Abstract: A device (1) for indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool, the device comprising: a first arm (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), a second arm (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), wherein the first arm (2) and the second arm (5) are joined together such that the distance between the first end (3) of the first arm (2) and the first end (6) of the second arm (5) is equal to the length of the cutting tool so that when, in use, the device (1) is aligned with an object to be cut the device indicates the cutting depth of the cutting tool. A method of indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool using such a device.

Abstract: An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener.

Abstract: A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis pin, in particular for a fracture of a calcaneum, made up of a generally cylindrical hollow body comprising an axial bore extending over the entire length thereof, a plurality of through-holes staggered longitudinally relative to one another and intended for attachment screws to pass therethrough, and at least one oblong opening suitable for an ancillary instrument to pass therethrough for repositioning fractured bone fragments.

Abstract: An endosteal nail plate for fixing bone segments is provided. More particularly, there is provided an endosteal nail plate that can be made up of a single piece, or of multiple pieces, as desired. Additionally, the intramedullary nail utilizes a threaded slot on the body thereof, for engaging locking screws for fixation of the intramedullary nail within a bone of a patient.

Abstract: Targeting assemblies for implanting a compression nail are disclosed. An exemplary targeting assembly may include first and second arms coupled by a connecting shaft. The first and second arms may either or both be operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the connecting shaft. In some embodiments, the use of the disclosed targeting assembly allows for reduced misalignment of the alignment holes in the arms during the implant process.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for treating a proximal humeral fracture. A system according to one embodiment includes a longitudinal member configured to be received within the humeral shaft. The system includes a jig assembly configured to be coupled to the longitudinal member, wherein the jig assembly includes at least one hole defined therethrough that is configured to guide placement of at least one hole in the humeral shaft, and wherein the hole formed in the humeral shaft is configured to align with at least one hole in the humeral implant such that the jig assembly is configured to locate the position of the humeral implant in the humeral shaft.

Abstract: The surgical nail, here in the form of an intramedullary nail, has a central axis, a longitudinal borehole with a diameter D extending coaxially with the central axis, a casing with an inner surface and a transverse borehole, extending transversely to the central axis with the cross-sectional profile F and the borehole axis. A component, which narrows the cross-sectional profile F, is provided in the longitudinal borehole in the region of the transverse borehole. By these means, the clearance, which is usually present between the medullary nail and the locking screws that have been introduced therein, can be eliminated without risk and an improved holding force as well as an improved guiding effect between the locking screw and the medullary nail can be achieved.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate portion arranged, in use, to be inserted through a restricted opening into a body, the elongate portion being movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration in which two parts of the instrument that are spaced from each other in the first configuration at least partially cross each other in the second configuration.

Abstract: A bone screw for treating a bone fracture having a plunger assembly and a detent assembly on a body portion thereof. The detent assembly includes a detent member that is movable between a first and second position. The plunger assembly includes a threaded engagement portion and a plunger portion. The plunger portion is slidably disposed within a chamber of the body. The detent assembly operative to secure the body whereby said plunger portion moves independent of said body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for percutaneous intramedullary fixation. A protective outer sheath is provided for internal fixation of the proximal tibia. Additionally, a unique intramedullary plate is provided that is adapted for percutaneous insertion into the intramedullary canal of a long bone. A plate holder is also provided that may be utilized through the outer sheath to drive and position a fixation plate within the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A ligament balancer for a knee is disclosed that includes a first guide portion having a first guide hole extending there through, and a second guide portion having a second guide hole extending there through, the first and second guide portions being moveable with respect to each other along a movement axis, the balancer being adapted such that, in use, the movement axis is substantially parallel to the anterior/posterior axis of a distal femoral surface. Also disclosed is a kit of parts that includes the ligament balancer and a drill guide for a knee, the drill guide includes first and second connected arms, each arm comprising at least two guide openings extending there through, the guide openings being spaced longitudinally along each arm, longitudinal axes of the first and second arms intersecting at a predetermined angle. Also disclosed is a method of attaching a cutting block to a distal femoral surface as part of a knee replacement procedure.

