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.

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: An external minisplint device comprises an elongated body (2; 2'; 2"; 2'"; 2.sup.iv ; 101, 102) supporting at least one pair of clamps (3, 4; 3', 4'; 3", 4"; 3'", 4'"; 3.sup.iv, 4.sup.iv ; 103, 104) each of which is capable of securing at least one pair of transverse bone bolts (F, F', F", F'", F.sup.iv, F1). A longitudinal guide (5; 5'; 5"; 5'"; 5.sup.iv ; 105, 106) associated with the elongated body guides the longitudinal translational movement of at least one of the clamps (4; 4'; 4"; 4'"; 4.sup.iv ; 103, 104). The minisplint device further comprises at least one longitudinal adjustment screw (6; 6'; 6"; 6'"; 6.sup.iv ; 107, 108) which can rotate within the elongated body and which engages a corresponding threaded hole (13; 13'; 13"; 13'"; 13.sup.iv ; 135, 136) formed in the clamp capable of translational motion for selectively positioning it along the longitudinal guide. The screw has a head (7; 7'; 7"; 7'"; 7.sup.iv ; 111, 112) which partly projects from the end of the elongated body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling of two sides of a synergetically cooperating fixation system in medical equipment and apparatus, illustrated by way of example of an external fixator with rod-like guide elements, wherein a point-precise and internally tension-free clamping connection is formed by in each case two planar parallel disposed faces. The complementary, uncoated coupling surface is shape-matchingly impressed "de novo" and "uniquely" during each coupling closure by a static press-on force based on a diamond, plastic grain layer of a chaotic profile solidly attached to one of the faces, such that a clamping connection with the multilatent force-form match closure is furnished.

Abstract: A method of performing angular distraction osteogenesis by drilling bone-pin holes into the first and second sides of a segmented bone, inserting bone-pins into the bone-pin holes, attaching the bone-pins in each side of the segmented bone to a distraction device and adjusting the distraction devise so that the bone portion of the first side of the segmented bone angularly adjusts, rotates or pivots its position relative to the bone portion on the second side of the segmented bone in precise, gradual and predetermined incremental amounts over a period of time so that the bone tissue remains healthy and the blood vessels and nerve endings remain intact during the bending distraction process.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the normal position of body parts includes attaching a positioning device to opposite sides of body parts abnormally approaching each other too closely. The positioning device is adjusted for repositioning the body parts to a normal position. An apparatus for maintaining the normal position of body parts includes a positioning device to be placed in the vicinity of opposite sides of body parts abnormally approaching each other too closely. The positioning device is fixed in place relative to the body parts. The positioning device is adjustable for repositioning the body parts to a normal position. The apparatus may be used in combination with body parts.

Abstract: An external fixator for securing a first bone portion in a fixed relationship with respect to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a bone screw clamping assembly for receiving a first bone screw which is connected to the first bone portion and which includes a spherical portion. The fixator further includes a bone screw clamping assembly which is operable to receive a second bone screw which is connected to the second bone portion and which has a spherical portion. The fixator also includes a connection member having a main body portion and an internal module adjustably mounted within the main body portion. The internal module receives a spherical end of one of the bone screw clamps and selectively permits universal movement thereof. The internal module may be linearly adjusted within the connection member independently in first and second directions which are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A bone stabilization apparatus that helps to minimize torsion effects of the attachment nails or screws which have been placed in the bone. The apparatus has two ends for attachment to a bone and has an axis where the device includes a first bar member having a clamp end and a nozzle end, a second bar member having a clamp end and nozzle end, and a distancing bar having a first end, a second end, and an anti-rotation groove where the ends of the distancing bar are attached. The length of the apparatus is selectively adjustable, and the clamps and longitudinal axis of the central body can be set independent of the axis of the bone.

Abstract: A reducing apparatus allows each displacement which has been effected to be analyzed and precisely measured. It includes three telescopic bars disposed along the axes x, y and z, respectively, of an orthonormal system, and connected to one another by joining pieces which are movable in relation to the telescopic bars. An angled arm is provided whose ends are formed by two pivoting discs which are disposed in perpendicular planes, these discs permitting the rotation about the axes y and z. Also provided is an adjustable circular sector made up of an arc and a mobile carriage which are intended to effect the rotations about the axis x.

