guides threadedly connected within the threaded holes. One guide is taller and smaller in diameter, whereas the other guide is shorter and wider in diameter. The guides provide guidance for drilling a hole through the guide and screw hole, and optional bending of the plate at the guide. The guides have structure allowing the guides to be individually removed through rotation.

Abstract: A method according to the present disclosure may include determining a load to be supported across separated bone regions by a bridge region of a bone plate. The method may further include determining an acceptable cut force (CF) for the bridge region, determining a cross-sectional area (a) of the bridge region based on the determined load, and determining a height (h) and a width (w) of the bridge region. A bone plate may be provided including a bridge region having the height (h) and width (w) for securing the separated bone regions.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a load carrier for a bone fixation system, with a locally varying material strength with unchanging material elasticity, and a method for producing such a load carrier. The load carrier, matched in view of the load flow acting on the fixation system, can also be used in critical anatomical regions, e.g. for hand implants.

Abstract: A bone plate for fixation of proximal humerus fractures comprises an elongated shaft portion having a first width and a head portion connected to the shaft portion having a second width greater than the first width. The head portion and the shaft portion define a common longitudinal axis. At least one first screw hole may be located in the head portion, and at least one second screw hole may be located in the shaft portion. At least one of the first and second holes is configured to engage a head of a bone screw to form an angularly stable connection with the bone screw.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device suitable for treatment of fractures of the tubular bones of the hand or feet. The implantable device can be used singly or introduced through both the radial and ulnar aspects. The device includes a stem having a tip portion at one end and a base member at the opposite end of the stem. The stem and tip portions are configured with a unique configuration and cross section to facilitate insertion into and through the canal and provide the necessary forces on the stem portion within the canal. The base is sized and configured to minimize tissue damage while as the same time providing a strong point of fixation.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bone plate system comprises a set of sterile malleable bone plates, an adjustable bending and contouring tower with adjustable angulation and compression slots and a set of bone plates with angulation and compression slots positioned at pre-selected locations to aid three-dimensional shaping of the bone plate. The surgeon inserts the sterile bone plate template to surround the fractured bone and works the template to acquire the physical shape of the fractured bone, inserts the template into the tower to set the adjustable angulation and compression slots of the tower. Now a symmetrical bone plate is inserted into the tower and bent to a shape that replicates the shape of the bone plate. The three-dimensionally shaped bone plate is sterilized and is attached by screws or nails surrounding the fractured bone segment and provides support to fractured bone segments during healing of the bone.

Abstract: A bone re-angling device may be used in performing an osteotomy. The re-angling device may be a generally wedge-shaped body. The re-angling device maybe coupled to the bone using a fixation member.

Abstract: A bone plate that may be used to maintain relative position of two pieces of fractured bone, for example, a fractured jaw bone. The bone plate has a slot and holes. The holes are surrounded by walls and the slot is also surrounded by walls. The thickness of walls surrounding the slot at their maximum is greater than the thickness of walls surrounding the holes. Often the nature of the fracture may require bending of the plate for implanting it as desired by the surgeon. Because walls of the slot are designed to be strong, the slot is not deformed when the plate is bent.

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 drill guide for use with a bone plate is provided in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings. The drill guide can include a body and a quick-connect coupling arrangement. The body can have a proximal end, a distal end and can define a guide passage therebetween. The distal end can have a bone plate engaging portion. The quick-connect coupling arrangement can be associated with the bone plate engaging portion, and can include first and second lobes projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the bone plate engaging portion. The bone plate engaging portion and the first and second lobes can be operable to be slidably received in a bone screw hole in the bone plate so as to removably couple the drill guide to the bone plate in a predetermined orientation relative to the bone screw hole.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of an elbow joint of a patient includes at least one bone plate, each bone plate having a plurality of holes and generally configured to fit an anatomical surface of the fractured bone. The at least one plate is adapted to be customized to the shape of a patient's bone. The system also includes a plurality of fasteners including at least one locking fastener for attaching the bone plate to the bone. At least one of the holes is a threaded hole. Guides for plate benders, drills, and/or K-wires can be pre-assembled to the threaded holes, and the locking fastener can lock into any of the threaded holes after the guides are removed.

