Abstract: The invention discloses a modular surgical bone screw assembly having a threaded base portion and a screw head adapted to attach a variety of structures to bone. The features of the screw include a modular design for the assembly that separates the function of anchorage to the recipient bone to one of the modules of the device (threaded portion) from the other function of attaching another element (such as bone block, membrane, orthodontic wires, elastics etc) to a second module (the screw head). The design also allows the head to be exchanged after the implant has been placed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a modular surgical bone screw assembly having a threaded base portion and a screw head adapted to attach a variety of structures to bone. The features of the screw include a modular design for the assembly that separates the function of anchorage to the recipient bone to one of the modules of the device (threaded portion) from the other function of attaching another element (such as bone block, membrane, orthodontic wires, elastics etc) to a second module (the screw head). The design also allows the head to be exchanged after the implant has been placed.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a material for fused-deposition-type three-dimensional modeling whereby a warp-free modeled object is obtained without devising a modeling shape and without installing a special apparatus as a 3D printer device, and whereby a modeled article having flexibility as well as excellent surface polishing properties is obtained. [Solution] A material for fused-deposition-type three-dimensional modeling, obtained by blending 10-900 parts by weight of a styrene-based resin (B1) obtained by copolymerization of an aromatic vinyl-monomer (b1) and a cyanated vinyl-monomer (b2), and/or 5-400 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (B2) having a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or lower and/or 5-30 parts by weight of a plasticizer (B3), with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polylactic resin (A).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of neurosurgery and describes new methods to reduce basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD). The invention further discloses novel surgical instruments useful in reducing basilar invagination (BI) and atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD). The novel techniques disclosed include distraction, compression and extension reduction and dynamic distraction coupled with cable compression.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant for filling a bone void and a method of using the same. The orthopaedic implant comprises an open porous metal portion and a bone cement portion. At a first surface region, the open porous metal portion facilitates bone and/or soft tissue ingrowth into the pores of the first surface region of the open porous metal. At a second surface region, the open porous metal facilitates reception of the bone cement into the pores of the second surface region of the open porous metal. The open porous metal portion of the orthopaedic implant may also be formed of a plurality of porous metal fragments aggregated together with the cement portion of the orthopaedic implant. Additionally, the orthopaedic implant may be pliable and thereby capable of being molded to the shape of a void in a bone.

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 bone-anchored surgical mesh has slot-like anchoring members that allow for the variable placement of screws and other bone fasteners. This permits the surgeon discretion in the placement of bone fasteners used to attach the mesh to the patient's bone. The elongate openings of the anchoring members allow for a sliding motion between the bone fasteners and the anchoring members, and facilitates positioning and articulation of the mesh. The anchoring members may include bushings to aid the sliding motion of the anchoring member on the bone fastener. In one embodiment, the mesh consists of shorter modular strips that overlap each other such that a single bone fastener is passed through two overlapping anchoring members to lock the two modular mesh strips together. Additional modular mesh strips can be added on at either end, as desired, to provide the desired length of dural coverage.

Abstract: The current invention comprises a bone plate and method of use contoured to fit above the medial epicondyle that provides numerous apertures for fixation to the distal femur as desired with an offset screw design in shaft to allow location of screws around a nail or other feature and may also allow for attachment in conjunction with a lateral distal plate and or an extension plate that may cover the medial condyle.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.

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: The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant including a base device having a device surface and a fixation material attached to at least one portion of the device surface. The fixation material is configured to provide a minimally sufficient adhesive force to resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic implant. A base device with a device surface is provided and a minimally sufficient adhesive force, that can resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth, is determined. A proper amount of fixation material sufficient to provide an adhesive force equal to the minimally sufficient adhesive force is determined and fixation material is applied to the device. When the proper amount of fixation material is applied to the device surface, application is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic internal fixator, especially a fixator for quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum via ilioinguinal approach, which includes a shaped fixing titanium plate, whose outer contour is arc-shaped and basically the same as the pelvic arcuate line. While the pre-bending curvature of the proximal plate for quadrilateral plate is slightly greater than that of the arcuate line, making the proximal end of the titanium plate slightly away from the arcuate line. Elliptical fixing holes are evenly arranged along the fixing titanium plate, while the 3˜5 holes on the middle part are low-profile oval shape fixing holes. The titanium plate in the quadrilateral plate presents as a tilted slope with the exterior side being higher than the interior side, whose gradient is less than that of the bone surface of a linea terminalis of pelvis by about 15 degrees.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: Bone fixation system, including methods, apparatus, and kits, and comprising a bone plate and at least one instrument that attaches to the bone plate and provides at least one radiopaque region to facilitate positioning the bone plate on bone visualized by radiographic imaging. The instrument may be a handle assembly and/or a targeting guide.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis system including a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent is disclosed. The types of prostheses which may include a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent include rods, fracture plates, screws, as well as other types of prostheses. Additionally, the structural composition of many types of prostheses may be modified to help induce bone ingrowth and allow for fusion with the implantable prosthesis.

Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, consisting of a highly porous body, made from a polymer, the porous body having a plurality of pores, such that the device is capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, and the polymer fixation device is rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. Preferably, the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device consists of a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may feature additional materials which serve to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively the additional materials serve to deliver therapies to the living being.

Abstract: An orthopaedic instrument includes a metallic load-bearing member and a non-metallic support structure formed integrally with the load-bearing member such that the load-bearing member is permanently attached to the non-metallic support structure. The non-metallic support structure enables the orthopaedic instrument to be lighter than an all-metal instrument while the metallic load bearing member provides wearability comparable to an all-metal instrument.

Abstract: A spinal plate comprises a body portion and at least one locking mechanism for engaging the body portion. The body portion is made of a radiolucent material, such as a polymer or polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and includes a plurality of bone screw openings for receiving a plurality of bone screws, such as bone screws. The at least one locking mechanism is for securing at least one of the plurality of bone screws when received into the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a implant for implantation into a body of an animal, wherein the implant comprises material of inner core of drupes and/or palm tree fruits.

Abstract: A drug-impregnated sleeve for encasing a medical implant is provided. In one embodiment, the sleeve may include a body made of a biologically-compatible material that defines an internal cavity configured to receive the medical implant. In one embodiment, the biologically-compatible material is bioresorbable. The body may include a plurality of apertures, such as perforations or holes, extending from the cavity through the body. The sleeve may further include a first end, a second end, and a drug impregnated into the resorbable sheet. In one possible embodiment, the first end of the sleeve may be open for receiving the medical implant therethrough and the second end may be closed. The implant may be encased in the sleeve and implanted into a patient from which the drug is dispensed in vivo over time to tissue surrounding the implantation site.

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: 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 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: Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A polyaxial locking screw system includes a bone plate defining a plate hole with an inner spherical surface and a relatively harder split polyaxial bushing with a outer spherical surface provided within the plate hole for receiving a bone screw. In one embodiment, the plate is formed from titanium alloy, while the bushing is formed from a cobalt chrome alloy. The outer surface of the polyaxial bushing includes a plurality of spikes. When the screw is inserted into the bushing, since the bushing material is considerably harder than the plate material, the forceful expansion of the bushing during screw insertion causes the spikes to penetrate into the inner spherical surface of the hole, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing to the plate to lock the screw at a desired angle.

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 patch for covering an aperture associated with a skull including a plastic composite body having either a planar or arcuate shape exhibits an extending edge profile which matches a profile associated with a reconditioned edge of the skull. A fastener extends through the edge profile for securing the body to the skull. The extending edge profile further includes a first portion and a second reduced portion separated by a shoulder, the skull exhibiting a corresponding outer skull edge portion, inner stepped skull portion and intermediate shoulder being configured to mate with the configuration of the extending edge profile and in order to achieve a generally flush appearance when seating the patch over the skull aperture. One or more screws fasten the edge profile of the body to the skull. This can further include a bone screw with undercut engaging portion extending through the extending edge profile and associated skull location.

Abstract: A spinal implantable device may include composite material comprising matrix including PEEK. The PEEK matrix may be reinforced with carbon fibers that amount to at least 60% of the composite material. The carbon fibers are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement and compressed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: The longitudinal implant is fastened to bones on either side of a damaged area through a connecting device. Said implant is comprised of a filament or fiber composite material and said connecting device is made of a material harder than said longitudinal implant. The longitudinal implant is preferably made of a carbon filament composite material, wherein the filament are encapsulated in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis system including a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent is disclosed. The types of prostheses which may include a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent include rods, fracture plates, screws, as well as other types of prostheses. Additionally, the structural composition of many types of prostheses may be modified to help induce bone ingrowth and allow for fusion with the implantable prosthesis.

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: A bone-anchored surgical mesh has slot-like anchoring members that allow for the variable placement of screws and other bone fasteners. This permits the surgeon discretion in the placement of bone fasteners used to attach the mesh to the patient's bone. The elongate openings of the anchoring members allow for a sliding motion between the bone fasteners and the anchoring members, and facilitates positioning and articulation of the mesh. The anchoring members may include bushings to aid the sliding motion of the anchoring member on the bone fastener. In one embodiment, the mesh consists of shorter modular strips that overlap each other such that a single bone fastener is passed through two overlapping anchoring members to lock the two modular mesh strips together. Additional modular mesh strips can be added on at either end, as desired, to provide the desired length of dural coverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a implant for implantation into a body of an animal, wherein the implant comprises material of inner core of drupes and/or palm tree fruits.

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: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: A hybrid bone plate has a first plate portion, having a first top surface and a first bottom surface and comprises a hard titanium alloy. A second plate portion has a second top surface and a second bottom surface and comprises a pure titanium or a soft titanium alloy. The first plate portion has a higher material yield strength than the second plate portion. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to each other at a transition region by for example welding wherein in the transition region the first top surface and the second top surface together form a closed top integral surface and the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface together form a closed bottom integral surface.

Abstract: Implants (7) for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while being pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, the implant is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device that includes a generator (2), an oscillating element, and a resonator (6). The generator (2) causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator (6). The resonator (6) is used to press the implant (7) against the tissue part to transmit oscillations to the implant (7).