Abstract: A kit for external fixation pin site care in conjunction with practicing a uniform and consistent standardized protocol to significantly reduce post-operative infection risk is provided. The kit contains labeled treatment materials to be used in the newly-designed, standard post-operative cleansing and infection treatment procedure. The result is significantly reduced incidences of infection at the pin/skin interface of patients.

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 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 rods and has different modes of attachment to the rods to enable clamp installation either above or below the rods.

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

Abstract: An external fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a first clamping assembly for receiving a first bone screw connected to the first bone portion and a second clamping assembly for receiving a second bone screw connected to the second bone portion. The first and second clamping assemblies are interconnected by a main body which includes a plurality of serrated joints. Each serrated joint preferably includes first and second overlapping flanges which carry cooperating serrated surfaces adapted to selectively interlock. Each joint includes a fastener defining a pivot axis, the fasteners being operative to mechanically separate the cooperating serrated surfaces upon rotation in a first direction.

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

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts disposed either side of a metallic adjustment surface. After tightening down, the nuts may be synchronously co-rotated, advantageously using a tool such as a double wrench engaging on aligned faces of the nuts. This synchronous co-rotation causes linear displacement along the threaded rod, thereby enabling distraction.

Abstract: An external fixator for setting fractured bones, comprising a flexible, articulable column comprised of a series of ball and socket members linked by a tensioning cable threaded therethrough. Tightening the cable forces the ball and socket members together and makes the column rigid. There is a mechanism for tightening the cable and keeping the cable in a tightened position to allow the bones to set without moving. A plurality of pivotable pin holders are arranged along the column for attaching to pins inserted into the fractured bones, thus attaching the column to the bones to be set. There is also a mechanism for fixing each pin holder into a rigid position so that there can be no pivoting motion after the proper position of the fixator has been achieved. The external fixator according to the invention has the advantage of added flexibility during positioning of the fixator onto the fractured bones, while being able to obtain the necessary rigidity for proper bone setting.

Abstract: An external fixator for adjustably securing a first bone portion in a position relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a first clamping assembly for receiving a first bone screw connected to the first bone portion and a second clamping assembly for receiving a second bone screw connected to the second bone portion. The first and second clamping assemblies are interconnected by a connection member. The external fixator also includes a drive unit for controlling angular adjustment of the second clamping assembly relative to the first clamping assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a hand fracture, burn and contraction treatment device that is capable of imparting the desired amount of long term force and moment to the interphalangeal and metacarpalphalangeal joints so as to effectively combat deformity due to burn scar or trauma, to prevent and/or correct contractures, and to reduce and immobilize fractures. The invention comprises two axial members slidably mounted within respective housings and joined by a spherical joint (with a slot to provide a selectable axis of increased range of motion). The invention permits movement of one axial member with respect to the other axial member in up to five degrees of freedom. The invention further provides for the adjustable mobilization of each axial member.

Abstract: A fixator for adjustably securing a first skeletal element on a superior side of an ankle joint relative to a skeletal element on the inferior side of the ankle joint. The fixator includes a bone screw clamping assembly that preferably secures a pair of screws to the bones of the foot. The bone screw clamping assembly is attached to a central body of the fixator and is operative for articulating the pair of bone screws about an axis substantially co-axial with the anatomical pivot axis of the ankle joint. The bone screw clamping assembly further defines a radiographic window for permitting lateral radiographic examination of the anatomical pivot axis of the ankle joint.

Abstract: A fixture is attached to the bones using external fixation techniques to trace a representation of the polycentric motion of a joint. The fixture has two plates attached to bones on respective sides of the joint. The plates are unconnected to each other and free to move relative to each other. The motion may be recorded using a stylus that traces a track in a deformable medium.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device and method are disclosed using circular rod stock and circular positive threaded fixation pins. The fixation pins are held in place relative to the fixation surface and relative to the rod by dual sectioned clamps which can be added to the rod at any time without regard to whether there are other clamps already in place at other locations along the rod. The clamps are held in place by a locking bolt which has a hole in a shank which allows the fixation pin to be inserted through the hole and into the fixation surface. The locking bolt contains a washer having a circular divot positioned in mating relationship with the inserted fixation pin. When the bolt is tightened, the clamp sections are forced together to grip the rod and also the divot portion of the washer is forced into contact with the fixation pin, thereby effectively reducing the circumference of the bolt hole which in turn provides three points of friction contact for maintaining the structure in rigid relationship.

