Abstract: The invention is related to an intramedullary nail for fixation of a fractured bone having a medullary canal. The intramedullary nail may comprise a first radially expandable section provided in a proximal section adjacent to the head of the intramedullary nail, a second radially expandable section provided in the distal section adjacent to the tip of the intramedullary nail, and a non-expandable middle section provided between said two radially expandable sections of the intramedullary nail. The head may provide a distraction mechanism, by means of which said two radially expandable sections are distractible transverse to said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention is a device, and a method of using the device, for securing an intermedullary (IM) orthopedic nail within a fractured long bone of a human or large animal. The nail is provided with a plurality of target apertures, a portion of which are located above and below the fracture point of the bone. The device further comprises a jig adapted to be securely affixed to the IM nail, the jig having proximal and distal target arms, each having a plurality of apertures adapted to align with the target apertures. When properly secured, the apertures of the jig align with the target apertures of the nail, and alignment devices are provided to accurately drill variable diameter holes through the bone cortex at the target apertures. A leading end of the slot finder is provided with a cross-sectional geometry substantially identical to the cross-sectional geometry of the target apertures, and enables the surgeon to be sure the slot finder is in the target aperture of the nail.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the resection of the head of a humerus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a cut block, and a stylus. The guide is used in connection with a reamer or other tool that is inserted into the intramedullary mayal of the humerus with the shank of the reamer extending superiorally above the head of the humerus to establish the axis of the humerus. The base is in rotatable connection with the reamer. The cut block is removably attached to the guide and has a component for receiving a saw blade. The stylus attaches to the cut block, preferably by engaging the component for receiving the saw blade, and extends around the articular margin of the humeral head to aid in setting height and version.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail structure is formed with opposing dynamization windows, and spacers of a bioresorable material are positioned within the dynamization windows. The dynamization windows are longer than they are wide. The spacers may be integrally formed as a single insert. Tale nail is used with a bone fastener such as a bone screw which is advanced transversely through the bone and into the spacer, preferably in a bicortical attachment with the bone. The bone fastener is smaller across than the dynamization windows, so each spacer spaces the bone fastener relative to its dynamization window. As the spacers resorb, stress (at least in one direction) is increasingly transmitted through the fracture site rather than through the intramedullary nail. The positioning of the bone fastener, the shape and size of the dynamization windows and spacers, and the material of the spacers all allow design control over the type and amount of dynamization seen at the fracture site.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a device having a nail portion and a plate portion, preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion. The nail portion includes threaded screw holes, and the plate portion includes longitudinally displaced peg holes, each of which is adapted to orient a peg in a different orientation from the others. The system also includes unicortical screws having a reasonably large head adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft adapted to engage in the screw holes, and pegs adapted to engage in the peg holes. Bone is clamped between the nail portion and the head of the unicortical screws. The pegs provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments. Moreover, as the pegs preferably enter the subchondral fragments from a plurality of directions, additional fixation of the device into the bone is provided.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic apparatus uses an intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail is formed in a hollow shape and is provided with an outflow portion for outflow of a bone filling agent near the tip thereof. In the osteosynthetic apparatus, the intramedullary nail is provided with an insertion opening for insertion of a fixing nail in a base region thereof, the fixing nail is formed in a hollow shape and has an outflow portion for outflow of the bone filling agent near the tip thereof, and the fixing nail is inserted in the insertion opening and is fixed to the intramedullary nail. A fixing nail is of a curved shape and is rotatable in a state in which it is inserted in the fixing-nail insertion opening in the base region of the intramedullary nail. The osteosynthetic apparatus provides an enhanced fixing force of the intramedullary nail to a bone, particularly, to a bone being fragile because of osteoporosis or the like.

