Abstract: Devices and methods for repairing bone fractures are described herein. A pin directing device for steering a flexible bone screw is disclosed. A fluted entry tool for penetrating into cancellous bone without penetrating the far cortex of the bone is disclosed. A flexible bone screw having a rotational position marker positioned thereon at a terminal twenty-five percent of the shaft is disclosed. A flexible bone screw comprising at least eighty percent cold work hardened alloy is disclosed. A pin bending clamp having a transverse hole in the jaws is disclosed. A flexible bone screw with a cortex climbing thread portion at the tip, which is helicoid, is also disclosed.

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 bone peg configured for cooperation with a threaded aperture on a bone plate for use in stabilizing a fracture of a bone can include a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion can have a head threaded portion that incorporates head threads having a first pitch. The shaft portion can extend from the head portion to a distal end of the bone peg. The shaft portion can include (i) a shaft threaded portion that incorporates shaft threads having a second pitch, (ii) a first unthreaded portion and (iii) a second unthreaded portion. The shaft threaded portion is disposed intermediate the first and second unthreaded portions. The first unthreaded portion axially offsets the head threaded portion from the shaft threaded portion.

Abstract: A bone peg configured for cooperation with a threaded aperture on a bone plate for use in stabilizing a fracture of a bone can include a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion can have a head threaded portion that incorporates head threads having a first pitch. The shaft portion can extend from the head portion to a distal end of the bone peg. The shaft portion can include (i) a shaft threaded portion that incorporates shaft threads having a second pitch, (ii) a first unthreaded portion and (iii) a second unthreaded portion. The shaft threaded portion is disposed intermediate the first and second unthreaded portions. The first unthreaded portion axially offsets the head threaded portion from the shaft threaded portion.

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 bone screw comprises a threaded portion. The threaded portion has a first thread including a first front surface (11), a first back surface (12) and a crest. A second thread including a second front surface (16) and a second back surface (17) is formed on at least part of the crest of the first thread. Because of the presence of the second thread, a contact area between the screw and a bone and an axial pullout force-bearing area are both significantly increased, without significantly influencing the bending resistance, so that the mechanical property of the screw is entirely improved.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a screw element having a screw head, a first thread having a first thread pitch, a second thread having a second thread pitch and an intermediate portion coupling the first and second thread pitches with the first and second thread pitches being different. The implant has a buttressing head associated with the first thread, and it is dimensioned to be larger than a diameter of the first threads to provide external buttressing as the first and second threads compress a first bone and a second bone together.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis constructs for treating bone fractures and bone screws for use in such systems are disclosed. The bone screws include a threaded front section configured for engagement with cortical bone, a threaded mid-section and an unthreaded neck section configured for limited movement within the near cortex of the bone. Osteosynthesis constructs of the type disclosed promote secondary healing by allowing for substantially parallel motion at the near and far cortex within the effective motion range for callus formation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. In certain embodiments, the device is pre-bent and inserted into the joint in its pre-bent configuration. Alternatively, the device may be configured to have a first position wherein it is bent and a second position wherein it is straight. In that case, the device is preferably straightened by inserting a K-wire through a cannula in the device, and the device can be inserted into the joint in its straight position. Once inserted, the device is permitted to move to its bent position, which moves the joint to a bent position. In one embodiment the device moves to its bent position when the K-wire is removed.

Abstract: A fastening device for compressing first and second bones together includes a first member configured to extend entirely through the first bone and having a shaft that includes a distal threaded portion and an unthreaded portion. The threaded portion has an outer diameter that is not larger than the diameter of the unthreaded portion. A second member has a first threaded portion for securing to the second bone and a second threaded portion for engaging the threaded portion of the first member while the first member extends entirely through the first bone to secure the first and second members together and compress the first and second bones.

Abstract: An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A flexible bone screw for insertion into the intramedullary cavity of a fractured bone facilitates enduring fixation of the fracture. The flexible bone screw includes a substantially smooth shaft and a threaded portion positioned at one end of the shaft, wherein the outer diameter of the threaded portion is greater than the shaft diameter and the length of the threaded portion is about 20% of the overall length of the flexible bone screw or less.