Abstract: An external Colles' type fracture fixator which provides pivotal adjustment about three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and translational adjustment along two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.An external alignment table which allows translational adjustment along a three axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof, and pivotal adjustment about two axes independently of one another and of any other movement thereof.A method of externally manipulating, reducing, and stabilizing a fracture using such an external fixation alignment table and external fixator.

Abstract: A plate for use in fixating the position of a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment, the plate comprising a body portion having a plurality of attachment mechanisms located therein, wherein the attachment mechanisms include: a first group of three attachment mechanisms substantially positioned within 90.degree.-150.degree. of one another about a circle, and preferably within substantially 120.degree. of one another, whereby the first group of attachment mechanisms is designed to facilitate attachment of a plurality of adjustable length struts to the plate; and a second group of attachment mechanisms substantially positioned about the circle that are designed to facilitate attachment of accessories to the plate, wherein the total number of the attachment mechanisms is a multiple of three.

Abstract: An external fixator including at least two groups of pins inserted respectively on either side of the fracture. Two vices are used for securing the pins to two hinge elements. The hinge elements are used to connect and orient the vices in relation to an external immobilizing rod which extends parallel to the bone. Each vice includes a clamping jaw and a bar intended to connect to one of the hinge elements.

Abstract: The method involves having the subject, to whose fractured limb an external fixator has been applied, undergo a specific load test, measuring the load carried by the fixator and the total load carried by the limb during the test, and determining a measure representing a comparison between the two measured loads. The test is preferably a dynamic one, and a suitable apparatus for carrying out the method is described, which includes a forceplate incorporated in a treadmill assembly to stimulate muscle activity in the limb during the test. The method and device provides an early indication as to whether or not bone healing has started, and thus can be used to provide an advance warning in cases of delayed osseous union.

Abstract: For clamping together two split halves of, for example, a sternum at the conclusion of open heart surgery, two clamping plates are secured to respective halves of the sternum in facing relationship across the meeting surfaces of the two halves. Each plate is secured to a respective half in spaced relation from the meeting surfaces. In one arrangement, each plate is secured by a rearwardly placed hook which extends along a respective side of the sternum and which preferably includes a spike which extends into the sternum through the side surface. In another arrangement, each clamping plate is secured by screws passing directly through the plate and into an underlying bone surface. In use, the jaws of a compressive pliers engage the two facing plates for pressing the two halves together. In one embodiment, while the plates are pressed together, a wire is wound around and between posts mounted on each plate for rigidly securing the plates together for maintaining the compressive force between the two halves.

Abstract: A method of performing angular distraction osteogenesis by drilling bone-pin holes into the first and second sides of a segmented bone, inserting bone-pins into the bone-pin holes, attaching the bone-pins in each side of the segmented bone to a distraction device and adjusting the distraction devise so that the bone portion of the first side of the segmented bone angularly adjusts, rotates or pivots its position relative to the bone portion on the second side of the segmented bone in precise, gradual and predetermined incremental amounts over a period of time so that the bone tissue remains healthy and the blood vessels and nerve endings remain intact during the bending distraction process.

Abstract: A device for securing fractures, the device having at least one traction/compression rod, a plurality of bone screws and clamps wherein the clamps have a threaded tubular supporting member. The supporting member is pierced by two diametric, axially staggered through-holes through which the traction/compression rod or the bone screw passes and is therein clamped. The bone screw is adjustably clamped by a supporting ring with a conical outer surface and a mating ring thereon with a conical inner surface and a clamping ring. The traction/compression rod is held only by a clamping ring and thereby provides a particularly economical system which is highly adaptable, easy to use, and particularly suitable for use by paramedical staff.

Abstract: In application to an external fixator wherein at least one end of a fixator body is equipped with a first ball-joint component that is releasably connected or connectible to a second ball-joint component forming part of a bone-screw clamp, the invention provides a major capacity for enlarging the achievable range of possible angles as between the longitudinal axis of the bone-screw clamp and the longitudinal axis of the fixator body. Three different embodiments are disclosed. In a first disclosed embodiment, the expanded range is achieved by structural modification of the bone-screw clamp per se. In the other two embodiments, the expanded range is achieved by interposition of a connector unit having one of its respective ends a ball-joint connection component that is uniquely compatible with the ball-joint component of the fixator body and at the other of its ends a ball-joint connection component that is uniquely compatible with the ball-joint component of the bone-screw clamp.

