Abstract: There is described an external fixator for use in the treatment of a fractured bone having a first bone fragment and a second bone fragment which external fixator comprises:a first movable element and;a second movable element,wherein the first movable element is movably mounted in the fixator so as to be capable of angular motion in one plane, and the second movable element is movably mounted in the fixator so as to be capable of angular motion in another plane, with the plane in which the second element moves being substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the first element moves, and the first and second movable elements are coupled together in such a way as to allow simultaneous angular movement of the external fixator in the two substantially orthogonal planes.

Abstract: An external fixator for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: An external trochanter splint, especially for surgical stabilization of femoral pertrochanter and subtrochanter fractures, comprises a pair of clamps (2,3) each with its own longitudinal axis (a,b). One of these clamps (2) is designed for the movable locking of a first group of bone screws or bolts (V) inserted into the mass of the trochanter, the other (3) is designed for the movable locking of a second group of bone screws or bolts (W) inserted into the proximal diaphysis of the femur. The two clamps are connected together in side-by-side relation via an intermediate connecting member (4). First provision is made for immobilizing a selected angle of divergence (.alpha.) between the longitudinal axes (a,b) and second provision is made for immobilizing a selected angle of rotation of at least one of the said clamps (3) about its own longitudinal axis (b).

Abstract: The transport carrier of this invention is configured for use with an external fixator having a hexagonal rod. The carrier includes a threaded sleeve which accommodates the hexagonal rod of the fixator. A compressible ball collet and retaining nut are carried by the sleeve and serve to lock the sleeve into position on the rod in a known manner. A clamp is carried by the sleeve and rotationally fixed relative to the rod by a key and key way, yet may shift along the sleeve. The clamp is configured to connect to one or more bone pins using a ball collet and retaining nut to fix the clamp to the pin. The bone pins connect to a bone fragment such that as the clamp shifts along the sleeve, the bone fragment is transported between two portions of a bone. An internally threaded sleeve is carried by the externally threaded sleeve and engages the clamp. Upon rotation of the internally threaded sleeve, the clamp and externally threaded sleeve move longitudinally along the sleeve.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for bone-screw or bone-pin adjustment (a) longitudinally along the guideway of an external fixator, and (b) angularly about a pivot axis at a selected longitudinal location. The clamping assembly comprises a slide block adapted for releasably locked longitudinal positioning along the guideway, an intermediate plate element, and a clamp block, in sandwiched relation, with a single central bolt to secure (i) a selected angular setting of bone-screw engagement grooves coacting between the clamp block and the upper surface of the intermediate plate, and (ii) coacting arcuate tongue-and-groove formations wherein the releasably lockable coaction is between the slide block and the lower surface of the intermediate plate, to secure a given clamped angular orientation of bone-screw orientation with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guideway.

Abstract: A spatial frame for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a retainer (10, 12, 70) for securing a sponge (16) at the point of entry for an orthopaedic elongate member (14). The retainer (10, 12, 70) is removably attachable to the elongate member (14) adjacent the sponge. The retainer, in one embodiment, includes a body (22) having a bottom (24) and a side (26), with the side (26) being disposed adjacent to the bottom (24). The body (22) further includes an opening (34) associated with each of the bottom (24) and the side (26). The opening (34) is configured for receiving the elongate member (14) therein. A clamp (40) is movably attached to the body (22) and engageable with the elongate member (14) for retaining the elongate member (14) within the opening (34). A resilient member (50) is integral or engaged with the clamp (40) for biasing the clamp (40) into engagement with the elongate member (14).

Abstract: A surgical method of measuring bone strain to detect fracture consolidation includes the steps of affixing an external fixation device to the patient's bone that has a fracture site to be healed and wherein the fixation device supports an elongated optical fiber. Light is transmitted through the optical fiber to an exit point. The light intensity within the optical fiber is measured, preferably at the exit point as the light travels through the optical fiber. Light intensity is measured to monitor strain in the fixation device as the fracture site heals. A physician then determines when the site has fully healed by observing changes in light intensity as the patient's bone rather than the fixation device carries more of the patient's normal body loading.

