Abstract: A build plate includes a surface that defines at least one opening configured for disposal of a proximal portion of a screw shaft. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The proximal portion is connected with the surface in a configuration to orient the distal face for forming a distal portion of the screw shaft thereon by a second manufacturing method that includes an additive manufacturing apparatus. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for securing tissue to bone. A surgical system can include a guide, a suture anchor including a sheath and a screw, a first driver shaft, and a second driver shaft. The first driver shaft can be configured to be removably received within a lumen of the guide such that an awl tip thereof extends beyond a distal end of the sheath. The sheath and the guide can have first and second side openings, respectively, that can receive at least one suture therethrough. The second driver shaft can be configured to be removably received within the lumen of the guide when the first elongate shaft is removed therefrom, the second driver shaft having a distal driver member configured to be removably received within a proximal channel formed in the screw to drive the screw into mating engagement with the sheath.

Abstract: An anchoring system can use an implant delivery device to deploy an implant into a pre-drilled bore, to secure one or more sutures between a threaded outer surface of an implant body and a wall of the bore. The implant delivery device can controllably rotate the implant about its longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device can include a projection extending distally from a distal end of an inner shaft. The implant delivery device can controllably translate a wire between a distally extended position, at which the wire can form a closed loop with the projection and a distal end of the inner shaft, and a proximally retracted position, at which the wire can be at least partially retracted into the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part having a central axis, two legs defining a recess for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion that is at least partially expandable and having an opening for inserting and pivotably holding a head of a bone anchoring element therein, and a locking ring mountable around the head receiving portion in an axial direction while a rotational orientation of the locking ring relative to the receiving part remains constant. When the locking ring is around the head receiving portion, the locking ring is rotatable around the central axis from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation where a compressive force exerted by the locking ring on the head receiving portion is greater than at the first rotational orientation.

Abstract: A bone fastener system can comprise a fastener and a first sizing component. The fastener can comprise a shaft that provides an anchoring footprint. The first sizing component can be configured to be connected to the shaft and can include a first anchoring feature, or circumferential bone engaging feature, to increase a size of the anchoring footprint. The first anchoring feature can comprise a sleeve that radially expands a diameter of the threaded shaft. The first anchoring feature can comprise axially extending teeth. The system can further comprise a second sizing component including a second anchoring feature to increase the size of the anchoring footprint, the second anchoring feature being different from the first anchoring feature. The second anchoring feature can expand the diameter of the threaded shaft a greater amount than the first anchoring feature. The second anchoring feature can have a length greater than the first anchoring feature.

Abstract: A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion.

Abstract: A bone fusion implant is provided for treating conditions of Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP), Distal interphalangeal (DIP), and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) foot joints. The bone fusion implant may be a cortical bone allograft sized to fuse the foot joint to be treated. A proximal portion of the implant may be pressed into a hole drilled in a proximal bone portion of the foot joint, and a distal portion of the implant may be pressed into a hole drilled in a distal bone portion of the foot joint. Ramps on the proximal and distal portions facilitate press-fitting the implant into the holes in the bone portions. Side ramps ensure that the bone fusion implant remains substantially aligned with the foot joint while the distal portion is pressed into the hole into the distal bone portion. Grooves on the ramps alleviate pressure and ease inserting the implant into the holes in the bone portions.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. The second band is movable for disposal adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for securing a suture, graft, or other material to tissue with an anchor. The anchor of some embodiments includes an eyelet through which the suture, graft, or other material may be passed and mechanisms for selectively engaging the suture, graft, or other material through the eyelet. The mechanisms of some embodiments may also reinforce the anchor to provide a strengthened anchor to withstand actions such as impacting the anchor during insertion or applying bending stress to the anchor.

Abstract: A bone screw for attaching a spinal prosthetic or bone plate to bone includes a tubular body having open proximal and distal ends. The open proximal and distal ends define a passageway therethrough. A shaft is insertable into the passageway and includes a distal tip that extends beyond the open distal end. The shaft is insertable through a lumen of a head of the bone screw. A gap is defined between a distal surface of the head and a proximal end of the tubular body. The shaft is rotationally fixed with the tubular body and the head. The head is repositionable with respect to the shaft such that an acute angle is defined between the head and a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include two or more radial wings extending in an outward radial direction from the head body. Each wing may include an external thread to engage with a corresponding internal thread of a delivery device. Each wing may be spaced from an adjacent wing by an opening therebetween to receive a drive member for driving the surgical fastener. The coil body may be attached to the center of the head. A proximal-most coil of the coil body may be spaced from a distal face of the head to form a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A bone screw, such as a pedicle screw, comprises an anchor portion and a sleeve portion, the anchor portion including an angled or curved portion and an externally threaded portion. The sleeve portion having an external thread for engaging bone, and a threaded internal bore for engaging the externally threaded portion of the anchor portion.

