Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of implanting a fusion plate, having at least two primary fastener openings, into a patient is described. According to the inventive method, a throat of the patient is dissected, providing access through the throat dissection to a spinal column of the patient. The fusion plate is inserted into the throat dissection, and the fusion plate is then positioned in an asymmetrical relationship with a sagittal plane of the spinal column. A first primary fastener is inserted through a first primary fastener opening of the fusion plate and into the first vertebra. A second primary fastener is inserted through a second primary fastener opening of the fusion plate and into the second vertebra. A cervical fusion apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of performing a decompressive craniectomy includes removing a bone flap from a cranium, attaching one end of a movable plate to one end of the bone flap, and attaching another end of the movable plate to the cranium. The movable plate is configured to allow the bone flap to move to accommodate swelling of intracranial contents.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for reducing a bone fracture and an apparatus such as a cable button for use with a bone plate, the cable button including cable button threads, a plurality of cable button apertures, a hex socket, and a hex opening. The present disclosure also includes a method for reducing a bone fracture and an apparatus such as a cable button for use with a bone plate, the cable button including a plurality of legs, where a leg includes a protrusion, where the protrusion engages the bone plate, and the cable button defines at least one cable button aperture.

Abstract: A bone plate system is disclosed which includes a bone plate having at least one plate hole, at least one pin adapted to be disposed in the at least one plate hole, and a polymer component disposed between the at least one pin and the bone plate. The polymer component includes a polymer that may be melted through the application of ultrasonic energy. The at least one pin is constructed of a material that will not melt under such application of ultrasonic energy. The re-solidified polymer component creates a bond between the at least one pin and the bone plate to provide a more rigid and secure mating therebetween, and to at least substantially prevent backout of the at least one pin with respect to the bone plate. A method of implanting the bone plate system is also disclosed.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation with a bone plate attached to a fastener assembly including a first fastener disposed in threaded engagement with the bone plate and a second fastener disposed in threaded engagement with the first fastener.

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: System, including apparatus and methods, for fixing bone with a bone plate supported temporarily at a slant on bone by a leg member before the bone plate is used as a lever to reposition a region of the bone. In some embodiments, the leg member may be a post member that attaches to the bone plate by threaded engagement with an aperture of the bone plate. In some embodiments, the bone plate and the leg member may be used near the end of a long bone, such as on a distal portion of a radial bone.

Abstract: A guide tool having a through bore and at least one distal locating feature is provided. The distal locating feature of the guide tool is placed into a predetermined relationship with the plate. A fastener is engaged with a distal end of a driver shaft of a fastener driver. The fastener driver has a driver orientation means associated with the driver shaft. The fastener is inserted into the through bore of the guide tool with the fastener driver. The driver orientation means is mated with a guide orientation means located in the through bore of the guide tool. At least a portion of the fastener is inserted through the fastener hole. The fastener is secured into the bone through actuation of the fastener driver. The fastener driver is withdrawn from the guide tool, which is withdrawn from the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an osteosynthesis system (1) comprising at least one bone plate (2), at least one blade (3) and at least one bone anchor (4). The blade (3) is configured such as to be insertable at a predefined angle (?) in relation to the bone plate (2) through a through hole (8) provided on a first longitudinal portion (6) of said bone plate (2) and into a bone. The blade (3) comprises at least one opening (9) which is configured such as to be aligned with at least one bone anchor hole (5) provided on a second part (7) of the bone plate (2) when the blade (3) is fully inserted into said through hole (8), such that the bone anchor (4) may be inserted through said bone anchor hole (5) and said opening (9).

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: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having movable locking elements.

Abstract: A bone plating system comprising: a plate, where the plate is low-profile and capable of contouring to a bone; a variable number of screw holes, locking or non-locking; at least one channel or tunnel through the plate; and at least one flexible device passing through the channel or tunnel and passing through soft tissue attached to the bone. The low profile plate, in combination with the flexible device passing through the surrounding soft tissue, functions as a tension band and acts to neutralize the muscle forces tending to pull the bone apart at a fracture. The low profile tension band plating system is targeted for periarticular tensile fractures for repair of patella, olecranon, greater trochanter, greater tuberosity, radial styloid, lateral or medial malleoli, or lateral malleolus.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: A distal radius fixation plate for volar plating may comprise a distal radius fixation plate body configured to be placed adjacent a fractured volar distal radius and proximal to a watershed line of the volar distal radius and a distal radius fixation plate extension approximately 60 to 80% thinner on average than the distal radius fixation plate and projecting from the distal radius fixation plate body and configured to be placed so that it extends distal to the watershed line, the plate extension configured to curve around an ulnar/volar corner of the distal radius bone so as to engage the volar lip preferably without curving around other parts of the volar lip of the distal radius. The plate extension may have a hook at its upper end. The plate body may have an obliquely angled screw hole to buttress a radial styloid fragment.

