Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing bone screws, pins or the like incorporates a rotary joint between the bone-screw fixing region of the coupling and a ball-joint connection region of the coupling, whereby an extended range of angular adaptability and fixation are achievable, as compared to the more limited range of angular articulation achieved by the ball-joint action alone.

Abstract: A device for treating and preventing injuries and contractures of the elbow joint, particularly supination-pronation contractures and proximal radial head fractures. The device includes bracing sections for fixing the device to the radius and the ulna, and for permitting movement of the attached radius continually along a path which is adapted and adjusted to be aligned with the kinematic axis of the proximal radial-ulnar joint.

Abstract: An implantable bone distraction device and method of using the device are disclosed. The device includes spaced first and second low profile blocks for subcutaneous implantation and attachment to osteotomically separated bone sections. The first block defines a drive chamber bore while the second block defines a threaded bore. A rotatable drive rod having a first end is received in the drive chamber bore of the first block. The rotatable drive rod's other end is threadably received in the threaded bore of the second block. The device further includes drive rod actuator located in the drive chamber bore for cooperating with the first end of the drive rod to rotate the drive rod so that one can adjust the depth to which the rod's threaded end is received in the threaded bore of the second block. This enables one to adjust the spacing between the first and second blocks, thereby enabling one to controllably distract the separated bone sections to enhance bone growth therebetween.

Abstract: The pin site shield having a separate sponge and retainer removably securable to an orthopedic pin, wire, or similar implement. The retainer comprises a body having a slot form therein for receiving the orthopedic pin and a clamping member hingedly secured thereto. The clamping member is selectively moveable between open and closed positions, with interlocking surfaces on the body and clamping member engaging one another when the retainer is in its closed position to secure the retainer at its appropriate position on the pin. Protrusions on the body and clamping member allow installation of the retainer by squeezing the protrusions between a thumb and forefinger, with removal of the retainer being effected by spreading the protrusions apart.

Abstract: A vertebral locking and retrieving system comprising a locking pin, a connector, a locking component, a coupling component, a remedial component, and securing components is disclosed. The locking pin includes a threaded end and a locking end. The threaded end is adapted to be secured to a normal, healthy vertebra. The connector comprises a through hole and an integrally formed cubic portion at one lateral side of the through hole. The cubic portion has a locking aperture adapted to non-rotatably accept the locking end of the locking pin. The locking component is engaged with the locking end of the locking pin after it has passed through the locking aperture of the cubic portion to hold the connector onto the locking pin. The coupling component is threadably connected one end thereof to the through hole of the connector.

Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing of bone screws or pins, and connecting these bone screws or pins to an external fixator, includes an additional transverse clamping coupling to achieve better external-fixator anchorage when fractures extend up into the joint (condyle) of the femur. A selectively adjustable asymmetric arrangement permits fixed settings parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femur, while a lateral offset takes into account the natural lateral offset of the centerline of the condyle of the femur with respect to the longitudinal axis of the femur.

Abstract: A bone gripping pincers for osteosynthetic purposes has a swivel joint (1) that can be locked, a minimum of two jaws (2, 3) and a minimum of two legs (4, 5). After bone fragments have been set by means of the bone gripping pincers, its swivel joint (1) can be locked, so that it can act as a permanent bone clamp. The legs (4, 5) can be removed. By a connection pin (9) mounted on the pincers, it is possible to combine several bone pincers into a stable osteosynthetic setting device.

Abstract: A pelvic stabilizer for quickly stabilizing fractures of the human pelvis and preventing excessive blood loss. The pelvic stabilizer comprises first and second curved arms which are rotatably attached to each other at first ends by an adjustable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism permits free second ends of the first and second curved arms to be adjustably spaced from each other. A first mounting pin and a second mounting pin are adjustably attached at the second ends of the first and second curved arms respectively.

Abstract: A brace for external fixation of long bone fractures which includes "I"-shaped member and cross-shaped elongate members, both of which are curved along a longitudinal axis to fit around the limb and which interlap to provide circumferential support. The two-piece, curved configuration concentrates the load applied to the limb over a smaller surface area and is, therefore, more effective at immobilizing the fractured bone while allowing access to the skin for wound management, surgery, and hygiene without removing the brace. The configuration also makes possible the adjustment of the brace at three independent points to provide for improved fit over a wider variety of sizes and shapes of limbs than previously available.

