Abstract: A screw nail correcting apparatus used for treating ingrown nails seen in human feet and/or hands adapts to different nail widths and to the changes that may occur in time on the same nail and practically enables pulling of the nail with an amount of force complying with the requirement. The fact that the apparatus is not a single piece and that it can be mounted separately from both sides of the nail provides ease of use, and the screw mobile part in the middle thereof helps to adjust the tautness according to the requirement of the nail at the concerned moment.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cross pin fixator device comprising a plate member with spherical cavities that are open to the front and to the back of the plate, collapsible pin holder members having a central channel for insertion of a bone pin, the collapsible pin holder member being press-fit into the spherical cavities, and bone pins individually inserted into the central channel of a pin holder. The application also relates to a method for treating a fracture of the proximal humerus using the proximal humerus cross pin fixator and to a kit for treating a fracture of a bone.

Abstract: A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic external fixator apparatus for the treatment of diverse traumatic injuries and orthopedic pathologies of the hand, comprised of a pair of hemi-hexagonal skeletal-planes (1, 2), of which one is cephalic (1) and one is distal (2), containing several orifices (7, 10, 11) with corresponding transverse threaded (13a, 13b, 13c) orifices through which set screws (9a, 9b, 9c) secure surgical rods (8) within the skeletal-planes and both skeletal planes are connected to each other through a threaded orifice (3) by way of a pair Allen head threaded screws (4) fitted with retaining rings (5) such to allow the separation of the distal hemi-hexagon (2) when screws (4) are rotated.

Abstract: A fixation clamp, more particularly 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 at least one reception opening to accommodate a fixation element along the longitudinal axis of the reception opening. At least one locking element extends through the clamping assembly which locking element provides a clamping force to clamp the fixation element upon tensioning the locking element. The fixation clamp further comprises an actuation element which is in connection with the locking element such that the locking element is actuateable by means of the actuation element, and the actuation element is designed such that it is detachable from the locking element after use and that remounting onto the locking element is prevented after having detached the actuation element from the locking element.

Abstract: A system is provided for stabilizing bone. The system includes a fixing block, a pin having a far end which is adapted to be fixed directly into bone and a near end which enters the fixing block, and a frame on which the fixing block is fixable. The pin enters the fixing block in a non-orthogonal manner in order to permit the pin to enter the bone with an orientation which is non-orthogonal to the bone's surface, thereby permitting the pin to engage more of the bone.

Abstract: A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least a clamping means to be introduced into the medical device, the clamping means comprises an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time.

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: A telescopically adjustable strut for use with orthopedic external fixators has a first end and a second end and includes a universal-hinged connector provided at each of the first and second ends for connecting the strut to orthopedic external fixator base members. The universal-hinged connector is configured and adapted for pivoting the strut relative to the base members and to lock the universal-hinged connector at a desired angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clamp assembly which allows the surgeon to snap a bone fixation assembly onto a bone fixation rod at an intermediate location along the length of the rod. It is not necessary to “thread” the clamp onto the rod starting at the end and sliding it down the length of the rod to the desired location. In particular, this invention provides a novel clamp assembly for use with standard bone fixation rods, and bone pins. The clamp allows the interconnection of a bone fixation rod with a bone pin locking assembly including a bone pin vise. The clamp is a single-piece construction, having a jaw capable of loosely capturing the bone fixation rod when the surgeon presses the jaw onto the rod. The assembly may be rigidly fixed to the rod using a bolt which tightens the jaw onto the rod.

Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purposes of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and for 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 flexible, light-weight, simple, modular-design Polyaxial External Fixator (PEF) for fixating bones is strong enough to hold the bones in their intended position. The fixator uses two or more preloaded pins or Kirschner-wires or non-preloaded screws. The PEF uses non-linear Kirschner-wires anchorage using external loading cages mounted in each arm of a polyaxial hinged external fixator. The hinges and the cages offer a high degree of configuration flexibility and modularity. The PEF may be provided in a kit of interchangeable parts. Most of the PEF parts are typically made of non-metallic radiolucent materials or made of any kind of metallic materials. Insertion and removal of Kirschner-wires is safe, fast and simple compare to screws.

Abstract: A device for treating fractures of a bone comprises a plurality of arms, each extending from a proximal end to a distal end and movable in a three-dimensional space, the proximal end of each arm coupled to a frame and a plurality of couplings, each of the couplings coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of arms, the coupling lockingly receiving a bone fixation element secured to a corresponding bone fragment such that each of the arms is coupled to a corresponding fragment of the bone in combination with a mechanical unit moving each of the arms relative to the frame and a controller receiving data corresponding to a desired final position of the fragments relative to one another and controlling the mechanical unit to move the arms relative to one another to achieve the desired final position of the bone fragments relative to one another.

Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.

