Abstract: This fixator (1) comprises a rigid bar (7), two pin-holder assemblies (8, 9) which can be moved relative to this bar (7), and means (13, 22) with which it is possible to immobilize each pin-holder assembly (8, 9) in a defined position relative to the bar (7). According to the invention: the bar (7) has a cylindrical main part (10) and a spherical part (11) at one end; a first pin-holder assembly (8) comprises a one-piece body (12) with a bore passing through it to permit its engagement by sliding on the cylindrical part (10) of the bar (7); and the second pin-holder assembly (9) comprises a one-piece body (15) in which a recess (16) is formed, this recess (16) having a zone of partially spherical shape with a radius slightly greater than that of said spherical part (11), this zone being such that it can receive this spherical part (11) with pivoting, without lateral play, and with a possibility of articulation of said second pin-holder assembly (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a mechanical pivot axis of an external fixator with an anatomical pivot axis of a hinged joint. The hinged joint has first and second bones on opposite sides of the anatomical pivot axis. The external fixator has a central body connecting a first bone screw clamping assembly and a second bone screw clamping assembly. The central body includes the mechanical pivot axis. The apparatus for aligning includes an alignment member and a connecting member. The alignment member has a longitudinal axis for alignment with the anatomical pivot axis. The connecting member has a first end adjustably secured to the alignment member and a second end adjustably secured to the first bone screw clamping assembly.

Abstract: A connection assembly between a spinal implant rod and a vertebral anchor. The assembly has a longitudinal member, a housing, a rod interface washer, and a compression member. The longitudinal member has an aperture at one end and a wedge at the other. The housing has a passageway to accept the shank of a bone screw and a bore to accept the wedge. The bore is open to the passageway so that when the wedge is pulled from the bore it pushes against the shank of the bone screw, trapping the bone screw between the wedge and the sidewalls of the passageway. Threading a setscrew into the aperture presses a spinal rod against the washer, presses the washer against the housing, and pulls the wedge against the shank of the bone screw. Further tightening of the setscrew then locks the bone screw and rod together.

Abstract: A clamp device for use with an external skeletal fixator for being coupled to a patient's limb, and strap structure having a first end for being coupled to a patient's extremity and having a second end. The clamp device includes an elongated clamp rod; a first connection structure for adjustably attaching the clamp rod to a fixator rod of the external fixator; and a second connection structure for adjustably attaching the second end of the strap structure to the clamp rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating interlocking intramedullary nails comprises a slide device which is disposed at the near end of the nails and is capable of adjustment in various directions. The slide device is provided with a locking structure, a locating rod, or drilling guide sleeve. The relative positions of the near end and the far end threaded holes of the interlocking intramedullary nails of various hole intervals and specifications are adjusted by the slide device in accordance with the body size of a patient under treatment. The drilling position of the drilling guide sleeve can be attained with precision and speed.

Abstract: A telescopic body for an external bone fixation device includes a central core body and cylindrical outer parts having a bore extending therethrough, all disposed about a center axis. The outer surface of the core body is in the form of a keyed shaft, and the bore in the outer parts has keyways that mate with the shaft, thereby permitting the outer parts to be telescoped in a rotationally fixed, torsion-resistant fashion. Threaded drive spindles housed in the outer parts can be screwed into and out of the core body at either end, permitting the overall length of the telescopic body to be changed. Terminal elements are provided in the ends of the outer parts to limit travel of the drive spindles. At least one of the terminal elements may be a dynamic progression cap which, when progressively unscrewed, allows the axial clamping tension of the threaded spindle to be released in millimeter increments to permit relaxation of the axial clamping of the spindle.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing a first bone portion in a fixed relationship with respect to a second bone portion includes a longitudinally extending rod and a bone screw clamping assembly. The bone screw clamping assembly receives at least one bone screw. The bone screw clamping assembly is mounted to the rod for relative universal movement about a point through which the rod passes and is normally permitted to longitudinally translate along an axis defined by the rod.

Abstract: By providing components securable to anchor pins or screws of different diameters as well as providing clamps which hold associated pins in any position during adjustments, an external fixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable of being quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. In the present invention, the frame structure is retained in any assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to be made, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in the precisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In this way, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted, and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in the precisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamping members.

