Abstract: A flexible bone screw for insertion into the intramedullary cavity of a fractured bone facilitates enduring fixation of the fracture. The flexible bone screw includes a substantially smooth shaft and a threaded portion positioned at one end of the shaft, wherein the outer diameter of the threaded portion is greater than the shaft diameter and the length of the threaded portion is about 20% of the overall length of the flexible bone screw or less.

Abstract: An interlocking bone plate system includes an outer bone plate for being arranged outside a broken bone, an inner bone plate for being installed inside the medullary cavity of the broken bone, and screws for being inserted through and engaged with the outer bone plate and the broken bone and then engaged with the inner bone plate so as to interlock the out and inner bone plates together. The inner bone plate provides an added support in addition to the support provided by the outer bone plate, enhancing the structural strength of the whole bone fixation structure and lowering the risk of failed surgery.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip revision procedure includes a proximal body component, a distal stem component, and a locking bolt. Surgical instruments and methods for use in implanting such a modular femoral prosthesis are disclosed.

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: 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: 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: A surgical process for affixing an elbow implant into the ulna has the steps of separating the olecranon process from the ulna so as to expose an end of an intermedullary canal of the ulna, inserting a stem of the elbow implanted into the intermedullary canal such that an end of the stem extends outwardly of the end of the ulna, and affixing the olecranon process onto the exposed end of the ulna. A hole is drilled through the olecranon process such that the hole is axially aligned with the intermedullary canal of the ulna. This hole is drilled prior to the step of separating.

Abstract: The present invention describes an intramedullary nail for use in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of bone fractures and fusion sites. The nail employs one or more internal loaded springs, biocompatible elastic or rubber bands, or other mechanism that provides continuous dynamic compression across the healing site throughout the healing process. By altering the size, tension and/or number of the internal compression devices, the amount of compression may be customized on a case-by-case basis. Further, the slots within the nail for its attachment can be utilized to create a torsional force when desired. The nail can have a cross-sectional shape that prevents its rotation. A system and method of use is also described.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a body being elongated in a longitudinal direction and having an outer wall, one or more openings through the outer wall, and a cannulation disposed along a length of the body and defined by the outer wall, the cannulation being non-uniform along the longitudinal direction, wherein the cannulation is configured such that a moment of inertia of the implant is substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a scalloped compression slot so as to define a plurality of pockets and intersections between the pockets that are narrower than the pockets. Accordingly, a compression member can be inserted into a bone segment of a fractured bone and into the slot. The compression member can be wider than the intersections. A compression actuator can apply a force against the compression member that causes the compression member to translate across the intersections from pocket-to-pocket until the fracture has been approximated. Because the compression member is wider than the intersections, the compression slot retains the compression member and prevents distraction of the fracture.

Abstract: Devices for treating a bone and methods of inserting such devices into a bone are disclosed. A device for treating a bone may include a flexible tube, a stiffening mechanism and an actuator. The flexible tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening mechanism within the flexible tube is configured to cause the flexible tube to become rigid. The actuator is configured to cause the stiffening mechanism to cause the flexible tube to become rigid in response to the actuator being actuated.

Abstract: A targeting instrument system for positioning an intramedullary implant. The system comprises a multi-use targeting guide arm, an intramedullary implant, and a single-use nose segment configured to maintain a locking alignment between the intramedullary implant and the targeting guide arm during the placement of the intramedullary implant into a subject. The system may be provided as a sterile kit, and the intramedullary implant may be preassembled to the nose segment. Alternatively, system may include a sterile kit comprising a single-use targeting guide arm, and an intramedullary implant, wherein the intramedullary implant is preassembled to the single-use targeting guide arm.

Abstract: Surgical methods and fixation devices for bone fixation and stabilization on a patient include exposing at least a portion of a first phalanx and a second phalanx at a joint of a patient; creating a passage in an intramedullary canal of the first phalanx; inserting a first head portion of a fixation device along the passage in the intramedullary canal in a translating manner past the cancellous bone in the phalanx until the head portion engages the subchondral bone at a base of the first phalanx, the fixation device having an opposing second head portion extending out of the passage from the first phalanx; and introducing the second phalanx onto the second head portion so that the second head portion anchors in the second phalanx.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: A system for locking an intramedullary nail to a bone includes a first plate sized and shaped to be inserted through a channel of an intramedullary nail and dimensioned to prevent its passing through a locking hole of the intramedullary nail and a second plate sized and shaped to be positioned along a portion of an exterior of a hole drilled in the bone and dimensioned to prevent its passing through the hole drilled in the bone along with a connector couplable to the first and second plates and slidable through the channel of the intramedullary nail to extend through the locking hole from an interior of the channel to an exterior of a bone in which the intramedullary nail has been inserted.