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 pin mounting structures, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two pin mounting structures, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments are formed by fastening together a group of elements to form different housing configurations.

Abstract: A fixation device may be used for supporting and/or stretching an injured body part. An exemplary fixation device uses a thumb wheel control element to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint. The control element and its associated drive system allow for movement along a particular axis, while the position remains fixed with relation to the other axis. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation with rotation, in order to provide for a common point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.

Abstract: An adjustment tool for an external fixator comprises a fitting element for holding fast a clamping assembly of the external fixator. A positioning clamp is provided for fixing the adjustment tool on a rod of the external fixator near the clamping assembly. A connecting element is attached to the fitting element and the positioning clamp is adapted to move the fitting element towards to or away from the positioning clamp. The fitting element comprises a blocking sleeve adapted to push the uppermost jaw of the clamping assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping assembly to block the second upper most jaw against an abutment portion of the fitting element. The tool further comprises an actuation element within the blocking sleeve to actuate the locking element of the clamping assembly for releasing the rod within the clamping assembly without releasing the bone pin.

Abstract: A unilateral fixator for adjustment of a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a telescopically adjustable strut having first and second ends and a strut axis, and first and second compound joints. The first compound joint is coupled to the first end of the strut and to a first bone clamp, and includes a first gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational motion of the first bone clamp relative to first and second axes while the first bone clamp is engaged with the first bone portion. The first and second axes are generally orthogonal to one another and to the strut axis. The second compound joint is coupled to the second end of the strut and to a second bone clamp and includes a second gear mechanism controlling linear and rotational adjustment of the second bone clamp. The first compound movable joints can rotate about the strut axis.

Abstract: A bone fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to second bone portion is disclosed, including at least two clamping assemblies each for receiving at least one bone pin and a main body disposed between the clamping assemblies. The main body includes at least one joint for orienting the clamping assemblies with respect to each other. The at least one joint may permit pivoting or rotation. Some joints permit the articulation of several components to be simultaneously and releasably lockable.

Abstract: An elevator assembly includes a vertical shaft carrying a lower horizontal jaw held in fixed position relative to the shaft. The shaft carries an horizontally extending dorsal plate that can adjust vertically relative to the lower jaw by means of the vertical shaft. A targeting wing couples to the elevator shaft and is selectively adjustable up and down along the shaft by means of an elevator adjustment screw. The targeting wing includes at least one horizontal slot that is adapted to slideably receive a soft tissue protector and needle assembly. The soft tissue protector can lock in the slot of the targeting wing by rotating its oval body about 90-degrees clockwise.

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 fixation rod clamp is for coupling a bone pin locking assembly to a bone fixation rod. The clamp comprises a rod attachment portion including a jaw portion and a coupling portion, the jaw portion having first and second opposing jaws extending in a first direction, the jaws forming an opening there between configured to receive the bone fixation rod, the coupling portion extending from the jaw portion in a second direction; and a coupling having a pin vise cooperating portion to engage the bone pin locking assembly and a clamp cooperating portion configured to receive the coupling portion. The jaw portion is configured to engage the bone fixation rod when the bone fixation rod is located within the opposing jaws to thereby mechanically couple the bone pin locking assembly to the bone fixation rod.

Abstract: A multi-articular fracture fixation device having a adjustable modulus of rigidity. The implant apparatus includes modular tensioning elements that can be disposed in a ball-and-socket linear array along a length of connecting wire within a medullary canal or percutaneously. The connecting wire includes a threaded end and a stop member at the opposite end, and when a lock nut is threadably disposed on the threaded end and tightened, at least two of the tensioning elements in the array may be swivelled relative to one another and arranged to introduce curvature as desired along the length of the array. Tightening the lock nut is also employed to adjust the modulus of rigidity to he retained during healing.

Abstract: An external fixator for fixing bones includes a coupling member, a plurality of ball joints, each ball joint comprising a pin to be inserted into a bone, a rotary member in form of a ball, a supporting member in which a first supporting member and a first thread for supporting the ball rotatably are formed, and a tubular fastening member that contains the ball and that has openings at the opposite ends, the tubular fastening member is provided at one end with a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The tubular fastening member is provided at the other end with a second supporting portion for pushing the ball against the first supporting portion when the second screw is driven into the first thread, wherein the pins and the coupling member are fixed to the supporting member and the rotary member.

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 polymeric external fixator element, such as a rod or a pin or a clamp, has at least one contacting surface. At least one of the contacting surfaces of the element responsible to establish connection between the element and a different external fixator element is provided with a rough ablated structure. The clamping can be improved if one of the polymeric elements comprise fibers having fiber parts protruding above the surface.