Abstract: The invention describes a femur marrow nail for insertion between the condylii of a knee joint having an anchoring (4) in the region of the nail tip (3), having a curvature (6) extending in the sagittal plane (5) and having a straight end piece (7) which has fastening bores (12, 13) with axes B, C for its fastening. At least two fastening bores (12, 13) with axes B and C cross the longitudinal axis X of the end piece (7) at a spacing X2, X3 less than 70 millimeters from the end (8) of the end piece (7), and with their axes B and C penetrating a plane (10) which includes the end (8) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X at a distance r from the X axis in a region of 10 mm≦r≦116 mm in order to grip hard bone zones with fastening screws (15, 16) in the region of the condylii.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis has an intramedullary rod element which is to be inserted in a bone, an artificial trochanter and a neck for carrying the ball. The intramedullary rod has a proximal end and a distal end telescoped together allowing free relative rotation of the ends. A split sleeve is fitted between the telescoped portions of the rod to form a rigid connection when the ends are separated longitudinally. A jack screw within the intramedullary rod separates the proximal end from the distal end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conditioning and pre-tensioning soft tissue grafts during joint repair surgery, such as during repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The inventive apparatus is advantageously adapted and configured so as to enable a surgeon to independently apply a desired tensile load onto individual strands of a multiple-stranded soft tissue graft, such each of a pair of ham strings. The inventive methods advantageously ensure that each strand of a multiple-strand soft tissue graft is adequately tensioned so as to both “condition” the graft to prevent subsequent stretching, relaxation or elongation following surgery, which can destabilize the joint, and pre-tension each strand of the graft to a desired amount so that each significantly contributes to the strength and stability of the joint, thus resulting in a stronger and more durable joint.

Abstract: Combining an implant and cement for prophylactic and/or preventative use for femoral neck augmention. A hole is drilled into the femoral neck. The hole is filled with an uncured filler cement after loose materials have been removed from the hole. Then, an open-ended tube, an implant, having openings through its walls is inserted into the hole and attached to the bone. Finally, additional filler cement is provided under pressure to the inside of the tubular implant. The filler cement flows into spaces in the bone structure via the tube wall openings. A sliding leak-tight fit between the implant and a cement injection tube permits delivery of cement at preselected locations along the implant length. Pressure is maintained until the filler cement has hardened. A strengthening factor up to 3 was measured when osteoporotic bone was strengthened.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating fractures in or adjacent the wrist and distal forearm employ an intramedullary interlocking fixation rod (i.e, it interlocks the distal and proximal fracture fragments together) to stabilize the skeletal structure in a manner which can inhibit the amount of collapse or loss in skeletal length exhibited by a patient with a distal radius fracture.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating fractures of the distal femur are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an intramedullary nail and blade. The intramedullary nail has a passage through a distal end for accepting a locking screw and a blade passage which extends through a proximal end of the intramedullary nail. The blade has a surface which when engaged with the femur resists relative rotation between the blade and femur and is also configured to cooperate with the blade passage to resist rotation of the blade with respect to the intramedullary nail. In accordance with a method, the intramedullary nail is extended into the medullary space of a femur from the distal end. The blade is positioned transversely to the intramedullary nail in a portion of the femur distal of the fracture. The blade is fixed, such as with a locking screw, to prevent axial movement relative to the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: Long bone fracture fixation systems, and methods for using same, are described. The systems primarily include an intramedullary nail having an elongated throughbore and a first slot for receiving transcortical screws and another slot for receiving an insert. A modular sleeve having a throughbore and a pair of openings for receiving transcortical screws and another pair of dissimilarly shaped openings for receiving the insert are placed over the proximal portion of the intramedullary nail. The modular sleeve can be provided with various opening patterns for receiving transcortical screws at various angles relative to the intramedullary nail. The insert is then properly positioned and is held in place by a hollow set screw disposed within, and coaxial to, the throughbore of the intramedullary nail. In this manner, the throughbore of the intramedullary nail is unobstructed, thus allowing instrumentation to be freely inserted through the entire length of the throughbore.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail system includes an intramedullary nail for insertion in the femur. The nail has an axial bore and an intersecting transverse bore. A lag screw is inserted through the transverse bore and turned into the head of the femur. A slotted sleeve is inserted over the lag screw and through the transverse bore with the slots aligned with the axial bore. A sleeve lock is inserted into the axial bore and has a locking tab which engages the slots in the sleeve preventing rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the nail. A compression screw is turned into the trailing end of the lag screw and engages the encircling sleeve to provide longitudinal translation between the lag screw and sleeve to apply compressive force across a fracture.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for repair of bone fractures. The intramedullary nail is of a modular configuration including a nail member having a chamber formed on the proximal end thereof. An insert having at least one opening therein for receiving a bone screw or fastener is disposed within the chamber and is secured therein by a locking ring. Accordingly, various inserts may be used to achieve selected bone screw or fastener configurations.