Abstract: A fracture fixation device is described for fixing a bone having a near cortex and a far cortex, comprising a shaft portion configured to span a distance between the near cortex and the far cortex of the bone; a head portion adjoining the shaft portion and providing for engagement of the device with a bone plate, wherein the head portion is integral with the shaft portion; and a threaded front section for engagement of the device with the far cortex of the bone, wherein the device permits motion of the shaft portion relative to the near cortex.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes holes for receiving fasteners along a fixed axis relative to the plate. The plate is positioned against the radius bone, and a portion of the plate is preliminarily fixed to the radius bone. The fracture is reduced, and a plurality of fasteners are each inserted through a respective plate hole so as to extend immediately below the subchondral bone of the radius bone and is fixed in axial relationship relative to the plate. Together the fasteners form a stabilizing construct that conforms to the concave curvature of the articular surface of the radius bone.

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: A bone screw is provided, with a thread section (2) of tubular construction having a tip (3) at its first end and a second end opposite the latter. The tubular thread section (2) comprises a bone thread (22) on its outer wall, and the wall of the thread section (2) comprises a plurality of recesses (21). The bone screw further includes a holding element (4, 6) with a first section (41, 61) for connection to the thread section (2) and with a rod-like second section (43, 63) which in the inserted state of the holding element (4, 6) protrudes beyond the second end of the thread section (2). A stop is provided for limiting the distance of insertion of the holding element (4, 6) in the thread section (2). The holding element (4, 6) comprises an element (44, 64) at its free end for engagement with a screw-in tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transbuccal plate holding cannula used in osteofixation procedures. The transbuccal plate holding cannula of the present invention can be releasably secured to a bone plate such that tools and fasteners may be passed through the plate holding cannula in order to secure the bone plate to a bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive stabilization of anterior pelvic fractures consisting of two rod shaped implants that may be surgically inserted subcutaneously or along the bone surface of each hemipelvis and a means of both linking the individual rods as well as rigidly securing the construct to the pelvis.

Abstract: The instant invention is a novel method and construct for temporary or definitive minimally invasive treatment of broken long bones such as a femur or humerus. The method includes the steps of tunneling an elongated plate subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat layer parallel to the fractured long bone; and attaching the ends of the elongated plate to the fractured long bone. The elongated plate remains disposed in the subcutaneous fat layer and away from, but parallel to the long bone once attached to the long bone.

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: A device for treating a bone includes (a) an elongate body sized and shaped for insertion into a bone and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongate body including a channel extending therethrough and a coating along an outer surface thereof, the coating adapted to absorb a selected frequency of light such that, when the selected frequency of light is applied thereto, portions of the coating melt to form a mass; and (b) a first anchor member slidably mountable over the elongate body and movable therealong from a first position at the proximal end of the elongate body to a second position adjacent a bone into which the elongate body has been inserted to cooperate with the mass to fix the elongate body to the bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone plate for stabilizing a fractured greater tuberosity, wherein the bone plate comprises one or more apertures for fixing the bone plate to bone; one or more hook-arm receivers; one or more attachable hook-arms comprising one or more prongs and a device for attachment to the bone plate. The invention also relates to methods for stabilizing a fractured greater tuberosity using the bone plates of the invention and kits comprising the same.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods aimed at the proper placement and installation of textile-based orthopedic implants. More specifically, the surgical instruments include a flexible template, insertion instrument and multi-pronged awl. The flexible template may be formed of a combination of rigid and flexible materials and is deformable to match the contour of the target anatomy for subsequent placement of a textile-based orthopedic implant. The insertion instrument has a handle and a template end used for holding the flexible template and textile-based implant. The template end has one or apertures with hollow cylindrical extensions for holding the flexible template or textile-based implant and one or more cutout regions for better visualization and affixation of fixation screws. An awl is also provided with one or more prongs to initiate channels for the fixation screws. A method of implanting a textile-based orthopedic implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate for fixing bone fragments to bone is provided. The bone plate comprises an elongated body portion as well as a hook portion. The elongated body portion comprises an attachment opening configured to receive an attachment element for attaching the bone plate to bone. The hook portion extends from an end of the body portion and comprises one or more hooks configured to grasp a bone fragment. Additionally, at least one guiding opening is provided in the hook portion to receive an elongated guiding member for guiding the bone plate towards the bone fragment.