Abstract: Method to attach two sections of bone together in which a telescoping screw system is positioned through a hole of a fixation device attached to a first section of bone while the screw system is in a closed configuration in which the screw body is telescoped inside the screw barrel. The screw body is then advanced relative to the screw barrel to cause penetration of the forward, threaded end of the screw body into a second section of bone, and thereby bring the screw system toward an open configuration in which the screw body is telescoped outside the screw barrel. The screw barrel is also engaged to the fixation device via a cooperating engagement mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for fusion, stabilization, or fixation of bones are provided.

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: A nail cap cannula for directing a nail cap useable with an intramedullary nail system including an intramedullary nail and a targeting guide.

Abstract: A length-adjustable IM nail system includes a telescoping IM nail with proximal and distal bodies. An inner magnet within the proximal body is connected to a threaded rod which, in turn, is connected to the distal body. The threaded rod passes through a threaded block which is connected to the proximal body. The position of the distal end of the threaded rod is fixed with respect to the distal body, but may rotate freely within this fixed position. An actuator is also disclosed that includes a pair of rotating magnets disposed in an angular relationship with each other and the axis of the IM nail and the patient's limb. Rotation of these outer magnets in the same direction results in rotation of the inner magnet and threaded rod and a telescoping axial movement of the threaded block and proximal body with respect to the distal body.

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 intramedullary nail (20) defining a bore (34) is inserted into a medullary canal (26) of a bone (24). A threaded fastener (22) has a compression portion (48) presenting a compression portion diameter (DCP) and a threaded portion (50) presenting a threaded portion diameter (DTP). The fastener (22) extends through a near cortex hole (40) and/or a far cortex hole (42), and the threaded portion (22) threadedly engages the bore (34). A compression transmission device (54) is disposed between a head (44) of the fastener (22) and the intramedullary nail (20) for transmitting the compressional load of the threaded fastener (22) to the intramedullary nail (20). An interior space of the compression transmission device (54) is greater than the compression portion diameter (DCP) providing space about the threaded fastener (22) for allowing the fastener axis (A) to be variously disposed relative to the interior space.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a scalloped compression slot so as to define a plurality of pockets and intersections between the pockets that are narrower than the pockets. Accordingly, a compression member can be inserted into a bone segment of a fractured bone and into the slot. The compression member can be wider than the intersections. A compression actuator can apply a force against the compression member that causes the compression member to translate across the intersections from pocket-to-pocket until the fracture has been approximated. Because the compression member is wider than the intersections, the compression slot retains the compression member and prevents distraction of the fracture.

Abstract: A system for inserting an intramedullary nail into a bone includes (a) a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured to couple to an intramedullary nail only in a desired orientation and (b) an aiming device extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured for attachment to the proximal end of the handle. The aiming device includes a guide opening extending therethrough sized and shaped to accommodate a protective sleeve therein. The guide opening is located and oriented so that, when the aiming device and the handle are coupled to one another, a bone fixation receiving hole in an intramedullary nail coupled to the handle is aligned with the guide opening. The aiming device further includes a locking pin fixedly mounted thereto. The locking pin extends into the guide opening to engage a protective sleeve inserted therein.

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: An interlocking nail having an hour-glass geometry is used for repair of bone fractures. The hour-glass interlocking nail includes a proximal section, a mid section, and a distal section. Each section of the hour-glass interlocking nail has a diameter. The proximal and distal sections each have a diameter larger than the mid section so that the interlocking nail has an hour-glass geometry. The hour-glass interlocking nail comprises at least one fixation aperture located within either the proximal or distal section of the hour-glass interlocking nail. Preferably, the fixation aperture has a tapered locking design adapted to receive a screw-cone peg. The hour-glass geometry utilized by the interlocking nail is better suited to address a larger population of bone canal geometries, stressing the fracture site with known values within the healing process and preventing inadvertent perforation of the nail through the cortex of the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixing device includes an intramedullary nail (1) with a distal end part (2), a proximal end part (3), a center line (4), and a bore (5) that extends perpendicular to the center line (4) in the proximal end part (3) and is provided with a bore axis (6). The bone fixing device further includes a bone plate (10) with a top face (11), a bottom face (12) that is to be in contact with the bone, a continuous, central opening (13) which is located in the central portion of the bone plate (10) and connects the top face (11) to the bottom face (12), and several plate holes (14) that are also continuous and are disposed peripherally around the central opening (13).