Abstract: A medical implant apparatus for total elbow arthroplasty is provided. The apparatus includes: a first rod member comprising a first nut, an eye hook, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first nut is disposed at the first end and the eye hook is disposed at the second end; a second rod member rotatably coupled to the first rod member, the second rod member comprising a first linear portion, a second linear portion, and an arcuate portion disposed between the first linear portion and the second linear portion, the arcuate portion being configured to form a predetermined angle between the first rod member and the second rod member; a positioning nut coupled to the first linear portion of the second rod member; and an aperture disposed in the eye hook.

Abstract: Elongated pin (1) for an external fixator for temporary and/or permanent fixation applications to treat bone fractures and to connect two or more bone fragments to each other, comprising an elongated cylindrical stem (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and a conical end portion (3) with a tip and an external thread for inserting the pin (1) into a bone, wherein said conical end portion (3) with a tip has an overall length, measured along the longitudinal axis (X), equal to the diameter (d) of the stem (2) ±20% of said diameter (d) and wherein the stem (2) comprises a cylindrical end area (4) extending adjacent to the conical portion (3) and having an external thread which extends over a length, measured along the longitudinal axis (X), equal to the diameter (d) of the stem (2) ±25% of said diameter (d).

Abstract: A femur fixation apparatus includes an intramedullary nail, a lag screw that is inserted through the intramedullary nail, and an adjuster 4 fitted in the intramedullary nail. The adjuster includes a sliding part unrotatable and slid-movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the intramedullary nail and a rotation part rotatably connected to the sliding part. A lower end of the rotation part is formed with an inward flange part and a cutout. An engaging part of an engaging protrusion formed to the sliding part is inserted into the rotation part via the cutout from the radial direction, and the engaging part is supported by the inward flange part from the bottom, rotatably connecting the sliding part to the rotation part.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for hip fixation with load-controlled dynamization. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a fixation element, such as a screw, configured to be placed into a proximal femur of a subject, with a leading end of the fixation element anchored in a head of the proximal femur. The system also may comprise a stop member configured to be connected (e.g., via a nail or plate) to the proximal femur. The system further may comprise a deformable member configured to be irreversibly deformed by compressive force exerted on at least a portion of the deformable member by the fixation element and the stop member in response to a load applied to the proximal femur by the subject, such that the fixation element and the stop member move relative to one another parallel to a long axis of the fixation element.

Abstract: An anchoring member is provided suitable for use in a polyaxial bone anchoring device, the anchoring member (1) comprising a bone anchoring section (2) with a bone engagement structure in at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; a head (3); a central axis (C) extending through a center of the head (3) and the bone anchoring section (2), and a neck portion (24; 24?; 24?; 24??) between the bone anchoring section and the head, wherein the neck portion is asymmetric with respect to the central axis (C); and wherein the bone anchoring section (2) has a contour in a circumferential direction adjacent to the neck portion and wherein the neck portion is at least partially recessed with respect to the contour of the bone anchoring section at one side and extends beyond the contour of the bone anchoring section at an opposite side from the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool.

Abstract: A surgical ring and related methods for plantar plate reconstruction and other surgical procedures are described. In particular, the described anchoring systems and surgical methods may include an anchor configured to wrap at least partially around a first bone associated with an affected joint, and wrap at least partially around a tissue alongside the first bone. The anchor may be compressed in a number of ways so as to compress the tissue alongside the first bone against the first bone. The anchor may be formed from a compressible material, configured with an open shape, and/or or include mechanically closeable or compressible features, and the like. The anchor may be formed from various materials including non-bioabsorbable, bioabsorbable, and/or superelastic materials. The first bone may be a metatarsal or phalanx and the tissue alongside the first bone may be a ligament, a plantar plate, or similar tissue.

Abstract: A substantially radiolucent cranial stabilization pin is adapted for use with a fixture for immobilizing a patient's head during a medical procedure. The pin includes a tip and a body, which are secured together to form the pin. The tip and body are constructed from non-ferrous, non-magnetic materials that are biocompatible. The tip and body are safe for use with, and compatible with, imaging techniques including MR imaging and CT imaging. In some examples the tip is a titanium insert and the body is molded within and around at least a portion of the tip. In some versions, the tip includes a hollow portion and one or more projections extending within the hollow portion. The molded body flows into the hollow portion and around the one or more projections of the tip creating a secure pin suitable to withstand torque and axial forces observed in use.