Abstract: A marrow nail for the distal region of a radius bone. The marrow nail has a radius of curvature R between 100 and 1000 mm in order that it can be introduced adjacently to the distal articular surfaces of the radius bone, and an inclined transverse bore which crosses the marrow nail at a distance of less than 30 mm ahead of its end in order also to grasp bone fragments of fractures which extend transversely through the distal bearing surface. The end of the marrow nail is formed as a securing head for an aiming device for transverse bores.

Abstract: A bone nail including a hollow shank which has at least one cross-bore to receive a bone screw. A retaining sleeve is inserted into the shank to receive one or more signal generators. The signal generators received in the sleeve are adapted to emit signals at a predetermined spacing from and in a predetermined alignment relative to the cross-bore wherein the retaining sleeve has recesses or through openings in its wall to accommodate the signal generators.

Abstract: An apparatus has been developed to enable a surgeon to perform multiple orthopedic surgical operations, such as orthopedic surgical resectioning, total joint replacement and fixation of fractures, based on a single reference point. The apparatus is adjustable to conform to the needs and dimensions of individual patients and the surgical procedure(s) to be performed. The apparatus includes a support adapted for insertion into and alignment within the medullary cavity of a patient's bone. The support is capable of expanding into the bone so that the support is fixed within the bone and alignable to the bone. The support may be implanted to align a fractured bone, or extend a distance beyond its fixed position within the medullary cavity to provide a known surgical reference point. The apparatus includes one or more cutting guides mountable on the support and used in performing the desired surgical procedure(s).

Abstract: A medullary-space nail to surgically treat fracture of thin, tubular bones in the human body, comprising a nail shank having a longitudinal axis and an end part at its upper end fitted for engaging a tool, a longitudinal stem and a nail tip situated at the lower end to facilitate implantation. The stem includes channels running parallel to the longitudinal axis for receiving locking wires, in such manner that the locking wires can be displaced in the channels in the longitudinal direction and beyond the nail tip and can be screwed into the bone.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail, a device for inserting a screw into the same, and a insertion method thereof. Guide holes are formed between the nail inserted to the medullary cavity and a distal screw guide member. A guide wire having a much smaller diameter than each guide hole is inserted into the guide hole and drilling is then performed along the guide wire. Then, a metal screw is remained into the intramedullary nail to prevent the nail from moving up and down and twisting, thereby allowing easy and accurate insertion of the distal metal screw without an aid of an X-ray imaging device. Therefore, an operation time can be reduced, unnecessary bone damage or infection of a patient can be prevented and a patient and/or surgeon's exposure to X-ray radiations can be considerably reduced.

Abstract: A locking nail includes a shank, at least one cross-bore close to one end and at least one cross-bore close to the other end. The cross-bores for receiving a bone screw each. An additional cross-bore located at one end of the nail is of an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction of the nail. A female thread is formed in a hollow-designed shank portion having the elongate cross-bore. A locking member with a male-threaded portion which is adapted to be screwed into the female thread in the hollow portion and interact with the bone screw in the elongate cross-bore in order to displace it transversely to its longitudinal axis in the cross-bore. A second cross-bore is provided for a bone screw between the elongate cross-bore and the adjacent end of the shank.

Abstract: A surgical rod-and-screw kit is disclosed, for use in ankle arthrodesis in patients who suffer from severe bone defects in their ankles. This assembly has a vertical intramedullary rod that is inserted through the bottom of the calcaneum (i.e., the heel bone), and driven upward into the tibia (the shin bone). The assembly also has a threaded pin, referred to herein as an oblique screw, which is positioned at an acute angle with respect to the vertical rod. This oblique screw is inserted through the lower rear surface of the calcaneum, and passes through a slanted hole in the vertical rod. The screw has external threads in the tip region, and this threaded tip enters the lower end of the tibial bone. When this screw is tightened, it compresses the lower end of the tibia bone against the talus and/or calcaneum, which improves the stability of the ankle fixation.