Abstract: A spinal implant system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column. The system includes spinal rods, attachment devices, and interpositional sleeves for securing the attachment devices to the rods. The attachment devices may be various types of spinal hooks, screws, couplers, rod connectors, clamps, or other such devices.

Abstract: A method of forming an Ilizarov ring includes forming two half rings, each of which comprises a length of resin impregnated cloth. Cloth is pre-impregnated with a resin and then wound to provide a plurality of layers in a three dimensional orientation, and then the resin impregnated cloth is placed in a mold. After the resin impregnated cloth is pressed and cured in the mold, the material is removed from the mold and is appropriately machined. Two half rings are secured together to form a single ring.

Abstract: An external fixator includes two elements (20) of at least one pin (21, 22), each element maintaining a bone fragment (11; 12), and a telescopic piece (50 comprising an internal bar (41) and an external bar (42), each pin element being connected to either the internal or the external bar. One of the bars includes first guiding means for cooperation with corresponding second guiding means being at least indirectly dependent on the other bar, the first and second guiding means being separated from each other by roller sliding means intended to reduce the friction during the relative movement of the bars.

Abstract: A reduction frame according to the present invention is secured to shaft handles extending from the pedicle screws of a Vermont Spinal Fixator type implant. Shaft clamps secure two T-handles of the reduction frame to the shaft handles. A lower-rod assembly joins the two opposite T-frames by means of lower-rod clamps. The shaft clamps are provided with four degrees of freedom. The joint between the lower-rod assembly and T-handle is provided with five degrees of freedom. The lower-rod assembly and the T-handle are provided with power screw threads to allow for precise translational control. The shaft clamps and lower-rod clamps are provided with taper fit joints to allow for infinite rotational adjustment and fixture. An upper-rod assembly is also provided on the T-handles to produce rotation of the T-handles by providing means for changing the distance between the upper ends of the T-handles.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for the reduction of long-bone fractures, which includes telescopic components (7, 8) which are made of an X-ray transparent material and form two transverse plates (9 and 10) at their opposite ends. A locking device (11) is composed of a slide (12) working in conjunction with two chucks (13 and 14) fitted to the periphery of the plates and position-adjusting devices for each flange are made up of three threaded rods (40) angularly equidistant, individually adjustable as to length and mounted in the corresponding plate by means of three ball-and-socket joints.

Abstract: This external fixator for the correction and reduction of bone fragments comprises a bar (1) fastened to a biocompression system (5), on which bar and system are disposed the supports (2,3) for fastening the pins inserted into the bones, the components of which supports are movable in accordance with the arrows A, B, C and D. The member (6) permits the longitudinal displacement of the clip (2) in the direction of the arrow E, while the biocompression system (5) makes a reciprocating movement in accordance with the arrow F.A damping member (90,290) cooperates with means for regulating the force applied which are disposed outside the bar. Graduated markings (99,283) indicate the value of the force applied.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic force transmitting and positioning apparatus has two force transmitting members one of which is slidably telescoped into the other and each of which or at least one of which is connected or is connectable to one or more connecting components for bone screws, bone pins and/or other types of fasteners which secure the connectors to discrete bones, to fragments of bones or to osteosynthetic plates. The connections between the force transmitting members and the connecting components are such that the orientation of the fasteners can be altered in the direction of any one of three axes which are disposed at right angles to each other. Such connections can include fulcra, hinges, pivots, pin-and-hole couplings or others.

Abstract: A pin assembly for use in a skull clamp having a cylindrical non-metallic housing and a metallic rigid pin with a conical point fitted in the non-metallic housing. The non-metallic housing has fingers extending from a cavity in the surface of the housing and are positioned at an angle towards the pin end of the housing to hold the pin assembly in the skull clamp.

Abstract: An external fixator frame for reducing pelvic fractures consisting of a rectangular horizontal frame connecting to the pelvis through removable pins (FIG. 2). A ratchet or compressive horizontal arm of the frame is used to rapidly insert the pins into the pelvis and simultaneously reduce the pelvic fracture by applying compression across it. The rapidity and simplicity of application permits early use in an emergency setting prior to other studies and treament modalities.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive device to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive device includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller device for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone.

