Abstract: An external fixator system comprising at least two fixation plates which are arranged at a distance to each another, at least one adjustable length having a first end region and a second end region which are in connection with the fixation plates and at least one actuation unit to adjust the length of the strut in order to adjust the distance and/or orientation between the fixation plates. The actuation unit is in a fixed connection with at least one of the fixation plates as well as with at least one of the end regions of the respective strut in order to connect the strut with the fixation plate. The actuation unit comprises a feedback unit which provides the user with a feedback concerning the degree of the actuation.

Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws. A portion of the locking system is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between a first position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a first size from between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a second size from between the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: An external fixation system includes a first base member configured to attach to a first bone segment and a second base member configured to attach to a second bone segment. A plurality of single DOF controlling elements extend between the first and second base members. The single DOF controlling elements include a crank arm having a strut interface and a base member interface, the crank arm having a first longitudinal axis and being pivotably disposed relative to one of the first and second base members. The single DOF controlling elements also include a strut extending from the strut interface toward one of the first and second base members. The strut has a second longitudinal axis, and the crank arm and strut are structurally configured so that the first and second longitudinal axes form a non-zero angle.

Abstract: Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus.

Abstract: A ball joint for use with an external fixator has a sleeve in engagement with a rod of a strut for the external fixator. A ring insert and a blocking element are provided, having a combined circumferential surface being able to be introduced into a hole of a ring of an external fixator. The ring insert and blocking element have complementary wedge surfaces allowing a relative radial displacement therebetween to enlarge the diameter of the combined circumferential surface for blocking the ball joint inside the hole. Additionally the sleeve comprises a spherical hollow ball portion with concentrical inner and outer spherical portions, wherein the outer spherical portion engages a complementary spherical socket of the blocking element and wherein the inner spherical portion is engaged by a ball nut. A connection element extends through the sleeve, blocking element and ring insert, wherein a radial displacement and axial displacement of the ring insert and blocking element are activated by the connection element.

Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator includes a tube and a rod, especially a threaded rod being in threaded engagement with the tube. The tube comprises at least one hole for accommodating a ball, the ball having the spherical shape for engagement with the threaded rod. A sleeve is provided on the portion of the tube comprising the hole. The sleeve comprises a non-spherical inner cross-section. The greater diameter of the sleeve has a dimension which is at least the sum of the outer diameter of the threaded rod plus the diameter of an accommodating ball for allowing direct axial movement of the threaded rod against the tube in such a rotational position of the sleeve. The lesser diameter has a dimension to place the ball within the threaded rod for allowing a rotational movement of the threaded rod against the tube.

Abstract: An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.

Abstract: An assembly includes a body, a plunger, a biasing member and a set screw. The body has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a polygonal drive surface interposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The body has a first passageway extending from the top to the bottom surface, a second passageway extending from the polygonal drive surface to the first passageway, and a third passageway extending from the polygonal drive surface to the first or second passageway. The plunger has a channel that defines an interior surface having a threaded portion. The plunger moves within the second passageway. The biasing member biases the plunger toward a first plunger position. The set screw is movable within the third passageway between a first position in which the set screw inhibits movement and a second position in which the set screw allows movement of the plunger within the second passageway.

Abstract: A method for controlling generation of biologically desirable voids in a composition placed in proximity to bone or other tissue in a patient by selecting at least one water-soluble inorganic material having a desired particle size and solubility, and mixing the water-soluble inorganic material with at least one poorly-water-soluble or biodegradable matrix material. The matrix material, after it is mixed with the water-soluble inorganic material, is placed into the patient in proximity to tissue so that the water-soluble inorganic material dissolves at a predetermined rate to generate biologically desirable voids in the matrix material into which bone or other tissue can then grow.

Abstract: An external fixator for treating a fracture of a long bone has six extension arms which are extendable out of and retractable into a main body. The six extension arms are arranged into two sets of three out opposing sides of the main body, with each set of three extension arms being able to support a fixation ring. Each extension arm is pivotable at a joint and extendable so as to allow the ring to be set at a wide range of angular positions relative to the main body. The three extension arms and the ring each define a wrap angle about the axis of the long bone being treated. The longitudinal position of each extension arm can be changed either with a coarse adjustment capability or with a fine adjustment capability, with the coarse adjustment capability being through rotation of a thumb wheel.

Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purposes of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patient's one leg, that is in need of treatment, for ambulation. The method includes the steps of: applying an external fixation assembly, having at least one external frame component, by pinning the at least one external frame component to at least one of the patient's bones in the patient's one leg so as to prepare the patient's one leg for healing; providing a foot assembly with a sole assembly defining a bearing surface and a connecting assembly; and operatively joining the foot assembly to the patient's one leg, whereby the patient can walk in a manner whereupon weight of the patient's body is applied by a patient's one foot, that is part of the user's one leg, to the sole assembly and therethrough to and against an underlying surface during ambulation.