Abstract: The skull clamp system with pressure limiting and alarm systems includes at least one and preferably multiple inwardly power driven immobilizing pins adjustably engaging the skull of a patient. The pin power drive systems includes at least one sensor capable of sensing the degree of back pressure on the pin from contact of the pin against the bone of the patient, the sensor being capable of signaling the drive system to stop when the sensor detects a preselected degree of back pressure. The sensor is also capable of signaling an alarm to warn of any reduction of pressure applied to the pins that might result from pin slippage.

Abstract: An accessory device for an external orthopedic fixator where the fixator has an external frame made up of frame components which surround the lower leg and ankle of a patient with one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto. The accessory device includes a walking plate which connects to one of the fixator frame components for supporting the sole of a patient's foot. The accessory device also includes a companion shroud which is wrapped about the fixator with the fixator being received within the interior of the shroud. The shroud has a width and height which are sufficient to conceal the fixator within the shroud interior. The shroud has fasteners which allow it to be easily installed and removed from about the fixator.

Abstract: External fixation devices and methods of use are provided. A device for external fixation of a joint includes a first pin block for connection to a first skeletal element and a second pin block for connection to a second skeletal element. The device includes a connection assembly that is releasably attached to at least one of the pin blocks. The device is locked in an original position when the connection assembly is attached to both of the pin blocks, and is unlocked when the connection assembly is detached from at least one of the pin blocks.

Abstract: An external fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures is disclosed. The device comprises a splint member having a first and a second axially slidable and mutually fastenable base portions for adjusting the length of the splint member and a plurality of bone pins. Each of the base portions of the splint member includes mountings for the bone pins to traverse the site of the bone fracture in a multi-angle and multi-planar pin configuration, so as to permit direct fixation of the fracture and provide a significant degree of stability.

Abstract: An external fixation clamp for receiving a fixation element includes an inner jaw and an outer jaw movable between an open position that permits the fixation element to be placed between the inner and outer jaws and a closed position that restricts removal of the fixation element from between the inner and outer jaws. A latch assembly may cooperate with the inner and outer jaws to secure the jaws in a closed position. The latch assembly may comprise a latch and a latch biasing member. The latch may be configured to translate linearly relative to one of the inner and outer jaws, and the latch biasing member may have a first higher level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the open position and a second lower level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the closed position.

Abstract: A skull pin, a method to assemble the skull pin, and a method to operate the skull pin contemplate a skull pin having a housing defining a recess; a force sensing component, a battery, an electrical component, and a skull pin tip received within the recess, wherein the force sensing component and the battery are electrically connected to the electrical component; the skull pin tip fitting over the force sensing component, wherein the force sensing component provides an output related to the level of force applied to the skull pin tip; and wherein the skull pin tip is secured to the housing by a bearing.

Abstract: An external fixation system includes a clamp system configured to capture a fixation element. The clamp system has a first and a second jaw and a first and a second link attached to the first and second jaws that are configured to control the motion of the jaws. The links are arranged such that, when the first and second jaws are moved to a closed position, the action of trying to open the jaws is resisted by the position of the links, and to open the jaws, the links must be actuated.

Abstract: A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.

Abstract: A polymeric external fixator element, such as a rod or a pin or a clamp, has at least one contacting surface. At least one of the contacting surfaces of the element responsible to establish connection between the element and a different external fixator element is provided with a rough ablated structure. The clamping can be improved if one of the polymeric elements comprise fibers having fiber parts protruding above the surface.

Abstract: An external skeletal fixation device includes first and second pin clamp units fixedly holding rodlike members inserted, respectively, into a first part and a second part of a bone on the opposite sides, respectively, of a virtual hinge point corresponding to a center of rotational angulation, a center on opposite sides of a fracture site of the bone or a part of the osteotomy site for deformity correction are turned, or a center about which a joint turns. A connecting mechanism connecting the first and second pin clamp units has first and second arms pivotally connected to the first and second pin clamp units, respectively. The respective axes of rotary joints respectively connecting the first pin clamp unit and the first arm, the second pin clamp unit and the second arm, and the first arm and the second arms extend toward the virtual hinge point.

Abstract: A positioning guide for ankle arthrodesis according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a clamping device configured to be fixedly held to the foot, the clamping device defining an implantation axis, an alignment device configured to be removably coupled with the clamping device, the alignment device having first and second angle indicators, wherein, when the alignment device is coupled to the clamping device, the first angle indicator is configured to visually indicate a substantial alignment of implantation axis with tibial when the first angle indicator is aligned with the tibial axis and the foot is placed in a first position, and the second angle indicator is configured to visually indicate an arthrodesis angle formed between implantation axis and tibial axis when the second angle indicator is aligned with the tibial axis and the foot is placed in a second position.