Abstract: An improved fracture fixation device for securing an external fixator system to bone structure and for compressing a first bone fragment of the bone structure against a second bone fragment of the bone structure. The fracture fixation device includes a screw portion for screwing into the first bone fragment; a bone engagement portion for engaging the second bone fragment and for coacting with the screw portion to compress the first bone fragment against the second bone fragment when the screw portion is screwed into the first bone fragment and the engagement portion engages the second bone fragment; and a attachment portion for attaching the engagement portion to the external fixator system.

Abstract: A device for the gradual correction of a bone fracture which has already been set in the operating theatre comprises an elongated structure (1) which defines a longitudinal axis (L) which can be positioned parallel to the bone and comprises a pair of end supports (10, 11) releasably anchored to corresponding bolt-bearing end clamps (6, 7) of an external fixation unit (2) which has already been fitted to the fractured pieces (F1, F2), a central body (24) connected to supports (10, 11) by connection means formed by longitudinal (32) and transverse (25) adjustment means to correct the longitudinal distance and transverse offset between the supports respectively, angular adjustment means (39) to correct the relative inclination of one of the supports with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) rotating it about a transverse axis (T), and centering means (40, 49, 50, 51) to align the transverse axis (T) with the centre of the fracture.

Abstract: An external fixator for distal radius fractures provides an elongated support rod that includes proximal and distal rod sections. Radius fixation pins are provided for engaging the patient's radius bone tissue. Radius support clamps are rotatably supported upon the proximal rod section and distal rod section, each of the pins being movable in rotational fashion both with respect to the rod and with respect to the pins.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts, or one of three various types of telescoping screw assemblies having a single-threaded rod, a coaxial sleeve for receiving the rod and one of three types of plastic connector assemblies. For angular distraction, the distraction mechanism includes an angular distractor with a rotatable knob and pivotable spacers which are connected to the frame members.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for externally reducing and/or fixating a fracture in a bone. The apparatus includes a radiolucent rod, and a carriage assembly with a clamp assembly for connection to a fixation pin. A sleeve is threadingly connected with the carriage assembly and is disposed about the rod. A clamping device interconnects the sleeve with the rod at a selective one of a plurality of locations along a length of the rod. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the carriage assembly moves the rod in an axial direction relative to the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble external fixator for the stabilization of a bone fracture is disclosed. The assembly of the external fixator makes use of a clamp to secure a pin to a stabilization bar. The body of the clamp will have an indentation that can be placed over the stabilization bar. Each arm of the indentation will have a hole with the two holes being aligned such that a single pin can be placed through both holes across the mouth of the indentation. Once the stabilization bar is within the indentation a pin can be inserted through the two holes in the arms of the body to restrain the stabilization bar within the clamp. The clamp will have a force applicator such as a screw that will lock both the stabilization bar and pin to prevent relative motion of the stabilization bar and the pin relative to the clamp. The preferred clamp will have a retaining clasp for gripping the stabilization bar to resist the separation of the stabilization bar from the clamp.