Abstract: A method for replacing a portion of a target bone in a living body includes the steps of attaching one or more first markers to a target bone, establishing a medical three-dimensional representation of the target bone, performing a virtual resection of a resection portion, the virtual resection constructing a three-dimensional representation of the resection portion and a three-dimensional representation of the remaining target bone including cutting edges, providing a virtual pattern of the resection portion, obtaining an implant or graft portion for replacing the resection portion of the target bone by using the virtual pattern of the resection portion, resecting the resection portion from the target bone according to the virtual resection using the first reference system of coordinates and coupling the implant or graft portion to the target bone in a position substantially matching a position of the resection portion before the actual resection.

Abstract: An expandable mechanical distension device for hollow organ growth comprising a spring stent structure to elongate hollow organs by mechanical expansion. The device preferably expands radially to engage the internal walls of the hollow organ segment at a desired treatment location and expands axially to enlarge the hollow organ segment. The distension device may be configured for the treatment of patients with insufficient hollow viscus, e.g. hollow organ deficiency such as short gut syndrome, to enhance their gut length by mechanical force.

Abstract: Systems of manipulating (e.g., compressing or distracting) a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system can include a surgical sleeve extending from a vertebra and a fulcrum movably coupled to some component of the system thereby allowing the fulcrum to be positioned at various location along the length of the sleeve. As indicated, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to virtually any component of the system. For example, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to the surgical sleeve, to a manipulation device sized and configured to receive the surgical sleeve, to a driver configured to apply a manipulation force, etc. Additionally, methods for manipulating a spinal construct are also provided herein.

Abstract: An ankle fusion nail apparatus and method includes a first, tibial component that includes a hole there through. The tibial component includes, among other things, a base. A second. talar component includes a hole there through, also, and, among other things, a base and a top. The tibial component is separate from the talar component. A third, central component is provided that is separate from the first tibial component and the second talar component. The central component is conformed to connect with the tibial base and the talar top such that the central component joins the tibial and talar components together and aligns them as the central component is connected with the tibial base and the talar top.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of performing a procedure relative to the glenohumeral joint. Resection of the glenoid and/or the humerus can proceed through an incision formed near the glenohumeral joint. The incision can be formed generally near a superior-lateral portion near the glenohumeral joint and allow less invasive access to the glenohumeral joint and the portions that form the glenohumeral joint. The procedure can be performed with no or little detaching of the subscapularis, and with no or little dislocating of the glenohumeral joint.

Abstract: An implant structure for use in pulling two soft body tissue areas closer together in a patient (e.g., two points along or adjacent to the patient's mitral valve annulus) includes at least two tissue anchor structures that are respectively implantable into the two tissue areas. A tether structure links the two tissue anchors and can be shortened and held in that condition by a cinch structure. Bracing structures are used between the anchors and the tether to help keep the longitudinal axes of the anchors transverse to the tether axis even when the tether is under tension. The tether may be sheathed in a cushioning sleeve to help protect adjacent tissue from erosion by the tether.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. The transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein and a molded plastic length that extends through the apertures, thus attaching the plastic length to the rigid length. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

Abstract: A composite bone implant. In some embodiments, one or more features are provided, such as markers for passageways, axial engagement of bone screws, sliding support of bone screws and/or a cannulated channel for a guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates and improved interlocking nail and screw combination to repair fracture bones. The preferred combination uses an hourglass shaped intramedullary nail wherein the larger ends of the nail have holes capable of receiving screws. The holes may, or may not be conical. Further, the holes may or may not be threaded. The surgical screws have a variety of thread patterns, or lack threads. A non-threaded end is believed to improve healing because of a larger core diameter as compared to a comparably sized threaded screw end.

Abstract: An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical implant (10), and in particular, to a surgical implant for stabilizing a bone fracture (20). The surgical implant (10) comprising a plate (14) and an elongate member (16) projecting from the plate (14). The elongate member (16) is provided for insertion into a bone (32) and the plate (14) is provided for attachment to a surface of a bone (24). Each of the elongate member (16) and the plate (14) are provided with at least one fastening region for fastening the surgical implant (10) to the bone (24, 32).

Abstract: An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.