Abstract: A method for assembling a bone anchoring device includes inserting a bone anchoring element in a first holder of a tool and inserting a receiving part in a second holder of the tool, actuating the tool from a first configuration towards a second configuration to insert a head of the bone anchoring element into the receiving part; continuing actuation of the tool towards the second configuration to move a locking ring and a receiving part body of the receiving part relative to each other until the locking ring assumes a second position with respect to the receiving part body in which the locking ring is latched to the receiving part body in a position where the locking ring compresses a portion of the receiving part body to compress the head, such that the head is held in and cannot be removed from the receiving part body and the bone anchoring element is held adjustably at a first angular position relative to the receiving part, and removing the attached bone anchoring element and receiving part from the tool

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a fixation device configured to be positioned at a target area of bone comprising two ends connected by a shaft and further comprising a bore formed through the shaft configured to receive a fixation screw. The system further includes a drill bit sized and configured to pass through the bore to prepare the surrounding bone to receive a second fixation device. At least a distal portion of the drill bit is configured to pass through the bore. The fixation device is made of a first material and wherein the distal portion of the drill bit comprises at least an outer portion made of a second material. The second material of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than the hardness of the first material of the fixation device.

Abstract: A plate system and method comprising a plate and a screw having an integral resilient lock. The screw comprises a head that has a portion that is adapted to be compressible as it is screwed into bone using a tool. After the screw head is received in the plate and the tool is removed therefrom, the screw head decompresses or expands into a locking or receiving area, thereby locking the screw in the plate. The plate is adapted to have at least one or a plurality of detents or lips for cooperating with at least a portion of the screw head to retain the screw in the plate and prevent it from withdrawing therefrom.

Abstract: An ankle fusion device has a proximal portion generally aligned with a first longitudinal axis. The proximal portion includes a proximal end and a first fastener hole. The proximal portion has an arcuate curve such that the proximal end is spaced a distance from the first longitudinal axis in a first direction. The first fastener hole is configured to receive a first fastener along a first fastener axis. A distal portion of the ankle fusion device extends to a distal end from the proximal portion along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is angled in second and third directions relative to the first longitudinal axis. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction being opposite the first direction. The distal portion includes a second fastener hole configured to receive a second fastener along a second fastener axis.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring system includes a receiving part having an accommodation space, a first anchoring element having a first head, a sleeve-like insert piece configured to be arranged around a portion of the first head and to be arranged in the accommodation space, a second anchoring element having a second head, and a pressure member configured to exert pressure onto the first head or the second head, wherein when one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element is connected to the receiving part, the connected anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by exerting pressure with the pressure member onto the respective head of the connected anchoring element, and wherein the first bone anchoring element and the second bone anchoring element are configured to be interchangeably connectable to the receiving part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a first surgical device into an exposed first end of a first bone until a trailing end of the first surgical device is disposed adjacent to the first end of the first bone. A second surgical device is inserted into an exposed first end of a second bone while the first surgical device remains disposed within the first bone. A first portion of an implant is advanced into the second bone while being engaged with a passageway defined by the implant such that the implant is guided by the second surgical device. The second surgical device is removed from the second bone and from its engagement with the implant. The first bone is repositioned such that the first surgical device is aligned with the passageway defined by the implant, and the first bone is forced into engagement with a second portion of the implant.

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 receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.

Abstract: Facet fusion implants with various body geometries are provided. The bodies of the facet fusion implants can be configured to minimize migration of the implants when the implants are inserted into facet joints. Surgical methods and accompanying surgical instrumentation for inserting the facet fusion implants into facet joints are provided.

Abstract: Provided is an iliosacral polyaxial screw system. A multiple part insert member is provided to secure the screw to the housing of the assembly to accommodate screws in which the shank diameter of the screw is greater than the bottom opening of the screw housing or greater than the opening of a ring member designed to capture the head of the screw in the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery device. The delivery device including a handle assembly, the assembly including a handle and a connector coupled to the handle, the connector including a channel and an opening to the channel; and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including threads, grooves intersecting the threads, and a depth stop. Other delivery devices, screws, and delivery device/screw combinations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a medical insertion apparatus including a screw body to be inserted into a body, and a conductive portion provided in the screw body and including an externally exposed portion, wherein the conductive portion may extend in a longitudinal direction of the screw body and form a single closed loop, and a medical insertion apparatus including a screw body to be inserted into a body, a driver to engage with the screw body to be used to fasten or loosen the screw body, and a conductive portion provided in the screw body and the driver and including an externally exposed portion on one side of the screw body, wherein a portion of the conductive portion disposed in the screw body and another portion of the conductive portion disposed in the driver may be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A punching device for preparing a recess in a bone has a punching tool usable for such a punching device. An implant usable with the punching tool is provided and a method for preparing a recess in a bone are disclosed. The punching device comprises an ultrasonic sonotrode and a punching tool which is fixable to the sonotrode at its proximal extremity. At its distal extremity, the punching tool has a thin-walled portion having a non-rotational symmetric cross-section. By ultrasonic vibration of the punching tool, the thin-walled portion can be forced into a bone thereby preparing a recess of which is not rotationally symmetric. Subsequently, an implant can be held in such recess. Due to its lack of rotational symmetry, the implant may absorb rotational forces around its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.