Abstract: A halo adapted to enclose the forehead and temples of a patient including at least two frontotemporal bars (1) which are joined to each other, and two half-arches (2) which are joined to each other and are fixed connected with the frontotemporal bars, the joined half-arches forming an arch enclosing the posterosuperior zone of the cranium of the patient. The frontotemporal bars (1) and the half-arches (2) are interconnected through bars (4, 5) overlapping the contiguous ends of the former. The mutually facing portions of the frontotemporal bars, the half-arches and the interconnecting bars include orifices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) facilitating rigid fastening together thereof by assembly screws (6). At least some of the orifices of the interconnecting bars, the frontotemporal bars, and the half-arches being oblong slots (7, 8, 12), facilitating adapting the dimensions of the halo to the morphology of the cranium of the patient.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for use in the external setting of fractures is particularly adapted for use in association with an external axial fixator or splint having bolt-holding clamps with spherical joints for fixing bone bolts or screws which can be implanted in fractured pieces of bone. The auxiliary device comprises a central body which can be elongated axially and has end portions which can be releasably coupled to corresponding bolt-holding clamps on an external axial fixator or splint associated therewith; the said end portions are attached to the central body by means of corresponding hinges having hinge axes (20, 20') which are retained in parallel relation to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the body, and securing means is provided for selecting the orientation of the axes of these hinges, without changing their retained parallel-axis relation, so as to allow the bolt-holding clamps to rotate in a single plane at a time of predetermined position.

Abstract: A skeletal fixator including implant screws, a support angularly indexed with respect to a head of the implant screws and which comprises a cavity provided with a screw thread adapted to receive a connecting rod having a screw thread of pitch different from that of the thread of the cavity. A locking screw cooperates with the head of the implant screw to clamp and bind the connecting rod relative to the implant screws.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone fixator for repairing fractures of the distal radius and wrist. It includes, in the preferred embodiment, at least two generally parallel, spaced-apart elongate distal mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the metacarpal bone and at least two generally parallel, spaced-apart elongate radial mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the radius. A distal pin clamp assembly secures the distal pins to an elongate distal member. The clamp assembly and pins are movably coupled to the distal member for translational movement along its elongate axis and pivotal motion about a pivot axis generally perpendicular to the elongate axis of the distal member and the elongate axes of the distal pins.

Abstract: A fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a first bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in a first bone portion and that secures the first bone screw to the fixator. The fixator also includes a second bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in the second bone portion and that secures the second bone screw to the fixator once the second bone screw is secured to the second bone portion. The fixator also includes a main body that is operable to secure the first bone screw clamp to the second bone screw clamp.

Abstract: A fixation device for repairing a fracture of a bone having a medullary canal, where the device includes a radial transcutaneous pin configured to be mounted generally radially to the bone on a first side of the fracture and the radial transcutaneous pin includes an external free end. The device further includes an axial transcutaneous pin configured to enter the bone on a second side of the fracture and extend axially down the medullary canal with the axial transcutaneous pin including an external free end. An external member is configured to extend between the free ends of the pins and secure them relative to each other.

Abstract: An improved connector for an external skeletal fixation system of the type including a first elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a non-circular cross section and including a second elongated bar having a longitudinal axis. The connector includes a body having a first aperture therethrough for receiving the first elongated bar and having a second aperture therethrough for receiving the second elongated bar. The first aperture has a cross section that is at least partly congruent with the cross section of the first elongated bar for receiving the first elongated bar and for preventing rotation of the first elongated bar about the longitudinal axis of the first elongated bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming a spine includes an actuating unit with two recesses respectively defined in each side thereof. Two belts are respectively and securely received in the recesses to enable the actuating unit to be secured round the waist by a belt buckle. A driving device is disposed within the actuating unit. A ram is telescopically fitted to an upper end of the actuating unit and either a chest supporting frame or a cervix traction pole is attached to one end of the ram. The drive device is operated to cause the ram to be moved up and down and the distance between the ram and the actuating unit is changed and thus applies force on the spine to reform the spine.

