Abstract: A fixation pin adapted for use with a frame assembly for the external fixation of a bone. The fixation pin includes a metallic pin having a bioabsorbable threaded tip attached thereto. The metallic pin is a shaft having a proximal end and a shaped distal end. The bioabsorbable tip is a cylindrical unitary body having a distal end, a proximal end and a threaded outer surface therebetween. The proximal end of the tip is affixed to the shaped distal end of the metallic pin. To implant the fixation pin, a hole is drilled and tapped in a first or second bone segment comprising a fracture site. The bioabsorbable tip of the fixation pin is inserted into the hole and the fixation pin is rotated until the threaded outer surface of the tip is embedded within the bone. The proximal end of the metallic pin, projecting outwardly from the skin, is attached to a rigid frame by a clamp.

Abstract: An external bone fixation system for clamping bone pins and a connecting element is provided. The system includes a jaw and an upper element for retaining bone pins therebetween, a middle element, and a lower element, with the elements being disposed about a common axis. The upper element swivels relative to the middle element, and the lower element rotates relative to the middle element. A borehole extending through the lower element permits demountable attachment of the device to the connecting element, as well as rotation thereabout. Opposing surfaces of at least two of the elements are positively engageable. The upper, middle, and lower elements are coupled by a common fastener disposed along the common axis, while the jaw and upper element are coupled by at least one fastener that is not disposed on the common axis. A single fastener can be used to arrest two or three degrees of freedom of movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified external bone fixator assembly which allows the surgeon to snap the assembly onto a bone fixation rod at an intermediate location along the length of the rod. It is not necessary to “thread” the assembly 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 bone pin locking assembly for use with standard bone fixation rods, and bone pins. The bone pin locking assembly includes a bone pin vise, a single-piece fixation rod clamp, and a coupling to allow relative adjustment of the pin vise and the rod clamp. The rod 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: A fixation pin adapted for use with a frame assembly for the external fixation of a bone. The fixation pin includes a metallic pin having a bioabsorbable threaded tip attached thereto. The metallic pin is a shaft having a proximal end and a shaped distal end. The bioabsorbable tip is a cylindrical unitary body having a distal end, a proximal end and a threaded outer surface therebetween. The proximal end of the tip is affixed to the shaped distal end of the metallic pin. To implant the fixation pin, a hole is drilled and tapped in a first or second bone segment comprising a fracture site. The bioabsorbable tip of the fixation pin is inserted into the hole and the fixation pin is rotated until the threaded outer surface of the tip is embedded within the bone. The proximal end of the metallic pin, projecting outwardly from the skin, is attached to a rigid frame by a clamp.

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: An external fixation system for securing a first bone portion in a fixed relationship with respect to a second bone portion. The fixation system includes at least one cylindrical support rod and a plurality of universal clamp assemblies for engagement with at least one support rod. The fixation system additionally includes various other distinct components for interconnecting the support rod with bone pins engaged with the bone. Some of the other components are formed to include serrations for engaging corresponding serrations provided on the universal clamp assemblies. Some of the components include a cylindrical portion, whereas other of the components include a rod receiving portion adapted to receive the at least one support rod or one of the cylindrical portions. These interchangeable and distinct components allow for a greater degree of surgeon flexibility in producing a desired construction to secure bone portions with bone pins.

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: 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: 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: A fixture for external bone fixation includes a number of pins clamped within pin mounting holes. Each pin extends through a flexible sleeve and through a clamping nut. Each pin mounting hole includes a pilot hole guiding the pin and an internally threaded portion engaging an externally threaded portion of the clamping nut. As the clamping nut is tightened, the flexible sleeve is longitudinally compressed, so that it expands transversely to clamp itself within the pin mounting hole and to clamp the pin within itself. A fixture configured particularly for external fixation of a fractured distal radius includes a number of such pins configured for attachment within a shaft portion of the radius and a number of such pins configured to attachment to a fragment of the fractured radius. The fixture also includes a sliding attachment block supporting a number of pins extending for lateral attachment to such a fragment.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone fixator for repairing fractures of the distal radius and wrist. It includes, in the preferred embodiment, at least two generally parallel spaced-apart elongate distal mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the metacarpal bone and at least two generally parallel spaced-apart elongate radial mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the radius. A distal pin clamp assembly secures the distal pins to an elongate distal member. The clamp assembly and pins are movably coupled to the distal member for translational movement along its elongate axis and pivotal motion about a pivot axis generally perpendicular to the elongate axis of the distal member and the elongate axes of the distal pins. The fixator further includes a proximal pin mounting block for securing the radial pins and an elongate medial assembly of adjustable length.

Abstract: A joint fixator apparatus conforms to the natural axis of rotation of the joint in question, such as a patient's wrist or knee to avoid the possibility of bone fragment displacement and/or fracture reduction. The apparatus includes two fixation rod sections or shaft sections with a spring module therebetween. The spring module is in the form of a flexible coupler that connects to respective ends of the external fixator rod. The module can include a removable clip to restrain the motion of the spring a desired amount such as before healing takes place. The rods can be used to hold pin clamps which then hold bone pins for attachment to selected bones of the patient such as above and below a joint or above and below a fracture. The pin clamps can be moved along the rod sections to provide distraction of the joints for a ligamentotaxis effect in reducing the fracture.

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: The present invention is a bone fixator for repairing fractures of the distal radius and wrist. It includes, in the preferred embodiment, at least two generally parallel, spaced-apart elongate distal mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the metacarpal bone and at least two generally parallel, spaced-apart elongate radial mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the radius. A distal pin clamp assembly secures the distal pins to an elongate distal member. The clamp assembly and pins are movably coupled to the distal member for translational movement along its elongate axis and pivotal motion about a pivot axis generally perpendicular to the elongate axis of the distal member and the elongate axes of the distal pins.

Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement member is inserted into or over the damaged portion of an injured tendon or ligament. The tendon or ligament is connected to the reinforcement member such that the cord-member combination can immediately withstand normal tensile forces. The interconnection can be mechanical, such as by pins extending through the sleeve reinforcement member and cord. The sleeve can be bioabsorbable over a sufficiently long period of time that the cord is healed by the time the sleeve is absorbed.

Abstract: This invention describes a bone lengthening device, which is fully implantable and works on a cylinder and piston basis which is driven with micro-hydraulics or a internal threaded rod. Choosing a profile which is not round, torsion of the cylinder and piston assembly is avoided, and expansion can be achieved both in a linear as well as in a circular fashion. Since this device is fully implantable, common disadvantages with current methods of bone expansion can be eliminated.

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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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: An external fixator for adjustably securing first and second portions of a bone includes a ring assembly and a bone screw clamp assembly interconnected by a central body. The ring assembly secures one or more tension wires adapted to pass through the first portion of the bone. The bone screw clamp assembly secures one or more bone screws adapted to engage a second portion of the bone. The ring assembly includes a generally circular frame having a peripheral groove for securing a tension wire carriage anywhere therealong. The tension wire carriages are adjustable so that the tension wire may be positioned above or below the ring. One or more connector rods are used to rigidify the external fixator by interconnecting the ring assembly and the bone screw clamp assembly.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis ring for maintaining one or more fractured bones in compression, the ring being used in combination with a pin, includes a hollow cylindrical body. The body is made of an elastic biocompatible material. The body has a channel extending therethrough along an axis of revolution of the body for receiving a pin. The body is structured for blocking at least one of translation and rotation of the body. A proximal part of the body includes a slot along at least one diameter of the body, the slot defining at least two separate parts, the at least two separate parts being adapted to spread apart from one another.

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

Abstract: A pin-to-bar construct for an external fixation system of the type including a plurality of pins for securing first and second elements, and an elongated bar. The pin-to-bar construct includes a spool component for attachment to the bar; and an intermediate component for fixed attachment to the spool component and for joining at least one of the pins to the spool component. The intermediate component includes pin receiving structure for receiving one of the pins and intermediate component attachment structure for allowing fixed attachment to another intermediate component.

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 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: A compression-distraction apparatus for fixation of two fragments of a fractured bone comprises three annular members placed in spaced-apart alignment around the limb of the broken bone. It features two outer members are each connected to one of the fragments by at least two through-going pins, while a third, median member is connected to the outer members by three bolts or studs after proper alignment of the fragments. A first outer member is to connected to the median member in non-parallel manner by bolts having a pivot incorporated therein, while firm connection to the second outer member is made only after measurement of the compression or distraction forces.

Abstract: In the case of a surgical device for fixing bone elements, having an elongated, flexible clamping means for winding around and bracing the bone elements to be fixed, having a connecting part for connecting the ends of the tightened clamping means, a first end of the clamping means being fastenable to the connecting part and the second free end of the clamping means being passable through an opening of the connecting part so as to form a loop, and having a locking member supported counter to the clamping direction against the connecting part and non-releasably connectable to the clamping means, in order to refine said device in such a way that, while being easy to handle, it not only enables a reliable permanent fixing of the clamping means but also, without additional aids, allows a temporary fixing during an operation, it is proposed that the locking member comprises a blocking element which blocks a movement of the clamping means counter to the clamping direction.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an accessory device which is removably applicable to a double ball-jointed fixator, to assume the relation of a cage that effectively surrounds both ball-joints of the fixator. One longitudinal end of the accessory cage quickly mounts to one bone-screw mounting member of the fixator and establishes first intersecting orthogonally related articulation axes of a first half of a dual Cardan joint, wherein such first intersection is coincident with the ball center of a first ball-joint of the fixator; the other longitudinal end of the accessory cage quickly mounts to the other bone-screw mounting member of the fixator and establishes second intersecting orthogonally related articulation axes of a second half of the dual Cardan joint, with such second intersection coincident with the ball center of the second ball-joint of the fixator.

Abstract: Two semicylindrical bodies, each mounted on a respective end of one member of a pair of pivotally interconnected blades, are closed to form a cylindrical body having a first end in which a frustoconical surface is arranged to guide a wire into a central bore, and a second end communicating with bore and in which a semi-spherical cavity is shaped to receive a bone end. The wire insertion guide is particularly applicable to procedures such as resectional arthroplasties requiring K-wire fixation, Hoffman-Clayton type rheumatoid forefoot reconstructive procedures, and procedures relating to finger reconstruction.

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: An external fixation system (10) comprising one or more rings (14), elongated members (16), extension fingers (18) with pin holders (52), wire holders (22), clamping assemblies (20), screws (24) or wire (26) for securing parts of a bone (12), and rod connectors (174). The extension fingers (18) are positioned axially and radially along the elongated members (16). The pin holders (52) move axially along and radially around the extension fingers (18), and are secured in place using a one-hand operation which also secures the screw (24) in place. The screws (24) are secured to the pin holders (52) from a point which may be positioned and oriented with full spatial articulation in three dimensions. The rings (14) are provided with openings (104) composed of intersecting apertures (106) to decrease the spacing between available locations.

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.