Abstract: A bionic fixing apparatus is provided. The bionic fixing apparatus includes a flexible portion having at least one trench. The trench is disposed on the surface of the flexible portion and has a first end and a second end. An interval is disposed between the first end and the second end. The trench is disposed for spreading the stress applied on the bionic fixing apparatus and preventing stress concentration and stress shielding.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin for insertion into the medullary space of the femur through the lateral compacta of the trochanter major. The pin has a proximal pin section and an adjoining distal pin section. Each pin section includes one or more bores for one or more bone screws. The proximal pin section has at least one bore running obliquely to the longitudinal axis, so that bone screws can be inserted through the bore into the head of the femur, or a screw can be inserted in the antegrade direction through the bore. The distal pin section is at least partly straight and the proximal pin section has a curvature in the lateral-posterior direction.

Abstract: A system for treating a fracture of a bone with an intramedullary canal. A first implant has a body with an elongate intramedullary portion and a paddle having a surface to engage the bone. The intramedullary portion has a length between first and second lengthwise ends and can be directed into the intramedullary canal to place the first implant into an operative position with the paddle exposed outside of the intramedullary canal. At least one fixation element maintains the implant operatively positioned. The intramedullary portion is elongate with a primary length portion having a first lengthwise axis. At least a portion of the paddle surface faces away from the first lengthwise axis.

Abstract: A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation comprising a modular intramedullary rod that provides intramedullary guidance and that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. Intramedullary guidance systems and methods introduce some and/or all surgical tools and ankle prostheses components through the tibia, using minimal invasive exposure. The systems and methods align the talus and tibia for the installation of one or more ankle prostheses components, and also maintain that alignment during the installation using intramedullary guidance.

Abstract: An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a proximal part for engagement with a proximal bone fragment and a distal part for engagement with a distal bone fragment. A motion assembly interconnects the parts and allows limited axial relative motion of the proximal and distal parts. This limited axial motion provides micromotion and in some embodiments also dynamisation. The nail may comprise a stem for fastening to one bone fragment and an insert within the stem for fastening to the other bone fragment, the insert being adapted to guide insertion of a bone screw through the stem and to prevent relative rotation of the distal and proximal bone fragments. The motion assembly may include spring bias and/or damping means between the parts, possibly including one or more Belleville washers.

Abstract: An implant is described for fracture treatment, comprising an elongate and in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical base body (20), in particular an implant shaft, and an anchoring section (10), wherein the anchorage section has an outer surface of a porous biocompatible material at least in part, and wherein the anchorage section is arranged in an axial end region of the implant and is releasably connectable to the base body.

Abstract: The invention comprises an intramedullary fixation implant and a method for joining bones and translating compression between the bones for treating various digital deformities. The intramedullary fixation implant comprises a first fixation portion and a second fixation portion connected to the first fixation portion, wherein the second fixation portion comprises a first projection and a second projection separated by a slot, and wherein the first projection and the second projection comprise a plurality of barbs shaped and arranged along the first and second projections such that they cooperatively form a thread along the second fixation portion.

Abstract: An implant assembly of flexible nail for fractures of long bones comprising a straight universal length flexible nail having 15 to 25% of elongation of nail and ultimate tensile strength of 600 to 800 Mega Pascal on testing, wherein flexible nail is having an identical pathfinder blunt conical tip at both ends. An optional proximal fixation device to be used in combination with flexible nails having peripherally spaced plural grooves and optional plural holes for interlocking screws wherein each groove is deep less than diameter of one of flexible nails. An end cap with plural holes to be used in combination with proximal fixation device to anchor cut hooked ends of flexible nails. A tool plier-knurler cum cutter temporarily applied when flexible nails are alone in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method, a computing device, and a computer readable storage medium, for providing alignment information data for the alignment of an orthopaedic implant for a joint of a patient. The computer-implemented method comprises the steps of being responsive to patient specific information data for deriving patient data, where the patient specific information data is indicative of one or more dynamic characteristics, and being responsive to the patient data for providing the alignment information data for the alignment of the orthopaedic implant.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in correcting hammer toe or otherwise straightening toes or fusing other bones to one another includes a male drill bit and a female drill bit, as well as an absorbable pin. The male and female drill bits are configured to define complementary features from opposed, or facing, ends of bones that are to be fused to one another. The male and female drill bits may also be configured to define channels through the lengths of the bones that are to be fused to one another, with the channels being configured to align and define a continuous channel through the bones when they are assembled. The absorbable pin, which may be absorbed by a subject's body over time, is configured to be positioned in the continuous channel, and may hold the bones in an assembled relationship before and while they fuse to one another.