Abstract: An osteotomy frame for aligning first and second bone portions utilizing a pair of clamps intended for holding bone portions that have been created by use of a bone saw guide. An arm is connected to the first clamp and is pivoted relative to an axis. A scale interacts with the arm to indicate a value of rotation of the first bone portion about the axis, while being held by the first clamp.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a long bone combines an external fixator with a locking nail implanted in the medullary canal of a long bone. The external fixator has fixed bone pins at each of its ends and movable bone pins intermediate its ends. The fixed bone pins extend through transverse bores at each end of the bone nail and the movable pins extends through a slot in the bone nail intermediate its ends. By this method a fracture can be compressed and stabilized while healing.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved external fixation device which is designed for use in the treatment of bone fractures in a military setting, and comprises a main hollow housing (11) having opposite open ends, first and second end closure members (12, 13) removably attached to the opposite ends of the housing, the member (12) comprising a drill handle forming element (26) while the member (13) comprises a chuck-forming element (31), the end members (12, 13) when detached from the housing (11) being adapted for gripping engagement within respective clamp holders (14, 15) so as to form a hand tool assembly which can operate as a brace-and-bit. A bit element (40) is releasably locked in the socket (38) of the chuck element (31). A holder unit (33) is housed within the interior of the housing (11) and serves to store the ancillary equipment (40, 41, 42) within the housing during transport of the device.

Abstract: A compact external fixator used to repair small bone fractures which includes an elongate cylindrical support rod to which are mounted a pair of articulation assemblies. Each assembly is held to the support rod by a rod clamp which, in a loosened condition, can rotate about and translate along the support rod. When tightened, the clamps fix the positions of the articulation assemblies relative to the rod. A pin carrier block is pivotally attached to each rod clamp to pivot about a first pivot axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the rod. As with the clamp, the pivotal motion of the block can be selectively fixed or loosened. Each block further includes a generally planar circular pin mounting shelf with a central axis normal to the plane of the shelf. The plane of the shelf is substantially parallel to and offset from the first pivot axis. A generally planar and disk-like pin clamp ring is disposed centered coaxially over the central axis of each pin shelf.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing a first bone portion in a fixed relationship with respect to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a bone screw clamp for receiving a first bone screw which is connected to the first bone portion and which includes a spherical portion. The fixator further includes a bone screw clamp which is operable to receive a second bone screw which is connected to the second bone portion and which has a spherical portion. The fixator also includes a connection member having a radiographic window to permit radiographic examination of the bone fracture, as well as a cantilever member operable to secure the circle portions of the first and second bone screw clamps to the connection member.

Abstract: A pelvic drill guide apparatus is used to insert external fixation pins into a patient's pelvis that is fractured (for example as a result of trauma such a automobile roll-over) in "open book" fracture fashion. Multiple fixation pins are placed into the pelvis on each side (for example 2 pins on each side). An external fixation frame holds the pins and thus the pieces of the pelvis together. The guide apparatus includes an elongated probe to track the surface of the pelvis at the inner table of the pelvis. A barrel portion of the guide apparatus tracks a drill to form surgical openings that begin at the iliac crest. The drill path is off-set slightly with respect to the tip of the probe so that the surgeon can drill holes in the pelvis with minimal invasion.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing two or more bone elements. The external fixator includes an elongated bar; a first carriage for mounting on the bar and for securement to a first bone element; a second carriage for mounting on the bar and for securement to a second bone element; and a drive mechanism for driving the first and second carriages along the length of the bar independent of one another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for external fixation and stabilization of a fracture in a bone including a one-piece fixation rod, at least two fixation pins attachable to the bone, and at least two clamp assemblies. Each clamp assembly interconnects at least one fixation pin and the fixation rod, The fixation rod is compressible in an axial direction upon occurrence of axial loads typical to those experienced at the fracture, thereby allowing an axial compression loading to be placed on the bone at the fracture when the apparatus is in use. The fixation rod consists essentially of a non-homogeneous, i.e., composite, material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external skeletal fixator for treating an injured mammalian limb. The fixator has a plurality of transfixation pins which pass through the intact bone of the injured limb proximal to the injured bone. These pins extend beyond the outer edges of the intact bone. These pins are supported by support members which abut the intact bone, extending through the soft tissue. These support members are, in turn, supported by a superstructure capable of supporting the weight of the animal, which superstructure extends beyond the distal end of the injured limb. Thus in the case of a weight bearing limb, the weight of the animal is transferred from the intact bone to the pins, to the supporting members, to the superstructure, to the ground, thus bypassing the injured bone.