Abstract: This articulation device makes it possible to position a first elongated piece 20, which is capable of being pivoted through 360.degree. according to the arrow A, and a second piece 30, which is capable of swivelling about the shaft 40 according to the arrow B. These pieces are made integral with a U-shaped support 10, in relation to which they can be locked by shoes 60 and 70 which are held in position by a single securing screw 50. The pieces 20 and 30 can be connected to elements which are to be positioned, such as pins or connection rods which form part of an orthopaedic external fixing appliance consisting of pins inserted into bone fragments and of an external frame with connection rods.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor. An internal orthopaedic system is also disclosed in which a telescoping rod driven by an internal drive screw is placed internal to the bone of a patient and driven by means of either a flexible drive shaft connected to a motor and controller assembly or an internal motor and controller assembly.

Abstract: A fracture alignment device comprising two clamps adjustably and pivotally mounted on a lever which may be rotated as a second class lever to apply pressure on the bone segments to align the bone segments. The device is both autoclavable and radiolucent, whereby the user may monitor the alignment by means of an X-ray machine, and the device may be used in the operating room.

Abstract: A device for fixing a point relative to the human body with a pointer is adjustable in three directions. The end indicates the position of the point to be fixed. A frame with three feet can be mounted on pins anchored in the facial part of the skull.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A device comprises two jaws arranged to be pressed one against the other and to grasp a part to be positioned and secured. The part and/or the jaws comprise circular regions presenting a succession of planar or curved facets regularly disposed over said regions, with adjacent facets forming obtuse angles between them whose vertices define sharp edges or points. In a preferred embodiment, the jaws clamping a part having a rounded portion are tightened by means of two screws whose centerlines form an angle with each other, so that upon tightening of the jaws, at least one of the jaws flexes so as to assure a better grip of the rounded portion of the part.

Abstract: An external fixation pin entry site dressing, and the method of its application, in which an elongate body of soft, tearable, and compressible absorbent material has a longitudinal primary slit extending inwardly from one side of the body to about the longitudinal midline thereof and a plurality of pairs of transverse slits extending inwardly from opposite sides of the body and partially dividing the body into a multiplicity of separable segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mid-line clamp assembly for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The clamp assembly includes inferior and superior clamp halves slidably interconnected with one another. Each clamp half has a body portion and a shoe connected to the body portion. Each clamp half has a stud connected to the body portion. The studs are connectable to other members incorporated in this spinal system for fixing the position of the clamp halves with respect to each other. The clamps are used in conjunction with the spinal system which also includes a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as the clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and couplers.

Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures and the correction of congenital deformities uses an improved adjustment device that allows selective rotation or lateral translation of one external fixation ring with respect to other external fixation rings. The adjustment device attaches to a pair of first and second tie rod sections and shifts the first tie rod section with respect to the second tie rod section during adjustment. The adjustment device has a lateral slot that defines the path of movement for one of the translating tie rod sections. A travelling block connected to the moving tie rod section tracks the slot during use.

Abstract: Distraction apparatus for maintaining fractured joints during healing, comprising a pair of pins (10) for insertion into bone at positions proximal to and distal to an injured joint, and a pair of stainless steel wire springs (15) which are adjustably attached to the pins to determine and resiliently maintain the relative spacing of the pin insertions into the bone thus to retain the components of the joint during the healing process.

Abstract: In a distraction apparatus for plastic reconstruction of hand, having a proximal support made as a cramp-shaped plate carrying two fixing pins, a distal support carrying distraction pins, and two distraction threaded rods on which the proximal support and the distal support are fitted, according to the invention, the fixing pins are arranged in a plane square with the planes of the cramp-shaped plate, while the distal support is made as a bar having perforations, wherein additional distraction threaded rods are fitted, the distraction pins being held with their distal ends to the proximal ends of the additional distraction threaded rods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures, limb lengthening, and the correction of deformities uses an improved composite plastic carbon fiber ring that is formed in a mold, or machined with a stepped end portion that allows half rings to be assembled in a common plane. The method can use a mold wherein multiple rings can be formed by stacking the rings with a Teflon layer therebetween and wherein circumferential braid reinforcement of carbon fiber adds strength at the circumferential inner and outer curved surfaces of the rings and half rings.