Abstract: A fixator system includes an active strut that that can be gradually or acutely adjusted. Adjustments can be made in six degrees of freedom. Embodiments of the active strut can provide for two of the six degrees of freedom being about a first common point of rotation, and another two of the six degrees of freedom being about a second common point of rotation. Embodiments of the fixator can include one or more active struts in combination with one or more passive struts. The passive struts can be rigidly locked or can be unlocked so as to be freely and acutely adjustable while gradual or acute adjustments are made using the one or more active struts.

Abstract: A clamp (1; 1?; 1?) for orthopaedic external fixator (100), practical and safe to use, comprising a first attachment (2), provided with a pair of arms respectively internal (22) and external (21) defining one with the other a lateral housing (20) with C-shaped section for housing a first connection bar (101) and comprising a mobile jaw (5) hinged on its external arm (21); a second attachment (3; 3?; 3?) for allowing the connection of the clamp (1; 1?; 1?) to a second component (102; 102?) of the orthopaedic external fixator (100); a tightening element (4), at least partially threaded, which traverses and connects the first and the second attachment (2, 3; 3?; 3?) along an axis of rotation (x) and whereto the mobile jaw (5) is subjected, the tightening of the tightening element (4) bringing the clamp from a loosened configuration, at which the two attachments (2, 3; 3?; 3?) are reciprocally rotatable around the axis of rotation (x), to a tightened configuration, at which the relative orientation of the attachm

Abstract: A system for fixation of fractures is disclosed. The system comprises a chassis and one or more fixation elements in the form of screws and/or pins. Each fixation element is received in the chassis in such a way that it is locked by friction regarding movement in axial, rotational and angular directions. The friction is preferably given by the material of the chassis having an elasticity giving locking effect by friction on the fixation elements.

Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for external fixation systems include a post component having a yaw axis and a clamping system secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis. The clamping system includes a outer jaw and a inner jaw having an inner surface facing the outer jaw. The outer and inner jaws together form an opening for receiving a fixation element of the external fixation system. The inner jaw and outer jaw have a roll axis alignable with a longitudinal axis of the fixation element. The clamping system and post component are rotatable about the roll axis. The inner jaw also includes a cylindrical outer-facing surface. The devices also include a base component having a cylindrical concave surface having a pitch axis. The concave surface of the base component interfaces with the cylindrical outer facing component on the inner jaw. The outer and inner jaws being rotatable relative to the base and the post component about the pitch axis.

Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for external fixation systems include a post component having a yaw axis and a clamping system secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis. The clamping system includes a outer jaw and a inner jaw having an inner surface facing the outer jaw. The outer and inner jaws together form an opening for receiving a fixation element of the external fixation system. The inner jaw and outer jaw have a roll axis alignable with a longitudinal axis of the fixation element. The clamping system and post component arc rotatable about the roll axis. The inner jaw also includes a cylindrical outer-facing surface. The devices also include a base component having a cylindrical concave surface having a pitch axis. The concave surface of the base component interfaces with the cylindrical outer facing component on the inner jaw. The outer and inner jaws being rotatable relative to the base and the post component about the pitch axis.

Abstract: An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: An easy to clean clamping device has at least one clamping assembly having two jaws. The jaws form at least one recess to accommodate an element to be clamped along the longitudinal axis of the recess. A locking unit is provided to allow closing of the jaws against the force of a spring element. The locking unit has a shaft extending along an axis and through bores of the jaws. The shaft has a head for operating the clamping action abutting against the uppermost jaw. A locking element is provided having a through bore and which locking element can be arranged between the head and the uppermost jaw. One portion of the locking unit has a larger diameter than the bore of the second jaw and the head of the locking unit has a smaller diameter than the bore of the adjacent jaw. The locking element comprises at least one locking surface which can be brought into positive locking with a corresponding surface of the head for blocking removal of the locking element.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member for angular movement with respect to the ring. A third member is mounted on the second member for movement in a direction parallel to the second member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes providing an external fixation system and inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire or half pin to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire or half pin through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire or half pin to an adjustable device.