Abstract: An internal fixation device particularly useful for securing bone fragments which includes an elongate tubular sleeve for insertion into the medullary canal of the bone fragments to be secured; an elongate shaft movable within the sleeve; and at least two anchoring elements, each having an inner end coupled to the shaft and an outer end aligned with a slot in the sleeve and displaceable radially outwardly therethrough to engage a bone fragment upon the movement of the shaft within the sleeve. The inner ends of the anchoring elements coupled to the shaft are oriented such that the outward displacement of one anchoring element anchors the engaged bone fragment against movement in one longitudinal direction, and the outward displacement of the other anchoring element anchors the engaged bone fragment against movement in the opposite longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The intramedullary fixation device for use in fixing the relative position between a tubular bone and an adjoining bone has, according to the present invention, an intramedullary nail intramedullary nail that is inserted into the medullary canal of the tubular bone whose position is to be fixed, an elongated blade for insertion into the adjoining bone whose position is to be fixed relative to that of the tubular bone, a washer for use when the nail's design is such that its end section is not perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and a screw that passes through openings in the blade and washer and into a threaded bore in the nail so as to, when tightened, lock the screw, washer, blade and nail together so as to prevent relative movement between these elements.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail, comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a longitudinal slot and the distal portion has at least one transversal bore. The proximal portion has a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore extending over the longitudinal extension of the slot in the distal direction. The longitudinal bore has an internal thread. An insert which is intended to be inserted in the longitudinal bore. The insert comprises a guiding bore in the form of a slot which is intended to receive fixing elements. The alignment of the guiding bore of said insert is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The insert has a compression screw adapted to be screwed into said internal thread of the longitudinal bore of the proximal portion to move a fixing element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: The intramedullary fixation device for use in fixing the relative position between a tubular bone and an adjoining bone has, according to the present invention, an intramedullary nail intramedullary nail that is inserted into the medullary canal of the tubular bone whose position is to be fixed, an elongated blade for insertion into the adjoining bone whose position is to be fixed relative to that of the tubular bone, a washer for use when the nail's design is such that its end section is not perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and a screw that passes through openings in the blade and washer and into a threaded bore in the nail so as to, when tightened, lock the screw, washer, blade and nail together so as to prevent relative movement between these elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device used to repair intertrochanteric fractures of the femur and a method for inserting and using the same which includes in cooperation a hip screw, a gliding mechanism, an intramedullary nail, and a compression screw. The hip screw includes along a longitudinal axis an externally threaded portion as a bone screw for threadable insertion into the head of the femur and a hollow barrel portion, the barrel portion having a pair of opposed slots provided therein along the longitudinal axis of the hip screw. The hollow barrel portion optionally further includes internal or female threads within the barrel portion near the end of the hip screw opposite the bone screw for threadably engaging a compression screw. The gliding mechanism is retained within the barrel portion of the hip screw with a slidable fit and provides for lateral movement of the intramedullary nail along the longitudinal axis of the hip screw.

Abstract: With the invention a intramedullary nail preferably for the humerus is shown which comprises a securing head for a hammering-in and aiming device, with the intramedullary nail having at least one transverse bore (2) adjoining at the securing head (1), and which comprises an entry tip in the vicinity of which anchoring elements can be extended radially. The anchoring elements are combined in a claw (5) of curved wires (6), with the wires being elastically deformed inside the intramedullary nail in a not outwardly moved state and springing out radially with an axial forwarding of the claw and assuming their original curved shape.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant fixation using a surgically created bone cavity as a mold for forming an anchor from an in-situ hardenable material. An in-situ formed anchor of the present invention is especially useful for attaching an implant to osteoporotic cancellous bone. The injectable nature of the in-situ formed anchor allows implants to be adapted to minimally invasive surgical techniques. The present invention can be adapted to numerous implants or implant system components to include fasteners, pins, nails, intramedullary nails, and suture anchors. Applications include bone fracture fixation, bone fracture prevention, and soft-tissue repair.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing bone includes a tubular body having first and second end regions defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A plurality of splines extend from the first end region, the splines including first ends coupled to the first end region, and second ends disposed away from the first end region, the second ends being directable from a generally axial collapsed state to a substantially transverse expanded state. A plurality of support arms are coupled to the splines, and an actuator is coupled to the support arms, the actuator movable axially relative to the elongate body for causing the support arms to direct the second ends of the splines from the collapsed state to the expanded state. Optionally, the device includes another set of splines extending from the second end region or located at an intermediate region of the tubular body.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a pair of spaced apart end caps which are interconnected by a plurality of elongated flexible members. Each end cap includes an aperture formed therethrough for the use of a trochanteric guide wire for piloting the implant during trial insertion and final insertion into an intramedullary canal. At least one of the end caps includes a rounded end to enhance insertion. Preferably, the flexible members are bowed outwardly to provide a “birdcage” configuration.

