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 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: 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: Apparatus for measuring bone strain to detect fracture consolidation includes a fixation device which is affixed to a patient's bone that has a fracture site to be healed and wherein the fixation device supports an elongated optical fiber. Light is transmitted through the optical fiber to an exit point. The light intensity within the optical fiber is measured, preferably at the exit point as the light travels through the optical fiber. Light intensity is measured to monitor strain in the fixation device as the fracture site heals. A physician then determines when the site has fully healed by observing changes in light intensity as the patient's bone rather than the fixation device carries more of the patient's normal body loading.

Abstract: A guide assembly for surgical instruments used for performing surgical procedure on a bone having a longitudinal axis. At least one stand-off member secured to and extending from the bone is coupled to a support member holding the support member laterally from and in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the bone. The support member provides a base for a locating assembly which comprises an arm a positioning member and a guide member. The arm is coupled to the support member and is movable linearly between the extremes thereof, along a path related to the longitudinal axis of the bone. The positioning member which includes a plurality of positioning apertures along its length, is defined by a constant radius equal to the distance the support member is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone.

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: An osteotomy procedure for adjusting the conformation of a long-bone is described. Illustratively, a proximal tibial osteotomy procedure produces two relatively rotatable long-bone segments. A jig including a body and having two pins extending therefrom in the same direction in a plane containing the long axis of the jig preferably is used to adjustably fix the two segments relative to one another with each pin securely fixed within a corresponding one of the segments. Importantly, at least the distal pin is bendable such that a desired rotation with two degrees of freedom is achievable between the two to-be-fixed segments. By bending the distal pin in a region thereof extending between the jig body and the distal segment, any desired relative rotation may be achieved between the segments. Correction of any and all conditions including varus, valgus, internal and external rotation may be accomplished in a single osteotomy procedure.

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

Abstract: An external trochanter splint, especially for surgical stabilization of femoral pertrochanter and subtrochanter fractures, comprises a pair of clamps (2,3) each with its own longitudinal axis (a,b). One of these clamps (2) is designed for the movable locking of a first group of bone screws or bolts (V) inserted into the mass of the trochanter, the other (3) is designed for the movable locking of a second group of bone screws or bolts (W) inserted into the proximal diaphysis of the femur. The two clamps are connected together in side-by-side relation via an intermediate connecting member (4). First provision is made for immobilizing a selected angle of divergence (.alpha.) between the longitudinal axes (a,b) and second provision is made for immobilizing a selected angle of rotation of at least one of the said clamps (3) about its own longitudinal axis (b).

Abstract: The transport carrier of this invention is configured for use with an external fixator having a hexagonal rod. The carrier includes a threaded sleeve which accommodates the hexagonal rod of the fixator. A compressible ball collet and retaining nut are carried by the sleeve and serve to lock the sleeve into position on the rod in a known manner. A clamp is carried by the sleeve and rotationally fixed relative to the rod by a key and key way, yet may shift along the sleeve. The clamp is configured to connect to one or more bone pins using a ball collet and retaining nut to fix the clamp to the pin. The bone pins connect to a bone fragment such that as the clamp shifts along the sleeve, the bone fragment is transported between two portions of a bone. An internally threaded sleeve is carried by the externally threaded sleeve and engages the clamp. Upon rotation of the internally threaded sleeve, the clamp and externally threaded sleeve move longitudinally along the sleeve.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for bone-screw or bone-pin adjustment (a) longitudinally along the guideway of an external fixator, and (b) angularly about a pivot axis at a selected longitudinal location. The clamping assembly comprises a slide block adapted for releasably locked longitudinal positioning along the guideway, an intermediate plate element, and a clamp block, in sandwiched relation, with a single central bolt to secure (i) a selected angular setting of bone-screw engagement grooves coacting between the clamp block and the upper surface of the intermediate plate, and (ii) coacting arcuate tongue-and-groove formations wherein the releasably lockable coaction is between the slide block and the lower surface of the intermediate plate, to secure a given clamped angular orientation of bone-screw orientation with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guideway.

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: A spatial frame for positioning a first element or the like relative to a second element or the like.