Abstract: A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N?3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly has a bone screw with head having a continuously curved spherical outer surface. The curved surface nests in a split annular bushing having a plurality of segments curving around the screw head. The bushing has an outward extending flange that fits into a recess in a socket in a fixation plate. The plate has at least three legs which extend from ends of a cross-member to form one of an H shaped, X shaped or A shaped configuration. Each socket is curved to rotatably receive rotation of the bushing. The socket recess is larger than the bushing flange to allow the bushing to tilt a predetermined amount depending on a thickness of the outward extending flange.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems and methods for securing adjacent vertebrae in a fixed spacial relationship. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one interbody repair implant, at least one implantable vertebral frame and at least one retention member. In this embodiment, the interbody repair implant is sized to fit in an intervertebral space. The at least one implantable vertebral frame is configured to span between the adjacent vertebrae. The frame is also configured to attach to each of the adjacent vertebra to postoperatively maintain a desired spatial relationship between the vertebrae. The frame has at least one internal aperture there-through for providing visual access to at least a portion of the interbody repair implant, both intra-operatively and post-operatively. Methods of fusing two or more adjacent vertebral bodies in a portion of a spinal column are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a sternal closure device for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the device having two sets of anterior and posterior longitudinally extended brace members with brace joining mechanisms extending through the sternal halves to join the anterior brace members to the posterior brace members, such that the sternal halves are compressed between the anterior and posterior brace members, and transverse bridging members that laterally connect the two sets of brace members, with securing mechanisms to retain the two sets of brace members in a contracted configuration with the sternal halves in abutting relation.

Abstract: An instrument for holding a bone plate may include a first arm, a second arm connected to and adjustable relative to the first arm, a first connection tip at the distal end of the first arm configured to connect to the first side wall of the bone plate, and a second connection tip at the distal end of the second arm configured to connect to the second side wall of the bone plate. A stabilizing member is connected to the first connection tip. The stabilizing member is distally spaced apart from the first connection tip to form an opening for receiving a portion of bone between the first connection tip and the stabilizing member.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a plate member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plate member hole can have a spherically shaped sidewall. A right-hand helical thread can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole, and a left-hand helical cut can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole intersecting the right-hand helical thread. The left-hand helical cut can be configured to reduce a portion of a contact surface area of the right-hand helical thread and the sidewall of the plate member hole.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device having a distal section; a proximal section; a connecting member for adjustably securing the distal and proximal sections end to end along a longitudinal axis; means for securing the proximal section to a first bone; and means for securing the distal section to a least one different bone. The connecting member is rotated to provide compression across a bone arthrodesis site to be stabilized and fused. Also described is a method of utilizing the intramedullary fixation device with an outrigger assembly.

Abstract: An intravertebral device for modulating vertebral growth without changing spinal mobility or compressing the intervertebral disc. By implanting the device around the vertebral growth plate, on the convex side of the curvature, a compression is induced on one side of the growth plate during the vertebral growth. This local growth modulation decreases significantly the vertebral wedging and corrects the global deformity of the spine. The device provides a minimally invasive and fusionless way of correcting spinal curvatures while preserving the intervertebral disc.

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 cervical plate system (1) and method for use in the fixation of a spine comprising a fixation plate (2) having a aperture (3) extending from a bone fixation plate (2) top surface (5) to a bottom surface (12), dimensioned for admitting a bone fixation element (4) shank (15) therethrough and smaller than a bone fixation element (4) head (16) for retaining the head (16) within the aperture (3); and a locking plate (11) positioned adjacent to a surface of the fixation plate (2) and dimensioned for slidable movement along a lateral axis (13) of the fixation plate surface, from a first position wherein the locking plate (11) disengages at least a portion of the bone fixation element (4) to a second position wherein the locking plate (11) engages at least a portion of the bone fixation element (4).