Abstract: A bone clamp for insertion into a surgical incision perpendicular to a bone fracture has a ratchet mechanism. The bone clamp includes a scissor portion and a clamping portion. The scissor portion includes a pair of scissor arms, pivotally connected to one another, each having a finger loop at one end. Cooperating components of the ratchet mechanism are carried on each scissor arm, permitting a stepwise reduction in distance between the loops and between terminal ends of the scissor arms through the pivotal connection while preventing separation of the loops. The clamping portion includes a first elongated member pivotally connected at one of its ends to the terminal end of one of the scissor arms with a gripping point at another end. A second elongated member is pivotally connected to the terminal end of the other scissor arm. The first and second elongated members are slidably mounted to one another along their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A disposable external fixator includes a rod and pins insertable therethrough and insertable into a fractured bone for fixation. The rod includes equidistantly spaced and aligned bores and ends provided with threads. The diameter of the bores is larger than the diameter of the pins. The fixator also includes two stretching tubes of relatively soft material slidably mountable onto the ends of the rod and having bores corresponding to the bores of the rod. Internally threaded closing pieces are screwable onto the threaded ends of the rod to axially displace the stretching tubes relative to the rod.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus 2 that allows the transfixation wire 10 to be secured at a plurality of discrete positions to provide adjustability of the angular orientation of the wire with respect to the plane of a frame ring 6. The fixation apparatus 2 includes a transfixation wire or pin 10 that is connected between a transmitting clamp 20 and a receiving clamp 40 that are shiftably carried atop of a partial frame ring 6. A wire retainer 50 is secured to the distal end 14 of the transfixation wire. The receiving clamp 40 includes a raised member 46 adapted for receiving distal end 14 of wire 10 and mating with retainer 50 at a variety of discrete positions along the length of raised member 46. Retainer 50 uses two screws 54, 56 to secure distal end 14 of wire 10 within a longitudinal through bore 51. Screw 54 extends into longitudinal bore 51 to engage wire 10 near the proximal end of retainer 50.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat scoliosis, particularly idiopathic scoliosis. The apparatus has a pair of longitudinal struts whose separation can be adjusted. The cross member is pivotally attached to each strut. The apparatus can be secured to a patient's pelvic girdle. The cross member can be pivoted and thus move the patient's sacrum towards the innominate bones. The apparatus also provides a method to treat scoliosis in a patient that comprises repositioning the patient's sacrum to correct the anatomical position to restore the symmetry of the patient's pelvic girdle. The patient's sacrum is stabilized in its restored position by locating the sacrum to the iliac bone. The non-deformed vertebrae in the scoliotic curve is pulled by members attached to the ilium extending to the vertebrae procesus. The members are tensioned as required.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bone fixation device composed of two separate connectable sections: a compression device and an elongated member. The compression device is further composed of four interacting elements: a hollow, elongated body; a flexible compression wire; at least two compression blades and a hollow cylinder. The elongated member may be adapted to accept shims. The present invention also discloses a bone alignment device composed of: two adjustable circular members; a tubular, longitudinally extending member connecting the two circular members; at least two longitudinally extending connectors also connecting the two circular members and at least one adjustable bone alignment means attached to each connector for applying pressure to the limb containing the fractured bone. The present invention also discloses a system for using the bone alignment device and bone fixation device of the present invention together to align and fix a broken bone.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixator comprises a telescoping unit which includes telescopically engaging inner and outer parts arranged for limited axial reciprocal movement relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the unit, the outer part having a central bore extending therethrough, the inner part engaging with sliding fit in the bore and extending the full length thereof, the inner part being non-rotatable about said axis. The bore is made up of hard polymeric material and the inner part is formed of metal. A pair of orthopedic pin clamp assemblies is carried by the inner part adjacent its proximal end and the outer part for selective positioning along the entire length thereof. A lock releasably locks the parts against axial movement.