Abstract: An elongated rod for insertion into a bowed canal of a bone such as a femoral medulla of a femur bone, wherein the canal is bowed in one plane. The rod has a longitudinal axis disposed on a first plane and one or more cutouts formed in at least a portion of a length of the rod and on opposite sides of the first plane. The rod is flexible along a second plane which is co-planar with the bowed canal plane and which is disposed on the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A bone reduction method and apparatus includes a bone reduction tool including a shaft with a proximal end portion, a distal end portion for insertion into a fractured bone, a first rigid portion located at the distal end portion, and a first flexible portion located between the first rigid portion and the proximal end portion.

Abstract: Orthopedic fastener devices for fixation of fractured bones are disclosed. The orthopedic fastener device is in the form of an orthopedic fastener having an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. Also disclosed are hydrogel coated orthopedic fastener devices in the form of a K-wire or bone screw, a method for stabilizing a fractured long bone fracture by inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of the bone and a kit for fastener implantation.

Abstract: Orthopedic fastener devices for fixation of fractured bones are disclosed. The orthopedic fastener device is in the form of an orthopedic fastener having an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. Also disclosed are hydrogel coated orthopedic fastener devices in the form of a K-wire or bone screw, a method for stabilizing a fractured long bone fracture by inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of the bone and a kit for fastener implantation.

Abstract: An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures and other bone maladies. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of a stabilizing structure, such as an implant, bone plate, or other device and a fastening assembly, such as an engaging member and a compression member. The stabilizing structure in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the stabilizing structure.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.

Abstract: A temporary knee implant to be placed at the position of the human knee joint for maintaining the tibia and femur at the knee joint aligned during healing of infection in the surrounding tissue. An elongated femur rod is formed with one end of a breadth sized and shaped to extend into the medullary cavity of the femur of a knee, and a connector at the other end, an elongated tibia rod of a breadth sized and shaped to extend into the medullary cavity of the tibia and a connector at the other end, the connectors including interfitting shapes for aligning said femur rod and said tibia rod, and medication adhered to the femur and tibia rods for engagement with the medullary surfaces.

Abstract: A device and method for providing antimicrobial activity around a surgical implant. Antimicrobial activity is provided by the inclusion of a highly conductive material to a surgical implant and providing a low electrical charge to the implant. Electrical charge is provided by a static generator or battery attached to the implant or attached via electrical leads.

Abstract: An orthopedic assembly for stabilizing a fractured bone. The orthopedic assembly includes a support structure and an anchor. The anchor includes a first portion and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion to adjust an angular orientation of the anchor relative to the femur.

Abstract: A method for implanting a longitudinal intramedullary nail into the tibia comprises inserting the tibia nail along a plane of symmetry through the tuberositas tibiae. Thereby, the tuberositas tibiae can be used during nail insertion to correctly align the nail and the target arm to the symmetry plane of the bone. This means, that the whole construct, the nail attached to the target arm, has to be inserted in external rotation.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a proximal part for engagement with a proximal bone fragment and a distal part for engagement with a distal bone fragment. A motion assembly interconnects the parts and allows limited axial relative motion of the proximal and distal parts. This limited axial motion provides micromotion and in some embodiments also dynamization. The nail may comprise a stem for fastening to one bone fragment and an insert within the stem for fastening to the other bone fragment, the insert being adapted to guide insertion of a bone screw through the stem and to prevent relative rotation of the distal and proximal bone fragments. The motion assembly may include spring bias and/or damping means between the parts, possibly including one or more Belleville washers.

Abstract: Provided is a fracture treatment device enabling efficient bone regeneration. The fracture treatment device (10) for connecting a bone on one side of a fracture site and a bone on the other side of the fracture site, the device including a fixation member (11) having a stick shape, a tissue regeneration structure (15) disposed in a manner to cover at least a part of the fixation member, wherein the tissue regeneration structure includes a support body made of a bioabsorbable material and cells retained in the support body, which cells regenerate bone.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.