Abstract: An implant includes a section made of polymer, wherein at least a portion of the section has a layer of a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material. A method for fixation of a bone plate having several plate holes using the implant includes removing a cover sheet protecting the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material, activating the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with electromagnetic energy or with moisture, introducing the implant into one of the plate holes of the bone plate when the bone plate is positioned on a bone, pressing on an end of the implant in order to contact the activated layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with the bone underneath the bone plate, and allowing the activated and pressurized layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material to polymerize and/or cross-link and to adhere to the bone.

Abstract: A multilayer article including a thermoplastic layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a base layer have a first base surface and a second base surface opposite the first base surface, wherein the first base surface of the base layer is permanently bonded to the second surface of the thermoplastic layer, wherein the thermoplastic layer has a first glass transition temperature, Tg1, and wherein the multilayer article is rigid at temperatures less than Tg1 and is flexible at temperatures greater than Tg1.

Abstract: A hook plate assembly includes a bone plate extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and including an upper surface facing away from a bone, a bone contacting surface, a plate hole extending therethrough from the upper surface to the bone contacting surface and a connection section arranged at the second end. The plate hole is sized and shaped to receive a bone fixation element therethrough in combination with a hook including a connecting portion configured to connect the hook to the connection section of the bone plate and a fastening element releasably coupling the hook to the bone plate.

Abstract: A method for repairing a fractured bone includes providing a bone fracture fixation assembly including a plate, an elongated shaft, and a rod. At least a portion of the shaft is threaded, and the shaft has a hole extending therethrough. The hole has an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method further includes positioning the plate adjacent the surface of the fractured bone, extending the shaft into the bone, cooperatively engaging the threaded portion of the shaft with a screw receiving aperture of the plate, extending the rod into the bone, and inserting the rod into the hole of the shaft.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using overlapping bone plates each including a plurality of notches arranged along the bone plate to provide interchangeable overlap locations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying anteroposterior compression to tarsal or carpal bones are provided. One such method includes securing a first fixation plate and a second fixation plate medial and lateral to the bones, respectively, with an anchoring bolt, wherein the anchoring bolt secures the first and second fixation plates relative to each other and the bones. The method may further include inserting a first and second pin into the bones through compression slots disposed on each of the first and second fixation plates. The method may further include using a first clamp to apply a first anteroposterior compression to the first and second pins associated with the first fixation plate and using a second clamp to apply a second anteroposterior compression to the first and second pins associated with the second fixation plate.

Abstract: A method for joining together a first, a second and a third bone part of a surgical patient includes obtaining a bone plate having a first, a second and a third portion arranged along a longitudinal axis. The first portion contains a first slot for receiving a first compressing screw. The second portion is adjacent to the first portion and contains a second slot for receiving a second compressing screw. The third portion is adjacent to the second portion and contains a threaded hole for receiving a locking screw. The method further includes positioning the first, second and third portions over the first, second and third bone parts. The method further includes inserting the locking screw into the threaded hole and into the third bone part, inserting the second compressing screw into the second slot and into the second bone part, and inserting the first compressing screw into the first slot and into the first bone part, thereby urging the first, second and third bone parts together.

Abstract: Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides. In accord with tools disclosed and methods described, the plates are reconfigurable in shape.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

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 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 fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone, and a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.