Abstract: A device for locating in a desired position two or more bones or bone pieces that are in an undesired relative position, by bringing such pieces from the undesired position into the desired position, each piece having at least a pair of pins firmly fixed thereto, which pair of pins is, in turn, firmly retained in a retaining jaw member, the device comprising a straightforward and simple structure including two arms to be fixed to the jaw members and connected to arm driving motors for moving the arms along the three Cartesian axes, whereby the bones can be moved and located, or relocated, into the desired position under a controlled and programmed moving pattern, to achieve a non painful, accurate and exact correction of the bones position.

Abstract: A skin pinching device has two jaws (10) that may be moved against each other by threaded spindle (36). Hooks (18) that may be stuck into the skin are arranged on the jaws (10, 12). The hooks (18) are cast into plastic parts (14) mounted on the jaws (10, 12) in an exchangeable manner. The threaded spindle (36) may be motor-driven in a controlled manner depending on the characteristics of the tissues as determined by a sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining offset-inset distances in the course of a total hip arthroplasty procedure. The apparatus includes a first attachment attachable to the superior eminence of the acetabulum, a second attachment point capable of being fixed to the femur at approximately the position of the greater trochanter, and preferably, a measuring device for measuring and noting the distance between the reference point and either the third or fourth fixed points.

Abstract: A bone fixing screw pin (18) for use in joining broken bones, which screw pin comprises a screw threaded portion (26) for screwing into a bone (22), and a head portion (28), the head portion (28) being such that it bends back on itself and forms an aperture (30) for receiving part of a locking device (20). Connecting members (40) are connected to several of the bone fixing screw pins (18) in order to form bone fixing apparatus (16).

Abstract: An external fixator comprises transfixing pins having a flange which abuts against the bone surface to distribute stress along the length of the threaded portion extending into the bone. The pins are mounted in elastomeric bushes in an outrigger to allow limited movement at the outrigger. The outrigger comprises two clamps which are connected through an elastomeric bush allowing a small degree of axial bending and rotational movement of the clamps relative to one another. The arrangement reduces loosening of the pins in the bone and allows beneficial relative movement of the fractured bone portions near the fracture site.

Abstract: Ancillary equipment for subjecting a portion of the spine to sustained stress in order to correct and/or maintain the shape of and/or the forces exerted on the vertebrae before and during the positioning of spinal implants. The equipment includes at least two engagement ends (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . and/or 6a', 6b', 6c', . . . ) for engaging one or preferably both sides of at least two separate respective vertebrae, while at the same time engaging the parallel longitudinal rails (3) of a frame-like support (1) via corresponding corrective branches (4a, 4b, 4c, . . . and/or 4a', 4b', 4c', . . . ) and a removable base (5) of said engagement ends, and further includes members (13, 17, 43, 65) for adjusting and locking the engagement ends (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . and/or 6a', 6b', 6c', . . . ) in their relative positions in each or a combination of three orthogonal directions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an external fixator assembly for externally fixating and stabilizing a bone. The external fixator assembly includes a frame member; a bone piercing member insertable into the bone; and a clamp. The clamp includes a body with a slot, a hole, and a threaded opening therein. The threaded opening is in communication with the slot. The bone piercing member is received within the hole. The frame member is disposed within the slot. The clamp further includes a set screw in the threaded opening. The set screw is engaged with the frame member and holds the frame member within the slot.

Abstract: A device for applying external pressure to one or more vertebra for repositioning the same and/or maintaining the position thereof in the spinal column, or for forcing and maintaining segments of a broken vertebra in healing contact with each other. The device has an upper body vest adapted to substantially surround the upper body of a patient in a snug manner whereby the vest is substantially immovable relative to the upper body. The vest has front and back sections provided with cooperating elements of an attachment mechanism such as Velcro or belt and adjustable buckle, for clamping the sections to the upper body. The back section has a pressure applicator unit extending substantially the length of the back section for applying external pressure, generally posteriorly to one or more vertebra. The applicator has a plunger such as a screw mounted for controlled, reciprocable movement in a direction toward the spine for applying the external pressure in a controlled manner to one or more vertebra areas.