Abstract: An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod kit for fixation of a distal radius fracture includes an intramedullary rod. The intramedullary rod includes a diaphyseal segment including at least one first mounting section configured to receive a tensioning device, a middle segment, and a joint segment including at least one second mounting section configured to receive a tine. The diaphyseal segment, the middle segment, and the joint segment define a curved configuration that is substantially similar to a curvature of the intramedullary canal of a human radius.

Abstract: The tibia nail comprises a tube including a continuous longitudinal bore and includes a proximal anchoring portion with several cross-bores, an adjoining connecting portion which is flexurally resilient in an anterior and posterior direction, a shank adjoining it, and a distal anchoring portion. The anchoring portion is bent away with respect to the shank and has an elongated hole through which a locking screw may be placed. The tibia may be compressed by means of a compression screw inserted into a longitudinal threaded bore. The tibia nail enables retrograde implantation, which has been considered to be impossible for the tibia up to now.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating fractures and correcting malunions and non-unions of long bones. The subject devices include intramedullary nails for implantation into a long bone. The intramedullary nails are configured such that they are very versatile and usable for treating many types of fractures, malunions and non-unions in both left and right corresponding long bones and by means of either an antegrade or retrograde approach. In particular, the subject nails provide a universal bore pattern for receiving one or more screws for locking the nail within the bone. The subject systems include ancillary and accessory devices for implantation of the intramedullary nails.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating fractures of the distal femur are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an intramedullary nail and blade. The intramedullary nail has a passage through a distal end for accepting a locking screw and a blade passage which extends through a proximal end of the intramedullary nail. The blade has a surface which when engaged with the femur resists relative rotation between the blade and femur and is also configured to cooperate with the blade passage to resist rotation of the blade with respect to the intramedullary nail. In accordance with a method, the intramedullary nail is extended into the medullary space of a femur from the distal end. The blade is positioned transversely to the intramedullary nail in a portion of the femur distal of the fracture. The blade is fixed, such as with a locking screw, to prevent axial movement relative to the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A locking device includes a locking sleeve and a handle. The locking sleeve defines a pin channel and a plurality of resilient locking catches. The distal end of the sleeve includes a tip having a cutting edge and a pin guide adapted to be located about a portion of the diameter of a fixation pin. The locking sleeve is used to stabilize the location and orientation of a fixation pin implanted in a bone.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating fractures in or adjacent the wrist and distal forearm employ an intramedullary interlocking fixation rod (i.e, it interlocks the distal and proximal fracture fragments together) to stabilize the skeletal structure in a manner which can inhibit the amount of collapse or loss in skeletal length exhibited by a patient with a distal radius fracture.

Abstract: An axial intramedullary screw having a straight cylindrical outer surface for the operative treatment of long bones, the screw having two tips and a screw thread extending between the tips. At each of the tips there is a connection portion for screwdriver. The screw thread is used for cutting into the cortical bone of the medullary canal and due to the screwdriver connection at both ends it can be driven from either end through the cortical bone. This allows a method to be used in which the screw is threaded into one portion of a bone fragment and then after connecting a further bone fragment at the fracture site, screwed in a different direction into that further fragment. The screw also includes a transverse screw hole at one or both ends for the passage of an interlocking transverse screw therethrough.

Abstract: An intramedullary interlock screw includes an elongate shank having a preferably cylindrical shank outer surface, and an external thread disposed helically about the shank and having a thread outer surface coaxial with and substantially parallel to the shank outer surface. The shank diameter as determined by the shank outer surface is at least 0.75 times the thread diameter as determined by the thread outer surface, and most preferably is 0.85 - 0.9 times the thread diameter, resulting in a considerable reduction in thread height as compared to similarly sized conventional bone screws. Further, the thread outer surface has a width at least twenty percent of the thread pitch, a substantial increase over the corresponding percentage in conventional bone screws. Both features contribute to an increase in the strength of the screw, in terms of resistance to bending forces applied laterally, i.e. perpendicular to the screw length.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two- or three-axis transmitter positioner driven by a pulsed DC current, external to the patient, coupled with three- or two-axis receivers positioned internal and/or external to the implant. The receivers are sensitive to a transmitted DC magnetic field emanating from the activated transmitter. Receiver signal processing electronics control the receiver and serve to convert its output to a format suitable for processing by a digital computer in conjunction with a method for processing received signals so as to thereby develop position and orientation data of the transverse locking holes or pin placement. Such data then can be graphically displayed to the user so as to guide the user for accurate alignment of a drill bit with the transverse holes in the implanted device.