Abstract: A screw, comprising a head, and a shaft, wherein the shaft comprised a first threaded shaft portion; a second threaded shaft portion disposed contiguous to said head; and a middle shaft portion disposed between said first threaded shaft portion and said second threaded shaft, wherein said middle shaft portion is an irregular form.

Abstract: A fastener includes an elongate fastener body defining a longitudinal axis substantially central thereto. The fastener body has a continuous outer fastener shell laterally surrounding the longitudinal axis. The fastener shell longitudinally separates a fastener head end and a fastener tip end. A tool-engaging feature is provided on the fastener head end. A plurality of teeth are located on the fastener shell and extend substantially laterally outward from the longitudinally axis. The fastener shell is comprised of at least one undulate face and at least one substantially flat face. The plurality of teeth are located only on the undulate faces. Each tooth is longitudinally separated from adjacent teeth along an undulate face. A method of installing the fastener into a receiving structure is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in certain aspects, unique methods and systems for connecting orthopedic components. In some forms, a male-type projection of a first orthopedic component is securely lodged within a female-type aperture in a second orthopedic component. In one embodiment, the projection, while received through a proximal entryway in the aperture, includes a first longitudinal region with deformed surface elements that provide a first securing zone within the aperture and a second longitudinal region with deformed surface elements that provide a second securing zone within the aperture. The first securing zone is located proximate the distal end of the projection, and the second securing zone is located proximate the proximal entryway of the aperture.

Abstract: A bone screw having a threaded proximal portion, a threaded median portion, and a threaded distal portion. The threaded proximal portion has a proximal thread with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch. The threaded median portion has a median thread with a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the proximal thread and a median pitch that becomes increasingly smaller from a distal end of the threaded median portion towards a proximal end of the threaded median portion. The threaded distal portion has a distal thread having a constant diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the median thread and a distal pitch that is larger than the median pitch at the distal end of the threaded median portion.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. In certain embodiments, a device for the fusion of joints preferably allows for one or more of various angled positions, and the particular angle may differ for different joints. The device is preferably a bendable implant device for fusing together bones or a joint.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: A device for manipulating bone fragments includes a bone screw includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The shaft includes a first end having a first threaded portion with a first core diameter, a first external diameter and a first pitch. The shaft includes a second end having a second threaded portion with a second core diameter, a second external diameter and a second pitch. The second end further has a tool engaging surface, wherein the first external diameter is no greater than the second core diameter, the first and second pitches are substantially equal, and a non-threaded middle segment between the first and second threaded portions, an outer diameter of the middle segment being smaller than the first core diameter, and wherein the shaft includes a cannulation extending therethrough disposed coaxial with the screw longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a method and system for treating an injury with a bone screw. One example bone screw may be configured to fracture at a pre-selected frangible location so that the point of failure is not in an inaccessible location, e.g., deeply embedded below the surface of a treated bone. The bone screw may further include a material disposed over the frangible location that is designed to temporarily strengthen the screw and selected to be absorbed by the body over a period of time after installation of the screw in the bone. One example bone screw may include an unthreaded portion that is configured to facilitate removal of an embedded screw fragment from a bone in the event that the screw fails in vivo.

Abstract: A bone screw (1) having a threaded proximal portion (2), a threaded median portion (3), and a threaded distal portion (4). Threaded proximal portion (2) has a core (11) with a constant diameter and a proximal thread (12) with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch (P2). The threaded median portion (3) has a core (15), which is conical, with a diameter becoming increasingly larger from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) to the proximal end thereof, and thread (16), which has a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the thread (12) of the proximal threaded portion (2). The pitch of thread (16) of the threaded median portion (3) becomes increasingly smaller from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) towards its proximal end. At the proximal end of the threaded median portion (3), the pitch of thread (16) is larger than the pitch (P2) of the thread (12) of the threaded proximal portion (2).