Abstract: A halo crown has depending posterior legs adjustable in multiple dimensions for conveniently adjusting the halo crown to a patient's skull. Each leg slides along a single axis yet provides adjustments in three dimensions due to a portion thereof extending downwardly, inwardly and rearwardly and the orientation of the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching an element securely to a body, in particular to a bone, wherein the device comprises at least one movable holding element enabling the device to be tensed against the body, as well as a system for attaching an element securely to a body comprising a connecting element which may be attached to the body.

Abstract: External fixation apparatus and method are disclosed for use in osteotomy and other medical procedures. The apparatus includes a stabilizing portion adapted to be externally coupled to an anterior portion of a tibial bone. The apparatus also includes a angulation portion adapted to be externally coupled to another anterior portion of the tibial bone and coupled to the stabilizing portion. The angulation portion may be selectively adjustable to angulate a portion of the tibial bone about an axis of rotation offset from a longitudinal axis of the tibial bone following an osteotomical procedure on the tibial bone.

Abstract: A skull pin has a ceramic insulating portion between a titanium driving portion and a titanium tip portion. The driving portion of the skull pin terminates in a sleeve, and the ceramic insulator with a solid cylindrical shape is received such as with a press fit in the sleeve. The preferred ceramic material is zirconia. The tip portion has an opposing outer sleeve which receives the distal end of the ceramic insulator such as with a press fit. The ceramic insulator is believed to reduce or eliminate a burning sensation felt by patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which may be caused by transmission of high (radio) frequency electrical signals through the prior art skull pins.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for percutaneous internal fixing of a fractured limb bone comprising, placing the limb in a stabilizing clamp that is transparent to x-ray radiation, demonstrating the fractured bone to be fixed, resolving the course through the fractured bone of an intended fixation device, inserting a guide wire along the resolved course and across the fracture faces of the bone through an alignment conduit in the stabilizing clamp, drilling a pilot hole in the bone through the fracture faces by directing a cannulated drill over the guide wire, and introducing a cannulated fastening screw within the drilled pilot hole and across the bone fracture site to achieve apposition of the fracture fragments of the bone.

Abstract: A device especially for osteodistraction, configured for attachment to different bone parts that have been separated, and that are bound together by the device which holds the bones parts in a pre-set position and/or simultaneously exerts pressure for distancing or bringing together the bone parts. The device includes at least two elements configured for fastening to two bone parts that are separate from each other. The two elements are coupled together and movable along at least one pre-set direction, there being inserted between them an elastic element for providing a thrust in the distancing or traction direction. The device may be removably coupled to the bone parts to facilitate installation.

Abstract: An external skeletal fixation apparatus provides support about a joint such as the knee. The apparatus includes a first external support section with one or more rings rigidly supporting a first skeletal element (e.g., the femur) on one side of the joint and a second external support section, with two or more rings, rigidly supporting a second skeletal element (e.g., the tibia) on an opposite side of the joint. The apparatus further includes a hinged support section interconnecting the first and second external support sections in the vicinity of the joint such that the hinged support section pivots the joint about a generally lateral axis when the skeletal elements move through angular flexion or extension. The second external support section includes at least a first support ring element and a second support ring element rotatably coupled with the first support ring element.

Abstract: A bone adjuster 20 has a first lift plate 22 to be fastened to one of two opposed bone fragments to be adjusted, a second lift plate 24 to be fastened to the other bone fragment and an adjusting shaft 26 which is extended between both the lift plates 22 and 24 to adjust a space between the fragments. The first lift plate 22 comprises a mounting plate 28 and a screw-in connecting portion 34 which is connected with the mounting plate 28 via a hinge 36 and in which the adjusting shaft 26 is screwed to be supported. The second lift plate 24 also comprises a mounting plate 42 and a catching portion 48 which is rotatably fixed to the mounting plate 42 via a hinge 46 to catch the leading end of the adjusting shaft 26.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for femoral and tibial resection are provided. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a number of components including a positioning and drill guide, a cutting guide and a cutting apparatus. The drill guide is used to create holes in the medial and lateral sides of the femur that correspond to the fixation features of the cutting guide. The cutting guide is oriented and located by inserting fixation nubs connected to the cutting guide into the medial and lateral holes in the femur. The cutting guide can then be further affixed to the femur. The cutting apparatus can then be used with the cutting guide to resect the femur. A modified cutting guide can be used to position a conventional cutting block against a femur to be resected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for orthopedic applications, in which at least one coupling member is mounted in the connecting rod of, or the guiding rod for, the clamping members, intended for receiving orthopedic pins, which coupling member can be brought into a rigid or a flexible coupling position. Further, preferably it has been provided for, that in the flexible coupling position, the flexibility can be adjusted across a certain range.