Abstract: A bone plating apparatus includes a handle having extending therefrom a tissue expander for insertion through a skin incision and through the subcutaneous tissue surrounding a fractured bone. A bone plate may be secured to the handle during advancement of the tissue expander so as to deliver the bone plate to a desired location proximate to the fractured bone. Both the tissue expander and the bone plate may be advanced to the desired location proximate to the fractured bone under the visualization of an endoscope. A screw alignment jig is secured to the handle and has a guide hole which aligns with an access hole of the tissue expander. The alignment of the guide hole and the access hole allow for percutaneous screw insertion into the delivered bone plate. A method for plating a fractured bone is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intramedullary nail used for treating fractures of the femur. It comprises a distal end, which is appointed for insertion into the marrow cavity channel, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis. A first bore is located adjacent the proximal end and extends through the proximal end and transversely intersects the longitudinal axis, and serves to accommodate a femoral head screw. The center axis of the first bore forms an angle with the longitudinal axis that ranges from 110° to 150°. A second bore is located between the first bore and the proximal end and extends through the proximal end and transversely intersects the longitudinal axis, and serves to accommodate a hip pin. The second bore is at least partially shaped as an oblong hole or slot with a width B and a length L>B, and the length L of the oblong hole extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for distracting bone segments, comprising at least two components (12, 13) which can be displaced in relation to each other by means of an adjustment device (14) such that a distance between them is increased. According to the invention the first component (12) is configured as an outer sleeve, a second component (13) is configured as an at least partly inner sleeve which is at least partly positioned within the outer sleeve (12), the outer and inner sleeves (12, 13) can be at least partly inserted into a hole in the bone segments (19, 21) and the inner sleeve (13) engages one bone segment (19) and the outer sleeve (12) another bone segment (21).

Abstract: The invention describes a femur marrow nail for insertion between the condylii of a knee joint having an anchoring (4) in the region of the nail tip (3), having a curvature (6) extending in the sagittal plane (5) and having a straight end piece (7) which has fastening bores (12, 13) with axes B, C for its fastening. At least two fastening bores (12, 13) with axes B and C cross the longitudinal axis X of the end piece (7) at a spacing X2, X3 less than 70 millimetres from the end (8) of the end piece (7), and with their axes B and C penetrate a plane (10) which includes the end (8) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X at a distance r from the X axis in a region of 10 mm≦r≦116 mm in order to grip hard bone zones with fastening screws (15, 16) in the region of the condylii.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail system for reducing and fixing fractures in long bones includes an elongated intramedullary nail having radial portals about the circumference. Tang assemblies are slidably telescoped inside the nail with resilient tangs which are deployed through the portals to interlock the nail and the portions of the bone.

Abstract: A bone support structure is formed with opposing dynamization windows, and spacers of a bioresorbable material are positioned within the dynamization windows. The dynamization windows are longer than they are wide. The spacers may be integrally formed as a single insert. The bone support assembly is used with a bone fastener such as a bone screw which is advanced transversely through both the insert and the bone. The bone fastener is smaller across than the dynamization windows, so each spacer spaces the bone fastener relative to its dynamization window. As the spacers resorb, stress (at least in one direction) is increasingly transmitted through the fracture site rather than through the bone support structure. The positioning of the bone fastener, the shape and size of the dynamization windows and spacers, and the material of the spacers all allow design control over the type and amount of dynamization seen at the fracture site.

Abstract: A prosthetic lamina that replaces a portion of the lamina bone structure is described. The prosthetic lamina may be configured with means for delivering a variety of medical treatments, such as electrodes for electrical stimulation, fluid channels, catheters for dispensing drugs and means for healing bone tissue.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail system includes an intramedullary nail for insertion in the femur. The nail has an axial bore and an intersecting transverse bore. A lag screw is inserted through the transverse bore and turned into the head of the femur. A slotted sleeve is inserted over the lag screw and through the transverse bore with the slots aligned with the axial bore. A sleeve lock is inserted into the axial bore and has a locking tab which engages the slots in the sleeve preventing rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the nail. A compression screw is turned into the trailing end of the lag screw and engages the encircling sleeve to provide longitudinal translation between the lag screw and sleeve to apply compressive force across a fracture.