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

Abstract: A tension adjuster is mounted on and is part of an external fixation device comprising frame segments rigidly supporting fixation pins that pass through and immobilize fractured bones during rehabilitation. This tension adjuster securely attaches the fixation pins to the frame segments and adjustably applies tension along the fixation pins to more rigidly secure the fixation pins and to improve the immobilization of the fractured bones. The tension adjuster comprises a threaded slotted screw attached to the fixation pins and comprises a mounting nut having an aperture through which is drawn the threaded slotted tension screw while adjusting the tension along the fixation pins. A tapered pin extending into the aperture of the mounting nut and into a chamfered slot of the threaded slotted tension screw, guides the threaded slotted tension screw through the mounting nut during tension adjustments.

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

Abstract: An external fixation device for orthopedic use adapted to be used with the so-called ILIZAROV method including at least two hoops for a substantially cross-shaped attachment of pins, cross-pieces connecting the hoops in spaced relation, each cross-piece including a first end connected to one hoop and a second end connected to another hoop, a device for adjusting the length of the cross-pieces for putting under traction or compression, at least a bone fragment to which the cross-pieces connect respectively through the hoops and the pins, a first clamp device for clamping a first end of each pin, a second clamp device for clamping a second opposite end of each pin, the first clamp device and second clamp device are connected to the hoops diametrically, and a device for moving the first clamp device away from the second clamp device to tension the respective pins.