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener is disclosed, with a cylindrical shank having pre-selected diameter, the shank also providing adjacent unthreaded and threaded portions. The threaded portion is configured to secure the orthopedic fastener into cortical bone. The shank further has a thread root transition zone providing a tapered thread root profile between the unthreaded and threaded portions. The thread root transition zone is positioned on the shank such that, when the orthopedic fastener is operably secured into a specimen of cortical bone, the thread root transition zone is located outside of the specimen of cortical bone.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided having first and second threaded portions of different diameter separated by a middle portion that is unthreaded so that the bone screw may be inserted into a pair of adjacent bone fragments and used to compress the fragments together by driving the screw into a hole drilled in the fragments. An installation tool is also disclosed for threadably engaging one end of the bone screw and is used to initially drive the screw into the bone hole. Thereafter, a screwdriver may be inserted through the tool and into engagement with a recess in the bone screw and may be used to drive the screw fully into the bone and to separate the bone screw from the installation tool. A method of installation is further provided.

Abstract: The anti-loosen self-tapping screw includes a head, rod and a thread. The rod extends from the head and an end of the rod forms a conic tapping tip. The thread is around the rod from the tapping tip to a position near the head. The thread is provided with an axial groove to cut off the thread. The divided ends along one side of the groove are separately provided with expanded portions whose cross-sections are expanded.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bone screw having a distal end and a proximal end, which has the distinguishing features a shaft with a core diameter “k” and having an external thread with an external diameter “d”. The external diameter “d” of the thread or the core diameter “k” of the shaft tapers in a middle region of the shaft from a larger dimension “d2” or “k2” respectively towards the proximal end to a smaller dimension “d1” or “k1”, respectively, where “d1” and “k1” do not equal zero. Further, the shaft is provided with a concentrically disposed, radially expandable sleeve, and the sleeve being positioned on the part of the shaft which has the smaller external diameter “d1”. The bone screw may be introduced into a transverse borehole of a medullary pin. The medullary pin is provided with a continuous cannulation, which extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the medullary pin and has an external diameter DN and a wall thickness WN.

Abstract: A compression pin for urging two bone regions together includes a pin body having a distal end, an opposed proximal end, a first threaded region, and a second threaded region. The first threaded region is positioned near the distal end, and the second threaded region is positioned near the first threaded region. The first threaded region includes a first thread having a FT leading surface that is at a FT leading angle, and the second threaded region includes a second thread having a ST leading surface that is at a ST leading angle that is different than the FT leading angle. During insertion of the compression pin, the first threaded region and the second threaded region cooperate to aggressively compress the bone regions together.

Abstract: A screw assembly (10) for insertion into a bone region (12A) (12B) includes a screw body (14) and a washer (16). The screw body (14) includes a distal end (218), a proximal end (224), and a distal threaded area (220), and a proximal threaded area (226). The distal threaded area (220) is positioned near the distal end (218) and the proximal threaded area (226) is positioned near the proximal end (224). The washer (16) includes a washer threaded area (238) that engages the proximal threaded area (226) to selectively secure the washer (16) to the screw body (14). With this design, the washer (16) can be selectively attached to the screw body (14) and different sized washers (16) can be alternatively and selectively secured to the screw body (14). As a result thereof, the person inserting the screw assembly (10) can pick the washer (16) size best suited to retain the bone region (12A) (12B) in which the screw assembly (10) is being inserted.

Abstract: A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having a retaining structure formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors have a substantially cylindrical body having a conically tapered distal end and a planar proximal end. The retaining structure includes a series of semi-circular angled projections having a planar proximal surface and a tapered distal end, wherein a center of each of the angled projections is spaced a distance from a longitudinal central axis of the body portion. The surgical fastener is made from a bioabsorbable material which reabsorbs into body tissue at an appropriate rate, such as for example, polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid.