Abstract: An improved four-legged distractor with multiplanar adjustability facilitates intervertebral bone grafting. The legs are slidably fixed to a rectangular frame so that the space between opposing legs and the space between adjacent legs may be varied. The bottom portion of each leg is offset so that a large space is created between the top portion of the legs to permit easy access to the operating space.

Abstract: A spinal joint for use in spinal surgery includes two blocks pivotally connected to each other. One block is secured to a vertebrae with a bone screw, which the other block connects to another spinal joint. The blocks rotate relative to one another, and can be locked relative to one another in various angular positions. Serrations on one block engage with corresponding serrations in the pivotal connection portion of the second block at a selected angle, and are locked in place by a locking screw.

Abstract: The external splint for the treatment of fractures of the long bones of limbs is composed of a tubular body which encloses a cylindrical cavity and has one end prismatically engaged in a seat of a box-like element, which is elongated transversely to the axis of the tubular body. The box-like element is coupled to the tubular body by means of a screw which is rotatably supported in the box-like element and is screwed in a threaded hole defined in the end along the axis of the seat. The screw is cannulated to allow the accommodation of a strain-gauge for monitoring the behavior of the splint. A support for supporting the nail-holder clamps are applied to the box-like element and to the tubular body so that it is possible to adjust them according to a total of three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device for externally adjusting bone fragments. A pair of members anchored to the bone fragments are connected to each other to allow a longitudinal displacement of the fixing unit. According to the invention the connection of the members is defined by a hinge configuration which allows guiding and aligning both members when the fixing unit is released for stimulating the healing process. A bracket is mounted on a parallelogram hinge to generate a pressure or, respectively, a tension force to move the bone fragments apart or draw them together. According to the invention the hinge configuration comprises telescopic members centered by spring means.

Abstract: In an external fixation device for osteosynthesis, pins inserted into a bone are joined to a support rod by a clamp which leaves the end of the pin free to move in an arcuate direction under load, thus avoiding angulation of the pin in the bone and the resulting stress on the bone.

Abstract: Extrafocal fixing apparatus for transosteal syndesis of strains and compressions in orthopedics and traumatology which includes rectilinear and curved rod-like elements which can be coupled to one another through clamps which define seats for the removable accommodation of the rod-like elements to be mutually secured. The clamps have a single securing element which acts on the rod-like elements arranged in the seats. Mandrels are furthermore provided for supporting tensioned wires and supporting bars and are removably accommodatable in the seats of the clamps and can be secured through the securing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external splint which is particularly suitable for application to the pelvis, comprisng a central body consisting of a plurality of members which can be connected together telescopically and do not rotate with respect to each other about their own axes, two screw holding clamps anchored with ball joints to the free ends of the central body and a removable contractor/extender device. An articulated member 22-23, 22-47-23 or 22-50-51-23 consisting of two or more parts can be inserted between parts 20, 21 of the central body allowing the said parts 20, 21 to rotate in a single plane containing the longitudinal axes of parts 20, 21 and at right angles to the plane passing through axes 25, 26 of the seats for the pins of the contractor/extender device. This rotation takes place around at least one of the pivot pins 24 which couples together the parts of the said articulated member.

Abstract: A fracture alignment and retention device includes a plurality of spanning bars which are spaced about the extremity of the patient having a fractured long bone. Preferably, the spanning bars are located circumferentially about the extremity. At least three spanning bars are held in approximately 90 degree offset positions with respect to each other by two straps encircling the extremity. The straps are secured in place by a VELCRO-type fastener or other securing devices. Each spanning bar includes at least two pressure pads which are placed on the extremity on opposite sides of the fracture. Each pressure pad includes a threaded shaft which is threadably mounted at a central portion in a fixed bushing engaged in a slot defined in an uppermost surface of the spanning bar. One end of the shaft includes a knob and the opposite end is mounted on the pressure pad for causing movement of the pressure pad toward or away from the extremity in an axial direction along the shaft without rotation of the pressure pad.