Abstract: A device for positioning and locking rods, pins or wires, particularly for an external fixator in the field of orthopaedics is provided. The device comprises two jaw faces and a tightening assembly exhibiting a connecting element secured to a tightening member, the assembly allowing the jaws to form at least one opening exhibiting at least one cavity in the form of a gripping jaw allowing a hoop, a rod, a pin or a wire to be clipped by pressure against the action of an elastic member keeping the device in position prior to the locking action which is performed using the tightening member.

Abstract: An external fixator system comprises a clamp adapted to couple a fixator pin to a connecting rod. The clamp includes a slot for transversely receiving the connecting rod. A bolt is inserted through a bore passing transversely to the slot to engage a pin connector holding a fixator pin. The pin connector has a rod-engaging surface that wedges the connecting rod into the slot thus increasing the clamp's rigidity by preventing rotation of the clamp around the rod and rotation of the pin connector in the clamp body. An aiming device is also disclosed, which attaches to at least two connecting rods to guide the insertion of fixator pins between the rods. The aiming device is adjustable to accommodate various distances between the rods and has different modes of attachment to the rods to enable the clamp installation either above or below the rods.

Abstract: This fixator (1) comprises a rigid bar (7), two pin-holder assemblies (8, 9) which can be moved relative to this bar (7), and means (13, 22) with which it is possible to immobilize each pin-holder assembly (8, 9) in a defined position relative to the bar (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device with clamping jaws and with rods connecting the clamping jaws, said rods being adjustable axially and angularly for positioning relative to the clamping jaws and clampable in the desired position, and with fixation and retaining pins that are receivable in a clampable fashion in the clamping jaws. According to the invention, a fixation pin applicator can be connected in a releasable fashion to the clamping jaws. A fixation pin can be brought into a desired position by means of the fixation pin applicator.

Abstract: A joint support is attachable to a limb of an animal to limit movement of an associated limb joint substantially about a single axis. The joint support includes a radial element having a longitudinal axis and a transverse element having a longitudinal axis. The transverse element is pivotally connected to the radial element about an axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the radial element substantially intersects with the axis of rotation, and radial rotation of the radial element is restricted about the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the transverse element is partially fixed relative to the radial element so that the same is substantially coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the radial element and substantially offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for clamping together first and second sections of bone having, when so clamped, a common external surface generally perpendicular to contacting surfaces of the first and second bone sections, and each bone section having a side surface generally parallel to the common external surface and transversely joined to the common external surface. The clamping assembly includes first and second plates, each plate having a horizontal section and a vertical section. The first and second plates are aligned and disposed opposite each other with the horizontal section of the first plate being disposed along the common surface of the first bone section and its vertical section disposed along the side surface of the first bone section and the horizontal section of the second plate being disposed along the common surface of the second bone section and its vertical section disposed along the side surface of the second bone section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device with clamping jaws and with rods connecting the clamping jaws, the rods being adjustable axially and angularly for positioning relative to the clamping jaws and clampable in the desired position, and with fixation and retaining pins that are receivable in a clampable fashion in the clamping jaws. According to the invention, a fixation pin applicator can be connected in a releasable fashion to the clamping jaws. A fixation pin can be brought into a desired position by means of the fixation pin applicator.