Abstract: A bone fixation system is provided. The bone fixation system may include a plate, one or more fasteners configured to attach the plate to a target anatomical location such as bone, and a surgical device that facilitates the attachment of the plate and the fasteners.

Abstract: A bone plate has a main body configured to position adjacent bones with respect to each other. The main body includes a plurality of separate layers bonded together. Each layer is comprised of a radiolucent material and has a first aperture and a second aperture that extend through the layer. The layers are all stacked such that the first apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other and the second apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other. An insert can be positioned within the first aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) that preferably consists of a bioresorbable plastic material. The inventive implant receives the longitudinal fixation elements (10) to be anchored in the bone, especially in the form of wires, nails, pins or screws. The openings destined to receive the fixation elements (10) do not completely extend through the implant (1) like in conventional bone plates or intramedullary nails but are degenerated to indents (2) in the surface of the implant (1) so that they may serve as a guide for the fixation elements (10) to be guided through the implant (1). The inventive implant (1) allows insertion of the fixation elements (10) in the bone diverging angles and crossing one another, so that the fixation elements (10) extending intramedullarly or in the spongiosa are primarily prevented from migrating in a proximal or distal direction.

Abstract: A surgical fixing device for the fixing of adjacent bone parts is provided. A first engaging element is provided for engaging the underside of the two bone parts and a second engaging element is provided for engaging the upper side of the bone parts. A tensioning device connects the two engaging elements to each other through an interspace between the bone parts and permanently fixes the two engaging elements with respect to each other in a tensioned manner when they engage the underside and the upper side of the bone parts. To make it easier to apply the fixing device, at least one elastic tensioning element is provided which displaces a supporting surface applied to the upper side of the bone parts toward the first engaging element, so that the supporting surface and the first engaging element can be moved away from each other against the force of the elastic tensioning element.

Abstract: High strength bioresorbable polymers suitable for orthopaedic applications comprising sulphonyl diphenol, hydroxybenzoic acid and dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A spinous process clamp employs a pair of elongate plates that are positioned on either side of the spinous processes of vertebrae that are to be fused. The plates are joined by fasteners, preferably bolts and nuts. The plates include a recess on the bone facing side of the plate for retaining a bone growth promoting substance. When the bolts and nuts are tightened, the spinous processes are clamped between the plates, thereby pressing the bone growth promoting substance against the bone and encouraging bone growth across the vertebrae fixed by the plates.

Abstract: A provisional bone plate formed of an implantable plastic and having a length corresponding to the longest bone plate in a particular family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate includes a head contoured to match the head of a particular bone as well as a shaft for placement adjacent the bone shaft. The provisional bone plate includes a plurality of circumferential notches surrounding the elongate body or shaft of the bone plate. The circumferential notches are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and define frangible portions of the bone plate which can be removed from the distal end thereof to alter the length of the provisional periarticular bone plate to correspond to the length of the various bone plates in a family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate is constructed of a biologically suitable plastic, is radiographic, and melts at a temperature less than 200° Fahrenheit.

Abstract: An implantable plate for providing support to a bone of a subject when affixed thereto includes a polymeric body of a biocompatible polymer having a desired amount of polymer molecule orientation in a first direction so that the plate can be bent to conform with a contour of the bone of the subject. The polymeric body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one fastener portion. The fastener portion includes a recess and a fastener hold that is configured for receiving a fastener when affixed to the bone of the subject. A method of manufacturing the implantable plate includes: (1) injection molding a biocompatible polymeric composition into a polymeric body within an injection mold; (2) removing the polymeric body from the injection mold; and (3) forming at least one fastener hole within polymeric body.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-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: Apparatus and methods for tissue fixation using a bone plate configured to accommodate fixation devices (such as screws, for example) inserted at various angles. The bone plate is formed of a material softer than the material of the fixation devices, and is provided with fixation holes with rounded, curved interior walls (i.e., non-threaded holes) that allow the fixation devices to be inserted at various angles. The fixation holes have a diameter smaller than that of the fixation devices. As a result of the difference between the materials of the plate and of fixation devices, and of the difference between the diameters of the fixation holes and of the fixation devices, the fixation devices deform the interior walls of the fixation holes, therefore self-threading the holes at an advantageous angle.

Abstract: An implant for use in bone fixation, includes combination of the two materials: metal and plastic. The implant defines several passages with axles (3) running through the implant, which are suitable for receiving a bone fixation device, such as a bone screw. The passages are provided with a peripheral perimeter, which is made of a different materiel than the material of the implant surrounding the perimeter. The implant is, on the one hand, not too rigid and, on the other hand, does not present problems as regards the screw-implant interface.

Abstract: A magnesium-based medical device which can adjust a degree of corrosion within a wide range of period such that the device can maintain a sufficient strength only during a desired period and disappears within a desired period thereafter and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A magnesium-based medical device of the present invention is a magnesium-based medical device in which a base material is made of magnesium or a magnesium alloy, wherein a corrosion-resistant film is formed on a surface of the base material, and variation in surface hardness of the formed corrosion-resistant film in the in-plane direction is less than 21 in terms of a dispersion value of Vickers hardness.