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot.

Abstract: Arthrodesis apparatus for first and second bones (2, 3), comprising a nail (5) and an instrument (20) for putting the nail (5) into place, the instrument comprising a base (21) and compression means (22, 23) comprising control means (22) for causing the nail to move relative to the base (21) and holder means (23) for holding the second bone (3) relative to the base (21); a guide (11) for the nail, the guide (11) and the holder (23) being arranged and shaped to cooperate together in such a manner to as allow the nail to move relative to the holder (23) and move the first bone (2) and the second bone (3) towards each other.

Abstract: An implant assembly for proximal femur fracture comprises of a targeting device and intramedullary nail having plurality of proximal holes directed towards head and neck of femur wherein the axis of the holes makes an ante version angle of about 5° to 20° with the horizontal plane and at the same time axis of plurality of distal holes making 90° angle to longitudinal axis of said nail that holds the femur wherein said nail has reducing cross section area from thigh end to knee end with grooved knee end with anterior curvature even in short length version, plurality of proximal sliding hip pins with smooth shaft for collapsibility, triflanged end with mores taper to hold proximal femur, large head and washer to get impaction and plurality of distal locking screw to hold distal fragment of femur, optional buttress plate and barrels supporting lateral cortex to get controlled limited guided collapse.

Abstract: A bone nail (1) for the heel includes: a front portion (2) determined for insertion into one or more bones (14, 15, 16) or bone fragments of the heel and having a tip (3), and an arc-shaped main portion (4) extending from the front portion (2) and having a rear end (5), wherein the main portion (4) includes a tapered shape such that a cross sectional diameter of the main portion (4) within at least one first section (20) increases towards the rear end (5). According to embodiments, a curvature of the arc-shaped main portion (4) includes a radius of curvature rc which amounts to at least 130 mm. According to other embodiments, the tapered shape is a conical shape.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for fixation and stabilization of a fractured bone that also allows for a controlled amount of longitudinal motion at the fracture site to encourage bone remodeling and healing is described. The intramedullary nail has a proximal portion and a distal portion that are coupled together in a manner by a biasing assembly that provides for a controlled movement of the proximal and distal portions relative to each other so that when a patient puts pressure on the bone, such as when walking, the fracture site compresses and the bone ends move together, and when the pressure is released from the bone, the bone ends are biased apart by a controlled amount.

Abstract: A femur fixation device including an elongated nail configured for insertion into the medullary canal of the femur and a buttress element extending from the elongated nail. The buttress element is configured to reinforce the lesser trochanter region of the femur and assist in stabilizing the head portion of the femur.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intramedullary nail having a body with a transverse bore extending through the body and having an area of enhanced stress distribution on at least the lateral side of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail includes a cutout adjacent to the transverse bore, such as an oblique cutout, that enhances the stress distribution of the intramedullary nail in the region around the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutout includes a ramp portion or area that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In other exemplary embodiments, the cutout includes a runout or a substantially flat portion that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore.

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: In one aspect of the disclosure, an intramedullary (IM) apparatus for treating a fractured bone of an animal includes an IM nail elongated along a longitudinal axis and having at least three locking holes equally distantly defined thereon along the longitudinal axis, and a positional reference member having a longitudinal vernier scale thereon. The IM nail is configured to be inserted to a medullary cavity of a bone fragment, such that the IM nail is fixable to the bone fragment by a locking member correspondingly inserted into one of the locking holes through the bone fragment. The positional reference member is configured to be detachably mounted to the IM nail by two positioning members inserted into two of the locking holes such that the longitudinal vernier scale is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the IM nail, and each of the locking holes is locatable by the longitudinal vernier scale.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A lateral light-emitting device for connecting a medullary guide wire is disclosed. The device comprises a closed main body, a front-end protecting unit for protecting the front end of the main body, and a connecting unit disposed at the distal end of the main body. The inside of the main body is further arranged with a lighting unit, a power supply unit, a light-scattering unit, a light intensity modulating unit, if necessary, and at least one transparent window. The device is able to fit to different types of medullary guide wires. The power supply unit provides power to the lighting unit to produce light emitted to the light-scattering unit and being diverted laterally through the transparent window of the main body after suitably modulating the light intensity. Thereby, the device is illuminated from within the bone cavity to allow observing the operating screw hole location from outside of the body and to enable precisely nailing while proceeding with the intra-medullary nailing procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open, fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.