Abstract: A modular fixator assembly capable of allowing motion at the wrist during treatment of wrist fractures. The fixator assembly includes a distractor device, a pin outrigger attached to the distrator device, at least one pin for fixating the fracture fragments, and pin clamping assemblies for attaching the pin to the outrigger. The outrigger conforms to the anatomical configuration of the fractured bone thereby enabling direct fixation of the fracture fragments.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing a bone through a first bone screw connected to a first portion of the bone and a second bone screw connected to a second portion of the bone. The external fixator includes a first bone screw clamping assembly for receiving the first bone screw and a second bone screw clamping assembly for receiving the second bone screw. The external fixator additionally includes an angular correction module connecting the first and second bone screw clamping assemblies. The angular correction module includes a first element and a second element coupled to allow articulation of the first bone screw clamping assembly relative to the second bone screw clamping assembly about a center of rotation spaced from the module.

Abstract: Equipment for the positioning of a proximal extremity of a tibia against a cutting guide (1), including a support bracket is shown. Devices are provided for distally immobilizing a tibia, which will immobilize the distal extremity of a tibia in a given position. These devices are mounted on the support bracket and can slide and be blocked in position following two directions perpendicular to the support bracket. It also includes devices (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) for proximally immobilizing a tibia which are mounted and can slide along the support bracket, a cutting guide (1) mounted on the support bracket frame, a gun handle (32) fixed to the support bracket, the hammer of which acts on devices (6) that enable the adjustment of the relative position of devices (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

Abstract: An instrument and method for guiding a spinal implant from a location outside of a patient's body to a location adjacent an exposed portion of a bone anchor engaged to the patient's spine. The instrument is a guide rod having a connecting portion and a guiding portion disposed along a longitudinal axis, with the connecting portion having a shaped end portion adapted to releasably engage a corresponding shaped end portion of the bone anchor. The guiding portion slideably engages a spinal implant and guides the implant along the longitudinal axis until the implant is positioned adjacent the exposed portion of the bone anchor for fixation thereto. The guide rod is then selectively separated or detached from the bone anchor and removed from the patient's body. In one aspect of the invention, the guiding portion is at least partially formed of a malleable material, such as aluminum or a shape-memory material, to allow the guiding portion to be bent or reshaped.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for the gradual correction of angular and longitudinal defects of elongated bones, comprising at least one first clamp for a first group of screws insertable in a proximal portion of a bone, and at least one second clamp for a second group of screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone, a longitudinal guide bar positioned externally of the limb to be corrected for slidably supporting the clamps; at least one of the clamps is selectively orientable about a substantially transverse axis for carrying out angular corrections of the bone. There are provided a compression/distraction device movably coupleable with the clamps for carrying out longitudinal corrections of the bone. The orientably clamp is adjustable angularly in a predetermined geometric plane, as well as adjustable transversely for the group of bone screws carried by the clamp parallel to themselves for compensating the lateral movement induced by the angular correction.

Abstract: A device for fixing bone sections relative to each other, comprises a support bar for lateral application along the bone sections to be fixed. The support bar includes at least two sliding pieces slidable and fixable on the support bar and each being provided with a spherical part. A bone pin locking block is provided with a cup-shaped portion which is fittingly received on the spherical portion of the sliding piece, in such a way that the bone pin locking block, after having been pivoted into the desired position, can be fixed onto the sliding piece. Each of the two opposite sides of a bone pin locking block is provided with a protruding portion for fastening pivotably adjustable clamping beds cooperating with clamping plates fixable thereon and thus clamping the bone pins in their positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fixing device comprising: a bar (4), at least one turret-like support (8a) having an outer casing (9) movably mounted on said bar (4), an articulated joint (12) for supporting surgical elements (2), placed at an end of the turret-like support (8a) and angularly movable relative to the outer casing (9), a single locking device (15) being provided for securing the outer casing (9) to the bar (4) and locking the angular position of the articulated joint (12), which device comprises a cam (17) movably supported by the outer casing (9) and placed between the bar (4) and the articulated joint (12) and having a forcing position at which the bar (4) and the articulated joint (12) are both locked by pressing, a single drive member (16) being also provided for operating the cam (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a distraction apparatus for holding a fracture during the healing process. The apparatus includes screws or pins for insertion into a bone at points proximal and distal relative to a fracture site, and a pair of springs which can be connected externally between the screws or pins at spaced positions thereon. The springs act as an extension spring and a compression spring respectively between the screws or pins. The invention is characterized in that the springs are connected at the spaced positions at such distances relative to the bone that the springs will exert moments of force in order to obtain a desired torque load at the fracture site.