Abstract: A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having a retaining structure formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors have a substantially cylindrical body having a conically tapered distal end and a planar proximal end. The retaining structure includes a series of semi-circular angled projections having a planar proximal surface and a tapered distal end, wherein a center of each of the angled projections is spaced a distance from a longitudinal central axis of the body portion. The surgical fastener is made from a bioabsorbable material which reabsorbs into said body tissue at an appropriate rate, such as for example, polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid.

Abstract: A bone anchor including a bone engaging portion, a tool engaging portion configured for engagement with an anchor removal tool, a head portion having a transverse base portion and two arm portions that together define a U-shaped channel, and a reduced strength portion extending between the tool engaging portion and the head portion and defining a region of reduced strength to provide a pre-defined fracture initiator or break zone. In another embodiment, the bone anchor includes a proximal head and a threaded shank having a plurality of thread turns adapted for anchoring to bone and extending along a threaded length that is at least twice the overall height of the proximal head, and a plurality of grooves circumferentially interrupting at least one of the thread turns along a proximal region of the threaded shank and sized and shaped for engagement with an anchor removal instrument.

Abstract: A bone anchor including a bone engaging element and an implant engaging element. The bone engaging element includes a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material and extending at least partially along a length of the first portion, and with the second portion of the bone engaging element positioned between the first portion and adjacent bone tissue when the bone engaging element is engaged with the bone to provide an interface with the adjacent bone tissue. In one embodiment, the first portion of the bone engaging element exhibits a first level of rigidity and the second portion exhibits a second level of rigidity less than the first level of rigidity. In another embodiment, the bone engaging element includes external threads, with the second portion of the bone engaging element defining at least a portion of the external threads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may prevent or diminish a bone screw from “backing out” from bone. Bone particulate residing in channels of the bone screw may promote bone growth that would reduce the potential of backing out. Furthermore, bone particulate from drilling and tapping functions can cause increased friction. However, by placing bone particulate in channels of the bone screw, potential binding may be reduced resulting in less stress on the screw shaft. Also, breaking of screws during screw insertion may be reduced due to tapering of the screw.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element (1) for anchoring an external device in a bone is described. A head (2) capable of connection to the external device is provided with a shaft (3) that can be anchored in a bone. A predetermined section of the shaft (3) has a bone thread (5). Moreover, the shaft (3) also has at least one bone thread-free surface (6,7; 11,12; 16,17; 21,22,23) that extends from a first end to a second end of the predetermined section essentially along the direction of the shaft axis. The bone anchoring element (1), thus provided, is pressed or soft-hammered into a hole (8, 28) previously generated in the bone and fixed in the bone by rotation by a predetermined angle. If the bone anchoring element has to be removed this can be achieved by unscrewing it in the standard fashion. The disclosure also describes methods for using the bone anchoring element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cannulated bone screw system including a screw with a threaded portion, a non-threaded portion, and a first plurality of teeth spaced apart from a screw head; and a washer with an interior portion with a second plurality of teeth and an opening and an outer portion with a plurality of spikes. The first plurality of teeth are on an inferior convex surface; wherein the second plurality of teeth are on a superior concave surface; and wherein the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are operable to mate to prevent the screw from backing out of the washer while allowing the cannulated bone screw system to conform/pivot in order to accommodate different bone morphologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone screw which can be used for fixation and/or fastening of prosthetic devices or instruments to bone tissue whose structure or dimensions differ from one region to another. In particular, the present invention provides a bone screw which is designed to optimize purchase in both the cancellous and cortical regions of a vertebral body. In an exemplary embodiment, the bone screw has a distal portion and a proximal portion in which the diameter of the thread on the proximal portion of the screw is greater than the diameter of the thread on the distal portion of the screw.

Abstract: A variable tension post fixation device includes an outer screw including a head configured to receive a driver, a conical tip, a threaded shaft extending between the head and the tip, and an incompletely cannulated core, and an inner screw including a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one suture hole, wherein the inner screw is configured to be insertably coupled with the outer screw.