Abstract: A surgical clamping device is provided for receiving distal ends of handles having bone attachment members disposed thereon in a recess disposed in the surgical clamping device. When an adjustment mechanism is in a first state, the distal ends of the handles are able to pivot and, optionally, to move axially within the recess of the surgical clamping device. When the adjustment mechanism is placed into a second state by adjusting the adjusting mechanism, the surgical clamping device applies a clamping force to the distal ends of the handles such that they are fixed within the recess of the surgical clamping device.

Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.

Abstract: A controlled removable fracture-reducing assembly for reducing a bone fracture. According to one embodiment, a controlled removable fracture reducing assembly includes an implant, a reducer, a buttress, and a locking device that engage a proximal bone fragment and a distal bone fragment. The implant is secured to the distal bone fragment by the locking device. The buttress engages the implant through an opening. The reducer contains a compressing screw that applies a force on the buttress, reducing the fracture. According to another embodiment, the reducer contains a cam mechanism which applies a force on the buttress, which does not engage the implant, that pushes the proximal bone fragment to reduce the fracture. According to another embodiment, the reducer is a jacking mechanism that pushes the proximal bone fragment while pulling the implant and distal fragment to reduce the fracture.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus is provided for bridging a first bone unit to a second bone unit. The apparatus is demonstrated on a finger joint, wherein one of the bones and/or ligaments and/or tendons of the joint is/are injured. A method for implanting and using the apparatus also is presented. The apparatus includes a reformably deformable span portion which is generally circular and preferably rhombic. By deforming or reforming the span portion, it can be repositioned laterally, and/or it can be rotated to allow range of rotary motion so as to promote healing.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus is provided for bridging a first bone unit to a second bone unit. The apparatus is demonstrated on a finger joint, wherein one of the bones and/or ligaments and/or tendons of the joint is/are injured. A method for implanting and using the apparatus also is presented. The apparatus includes a reformably deformable span portion which is generally circular and preferably rhombic. By deforming or reforming the span portion, it can be repositioned laterally, and/or it can be rotated to allow range of rotary motion so as to promote healing.

Abstract: An orthopedic external fixation system may include a distal bar having a curvature that varies along its length, an uncurved proximal bar, a plurality of proximal embedding members, and a plurality of distal embedding members. The proximal and the distal embedding members, sized and shaped for embedding in bone, may attach directly or indirectly to the proximal bar and the distal bar, respectively.

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 orthopedic apparatus is provided for bridging a first bone unit to a second bone unit. The apparatus is demonstrated on a finger joint, wherein one of the bones and/or ligaments and/or tendons of the joint is/are injured. A method for implanting and using the apparatus also is presented. The apparatus includes a reformably deformable span portion which is generally circular and preferably rhombic. By deforming or reforming the span portion, it can be repositioned laterally, and/or it can be rotated to allow range of rotary motion so as to promote healing.

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable strut for use with orthopedic external fixators has a first end and a second end and includes a universal-hinged connector provided at each of the first and second ends for connecting the strut to orthopedic external fixator base members. The universal-hinged connector is configured and adapted for pivoting the strut relative to the base members and to lock the universal-hinged connector at a desired angle.

Abstract: Systems, device and methods are described for maintaining concentric reduction of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of a finger with few as two orthopedic pins, one inserted through the head of the proximal phalanx concentric with the axis of rotation of the joint (i.e., a transverse pin), and the other through the middle phalanx at a location between the PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (a dorsal pin), and applying a force between the two pins. A surgical kit is described which may include such components as a dorsal pin, a transverse pin, a pin placement guide for use in reducing the joint fracture dislocation and then drilling holes for the pins or for inserting self-drilling pins, and a fixation device for coupling and applying a force between the dorsal and transverse pins. The components of the surgical kit are described, including various configurations of the fixation device.

Abstract: An external orthopaedic fixator for elbow joints comprising: proximal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a proximal bone of a patient's upper limb; distal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a distal bone of a patient's upper limb; an articulator hinging together said proximal and distal anchoring means along a hinging axis, intended to be positioned in correspondence with an elbow joint connecting said proximal and distal bones; said articulator comprising a radiotransparent centering window intended to frame the elbow joint when positioning the external orthopaedic fixator, said hinging axis passing through said centering window.

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: A multi-purpose external fixator (1) comprises at least one screw (2) to be implanted in a bone fragment (3) and a frame (7), in turn comprising at least one clamp (8) and at least one bar (9); the clamp (8) comprising a central body (11), in which a slot (12) is made for connection to the screw (2), an element (13) for locking the screw (2) in the slot (12) and a lever (14) for operating the locking element (13); the lever (14) is hinged to the central body (11) and can move away from and towards an end position for engagement of the locking element (13) and stable connection of the screw (2) to the slot (12); in the end position the lever (14) and the screw (2) are positioned in a T-shaped configuration relative to each other, in which the lever (14) forms a grip for implanting the screw (2) in the bone fragment.