Abstract: A rotational correction system includes an implant having first and second sections, the implant having a rotatable permanent magnet disposed in a housing of the first section, the rotatable permanent magnet mechanically connected to a nut operatively coupled to the second section. A keyed portion is interposed between the nut and one or more non-linear grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing. An external adjustment device having at least one rotatable magnet configured to rotate the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant is part of the system. Rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a first direction effectuates a clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section and rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a second direction effectuates a counter-clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section.

Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof. The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A flexible intramedullary nail is disclosed that is manufactured from a biocompatible rigid material and having a substantially cylindrical hollow body, a leading segment with an entry hole at a distal end and at least one securing means and a trailing segment having a trailing edge and an attachment mechanism. The body has at least one flexible center section, each having at least one slot to provide flexibility. In one embodiment the at least one slot follows a sinuous, serpentine path to form a plurality of interlocking teeth that can follow a helical or a concentric path. Each of the slots has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being spaced from the trailing segment and the distal end being spaced from the leading segment. When multiple slots are incorporated, the proximal end of a slot is spaced from a distal end of a subsequent slot.

Abstract: A fixation instrument for treating a bone fracture including a bone screw and a nail, wherein the bone screw extends through an opening in the head or proximal end of the nail. A movable insert is disposed within a chamber located at the proximal end of the nail. The insert engages the bone screw to prevent rotation thereof once the bone screw is placed in position.

Abstract: Targeting sensors for use in targeting landmarks of orthopaedic devices. The sensors include a non-cylindrical mounting platform such as a printed circuit board and at least two mounted or printed sensor coils to provide a low profile sensor assembly which can be placed in a predetermined position and orientation on or in an orthopaedic device. The platform has a non-circular cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.5:1. The non-circular cross-section of the platform enables the sensor to be placed in a known fixed position within the implant. The sensor coils may be partially or fully embedded in the platform.

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: The invention relates generally to orthopaedic implants, and more particularly to orthopaedic implants having data acquisition capabilities and their use in monitoring and diagnosing fracture healing. RSA is also disclosed as a method for measuring inter-fragmentary movement in long bone fractures in order to confirm whether the fracture is reduced and for detecting changes in stiffness of the healing callus.

Abstract: A distal targeting device for locating at least one distal screw hole in an intramedullary nail that is positioned within a medullary canal of a bone, the device including an elongated and reconfigurable probe that is positionable inside a lumen of the nail.

Abstract: A device for implantation in an intramedullary space of a bone via a curved insertion path, the device comprises a curved proximal portion extending along an arc substantially similar to an arc of the curved insertion path, the proximal portion including a coupling arrangement at a proximal end thereof adapted to couple to a tool for one of intramedullary implantation and explantation and a flexible distal portion extending from a distal end of the proximal portion, the distal portion extending substantially straight in an unstressed state and having flexibility sufficient to permit being along the arc of the insertion path substantially without permanent deformation.

Abstract: Locking nail system for arthrodesis reconstruction of calcaneus fractures which includes a nail, several calcaneus-talar screws, and a guide. The system is usable for the reconstruction of severe comminuted fractures of the calcaneus in humans and fixation of this bone after reconstructing its principal form, to the talus, in order to attain arthrodesis or fusion with the latter. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for use in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The nail includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the body and an external periphery of the body for fitting in the medullary canal of the long bone. The body has a first internal wall thereof defining a first opening through the body. The first opening defines a first opening centerline. The body has a second internal wall of the body defining a second opening through the body. The second opening defines a second opening centerline. The first opening centerline and the second opening centerline are oblique with respect to each other. The longitudinal axis of the body and the first opening centerline form an acute angle between the longitudinal axis of the body and the first opening centerline. The longitudinal axis of the body and the second opening centerline forming an acute angle between the longitudinal axis of the body and the second opening centerline.