Abstract: A bone screw apparatus adapted to replace a breached pedicle screw includes a proximal end and a distal end. The bone screw apparatus also includes an unthreaded eccentric portion and a threaded proximal portion and a threaded distal portion. The threaded proximal portion extends from the proximal end to the unthreaded eccentric portion. The threaded distal portion extends from the unthreaded eccentric portion to the distal end of the bone screw. In addition, the proximal portion and the distal portion each have a major diameter and a minor diameter.

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: A flexible bone screw for insertion into the intramedullary cavity of a fractured bone facilitates enduring fixation of the fracture. The flexible bone screw includes a substantially smooth shaft and a threaded portion positioned at one end of the shaft, wherein the outer diameter of the threaded portion is greater than the shaft diameter and the length of the threaded portion is about 20% of the overall length of the flexible bone screw or less.

Abstract: For the purpose of realizing of a method of minimally-invasive therapy for spinal canal stenosis, it is intended to provide a therapeutic device capable of stationing an interspinous process spacer without the need of large skin incision or ligamentous tissue incision and also without the need of detaching of the paraspinal muscle from the spine. There is provided an interspinous process spacer comprising conoid screw region (2) to be screwed into a processus spinosus interspace; spacer region (3) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the screw region (2); head region (4) capable of free interlocking with a tool arbitrarily; and through-hole (5) passing through the axial centers of screw region (2), spacer region (3) and head region (4). The processus spinosus interspace can be smoothly enlarged by screwing of the screw region (2) into the processus spinosus interspace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pedicle screw comprising a head (11) for coupling to an elastic intervertebral stabilizing or supporting system and comprising a shank, which is to be anchored inside a vertebra and which, when implanted, extends through the pedicle and into the vertebral body. The shank comprises, in its longitudinal extension measured from the head: an upper shank area (19) adjacent to the head and a stress-relief area (17), which is joined to the upper shank area, the stress-relive area having a flexural strength less than that of the upper shank area, and the stress-relief area is placed in the area of the shank provided for being placed inside the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plate system having a bone plate for placement adjacent one or more vertebral bodies. The bone plate has a first aperture extending along a longitudinal axis and an upper and lower surface. The bone plate system further includes a sliding element having a top portion and a base portion and an aperture extending along a central axis. The sliding element is adapted for being placed adjacent to the bone plate aperture. The system preferably includes a bone fastener having a longitudinal axis which is adapted for connecting the bone plate to a vertebral body. The bone fastener includes a stem and a bone engaging portion. The diameter of the stem may be less than a cross section of the sliding element aperture so that the stem may be oriented within the sliding element aperture at a plurality of angles. The system may further include a stopping element engageable with the sliding element base portion.

Abstract: A bone screw (1) having a threaded proximal portion (2), a threaded median portion (3), and a threaded distal portion (4). Threaded proximal portion (2) has a core (11) with a constant diameter and a proximal thread (12) with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch (P2). The threaded median portion (3) has a core (15), which is conical, with a diameter becoming increasingly larger from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) to the proximal end thereof, and thread (16), which has a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the thread (12) of the proximal threaded portion (2). The pitch of thread (16) of the threaded median portion (3) becomes increasingly smaller from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) towards its proximal end. At the proximal end of the threaded median portion (3), the pitch of thread (16) is larger than the pitch (P2) of the thread (12) of the threaded proximal portion (2).

Abstract: A spinal instrumentation system includes an oblong tension ring having a tension screw receptacle, a pair of compression balls having passages therethrough disposed within the tension ring, and a tension screw. Threading the tension screw into the tension screw receptacle inhibits movement of the compression balls relative to the tension ring and each other, thereby making the system rigid. Fixation screws are inserted through the passages in the compression balls and anchored in bone. One of the fixation screws may be a screw designed to traverse the lamina and including a scalloped segment. A pair of such systems may be posteriorly attached to the vertebrae, one on either side of the spinous process, to fuse the superior segment in a lumbar fusion procedure. The spinal fixation screws traverse the lamina, crossing at their scalloped segments.