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 bone organizer or template for positioning K-wires or the like in bone fragments and holding the K-wires in place while the fracture mends is described. The invention also provides a simplified method of reducing a distal radius fracture by placing a plurality of K-wires into the bone fragments of the fracture in a plurality of planes, and after the K-wires are inserted into the bone fragments, they are inserted into a bone organizer and anchored in place to the bone organizer to hold the bone fragments together while mending.

Abstract: External fixation assemblies are provided which include a frame having one or more structural members for connecting to rods adjustably coupled thereto to provide a plurality of fixed positions around a patient's bone. The arcuate members include a plurality of locating indicia which can provide a physical contrast to a remaining surface of said structural members when exposed to x-ray radiation. This invention also provides protruding lug portions on arcuate structural members to increase compressive forces during patient treatment and a marking system for identifying openings in structural members during treatment.

Abstract: A bone setting apparatus is disclosed including an elongate shaft with a distal working arm and an intermediate working arm attached thereto so as to extend generally perpendicular to the shaft. The working arms are of sufficient length and thickness to act as leveraging bars to reduce a compound fracture. Preferably, the working arms have a concave contact surface for engaging the limb on which the apparatus will be used. Disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the distal and intermediate working arms is a torque control mechanism which extends outwardly from the shaft and can be used to accurately control rotation of the shaft as it is pivoted in such a manner that the distal and intermediate arms align fractured portions of a bone.

Abstract: A trocar system comprising a rack apparatus and a trocar device are disclosed. The trocar device is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, using the rack apparatus which eliminates the need for cavity insufflation. The rack apparatus comprises a movable member which attaches adhesively to the external skin surface of the body wall overlying the body cavity. Means are provided moving the member attached to the skin away from the body cavity in order to lift the abdominal region and create a separation between the body wall and the underlying internal organs. This separation permits the obdurator portion of a trocar device to be inserted with a minimum risk of cutting any internal organs. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator.

Abstract: An external fixator or splint with a carrier which carries at least two fastening devices arranged to receive bone screws. The fastening devices are adjustable relative to the carrier and can be locked in various positions by clamping parts. The splint is made up of two ball-and-socket joints which are supported on the carrier so as to be axially adjustable and of two fastening elements that secure the ball-and-sockets joints.

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

Abstract: 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 jaws against one another. This force holds the articulation element on the bars or pins before locking of the articulation by the tightening of a clamping shaft.

Abstract: A surgical pin protector placed on the tip of a patient's finger or toe for shielding the end of a surgical pin which protrudes from the tip of a patient's finger or toe, from external blows, including a protective cavity where the protruding end of the surgical pin is shielded.

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 body of the connecting rod. The slot preferably includes a region of reduced width, providing interference between the clamp and the connecting rod as it is inserted. This causes the clamp to snap onto the rod. A bolt is inserted through a hole passing through both sides of the slot. The bolt includes a head at one end formed in the shape of a hook adapted to hook the shaft of a fixator pin, and a thread at the opposite end. The bolt is rotatably mountable in the hole such that the fixator pin can be retained at a range of angles relative to the connecting rod. The clamp is attachable to a fixator pin and a connecting bar between two previously-installed clamps without disassembly of the system.

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

Abstract: A fixator for stabilizing bone fragments in a fractured radius bone comprising a template having at least three holes, and preferably at least six holes, positioned in the template for receiving wires which when passed through the holes and into bone fragments will hold the bone fragments in position in a preferred shape while the bone fragments are mending. The positioning of the holes in the template are designed in accordance with the golden ratio holding the bone fragments in a most pleasing shape while mending.

Abstract: A clamp for fixing bone pins or wires to an external frame is disclosed. The clamp has a central post, an upper vise plate and a lower vise plate urged together on the post, by a spring for provisional placement, a nut for positively locking the vise plates together on a frame, and a pin clamp that can be moved along the axis of the central post, and can receive and clamp either a bone pin or a bone wire. The pin or wire has unlimited angular movement in two planes. The clamp is a captive unit that requires no intraoperative assembly.