Abstract: An external fixation component includes two capture members adapted to capture independently a first and a second element of an external fixation system. A rotation member is provided between the two capture members, coupled to both capture members such that the coupling allows the two capture members to rotate about three axes relative to each other. Each capture member comprises a central locking screw extending therethrough and defining a longitudinal axis of the associated capture member. The rotation member comprises two rotation blockers, each blocker providing one interface surface adapted to be in contact with a complementary interface surface of one of the capture members, each blocker further provides a surface opposite to the interface surface comprising an inner cylindrical surface. The rotation member comprises a central disc element forming a rolling surface as complementary surface to the inner cylindrical surface of the corresponding rotation blocker.

Abstract: A removable protective covering is provided that can be secured about an external fixation device on the upper or lower extremity of a patient. The covering includes a fabric form that is sized and configured to accommodate varying sizes of external fixation devices and uses readily engageable/releasable closure elements or fasteners to securely engage the covering about the fixator and the extremity. A drawstring closure may be provided at the open ends of the covering to tighten the end about the patient's limb. Ventilation features may be provided including vents with and without additional devices to generate air flow through the covering. The covering for a lower extremity fixation device may be configured for removably attachment to a foot plate and the foot plate itself may be configured to support or attach to the fixation device.

Abstract: An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.

Abstract: A bone reposition device includes first and second bone supports for supporting first and second portions of a fracture or osteotomize bone about a fracture or osteotomize site, a plurality of sequentially connected connection members and a plurality of joints each with at least a pair of adjacent parts for connecting the connection members therebetween and to the first and second bone supports. The plurality of joints includes at least six joints, each of which possesses one degree of freedom and allows controllable relative rotation or translation of said pair of adjacent parts about one of three axes respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for midfacial and maxillofacial external distraction includes attaching one end of each curved temporal bar to a skull and the other end to a surgically isolated (osteotomized) portion of the patient's midface (maxilla, orbit(s) or zygoma(s)).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports, and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixation to a head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, in particular during MRI diagnosis. The device comprises at least one fixation pin for fixation to the head, a sleeve member (5) having an internal threaded through bore to at least partly receive and hold said fixation pin, and a pin support member for supporting said fixation pin and sleeve member. The sleeve member is exchangeable and provided in at least two different lengths in order to allow adaptation of the sleeve member to the size of the head to improve the fixation of the head and avoid the fixation pin to protrude beyond the outer boundary of the pin support member. The invention also relates to a method for fixation of a head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive external fixator particularly suitable for fracture fixation. In particular, the fixator of the invention includes proximal and distal portions for mounting on a limb either side of a fracture. Each of the proximal and distal portions includes a rigid member. An articulation member connects the proximal and distal portions. The articulation member includes a universal joint for allowing relative movement between the proximal and distal portions, wherein the articulation member connects the rigid members.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.

Abstract: An external fixation device and method, which is designed for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures. More particularly, the provision is made for an external orthopaedic wrist fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures which may be encountered in the distal radial portion of the forearm of a patient, through the utilization of novel cross pin arrangements extending through the site of the fracture for fracture fixation and with the absence of the risks and discomfort of encountered Ligamentotaxis.

Abstract: Adjustable restraint includes a plantar plate surrounded by a peripheral element about which a plurality of supports can be positioned; a support system attachable to that plate or element for providing vertical and horizontal support; and a lower leg securing housing. The housing is attachable to the support system through adjustable fastener(s) such it can be adjusted vertically and secured in position with respect to the plantar plate. A sole portion of the plantar plate may be removable. The support system can include first support(s) and second support(s) attachable to the plate or element, and, through first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s), respectively, the first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s) be attachable to the housing.

Abstract: An outrigger for connecting to an external bone fixation clamp comprises an elongated member having a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a threaded portion. The outrigger also comprises a connecting member operably associated with the elongated member, the connecting member having a tightening portion at a proximal end and a gripping portion at a distal end, the gripping portion having a greater diameter than the tightening portion. The outrigger also comprises a slide lock disposed about the threaded portion, the slide lock being longitudinally movable along the length of the threaded portion and having a non-smooth engagement surface configured to engage a non-smooth surface of the external bone fixation clamp in order to prevent rotation of the elongated member relative to the external bone fixation clamp.

Abstract: An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixtion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversly inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.

Abstract: A first arched slot or slit connection element (15) and a second linear slot or slit connection element (19, 21) are provided for cursors (13, 30) which can slide and be locked along said slots or slits; the connection element engaged with the humeral stem is self-centring and is provided with a hinge (32, 34) defining the articulation axis of the elbow, when—after repeated flexion-extension—said cursor is no longer subject to significant movements.