Abstract: A vertebral attachment method and system that minimizes or eliminates the risk of severing, compressing, impinging or otherwise injuring the vertebral artery vertebral vein, spinal nerve roots and/or spinal cord. The system includes at least one plate that may be anchored to a posterior region of a vertebra using at least one clamp and fastener. The system may be specifically designed to retain a portion of the posterior region of the vertebra.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes an aiming guide extending from a first end to a second end, the aiming guide having a plurality of aiming holes, each aiming hole extending through the aiming guide from a proximal face to a distal face along a corresponding aiming hole axis and a bone implant having a proximal face facing the aiming guide and a distal face which faces a target portion of bone, the implant including a plurality of implant holes each extending through the implant from the proximal face to the distal face, an implant hole axis of each of the implant holes being aligned with the aiming hole axis of a corresponding one of the aiming holes. A first connecting bar is integrally formed with the aiming guide and bone implant to space the distal face of the aiming guide from the proximal face of the implant.

Abstract: An occipital plate system comprising: (a) a plate having one or more apertures for receiving bone fasteners adapted for securing the plate to the skull; (b) two rails extending outwardly from opposing sides of the plate; and (c) two rod receptacles, each comprising a body portion and a receiver portion, the body portion defining a passageway through which one of the rails slides, the receiver portion defining a cavity to receive a rod and threads above the cavity for receiving a set screw such that at least a portion of each of a rail, the rod and the set screw are contained within the rod receptacle.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.

Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the stabilization of the trapeziometacarpal joint following the removal or partial resection of the trapezium includes an assembly for securing a first metacarpal relative to a second metacarpal. The assembly includes a suture guide having a suture anchor plate that is frangibly connected to a guide stem.

Abstract: A sternal closure device is provided, comprising a first plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the first plate to one side of the sternum, and a locking region with at least one protruding aligning member; a second plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the second plate to the opposite side of the sternum, and a locking region dimensioned to contact at least a portion of the locking region of the first plate; and a rotating member that engages with the aligning member(s) on the first plate for holding the first and second plates together to secure the opposite sides of the sternum. The first and second plates can be separated by reversibly disengaging the rotating member from the aligning member(s).

Abstract: A bone plate has at least one plate hole whose hole axis runs obliquely in relation to the underside of the plate. The hole axis has an elevation angle (?) in relation to the plane of the underside of the plate which is different from 90°, and in which plate the upper face of the plate runs at least partially not parallel to the underside of the plate, at least in the area around the plate hole, but instead runs at a right angle to the hole axis. The plate hole is designed such that a bone screw, which is screwed into the plate hole, can be blocked in the plate hole at an angle selected from a predefined angle range around the elevation angle (?) of the hole axis of the plate hole only by cooperation of the plate hole with the bone screw, without other additional auxiliary means.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the lateral extensions. The face may have a height in an anterior-posterior direction greater than the spinous process of the sacrum. Further, the bearing face may be oriented in a superior direction when the device is mounted to the sacrum. An implant may be supported by the device to space the sacrum and L5 vertebra. The implant may be an interspinous device and positioned between the L5 spinous process and the bearing face. The implant is supported at least in part by the bearing face.

Abstract: A spinal plate for installation on one or more vertebrae. The spinal plate can be an asymmetrical cervical plate. The cervical plate can have a thicker side, a thinner side, one or more threaded fastener holes, and one or more locking fastener holes. The shape of the cervical plate can match the shape of a vertebra to facilitate installation, thus, the thickness of both the thicker and thinner sides, and shape of the cervical plate between the thicker side and the thinner side can match the shape of a vertebra. The cervical plate can include locking features that secure one or more locking fasteners in the one or more locking fastener holes, and thereby secure one or more threaded fasteners in the one or more threaded fastener holes.

Abstract: A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced along a centerline for insertion of bone screws. The plurality of projections may further comprise four barbed and pointed projections that a surgeon may quickly tap into the bone, thereafter securing the staple with two smaller bone screws. An Annular C shaped retention locking clip retains the bone screws and prevents counter-rotation and back out.

Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods of preoperatively planning a present surgical case including a surgical site located on a portion of a body of a patient are disclosed herein. Such methods may include converting at least one image of the surgical site into a three-dimensional model displayable on a display means and manipulating the model such that the model is displayable on the display means as a corrected model representing a corrected surgical site. The method may further include providing at least one medical device from a library of medical devices stored in a device database and providing a plurality of previous surgical cases maintained in a case database the plurality of previous surgical cases being made available for preoperatively planning the present surgical case.

Abstract: A bone plate system for use in an “open door” laminoplasty procedure, including a bone plate, a first fixation element, and at least one second fixation element. The bone plate is elongated and has a generally curved shape such that the plate has an associated radius of curvature. The plate is sized and dimensioned to span a gap between a pair of bony segments, for example a pair of bony segments constituting a divided lamina. The first and second fixation elements are each configured to securely attach the bone plate to the bony segments. The bone plate has a first end including a generally U-shaped slot extending therein such that the open end of the slot comprises a first terminal end of the plate.

Abstract: To establish the correct volar angle between the proximal radius and a distal fragment of the radius a cortical half pin with a self-threading screw is mounted in a collet. The collet is supported on a pair of members that clamp a volar plate under the collet, the volar plate has a hole in alignment with the half pin that enables the plate to pivot in a plane parallel to the members. The volar plate is tilted to contact the distal fragment and to be joined to the fragment. The half pin is screwed into the proximal radius and the members and collet are removed in order to allow the volar plate to be pressed back against the proximal radius and secured to the radius, thus establishing the correct volar tilt for the distal fragment relative to the proximal position of the radius.

Abstract: A substantially rigid plate is secured to a medial portion of a clavicle relative to a fracture in the clavicle. The plate is positioned so that it extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass. A hole is formed in the clavicle. A washer may be positioned at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle. Alternatively, the plate may include suture holes or edge features for securing a suture. A suture is secured to the washer, to at least one suture hole or to at least one edge feature, and extends through the first opening, through the hole in the clavicle and is secured to the coracoid process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical implant (10), and in particular, to a surgical implant for stabilising a bone fracture (20). The surgical implant (10) comprising a plate (14) and an elongate member (16) projecting from the plate (14). The elongate member (16) is provided for insertion into a bone (32) and the plate (14) is provided for attachment to a surface of a bone (24). Each of the elongate member (16) and the plate (14) are provided with at least one fastening region for fastening the surgical implant (10) to the bone (24, 32).

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: A bone plate assembly and method of use comprising a head; a shaft; an upper surface; a lower surface having a fixed plane intended to be adjacent to the patient's bone when the plate is in use; a first hole positioned in the head wherein the first hole passes through the upper and lower surfaces and is configured to fix a shaft of a first bone anchor along a first axis; a second hole positioned on the anterior portion of the upper surface of the head wherein the second hole passes through the upper and lower surfaces and is configured to fix a shaft of a second bone anchor along a second axis; and a third hole positioned in the posterior side of the head wherein the third hole passes through the upper and lower surfaces and is configured to fix a shaft of a third bone anchor along a third axis, wherein the first axis, the second axis and the third axis do not intersect in the bone when the plate is in use.

Abstract: A fixable suture anchor plate including an anchor plate having a tunnel aperture that aligns with one or more bone tunnels formed in the bone. The anchor plate also includes one or more suture passages that align with one or more grooves formed along an edge of the anchor plate to permit passing a suture through the anchor plate after the anchor plate is fixed to the bone. The anchor plate also includes a screw hole that allows the anchor plate to be fixed to a bone with a screw. A method for tendon-to-bone repair includes sewing a medial row of stitches proximate to a medial line of tendon-to-bone attachment and securing the suture to the anchor plate through a bone tunnel and sewing a lateral row of stitches along a lateral line of tendon-to-bone attachment and securing the second suture to the anchor plate.