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. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention regards a synthesis plate (1), particularly for pelvic osteotomy; the present invention also regards an instrument (101) and a method for the application of the same. According to the invention, said plate (1) is composed of two distinct, separate modular components (3,5) that can be connected and fixed to each other, such that it is possible to adjust the relative angle (CC) between said two components of the modular plate as required, and then fix and integrally join them together in the desired angular position. Advantageously, with the plate (1) according to the invention and the suitable tool (101) for the application thereof, the adjustment and selection of the mutual angular position of said components can be carried out at any time, even during the execution of the osteotomy operation.

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; a screw securing the proximal section to a first bone; and a screw 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: A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a fusion graft by the surgeon at the time of surgery is disclosed. The SC device is attachable to adjacent vertebral bodies or other pieces of bone and has a device that applies compressive force to the adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion according to Wolffs law. The SC device has a locking mechanism that maintains the compression applied at surgery, but prevents further compression (settling) from occurring after surgery. The SC device allows the surgeon the ability to compress a segment, measure the applied compression, and lock the segment in the compressed position. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure is applied to the SC device through a compression device that applies a desired and measurable amount of force.

Abstract: Methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra using a vertebral facet joint drill tool are provided. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

Abstract: A device for compressing fractured portions of a bone includes (a) first and second jaws movable relative to one another to compress fractured portions of a bone therebetween, the first and second jaws being connected to one another such that bone gripping portions thereof remain parallel to one another throughout a permitted range of motion of the first and second jaws and (b) a first guide sleeve attached to the distal end of the first jaw and a second guide sleeve attached to the distal end of the second jaw. The first and second guide sleeves have central axes coaxial with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical method for positioning a permanent percutaneous electrical connection device in a receiving bone site of a patient, the patient being a human being or an animal, and the device comprising, on the one hand, a plate-implant integrating at least one fixed electrical connection port and, on the other hand, a percutaneous electrical connection abutment designed to be coupled to the electrical connection port, the method comprising the following successive steps: step of preparing the receiving bone site, during which: the cutaneous plane facing the receiving bone site is incised, then the periosteum of the receiving bone site is incised and detached and then reclined to clear the bone structure, then the bone structure is hollowed out so as to form a cavity in which the plate-implant is to be impacted; step of impacting the plate-implant into the cavity formed in the receiving bone site, during which: the plate-implant is anchored in the cavity formed in the receiving bon

Abstract: A multi-axis connection for transferring load from the vertebrae of a patient to a plate extending from one vertebra to another vertebra when affixed to the respective vertebrae by screws extending through holes in the plate at the level of the respective vertebrae, each screw being oriented at any of a plurality of angles relative to the plate. The threaded shank of each screw is screwed into the vertebral body and the head is positioned in the central portion of the hole, the hole being defined by an aperture, an opening through which the screw extends, and the central portion between aperture and opening. The diameter of the head is larger than the aperture of the hole in the plate and is provided with a screw thread that engages the smaller diameter aperture of the hole to pull the head into the central portion of the hole when the screw is rotated, the head of the screw being retained within the hole by the smaller diameter aperture and the opening of the hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for a device, tooling, methods of use and kits containing the cranial plates and bur hole covers used for resecuring a cranial flap after a craniotomy. The cranial repair system is meant to reduce the profile of cranial plates or bur hole covers on the external surface of the cranium after a craniotomy is performed. The embodied devices of present disclosure are designed to reside substantially within the kerf or bur holes and thus minimize the surface area of devices resides on the external surface of the cranium. Additional embodiments include kits, tooling and methods to further reduce and/or eliminate the external profile of the cranial plate on the external cranial surface.

Abstract: The juxta-articular stabilisation system constitutes of a plate with integral pin and tail part, a plate specific jig, a plate and jig specific drill sleeve, a plate positioner, a slotted head screw, a pin bender, screws and pins. This system can be used for fixation of most types of fractures involving the juxta-articular radius. The plate has a most juxta-articular row of screw holes in individually bendable and detachable extensions especially designed for very distal fractures or the volar lip fractures. The plate and jig assembly have plate positioning apertures in its juxta-articular part to allow adjustment in position of plate in longitudinal, transverse and oblique directions after temporary fixation to the juxta-articular fragment with a pin prior to fixation to diaphyseal fragment. This allows a very precise placement of the plate in the most desirable position. The drill guiding jig can be assembled to the plate prior to surgery thus reducing surgical step and time.

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: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle or fixed angle anchor assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the assembly with respect to the device. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the anchor assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.