Abstract: Devices and processes for use in computer aided or computer navigated surgery include one or more fault interfaces interposed between an indicium and an item to be used during surgery such as a body part, tool, implant, trial or other structure or component. After the indicia have been registered into the system and surgery begun, it is sometimes the case that indicia can be inadvertently moved or dislodged in position and/or orientation relative to the body part. Fault interfaces according to various embodiments are designed to fail first, so that the indicia can be repositioned relative to the item without the need to reregister the indicia into the system relative to the item. The fault interfaces preferably include structure that allows the indicium to be repositioned relative to the item so that it does not need to be reregistered into the system. Frame attachments which can by easily manufactured at relatively low cost, are disposable, and which are manufactured for single use are disclosed.

Abstract: A head fixation assembly includes a head fixation frame, a plurality of upper head fixation members, a plurality of lower head fixation members, and at least one drive mechanism. The head fixation frame includes a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart arms defining a free space therebetween. At least one upper head fixation member extends from each of the respective arms of the head fixation frame, with each upper head fixation member adjustable relative to the head fixation frame and adapted to engage a patient's head within the free space of the head fixation frame. The lower head fixation members extend from the head fixation frame between the pair of arms, with each member adjustable relative to the head fixation frame and adapted to engage an underside of the patient's head within the free space of the head fixation frame.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

Abstract: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.

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

Abstract: An outrigger having a locking mechanism includes an elongated member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a threaded portion proximate the distal end; a moveable member operably associated with the elongated member; and a slide lock operably associated with the moveable member. The thread portion may have at least one flat side and the slide lock may have at least one flat portion. The at least one flat side and the at least one flat portion may engage such that the slide lock translates along, but not rotate about, the threaded portion. The slide lock may engage a surface of the clamp. The moveable member may move the slide lock towards the clamp such that the engagement portion engages the surface of the clamp. The connection between the engagement portion and the surface of the clamp may prevent the slide lock from rotating relative to the clamp.

Abstract: A portable surgical workstation for implant formation comprising a base with a central planar section. The central planar section has a plurality of tracks and a throughgoing slot with a recessed stepped surrounding surface formed on a bottom surface of the central planar section. A vise assembly mounted to the base comprises a fixed jaw member secured to the base, a traveling jaw member moveably mounted to the base and a fixed drive housing mounted to the base. The traveling jaw member has a plurality of rail members adapted to be slidably mounted in the central planar section tracks. The fixed drive housing has a threaded longitudinal bore which receives a threaded drive shaft, one end of the drive shaft being secured in the traveling jaw member to transport the traveling jaw members.

Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member.

Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.

Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purpose of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and computer program product for treating a fractured bone using a hexapod manipulator. The hexapod manipulator has a first ring and a second ring, with the first and second rings being connected by six telescopic struts. The method includes the steps of determining a current position of the second ring relative to the first ring; determining a desired position of the second ring relative to the first ring; and computing with a processing system the difference between the current position and the desired position of the second ring relative to the first ring using a linear approach to a nonlinear problem.

Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments include pin holders arranged so that bone pins, extending from a linearly extending or arcuate surface are concentrated in a region.

Abstract: An external fixator for a fractured distal radius including a first plurality of vertical passages for pins extending downward from a first pin mounting block into one or more bone fragments and one or more frame element apertures extending from an elongated frame element for pins extending downward from the device into the shaft of the radius. In addition, the elongated frame element includes a sliding pin slot with a sliding structure allowing a single pin to be moved to provide extension between the fragments and the shaft. A sliding internal plate including holes aligned with the first plurality of vertical passages is moved by a pair of setscrews to clamp the pins extending through the first plurality of vertical passages. The device also includes a second pin mounting block that extends downward parallel to the pins extending from first pin mounting block to hold pins directed laterally into the fragment(s).

Abstract: A Mini External Fixate device is disclosed in closed operations in order to fix fractures of elbow bone especially olecranon and cure its problems including mal-unions and non-unions, correcting elbow deformities, lengthening the bone length up to 5 cm. The device comprises three curved plates which are connected by a threaded rod. The device may further comprise two half pin consuls which go through each curved plate in one direction. The half pin consuls may extend as far as they are connected to the fracture, while they don't reach the other side of the bone. Half pins may be used instead of full pins in this device. The half pin consuls may be attached to the curved plate by means of a wire fixation bolt. A hinge may be attached to the extreme of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A surgical appliance for assisting in the repair of a fractured bone, such as a scaphoid bone, is disclosed. The device includes first and second adjustably interconnected and spaced apart limb clamping jaws that are transparent to x-ray radiation and are relatively movable toward and away from one another and a rotatable disk carried by the first jaw, said disk having a plurality of bores angularly disposed in the disk for selectively aligning a guide wire to be drilled percutaneously into the fractured bone. Each of the bores are in communication with the space between the first and second jaws and the longitudinal axes of said bores are directed to a common point intermediate the first and second jaws.