Abstract: An instrument system and a method for creating a dome osteotomy having a semi-cylindrical surface contour configuration with an arcuate profile configuration at a selected location on a proximal tibia utilize a first guide component having a plurality of apertures placed along an arc which follows the arcuate profile configuration of the dome osteotomy and a cannula received in each aperture for establishing an array of parallel drill holes forming a pattern for the surface contour configuration of the dome osteotomy. A second guide component includes a slot which follows the arcuate profile configuration of the dome osteotomy and which is juxtaposed with the array of drill holes to guide osteotomes along the slot and into the tibia to create the surface contour configuration of the dome osteotomy. The osteotomes have a lateral curved configuration for following the arcuate profile configuration and footed osteotomes are used to reach behind the patellar tendon for completing the full dome osteotomy.

Abstract: The invention provides a dynamic external fixator, including an elongate body having an axial bore accommodating, in a first portion thereof, at least part of a first member of a universal joint and, in a second portion thereof, a linear guide element, a first arm having an end portion carrying the second member of said universal joint. The arm is provided with a plurality of apertures for the traversing therethrough of bone pins. There is also provided a second arm integral with, or fixedly attached to, a member of the guide element and provided with a plurality of apertures for the traversing therethrough of bone pins, and a spring accommodated in the axial bore of the body and bearing, on the one hand, against the first member of the universal joint and, on the other, at least indirectly, against the guide element, thereby opposing forces acting on the second arm.

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: An apparatus and procedure for the external unilateral fracture fixation, fracture compression or enlargement of osseous tissue with a metal or equivalent material slotted forked stick to hold and position the threaded pins in its length, inserted in the bone with multiple fastening slid able screws and their bolts to attach the pins to the slotted forked stick, a solid slid able cube to hold and position the slotted forked stick, a supporting axial bar, and an axial threaded bar. A preferred embodiment includes at least three slotted forked sticks that hold and fix, with the use of compression screws and their bolts, threaded pins that penetrate the proximal and distal fragments of the bone through both corticals. A preferred embodiment includes slotted forked sticks that adapt to the threaded pins, introduced in the bone, at any degree of inclination or orientation that these pins might have with respect to the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus for external fixation of the pelvis includes first and second pluralities of bone screws adapted to be connected to first and second portions of the pelvis, respectively. The apparatus additionally includes a first bone screw clamp for receiving the first plurality of bone screws and a second bone screw clamp for receiving the second plurality of bone screws. Further, the apparatus includes a frame for securing the first bone screw clamp to the second bone screw clamp. The frame includes a transversely extending member which is articulable between a first position and a second position such that the transversely extending member is displaced in an inferior/superior direction when the frame is articulated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably securing the humerous, which is on a proximal side of elbow joint, relative to the ulna on the distal side of the elbow joint. The apparatus includes a central body having inner and outer ring members interconnected for relative rotation about a common mechanical axis adapted to align with the anatomical axis of the elbow joint. The central body defines a radiographic window for permitting lateral radiographic examination of the anatomical pivot axis of the elbow joint. The apparatus preferably includes a distraction mechanism for distracting the humerus perpendicular to the proximal end of the ulna.

Abstract: A support fixture for setting a fractured distal radius includes a housing having a strap for fastening the fixture to the patient's forearm, a sliding section, sliding within the housing as a screw is rotated, and a pivoting section extending from a distal end of the sliding section. The sliding section also includes a structure for supporting the patient's wrist. The distal end of the pivoting section includes a pair of fingertraps. Two of the patient's fingers are held in the fingertraps, while an extension force is applied between his forearm and hand through the rotation of the screw, and while his hand is twisted by adjusting the angle of the pivoting section to increase the gap between fractured sections of bone, causing reduction of the fracture to occur.