Abstract: A foot and ankle supporting and orienting extension for an external fixation unit with pins driven into the tibia of a patient has a coupling member which can be separably connected to a pin holder of a fixation unit, a variable-length carrier one end of which is articulately connected to the coupling member by a first universal joint and the other end of which is articulately connected to one end of a variabele-length link by a second universal joint, and a cushioned sole-contacting brace which is articulately connected to the other end of the link by a third universal spherical joint. By properly selecting the mutual inclination of the coupling member, carrier, link and brace relative to each other and/or by properly selecting the length of the carrier and/or the link, the patient or another authorized person can move the cushion of the brace to an optimum position relative to the sole of a foot forming part of a leg wherein the tibia is pinned to a fixation unit.

Abstract: In a distraction apparatus for osteosynthesis of short tubular bones, including a support unit (1) made as a cramp-shaped plate (3) having a plurality of perforations (4), two fixing pins (10) being secured between the arms of the cramp-shaped plate (3); distraction units (2) incorporating a pin holder (18) and at least two distraction pins (19) installed therein, a distraction threaded rods (15) whose proximal ends are connected to the support unit (1), according to the invention, the fixing pins (10) of the support unit (1) are arranged parallel to each other and lie in a plane square with the planes of the cramp-shaped plate (3), and each of the distraction units (2) is installed on one distraction rod (15) with a possibility of relative motion along its longitudinal axis, while each of the distraction threaded rods (15) is located on the cramp-shaped plate (3) with a possibility of angular motion and the distraction pins (19) of each distraction unit (2) are cantileverly fixed in the pin holder (18).

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fiducial implant for the human body that is detectable by an imaging system. The invention is comprised of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be detected by an imaging system when placed beneath the skin. The second portion is configured for fixed attachment to a bone beneath the skin without penetrating entirely through the bone and without fracturing the bone. The first portion is of detectable size and comprised of a material for detection by an imaging system, and sufficiently small to avoid the distortion of the skin when placed at an interface between the skin and the bone. The first portion also has at least a portion which is spherical and defines a surface for cooperating with a tool for securing the second portion to the bone. Additionally, the placement of n fiducial implants, where n.gtoreq.

Abstract: Tensioning clamps for bone positioning wires of external fixation devices used in orthopedic surgery having clamping structure associated with tensioning guide device for being moved reciprocally therewith for clamping said bone positioning wire for movement with the tensioning guide device, and a clamp and tension indicator including annular washer springs in a cavity between compression surfaces, the distance between which is indicative of the amount of compression, is disclosed.

Abstract: An external fixation device for the fixation of a broken joint includes first and second fixation rods connected to bone pins intended to be introduced into the bone, and an articulating portion joining the two rods. One of the two fixation rods is connected to a sliding block that slides within the housing of the articulating portion upon a sliding surface having a virtual axis. The articulating portion housing is provided with viewing lines on its cover for accurately sighting the location of the articulation axis of the prosthetic joint.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixation device comprises a distal frame and a proximal frame interconnected by a hinge formed of mating, partially spherical-shaped surfaces which permits relative movement of the distal frame and proximal frame. Each of the frames includes one or more pin clamps which mount half pins inserted with the proximal or distal segments of a fractured bone to immobilize the bone segments and permit reduction of the fracture. The focal point of the partially spherical-shaped surfaces of the hinge is positioned in direct alignment with the fracture, preferably in a vertical plane passing through the fracture transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone, so that manipulation of one or both of the distal and proximal frames permits a relatively slight and precise movement of the bone segments connected thereto by the half pins to ensure proper reduction of the fracture.

Abstract: The external apparatus for fixing bone fragments consists of a tube-shaped portion, of which the internal space is filled with glass fibre. The fixing tube is secured by means of nails or screws (12) to the bone fragments to be fixed, whereby a rapid hardening material is introduced into the closed tube system after completion of assembly. After setting, a plastic-glass fibre composite is obtained which has excellent strength properties and is ideally suited for use as an external fixation apparatus.

Abstract: A combined external fixation and bone growth stimulation apparatus in which current flows, in a defined cycle, from a cathode to one of two pairs of electrodes, then from one pair of electrodes to the other, and then from the cathode to the other pair of electrodes, is disclosed.