Abstract: A flexible external fixation dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The fixation dressing product is comprised of several layers including a thin-film top layer, optional backing layer, optional support layer, hydrogel layer, and optional release liner, and is adapted for use around the retaining pins of an external fixation device. The thin-film top layer may define a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material are positioned in the center portion of the thin-film top layer. The porous backing layer is formed of a porous material having sufficient porosity that the backing layer can be secured to the hydrogel material without the use of an adhesive. During manufacture, the dressing product is assembled and a substantially centered opening and a slit are cut. The opening and slit extend through all layers of the dressing and may also extend through the release liner, if included.

Abstract: The invention refers to an osteosynthesis aid which is used, in particular, for the fixation of a pelvis and includes a central body which is formed of at least two arm or link members, each of which has an elongate slot through which a lock bolt is passed to provide a releasably clamped joint and each of which also has releasably secured ball-joint connection to an end-connecting clamp for bone-pin or bone-screw anchorage to an afflicted bone.

Abstract: An external fixation system for stabilizing bone fractures is provided, having a hexagonal rod as the primary support mechanism with a plurality of fixation components adjustably secured thereto. The fixation components preferably include at least one pin secured to the hexagonal rod by a clamping mechanism which provides multiple degrees of adjustability for enhanced pin placement. The clamping mechanism comprises a clamp member and ball collet having a hexagonal opening formed therein, wherein the ball collet fits within a cavity in the clamp member with the rod extending therethrough, and a retaining nut used to compress the ball collet thereby grippingly engaging the rod and securing the clamp member to the rod. The clamp member is adjustable to any desired position both longitudinally and peripherally about the rod. Each pin is secured within a clamp member through the use of similar ball collets and retaining nuts, and is angularly adjustable relative to the clamp member.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a receiver member (5) and a screw member (1) having a threaded portion (2) and a head (3) having a spherical segment-shaped portion. The receiver member (5) comprises an internal thread (10) for allowing a relative adjustment of receiver member and screw member and the connection of the receiver member with a round rod. A pressure means (12) acts onto the head (3) and the rod (16) is placed on top of the pressure means. The arrangement is locked by means of a rod locking nut (13) and a lock nut (14) is screwed onto an external thread (11).

Abstract: Distraction Osteogenesis is a procedure for lengthening a bone. The Ilizarov External Fixator is an apparatus employed in the distraction osteogenesis procedure. The prospects for a successful clinical outcome of the procedure are enhanced by modifying the Ilizarov apparatus to obtain measurements of loads generated during the procedure. An apparatus and method for the clinical use of load measurements taken during the distraction osteogenesis procedure are disclosed. An alternative method is disclosed for converting load measurements to stress data in order to enhance the clinical outcome of the procedure. Additionally, the method may be employed to assess completion of the healing process.

Abstract: The external fixation device for osteosynthesis is made up of first and second longitudinal bars (3,4) as carriers for fixation elements (5;10) to the bone (7), a three-dimensional shell (1) attached to the extremity of said first bar (4) and a gliding element (2) attached to the extremity of said second bar (3) having at least three gliding points on each side of said shell (1). The gliding element (2) can consists of a first disk (2A) gliding on one side of the shell (1) and a second disk (2B) gliding on the opposite side of the shell (1), both disks (2A,2B) being connected through a central hole (12) in the center of the shell (1) by a threaded extension (2C).The shell (1) and the gliding element (2) are movably arranged to each other in such a way that the free ends of the bars (3,4) are extending in opposite directions.The device enables motion of the wrist joint about all three axes, while keeping the center of rotation at one point during treatment of the fracture and thus preventing complications.