Abstract: A bone pin for use in repair of a bone fracture in conjunction with a tension band wire. The pin includes an elongate shaft with a leading end and a trailing end with the leading end being configured to be inserted into a bone on a first side of a fracture and across the fracture. The pin further includes a retaining band with a first end seamlessly joined to the shaft at a first point on the trailing end of the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction therefrom and a second end seamlessly joined to the shaft at a second point on the trailing end of the shaft and extending in a radially outward direction therefrom. The band further includes a middle region extending in a generally arcuate course between the first and second ends to form a closed seamless loop at the trailing end of the shaft with the loop being sized to receive a tension band wire and retain the wire in a position at least partially overlying the trailing end of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical method of measuring bone strain to detect fracture consolidation includes the steps of affixing an external fixation device to the patient's bone that has a fracture site to be healed and wherein the fixation device supports an elongated optical fiber. Light is transmitted through the optical fiber to an exit point. The light intensity within the optical fiber is measured, preferably at the exit point as the light travels through the optical fiber. Light intensity is measured to monitor strain in the fixation device as the fracture site heals. A physician then determines when the site has fully healed by observing changes in light intensity as the patient's bone rather than the fixation device carries more of the patient's normal body loading.

Abstract: An external fixator for distal radius fractures provides an elongated support rod that includes proximal and distal rod sections. Radius fixation pins are provided for engaging the patient's radius bone tissue. Radius support clamps are rotatably supported upon the proximal rod section and distal rod section, each of the pins being movable in rotational fashion both with respect to the rod and with respect to the pins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for externally reducing and/or fixating a fracture in a bone. The apparatus includes a radiolucent rod, and a carriage assembly with a clamp assembly for connection to a fixation pin. A sleeve is threadingly connected with the carriage assembly and is disposed about the rod. A clamping device interconnects the sleeve with the rod at a selective one of a plurality of locations along a length of the rod. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the carriage assembly moves the rod in an axial direction relative to the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A fixation plate for fixing the position of a fractured bone is provided. The fixation plate includes an elongated rigid plate having a plurality of first apertures spaced along the length of the plate. The first apertures are arranged and sized to receive threaded fasteners for fastening the plate to the bone on both sides of the fracture. The fixation plate also includes a plurality of second apertures spaced along the length of the plate. The second apertures, which are smaller than the first apertures, are arranged and sized to receive tacks to temporarily attach the plate to the bone on both sides of the fracture.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble external fixator for the stabilization of a bone fracture is disclosed. The assembly of the external fixator makes use of a clamp to secure a pin to a stabilization bar. The body of the clamp will have an indentation that can be placed over the stabilization bar. Each arm of the indentation will have a hole with the two holes being aligned such that a single pin can be placed through both holes across the mouth of the indentation. Once the stabilization bar is within the indentation a pin can be inserted through the two holes in the arms of the body to restrain the stabilization bar within the clamp. The clamp will have a force applicator such as a screw that will lock both the stabilization bar and pin to prevent relative motion of the stabilization bar and the pin relative to the clamp. The preferred clamp will have a retaining clasp for gripping the stabilization bar to resist the separation of the stabilization bar from the clamp.

Abstract: A fixation pin has a cylindrical body having a proximal end with two axially separated heads with an annular groove between them. The distal end of the cylindrical body has a tapered conical point. In the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical body has a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves which extend from just proximal of the pointed end of the fixation pin, proximally toward the proximal end. Each groove extends into the cylindrical body to an extent not exceeding 30% of the diameter of a cross-section of the cylindrical body and each groove has an outwardly facing opening which subtends in the range of about 7% to about 17% of the circumference of the cylindrical body. The grooves receive bone material when the pin is driven into a bone and prevent rotation of the pin while preventing the pin from backing out of the bone.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for use in the external setting of fractures is particularly adapted for use in association with an external axial fixator or splint having bolt-holding clamps with spherical joints for fixing bone bolts or screws which can be implanted in fractured pieces of bone. The auxiliary device comprises a central body which can be elongated axially and has end portions which can be releasably coupled to corresponding bolt-holding clamps on an external axial fixator or splint associated therewith; the said end portions are attached to the central body by means of corresponding hinges having hinge axes (20, 20') which are retained in parallel relation to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the body, and securing means is provided for selecting the orientation of the axes of these hinges, without changing their retained parallel-axis relation, so as to allow the bolt-holding clamps to rotate in a single plane at a time of predetermined position.

Abstract: A fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a first bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in a first bone portion and that secures the first bone screw to the fixator. The fixator also includes a second bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in the second bone portion and that secures the second bone screw to the fixator once the second bone screw is secured to the second bone portion. The fixator also includes a main body that is operable to secure the first bone screw clamp to the second bone screw clamp.

Abstract: 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 device for stabilizing a long bone combines an external fixator with a locking nail implanted in the medullary canal of a long bone. The external fixator has fixed bone pins at each of its ends and movable bone pins intermediate its ends. The fixed bone pins extend through transverse bores at each end of the bone nail and the movable pins extends through a slot in the bone nail intermediate its ends. By this method a fracture can be compressed and stabilized while healing.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved external fixation device which is designed for use in the treatment of bone fractures in a military setting, and comprises a main hollow housing (11) having opposite open ends, first and second end closure members (12, 13) removably attached to the opposite ends of the housing, the member (12) comprising a drill handle forming element (26) while the member (13) comprises a chuck-forming element (31), the end members (12, 13) when detached from the housing (11) being adapted for gripping engagement within respective clamp holders (14, 15) so as to form a hand tool assembly which can operate as a brace-and-bit. A bit element (40) is releasably locked in the socket (38) of the chuck element (31). A holder unit (33) is housed within the interior of the housing (11) and serves to store the ancillary equipment (40, 41, 42) within the housing during transport of the device.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: A compact external fixator used to repair small bone fractures which includes an elongate cylindrical support rod to which are mounted a pair of articulation assemblies. Each assembly is held to the support rod by a rod clamp which, in a loosened condition, can rotate about and translate along the support rod. When tightened, the clamps fix the positions of the articulation assemblies relative to the rod. A pin carrier block is pivotally attached to each rod clamp to pivot about a first pivot axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the rod. As with the clamp, the pivotal motion of the block can be selectively fixed or loosened. Each block further includes a generally planar circular pin mounting shelf with a central axis normal to the plane of the shelf. The plane of the shelf is substantially parallel to and offset from the first pivot axis. A generally planar and disk-like pin clamp ring is disposed centered coaxially over the central axis of each pin shelf.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for external fixation and stabilization of a fracture in a bone including a one-piece fixation rod, at least two fixation pins attachable to the bone, and at least two clamp assemblies. Each clamp assembly interconnects at least one fixation pin and the fixation rod, The fixation rod is compressible in an axial direction upon occurrence of axial loads typical to those experienced at the fracture, thereby allowing an axial compression loading to be placed on the bone at the fracture when the apparatus is in use. The fixation rod consists essentially of a non-homogeneous, i.e., composite, material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external skeletal fixator for treating an injured mammalian limb. The fixator has a plurality of transfixation pins which pass through the intact bone of the injured limb proximal to the injured bone. These pins extend beyond the outer edges of the intact bone. These pins are supported by support members which abut the intact bone, extending through the soft tissue. These support members are, in turn, supported by a superstructure capable of supporting the weight of the animal, which superstructure extends beyond the distal end of the injured limb. Thus in the case of a weight bearing limb, the weight of the animal is transferred from the intact bone to the pins, to the supporting members, to the superstructure, to the ground, thus bypassing the injured bone.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bone fixation apparatus comprising a bone fixation element, a linking member, and a coupling member. The coupling member has a first channel for receiving a portion of the bone fixation element and a second channel for receiving a portion of the linking member. The first and second channels are configured within the coupling member so as to allow communication of a securing force from the bone fixation element to the linking member such that the bone fixation element is rigidly secured with respect to the linking member. The bone fixation element may incorporate a conical load bearing surface which contacts the linking member through a third channel in the coupling member. Upward axial movement provided by nut tightening forces the load bearing surface of the bone fixation element against the linking member, thereby securing both within the coupling member.

Abstract: A disposable external fixator includes a rod and pins insertable therethrough and insertable into a fractured bone for fixation. The rod includes equidistantly spaced and aligned bores and ends provided with threads. The diameter of the bores is larger than the diameter of the pins. The fixator also includes two stretching tubes of relatively soft material slidably mountable onto the ends of the rod and having bores corresponding to the bores of the rod. Internally threaded closing pieces are screwable onto the threaded ends of the rod to axially displace the stretching tubes relative to the rod.

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: An apparatus for lengthening bones is disclosed including a plurality of frame elements (12) spaced apart from one another. The frame elements are U-shaped for at least partially enclosing the bone, and two elements may be connected to fully enclose the bone. Fixation elements (14) that transfix the bone approximately perpendicular to its long direction are secured to the frame elements. Telescopically extendable tensioning elements (16) connect the frame elements together and fix them in position relative to one another. The frame elements (12) include a plurality of rows (18, 18') of longitudinal slots (20, 20', 20"). The tensioning elements (16) are clamped to the frame elements at aligned slots and the fixation elements (14) are similarly clamped to the appropriate slots in the corresponding frame elements. The tensioning elements include three threaded sections with a first section including a spindle and sleeve with a second and third threaded section threaded into the first section.

Abstract: The invention provides a fixator device for controlling the position of the femur relative to the pelvis during surgery, comprising a first curved rigid bar member having a pelvis anchor member disposed along its length for anchoring the bar member to the innominate bone of the pelvis, said bar member having a first end for anchoring to the upper pelvis and a second end for anchoring to the lower pelvis, and a second bar member attached at one end to the first bar member, and having a femur anchor member at its second end for anchoring to the base of the femur, to thereby control and fix the position of the femur relative to the pelvis during surgical operations.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus 2 that allows the transfixation wire 10 to be secured at a plurality of discrete positions to provide adjustability of the angular orientation of the wire with respect to the plane of a frame ring 6. The fixation apparatus 2 includes a transfixation wire or pin 10 that is connected between a transmitting clamp 20 and a receiving clamp 40 that are shiftably carried atop of a partial frame ring 6. A wire retainer 50 is secured to the distal end 14 of the transfixation wire. The receiving clamp 40 includes a raised member 46 adapted for receiving distal end 14 of wire 10 and mating with retainer 50 at a variety of discrete positions along the length of raised member 46. Retainer 50 uses two screws 54, 56 to secure distal end 14 of wire 10 within a longitudinal through bore 51. Screw 54 extends into longitudinal bore 51 to engage wire 10 near the proximal end of retainer 50.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixator comprises a telescoping unit which includes telescopically engaging inner and outer parts arranged for limited axial reciprocal movement relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the unit, the outer part having a central bore extending therethrough, the inner part engaging with sliding fit in the bore and extending the full length thereof, the inner part being non-rotatable about said axis. The bore is made up of hard polymeric material and the inner part is formed of metal. A pair of orthopedic pin clamp assemblies is carried by the inner part adjacent its proximal end and the outer part for selective positioning along the entire length thereof. A lock releasably locks the parts against axial movement.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unilateral, extensible external tensioning device for treating bone disease and for the purpose of axially and externally affixing bones or parts of fractured bones. At least one piston is mounted on both sides in telescoping manner to a central portion with various linking mechanisms being rotatably attachable to the outer ends of the pistons for receiving bone screw clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: A flexible external fixation dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The fixation dressing product is comprised of several layers including a thin-film top layer, optional backing layer, optional support layer, hydrogel layer, and optional release liner, and is adapted for use around the retaining pins of an external fixation device. The thin-film top layer may define a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material are positioned in the center portion of the thin-film top layer. The porous backing layer is formed of a porous material having sufficient porosity that the backing layer can be secured to the hydrogel material without the use of an adhesive. During manufacture, the dressing product is assembled and a substantially centered opening and a slit are cut. The opening and slit extend through all layers of the dressing and may also extend through the release liner, if included.

Abstract: The invention refers to an osteosynthesis aid which is used, in particular, for the fixation of a pelvis and includes a central body which is formed of at least two arm or link members, each of which has an elongate slot through which a lock bolt is passed to provide a releasably clamped joint and each of which also has releasably secured ball-joint connection to an end-connecting clamp for bone-pin or bone-screw anchorage to an afflicted bone.

Abstract: An external fixation system for stabilizing bone fractures is provided, having a hexagonal rod as the primary support mechanism with a plurality of fixation components adjustably secured thereto. The fixation components preferably include at least one pin secured to the hexagonal rod by a clamping mechanism which provides multiple degrees of adjustability for enhanced pin placement. The clamping mechanism comprises a clamp member and ball collet having a hexagonal opening formed therein, wherein the ball collet fits within a cavity in the clamp member with the rod extending therethrough, and a retaining nut used to compress the ball collet thereby grippingly engaging the rod and securing the clamp member to the rod. The clamp member is adjustable to any desired position both longitudinally and peripherally about the rod. Each pin is secured within a clamp member through the use of similar ball collets and retaining nuts, and is angularly adjustable relative to the clamp member.

Abstract: A device for dynamic external fixation of a distal fracture of the radius having a proximal leg fixed to the radius and a distal leg fixed to the metacarpal using fixation pins. The proximal and distal legs of the external fixator are connected by a hinge mechanism, which defines a range of flexion and extension of the wrist, and a track-track housing mechanism, which defines a range of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist. The axis of movement of the hinge mechanism and the axis of movement of the track-track housing mechanism passes through the proximal pole of the capitate bone.

Abstract: An external modular fixator for immobilization of a fracture, including elements functioning as clamps and receiving anchor pins to be fixed in a predetermined angular position on either side of a fracture. A mobilization relay body configured to be attached to the fracture. The mobilization body has a device for locking which is used to lock the clamps, a the fixator and the mobilization relay bodies are lockable in various chosen arrangements.

Abstract: A device for promoting the healing of bones has a pair of elongated carriers which support screws to be anchored in bone structure. The screws are movable longitudinally of the carriers by means of spindles. The carriers are joined to one another by a connector consisting of a rigid rod having a ball at either end. The balls are received in part-spherical sockets formed in the respective carriers and can be fixed relative to the carriers via screws.