Abstract: An orthopaedic apparatus, particularly for the surgical correction of angular and longitudinal defects of the bones of limbs, of the femur and tibia type, comprising a longitudinal rod externally positionable substantially parallel to a bone for correction, a first clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a proximal portion of the bone, and at least one second clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone. The first and second clamps are orientable and selectively lockable, before the surgical intervention, in predetermined angular positions with respect to the rod corresponding to the angular deformations of the bone, and are repositionable with respect to the rod in correct angular positions after the osteosynthesis for the proximal and distal portions of the bone so as to eliminate the angular deformations of the bone.

Abstract: A process for non-surgical repositioning of craniofacial bones following surgery for severe disease or trauma. At least two osseointegrated, i.e. bone implanted, fixtures are implanted in the patient. A malleable bar, preferably of a gold, platinum and nickel alloy, is fastened between the two fixtures. The gold bar initially has a flexed shape that could include loops, curves or other nonlinear segments. The flexed gold bar is periodically bent to a more straightened position which thus applies a force between the two bone implanted fixtures. The force between the two fixtures tends to reposition the facial bones over a period of time to restore function and/or form to the injured area.

Abstract: An articulation element for the relative positioning of fixation bars or bone pins of an external fixator includes a plurality of pairs of jaws. The jaws have on their adjacent faces grooves which form a passage intended to receive a bar or a pin. A spring is interposed between the pairs of jaws. The grooves which form the passage are positioned and arranged so as to have an external opening allowing the bar or bone pin to be snapped in by pressure on it, from the opening of the jaw into the passage, against the spring force which presses the adjacent faces of the haws against one another. This force holds the articulation element on the bars or pins before locking of the articulation by means of a clamping shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides for in vivo measurements of the principal strain magnitudes and directions, and maximum shear strain that occurs in a material, such as human bone, when it is loaded (or subjected to a load). In one embodiment the invention includes a capacitive delta extensometer arranged with six sensors in a three piece configuration, with each sensor of each pair spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees.

Abstract: A modular fixator assembly capable of allowing motion at the wrist during treatment of wrist fractures. The fixator assembly includes a distractor device, a pin outrigger attached to the distrator device, at least one pin for fixating the fracture fragments, and pin clamping assemblies for attaching the pin to the outrigger. The outrigger conforms to the anatomical configuration of the fractured bone thereby enabling direct fixation of the fracture fragments.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an external tutor for treating fractures in the radius distal end, said type of external tutor contemplates the use of longitudinal pins to be inserted in the bone structure. Its main advantage is that it provides stiffness and stability to the fractured zone, allowing, in turn, a higher mobility if compared to traditional resources. It consists of a planar and elongated part, comprising a body and a head articulated to it. Both the head and the body have orifices which are run through by the pins, which are withheld by pressure fitting-up bolts integrally lodged into threaded orifices matching said orifices through which the pins run through. Since the passing orifices in the head are oblique, both the pins and the tutor as a whole define a structure of triangular conformation.

Abstract: A vertebral axial decompression table is operated by applying a baseline tension to the two table parts, increasing tension to about 50% of maximum above baseline, then logarithmically increasing tension to maximum tension. Thereafter, tension is linearly relaxed back to baseline. This cycle is repeated a programmed number of times to effect a therapy session. Data concerning the table operation is transmitted to allow remote monitoring and re-programming of the table.

Abstract: The invention serves patients having a fractured bone wherein separate parts of the bone have been immobilized by an external axial fixator, and the invention provides patient-operated mechanical structure to enable him to transiently distract spaced bone-anchored regions of the fixator. In one embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is in the form of an accessory that is detachably mounted to the fixator; in another embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is embodied in an external axial fixator, preferably of the so-called dynamic variety.

Abstract: A fixation device with clamping jaws with rods connecting the clamping jaws, said rods being adjustable axially and angularly for positioning relative to the clamping jaws and clampable in the desired position, and with fixation and retaining pins that are receivable in a clampable fashion in the clamping jaws. According to the present invention, a fixation pin applicator can be connected in a releasable fashion. A fixation pin can be brought into a desired position using of the fixation pin.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device in which two or more translation members are secured to adjacent tissue segments for reorientation relative to each other. The device includes telescopically adjustable struts that can be secured to base members by connectors that permit movement of the struts relative to the base members. Rotation of the struts is possible about three axes that intersect at a single coincident point of universal rotation.