Abstract: The instant invention is a novel method for definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Pedicle screws are affixed to the ilia and a rigid, bowed fixation rod is connected between the pedicle screws. Preferably the pedicle screws are attached to the supra-acetabular area of each of the ilium of the pelvis and the fixation rod is bowed anteriorly away from the pelvis.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting a vertebral stabilization member is disclosed. The stabilization member is releasably clampable to an insertion device between first and second clamping members at a clamping location spaced from a midline of the stabilization member. The insertion device and stabilization member are deliverable through an access sleeve and the stabilization member is rotatably actuatable to position the stabilization member in relation to a bone anchor.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. The staple and screw may be used in conjunction with one another or individually. The facet joint may be distracted prior to fixation to increase the foraminal space and decompress the neural structures to relieve pain. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A helicoil interference fixation system comprising: a helicoil comprising a helical body comprising a plurality of turns separated by spaces therebetween, the helical body terminating in a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one internal strut extending between at least two turns of the helical body; and an inserter for turning the helicoil, the inserter comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least one strut; the helicoil being mounted on the inserter such that the at least one strut of the helicoil is mounted in the at least one groove of the inserter, such that rotation of the inserter causes rotation of the helicoil.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgically implantable device, system, and method of use thereof for the internal compression or distraction of, for example, bone fractures, fusions, and osteotomies. More specifically, the surgical device comprises a bridge with one or more adjustable anti-reversing portions. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) may be located in a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner on the bridge between the device's legs. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) allow for stronger compression of the bone at a known amount of compression. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) can also maintain the device's legs in closer proximity to one another for greater compression or maintain the device's legs apart from one another for distraction. The surgical device can also comprise cannulated or grooved legs. A system and method of use is also described.

Abstract: A composite fixation device is described herein which includes a first and second biodegradable material. The first and second biodegradable materials degrade at different rates thereby permitting tissue ingrowth into the device prior to degradation of the entire device.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: A stem-like bone fixation device allows for bony in-growth on its surface and across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.

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: Surgical techniques, instruments and systems for bone fusions and repairs (for example, phalangeal fusion) which allow alignment of small bones (for example, phalanges) without the use of guidewire and cannulated instrumentation such as, for example, drills and drivers, and cannulated screws. A drill/driver hybrid instrument (a combined drill/driver device) may be used in fusion of two small bones (for example, in interphalangeal fusion). One end of the hybrid instrument is provided with a plurality of flutes so that the instrument can be used as a drill to remove bone. The other end is shaped to mate with a device to be inserted intraarticularly (for example, interphalangeally), acting as a driver for that device.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw body includes a side wall defining a lumen having a first end and a second end. An opening disposed at the first end of the lumen, includes an interior surface disposed in the side wall thereabout. The interior surface is adapted to accommodate a head portion of a pedicle screw. A transverse channel extends from a first aperture through the side wall to a second aperture and is adapted to accommodate a portion of a fixation rod therebetween. A lateral connector extending integrally from the side wall.

Abstract: A method of replacing an ACL with a graft. The method provides for the drilling bone tunnels in a femur and a tibia. A replacement graft is provided having first and second ends. A biodegradable composite screw is provided. The screw is made from a biodegradable polymer and a bioceramic or a bioglass. At least one end of the graft is secured in a bone tunnel using the biodegradable composite screw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including a drive interface engageable with a first surface of a bone fastener. The first surface is configured for penetrating a sacrum. A second member includes a drive interface engageable with a second surface of the bone fastener to translate the second surface relative to the first surface such that the second surface engages an outer non-articular surface of an ilium to draw separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and the ilium into fixation. In some embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a compression bone screw and a washer for use with the bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments. The washer includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a central bore defined by the interior surface for receiving the bone screw. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end and the exterior surface has a greater taper angle than the taper angle of the interior surface.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably, the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument.