Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgical correction of malformations of digits of a foot. Part of the joint is removed to expose bone ends. The bone ends are spaced apart from each other at a distance greater than would be suitable for knitting of said bone ends to each other with bone tissue. Holes are bored in each of the bone ends. An implant, including shafts and a central spacer, is inserted into each of the holes in the bones. This implant consists entirely of absorbable material. The implant is left permanently in place to be completely absorbed as it is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This tissue forms an effective joint replacement.

Abstract: This invention provides for the angular and lateral adjustment of a pair of fixator rods in an infinite number of planes. The angular adjustment member may be rotated about a center axis of the connector such that the connected fixator rods may be angled relative to one another in any plane called for. Similarly, the lateral adjustment may be rotated about the center axis of the connector such that the two fixator rods may be shifted laterally relative to one another in any direction. The adjustable connector provides for the adjustment of the fixator rods after the rods have been connected to the bone pins. Therefore, after a surgeon has reduced and stabilized the fracture, minor adjustments can be carried out to fully align the bone fragments without disconnecting the fixator rods or the bone pins. After all adjustments have been made, a series of locking bolts or pins can be engaged to hold the adjustable connector in a fixed position.

Abstract: An external fixation device for a fractured bone comprises a fixation rod, a connection member, and a plurality of fixing screws. The connection member has one end serving as a clamp to hold firmly the fixation rod and another end serving as a screw receiving mount provided with a plurality of clamping holes which are neither aligned nor parallel to one another. The fixing screws are fastened respectively onto a bone through the clamping holes in a specified angle.

Abstract: A consolidation rod and plural members, such as pedicular screws and vertebral claws, have threaded sections extending from a head and fitted with a nut. A rigid fast connection between the rod and a member providing high adhesion is ensured by a fastener for clamping the rod owing to the screwing of the nut. The fastener comprises a first bore sliding on the rod, a slit opening into the first bore and narrowed by nut screwing, and a second bore passing through the slit and passed through by the threaded section. An indented plate, or a bar with threaded ends fitted with hooks transversely stabilizes two consolidation rods. A connector longitudinally stabilizes two consolidation rods.

Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing bone screws, pins or the like incorporates a rotary joint between the bone-screw fixing region of the coupling and a ball-joint connection region of the coupling, whereby an extended range of angular adaptability and fixation are achievable, as compared to the more limited range of angular articulation achieved by the ball-joint action alone.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A bone-screw or the like clamping coupling comprises two articulated half shells which must be bolted to each other for assembly to bone screws or the like. Articulation is via loosely pivoted interconnection of the half shells at one longitudinal end of the coupling, and one of the half shells carries ball-joint connection structure that is adapted for selectively detachable connection to an external fixator that has a coacting ball-joint connecting formation.

Abstract: A cap (1) has a housing (9) adapted in order to receive one end of the pin (2), and a tapped hole (11) opening out transversely in this housing, adapted in order to receive a fixing screw (12) allowing the pin (2) and the cap (1) to be solidly attached together; the screw (12) is initially made in a single piece with the terminal part ( 4 ) of a handle (7) of the fixing instrument (3), an embrittled zone (13) being made at the transition between the screw and the terminal part (4). The surgeon first covers the pin (2) with the cap (1), then screws the screw (12) until it locks the pin (2), and the end of screwing causes the embrittled zone (13) to rupture, so that only the screw (12) remains locked in place in the cap (1) fixed to the pin (2). This cap prevents any migration of the pin and protects the neighbouring tissues.

Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing of bone screws or pins, and connecting these bone screws or pins to an external fixator, includes an additional transverse clamping coupling to achieve better external-fixator anchorage when fractures extend up into the joint (condyle) of the femur. A selectively adjustable asymmetric arrangement permits fixed settings parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femur, while a lateral offset takes into account the natural lateral offset of the centerline of the condyle of the femur with respect to the longitudinal axis of the femur.

Abstract: A dynamic external axial splint for use in rehabilitating a fractured bone comprises a pair of spaced clamps for bone screws or bolts anchored to the respective fragments of the fractured bone. A central body releasably and universally connects and locks these spaced clamps via ball-joints having provision for selective retention of a wide variety of angular relations, between the central body and the central axis of each of the spaced clamps. The central body comprises first and second end members and a third or intermediate member, affording on the one hand, longitudinally and adjustably fixed lap of one end member with the intermediate member, and also affording limited resiliently snubbed and axially guided displaceability as between the intermediate member and the other end member, thus rendering the two end members and the respective bone-fragment anchorages clamped to the end members subject to the same axially guided and resiliently snubbed action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unilateral external bone fixation device which can be readily adapted for carrying out either bone transport or bone lengthening procedures, the device comprising a non-rotatable rigid shaft 11 having a central bore 12 extending therethrough, and being longitudinally displaceable along the central axis of the device, and a plurality of clamp carrier housings 13, 14 15 co-axially supported along the length of the shaft 11, one of the housings 14 being fixed to the shaft so as to be movable therewith, each said housing having connected thereto an orthopedic pin clamp assembly, a lead screw 19 housed within the bore of the shaft 11, and having a thread mating with a thread in the shaft bore, arranged and constructed so that upon rotation of the lead screw 19, the shaft 11 is displaced longitudinally along with the housing 14, to in turn cause an adjustment in the axial distances between the confronting ends of the housing 14 and at least one of the housings 13,15.

Abstract: An external fixator for osteosynthesis features application to the fixation of fractures of small bones such as those of the hand or foot. A small central unit contains two ball joints which are releasably clamped via a single actuation. Bone fasteners, such as bone pins or bone screws are releasably clamped, via a single actuation at each of two clamping units, and each of the clamping units is adjustably clamped to a carrier rod within a wide range of selected positions, which extends to the smallest of offsets from the central double-ball joint unit, by reason of the fact that the ball of each ball joint is the inner end of one of the respective carrier rods.

Abstract: A pelvic stabilizer for quickly stabilizing fractures of the human pelvis and preventing excessive blood loss. The pelvic stabilizer comprises first and second curved arms which are rotatably attached to each other at first ends by an adjustable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism permits free second ends of the first and second curved arms to be adjustably spaced from each other. A first mounting pin and a second mounting pin are adjustably attached at the second ends of the first and second curved arms respectively.

Abstract: A universal distal securement element for surgical pins of all utilized diameters, comprises a protective sphere provided with a bore for a pin and a clamping screw disposed in a tapped hole which opens into the bore. A crescent-shaped elastically deformable insert is disposed in the bore and the clamping screw bears against it. The deformable insert is deflected so that the insert has an internal cavity of progressively smaller cross section the deeper the screw is screwed into the tapped hole, thereby to permit clamping by the insert within the sphere of surgical pins of various diameters. The bore is circular in cross section and the crescent-shaped insert has edges that are disposed against sides of the bore remote from the screw, whereby upon screwing the screw progressively into the tapped hole, these edges approach each other.

Abstract: A bone-screw or the like clamping coupling comprises two articulated half shells which must be bolted to each other for assembly to bone screws or the like. Articulation is via loosely pivoted interconnection of the half shells at one longitudinal end of the coupling, and one of the half shells carries ball-joint connection structure that is adapted for selectively detachable connection to an external fixator that has a coacting ball-joint connecting formation.

Abstract: An external fixator is provided with an antimicrobial device that greatly reduces the probability of infection around the fixator pins. The antimicrobial device comprises a sleeve that is pressed with an interference fit over each pin after the pin is installed in the patient. A cuff of Dacron felt surrounds the sleeve and is located within the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The interference fit between the pin and the sleeve prevents entry of bacteria into the subcutaneous tissue between the sleeve and pin. The Dacron felt promotes ingrowth of scar tissue into the cuff interstices, thereby utilizing the body's natural defenses against infection. The external fixator frame is assembled to the pins after the antimicrobial devices are in place.

Abstract: A pin is disclosed that includes an elongated shaft having a constant diameter, and an elongated threaded portion having first and second axially separated ends, the first axial end being axially closer to the elongated shaft than the second axial end. The threaded portion has a root diameter that tapers linearly from a maximum value at the first axial end to a minimum value at the second axial end. The root diameter at the first axial end is substantially equal to the diameter of the elongated shaft itself. The pin also includes a drill end extending axially from the second axial end of the threaded portion such that the drill end is connected to the elongated shaft by the threaded portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for the reduction of long-bone fractures, which includes telescopic components (7, 8) which are made of an X-ray transparent material and form two transverse plates (9 and 10) at their opposite ends. A locking device (11) is composed of a slide (12) working in conjunction with two chucks (13 and 14) fitted to the periphery of the plates and position-adjusting devices for each flange are made up of three threaded rods (40) angularly equidistant, individually adjustable as to length and mounted in the corresponding plate by means of three ball-and-socket joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgical correction of malformations of digits of a foot. Part of the joint is removed to expose bone ends. The bone ends are spaced apart from each other at a distance greater than would be suitable for knitting of said bone ends to each other with bone tissue. Holes are bored in each of the bone ends. An implant, including shafts and a central spacer, is inserted into each of the holes in the bones. This implant consists entirely of absorbable material. The implant is left permanently in place to be completely absorbed as it is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This tissue forms an effective joint replacement.

Abstract: A locking device has a metal locking part in which channels are provided to accommodate the upper ends of elongate pins. The lock preferably has a shape that is trapezoidal in longitudinal transverse section, has channels each having one blocked end to accommodate a pin, and is designed to be introduced into a recess of matching shape provided in the bone to be locked thereto. The ends of the pins, opposite the ends where the lock is located, are recurved to immobilize the pins relative to the bone both along their longitudinal axes and rotationally. The upper ends of pins are cut at the required length and introduced into the channels so that the upper blocked end of each of the channels of the lock opposes the upward and vertical forces transmitted by each of the pins.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive device to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive device includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller device for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: A vertebral locking and retrieving system comprises at least one lock pin, a coupling component, a remedial component, and a plurality of locking components. The lock pin is composed of a threaded end portion and a receiving mount, which form therebetween a specified angle. The coupling component is connected at one end thereof to the receiving mount of the lock pin. The remedial component is secured at one end thereof to the deformed vertebra or to the upper vertebra or the lower vertebra immediately adjacent to the deformed vertebra and is connected at another end thereof to another end of the coupling component. The locking components are provided to fixedly fasten the lock pin and the remedial component with the coupling component.

Abstract: This articulation device makes it possible to position a first elongated piece 20, which is capable of being pivoted through 360.degree. according to the arrow A, and a second piece 30, which is capable of swivelling about the shaft 40 according to the arrow B. These pieces are made integral with a U-shaped support 10, in relation to which they can be locked by shoes 60 and 70 which are held in position by a single securing screw 50. The pieces 20 and 30 can be connected to elements which are to be positioned, such as pins or connection rods which form part of an orthopaedic external fixing appliance consisting of pins inserted into bone fragments and of an external frame with connection rods.

Abstract: A pin holder support is provided which is suitable for external bone fixation utilizing pins inserted into bone. The device comprises a clamp for gripping the bone pins a deflection member, and a jaw which positions the device along a fixation bar. The deflection member is situated between the clamp and the jaw and has on one face, a rotation means for cooperation with a complementary means of the clamp or of the jaw such that the combination ensures rotatability of the clamp with respect to the jaw and, on its opposite face, a curved guide means for cooperation with a complementary curved means of the other of the jaw or of the clamp, respectively, so as to ensure ability of the clamp to swivel with respect to the jaw.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor. An internal orthopaedic system is also disclosed in which a telescoping rod driven by an internal drive screw is placed internal to the bone of a patient and driven by means of either a flexible drive shaft connected to a motor and controller assembly or an internal motor and controller assembly.

Abstract: A sacral support saddle has an eye (36) for receiving a first screw (38) and a cylindrical hole (37) with an axis (X5) of inclination such that, when the saddle (29) is positioned on the sacrum, the screw (38) is inserted into the sacral plate and towards the upper axis of the latter. A U-shaped body (32) delimits a channel (34) for receiving a rod, and a stopper (7) locks the rod (8) in this body. A hole (33) for passage of a second screw (42) has an axis (Y5) divergent relative to the axis (X5) of the hole of the eye in such a way as to be oriented towards the iliac mass when the saddle is positioned on the sacrum. This saddle and its two screws (38, 42) provide for a reliable anchoring of the rod of the device to the sacrum by virtue of the penetration of the screws into solid regions of the latter. This, in practice, avoids any risk of pulling out and, consequently, a second surgical intervention.

Abstract: This dynamic external fixation device for the wrist comprises an articulated joint 10 arranged between assemblies 40 and 50 for fixation of groups of pins 60 and 70 inserted in the bone on either side of the articulation 80 whose axis is detected by means of targeting needles 90. The fixation assemblies 40 and 50 permit positioning of the fixation device in the plane of the arrows A and B, while an adjustment device 20 and a device 30 permitting play permit its inclination transversely relative to this plane, without disturbing the positioning previously obtained.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic pin for an external fixator has an enlarged diameter axial region wherein its diameter selected to be larger than a diameter of an osteal bore through which the pin is adapted to be disposed. A frustoconical section is adjacent each side of the enlarged region to form a bevelled surface on each side thereof which is at an angle sufficient to minimize insertion into the osteal bore while simultaneously reducing trauma to the soft tissue during insertion and removal of the pin.

Abstract: A bone fixing device is disclosed in which a single rod member is arranged in a longitudinal direction of a bone, and at least two block members are mounted on the rod member so that the block members may be fixed to any desired positions in the axial direction and around the axis of the rod member. Pin holding mechanisms for holding a plurality of pins to be inserted into the bone are mounted on the block members, respectively. By the pin holding mechanisms, the pins are positionally adjustable around axes in the first and second directions which are preferably perpendicular to the axial direction. Also, an actuator is fixed to the rod member. One of the block members slidable relative to the rod member is moved in the axial direction relative to the rod member to thereby impart elongation/contraction force to the bone. A detector is fixed to the other member and is brought into contact with a contact located at an end of the rod member to thereby detect the repulsive force from the bone.

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

Abstract: A fixation device for fractured bones includes a pair of spaced arcuate supports having square or rectangular cross sections. Each of the supports is embraced by a plurality of first U-shaped holders and a plurality of second U-shaped holders, and the holders can be releasably clamped at selected positions along the supports. The first holders carry pivotable and rotatable guides, and the guides are provided with passages which receive wires to be anchored in a bone. The wires are threaded throughout their lengths and the free ends of the wires project outwardly of the guides and are provided with tensioning nuts. Additional nuts for holding the wires in position may be disposed on the central portions of the wires. Each of the second holders of one support is connected to a respective second holder of the other support by way of a strut.

Abstract: Distraction apparatus for maintaining fractured joints during healing, comprising a pair of pins (10) for insertion into bone at positions proximal to and distal to an injured joint, and a pair of stainless steel wire springs (15) which are adjustably attached to the pins to determine and resiliently maintain the relative spacing of the pin insertions into the bone thus to retain the components of the joint during the healing process.

Abstract: A spinal joint for use in spinal surgery includes two blocks pivotally connected to each other. One block is secured to a vertebrae with a bone screw, which the other block connects to another spinal joint. The blocks rotate relative to one another, and can be locked relative to one another in various angular positions. Serrations on one block engage with corresponding serrations in the pivotal connection portion of the second block at a selected angle, and are locked in place by a locking screw.

Abstract: A coupling element for holding a Schanz screw and a threaded pin rigidly in the correct orientation comprising a jacket, an eye with a collet therein and a nut.

Abstract: The external splint for the treatment of fractures of the long bones of limbs is composed of a tubular body which encloses a cylindrical cavity and has one end prismatically engaged in a seat of a box-like element, which is elongated transversely to the axis of the tubular body. The box-like element is coupled to the tubular body by means of a screw which is rotatably supported in the box-like element and is screwed in a threaded hole defined in the end along the axis of the seat. The screw is cannulated to allow the accommodation of a strain-gauge for monitoring the behavior of the splint. A support for supporting the nail-holder clamps are applied to the box-like element and to the tubular body so that it is possible to adjust them according to a total of three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device for externally adjusting bone fragments. A pair of members anchored to the bone fragments are connected to each other to allow a longitudinal displacement of the fixing unit. According to the invention the connection of the members is defined by a hinge configuration which allows guiding and aligning both members when the fixing unit is released for stimulating the healing process. A bracket is mounted on a parallelogram hinge to generate a pressure or, respectively, a tension force to move the bone fragments apart or draw them together. According to the invention the hinge configuration comprises telescopic members centered by spring means.

Abstract: In an external fixation device for osteosynthesis, pins inserted into a bone are joined to a support rod by a clamp which leaves the end of the pin free to move in an arcuate direction under load, thus avoiding angulation of the pin in the bone and the resulting stress on the bone.

Abstract: Extrafocal fixing apparatus for transosteal syndesis of strains and compressions in orthopedics and traumatology which includes rectilinear and curved rod-like elements which can be coupled to one another through clamps which define seats for the removable accommodation of the rod-like elements to be mutually secured. The clamps have a single securing element which acts on the rod-like elements arranged in the seats. Mandrels are furthermore provided for supporting tensioned wires and supporting bars and are removably accommodatable in the seats of the clamps and can be secured through the securing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external splint which is particularly suitable for application to the pelvis, comprisng a central body consisting of a plurality of members which can be connected together telescopically and do not rotate with respect to each other about their own axes, two screw holding clamps anchored with ball joints to the free ends of the central body and a removable contractor/extender device. An articulated member 22-23, 22-47-23 or 22-50-51-23 consisting of two or more parts can be inserted between parts 20, 21 of the central body allowing the said parts 20, 21 to rotate in a single plane containing the longitudinal axes of parts 20, 21 and at right angles to the plane passing through axes 25, 26 of the seats for the pins of the contractor/extender device. This rotation takes place around at least one of the pivot pins 24 which couples together the parts of the said articulated member.

Abstract: This implant comprises a portion (1) intended for anchorage to bone and a body (2) for attachment to a rod (3); the body has a channel defining two side branches (4) and open on both sides of the body in order to be able to receive the rod (3); this implant contains a threaded plug (8), contrived so that it can be screwed into a female thread formed in the inner walls of the two branches (4) so that its two diametrically opposed edges bear on the rod (3), and the face of the plug (8) directed towards the rod (3) is equipped with means of gripping and attaching the plug to the latter, which can thus be clamped in translation and rotation. This arrangement considerably decreases the external bulkiness of the implant, and reduces the number of parts necessary, as well as the corresponding instrumentation.

Abstract: A foot and ankle supporting and orienting extension for an external fixation unit with pins driven into the tibia of a patient has a coupling member which can be separably connected to a pin holder of a fixation unit, a variable-length carrier one end of which is articulately connected to the coupling member by a first universal joint and the other end of which is articulately connected to one end of a variabele-length link by a second universal joint, and a cushioned sole-contacting brace which is articulately connected to the other end of the link by a third universal spherical joint. By properly selecting the mutual inclination of the coupling member, carrier, link and brace relative to each other and/or by properly selecting the length of the carrier and/or the link, the patient or another authorized person can move the cushion of the brace to an optimum position relative to the sole of a foot forming part of a leg wherein the tibia is pinned to a fixation unit.

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.

Abstract: In a distraction apparatus for osteosynthesis of short tubular bones, including a support unit (1) made as a cramp-shaped plate (3) having a plurality of perforations (4), two fixing pins (10) being secured between the arms of the cramp-shaped plate (3); distraction units (2) incorporating a pin holder (18) and at least two distraction pins (19) installed therein, a distraction threaded rods (15) whose proximal ends are connected to the support unit (1), according to the invention, the fixing pins (10) of the support unit (1) are arranged parallel to each other and lie in a plane square with the planes of the cramp-shaped plate (3), and each of the distraction units (2) is installed on one distraction rod (15) with a possibility of relative motion along its longitudinal axis, while each of the distraction threaded rods (15) is located on the cramp-shaped plate (3) with a possibility of angular motion and the distraction pins (19) of each distraction unit (2) are cantileverly fixed in the pin holder (18).

Abstract: In a compression-distraction apparatus for osteosynthesis, including at least two supporting units (1), each incorporating at least two fixing pins (3) fitted in pin holders (2) which are made as a bolt (4) carrying plates (8) having open slots (10) for the pins (3) to fit and a set of spacer shims (9) and are fitted on a threaded rod (6) with a possibility of moving lengthwise its axis, according to the invention, the bolt (4) of the pin holder (2) has an axial hole (5) through which the main threaded rod (6) is free to pass, and the plates (8) and the spacer shims (9) are shaped as washers set on the bolt (4), the open slots (10) for the pins (3) to fit are made on the end surfaces of the plates (8) and pass along the chord of their circumference on the far side of hole (12) in the washer, and the pins (3) are curved and locked in place in the pin holder (2) in a criss-cross manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fractured bones in which a wire is implanted in the body and an exposed end of the wire projects outwardly from the patient's body. A sleeve is placed on the exposed end of the wire and is crimped thereto so that the sleeve will be effective to prevent migration of the wire into the patient's body.

Abstract: An orthopaedic system is provided which includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of rods interconnecting the support members, a plurality of pins attached to the support members for passing through bone of a patient, and an automatic drive mechanism to control an adjustment mechanism of the rods to adjust the rod length of the rods to alter the relative positions of the support members. The drive mechanism includes at least one motor for incrementally adjusting the adjustment mechanism of at least one of the rods and a controller mechanism for providing pulses to the motor and for storing information regarding the number of stepwise adjustments of the rod length by the motor.

Abstract: A disposable fixing device serving for an external fixation of fractured small tubular bones includes rods having a generally circular cross-section and at least one flattened face and provided with a plurality of bores spaced apart and traversing the rod through the entire width thereof and a plurality of pins introduced into the fractured bone by one end thereof and connected with the respective bores of the rod by an opposite end upon sealing each of the pins to the opposite sides of the respective rod.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a vertebral column with damaged vertebrae comprises an adjustable arm on a guiding axis and a stationary arm attached to the guiding axis, each arm having a hollow receiving body adjustable in two planes for a lengthening rod, which can be connected with a tire-fond. Each arm (2, 4) has an intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) with an intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) with two joints (6, 7), each intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) being connected in a hinged manner to a support (8) for the hollow receiving body which is designed as an attachable cylindrical piece (15) with a tangential drilled hole (16).

Abstract: A bone pin made with a tapered polymeric portion and a cutting device secured to the smaller end of the polymeric portion. The pin can be inserted through a bone or bone fragment and the cutting device removed.

Abstract: An implantable fixation device comprises a support bar (1) having right-hand threads on the one end and left-hand threads on the opposite end, and having jaw supports (5, 6) threadingly mounted on the respective threaded ends. The jaw supports have secured thereto bolt jaws by means of a respective clamping screw (7), which bolt jaws are (adapted to be) fixed to intact vertebral bodies of the spiral column by means of bone (screw) bolts (13). Further, the bolt jaws are provided with receiving holes (16) permitting the insertion of rod-shaped repositioning instruments (17). By means of this structure, setting of the vertebral elements or segments is possible irrespective of the length of the bone bolts. The repositioning rods (17) can be easily removed; subsequent shortening of the bone bolts (17) is not necessary.