Abstract: An external modular fixator for immobilization of a fracture, including elements functioning as clamps and receiving anchor pins to be fixed in a predetermined angular position on either side of a fracture. A mobilization relay body configured to be attached to the fracture. The mobilization body has a device for locking which is used to lock the clamps, a the fixator and the mobilization relay bodies are lockable in various chosen arrangements.

Abstract: A traction bar for use in combination with a hand wrap or hand and arm wraps for suspending and orienting a patient's hand and arm in a substantially elevated position during a surgical procedure and for maintaining a patient's hand and arm in that orientation and location without unduly constricting circulation in the patient's hand or arm. The hand wrap is attached about the patient's closed fist and the traction bar is bendable and includes VELCRO hook material so that the traction bar may be conformed to the hand and attach itself securely in place to the top and two opposing side surfaces of the hand wrapped fist so that rotational or traction forces may be applied to the hand and arm. In this configuration, the lifting and orientation forces do not exert excess pressure at a particular position such as on the patient's wrist, so that the flow of blood to and from the patient's hand and fingers is not constricted.

Abstract: This invention provides for the angular and lateral adjustment of a pair of fixator rods in an infinite number of planes. The angular adjustment member may be rotated about a center axis of the connector such that the connected fixator rods may be angled relative to one another in any plane called for. Similarly, the lateral adjustment may be rotated about the center axis of the connector such that the two fixator rods may be shifted laterally relative to one another in any direction. The adjustable connector provides for the adjustment of the fixator rods after the rods have been connected to the bone pins. Therefore, after a surgeon has reduced and stabilized the fracture, minor adjustments can be carried out to fully align the bone fragments without disconnecting the fixator rods or the bone pins. After all adjustments have been made, a series of locking bolts or pins can be engaged to hold the adjustable connector in a fixed position.

Abstract: An external fixation device for a fractured bone comprises a fixation rod, a connection member, and a plurality of fixing screws. The connection member has one end serving as a clamp to hold firmly the fixation rod and another end serving as a screw receiving mount provided with a plurality of clamping holes which are neither aligned nor parallel to one another. The fixing screws are fastened respectively onto a bone through the clamping holes in a specified angle.

Abstract: A manipulator for reducing a bone fracture has adjustable elements for manipulating external fixation devices which are connected to the bone segments on either side of the fracture. The manipulator includes a circular sector having a first half sector portion and a second half sector portion. The sector portions are coupled for relative sliding movement therebetween for extending and retracting the arc of said circular sector. The manipulator includes a locking element for locking the first and second half sector portion at selected relative positions. Each of said first and second half sector portions has a generally cylindrical recess formed at the outer end thereof.A pair of cylindrical bushings having an outer cylindrical surface with teeth extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bushings are provided. One of the cylindrical bushings are rotatably mounted in each of the generally cylindrical recesses in the first and second half sector portions.

Abstract: An external fixation device that allows passive or active flexion/extension range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The fixation device assures maintenance of congruent proximal interphalangeal joint throughout the flexion/extension arc. The device attaches to orthopedically placed pins in the proximal phalanx and middle phalanx. Components placed between the pins include an adjustable hinge support that is centered over the axis of the joint for articulation of a hinge member. The hinge member allows distraction and/or compression along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge member. In addition, the device provides for dorsal/volar adjustability by use of alignment pins and an adjustment bolt placed perpendicular to the distraction/compression mechanism. The result is a fully adjustable external fixation device that allows 110 degrees of passive and active motion further allowing for the transient realignment of the subluxed joint providing joint congruency.

Abstract: A humeral fracture brace for providing rigid lateral support to the humerus which includes a humeral cuff that is pivotally connected to a forearm support by a sliding hinge that allows the forearm support to slide relative to the axis of the humeral cuff. The forearm support includes a rigid brace bar and a generally U-shaped cuff for engaging a patient's wrist. An adjustable shoulder strap with a slidable pad is connected between the humeral cuff and the forearm support.