Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.

Abstract: Bone fixation system including methods, apparatus, and kits, for steering a leading end of a fastener within bone. In some embodiments, the system may include (a) a flexible fastener having an external thread, and (b) a guide including a graspable handle attached or attachable to a wire having a distal end portion with a preformed longitudinal curvature in a direction indicated by the handle. The wire may be extendable through the fastener and configured to be advanced longitudinally, while extending through the fastener, such that the distal end portion of the wire penetrates bone ahead of a leading end of the fastener and creates a curved travel path for the leading end of the fastener.

Abstract: A system for replacing a hip joint can include a first acetabular cup formed of a first material and having a first inner diameter and a first thickness. A second acetabular cup can be formed of a second material and having a second inner diameter and a second thickness. A first femoral hip prosthesis can include a first femoral head that is alternately accommodated by either of the first or second acetabular cups. A bearing can be adapted to be interposed between the first femoral head and one of the first or second acetabular cups. The first and second inner diameters can be the same. The first thickness can be less than the second thickness. The first material can be distinct from the second material.

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 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: Systems for bone fracture repair are disclosed. One system includes a biocompatible putty that may be packed about a bone fracture to provide full loadbearing capabilities within days. The disclosed putties create an osteoconductive scaffold for bone regeneration and degrade over time to harmless resorbable byproducts. Fixation devices for contacting an endosteal wall of an intramedullary (IM) canal of a fractured bone are also disclosed. One such fixation device includes a woven elongated structure fabricated from resorbable polymer filaments. The woven elongated structure has resilient properties that allow the woven structure to be radially compressed and delivered to the IM canal using an insertion tube. When the insertion tube is removed, the woven structure expands towards its relaxed cross-sectional width to engage the endosteal wall. The woven elongated structure is impregnated with a resorbable polymer resin that cures in situ, or in the IM canal.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first bone fragment to a second bone fragment, said apparatus comprising: a fusion device, said fusion device comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end; a first bone-engaging feature formed on said shaft at a first location, said first bone-engaging feature comprising at least one barb which, in its unbiased condition, flares outwardly from the longitudinal axis of said shaft and which is capable of being elastically constrained to a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, such that said first end of said shaft may be advanced into a hole in the first bone fragment when said at least one barb is elastically constrained to a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft but is prevented from being withdrawn from the hole in the first bone fragment when said at least one barb is in its unbiased condition; and a second bone-engaging feature formed on said shaft at a second location, said second bone-engaging feature c

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body containing metallic material, preferably iron. For controlling the degradation of the implant the method includes the following steps: (a) providing a first part of the implant body; and (b) performing heat treatment which alters the carbon content and/or the boron content and/or the nitrogen content in the structure of a near-surface boundary layer in the first part of the implant body in such a way that strain on the lattice or a lattice transformation, optionally following a subsequent mechanical load, is achieved in the near-surface boundary layer. Such an implant is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to intramedullary nails that can include a keel configured for rotational stabilization and/or a multi-sectioned rod configured to apply compression to a fracture.

Abstract: An apparatus, for reinforcing bone and tools for mounting the same, has an implant including a barrel and a device. The implant can be expanded by an expanding apparatus including an outer tub, a base, a hollow body and a handle. The expanding apparatus can be bound to the implant to place the implant into a bone to be treated and adjust the expansion degree. The expanding apparatus can be replaced by an injector apparatus including a container for bone cement and an injecting handle. The injector apparatus can inject a mixture for reinforcing bone (e.g., bone cement) into the bone through an exit, the device, the aperture, the barrel and the window of the barrel, and into the to-be treated area.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable interbody fusion device and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The interbody fusion device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other in the intradiscal space. The inserter includes a lifting platform and an elevator that define cooperatively engaging ramps and ramps surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert into the expanded device between the superior and inferior endplates.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used to reduce the movement between vertebrae or fractured bones. The implantable device can be deformed from its shape-set configuration for ease of deployment and return to a pre-set shape upon completion of deployment. The apparatus can serve to stabilize fractured bones or as a distraction device and support structure between vertebrae. Device may be made of a material with shape memory and superelastic properties which facilitate the method of implantation. The pre-set shape of the device may include dimensions/geometries which are similar to the natural curvature of the human spine or bone without the use of hinging or connection between multiple pieces. Once deployed, the device can serve to constrain the flow of bone growth material between the inside and outside of the device.

Abstract: An intramedullary orthopedic implant includes a body section having a first end that provides a point of insertion for the body section and a second end. The body section further includes wings extending away from the point of insertion for the body section. The intramedullary orthopedic implant further includes first and second legs extending from the second end of the body section. The first and second legs begin in a first implanted shape, are movable to a second insertion shape, and remain in the second insertion shape as long as the first and second legs are mechanically constrained.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of arthrodeses or osteosyntheses of a first bone part and a second bone part, including the steps of positioning a first fixation zone of an implant in the first bone part and a second fixation zone of the implant in the second bone part, both the first and second zones made of shape-memory material and, prior to positioning the bone parts, are in an inner position; and while the first fixation zone is within the first bone part and the second fixation zone is within the second bone part, fixating the respective first and second fixation zones within the respective bone parts through shape-memory action at body temperature.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments related to an implant and a method of forming an implant configured to treat a fractured bone. The implant can include a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the body defines a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and a high tensile strand positioned adjacent the body such that at least a portion of the strand extends at least partially along the outer surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel with the central axis, and wherein the strand is loaded with an active agent.

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: Apparatus for treating a bone fracture, the apparatus including an anchoring tube having a hollow elongated shaft adapted for disposition in a hole formed in a bone and having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween, and a substantially planar plate mounted to the proximal end of the hollow elongated shaft and adapted for disposition against the outer surface of the bone; wherein the plate has a top surface and a bottom surface, and further wherein the bottom surface of the plate is convex, such that when the anchoring tube is disposed in a hole formed in a bone and is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated shaft, the convex bottom surface of the plate maintains supporting contact with the outer surface of the bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating disease and/or infection by the release of silver from an implant over an extended period of time. In particular, the devices described herein may be used to treat infections such as osteomyelitis by the controlled release of silver ions from multiple sites of an extended-use implant. This implant typically includes a plurality of arms that both anchor and help distribute the released ions within the tissue. Power may be applied to release the silver ions into the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: Intramedullary nail for distraction of a long bone with an at least partially hollow shank extending in an axial direction of the intramedullary nail, locking element for locking the shank in a first bone fragment of the long bone, a first inner section which is arranged in axially movable manner within the shank and has a through hole orientated in the radial direction for accommodating a segment bolt for fixing a bone segment of the long bone, wherein the shank has an elongated hole in the area of the inner section for passing through of the segment bolt, an actuator for axially moving the first inner section, wherein a second inner section is arranged within the shank so as to be axially movable.

Abstract: A device for moving tissue inside the body, in particular bone tissue, may include a reference part, a transport part which is slidably mounted relative to the reference part; a threaded rod pivotably mounted relative to the reference part, a control shaft, driving means connecting the control shaft to the threaded rod, a connecting nut between the transport part and the threaded rod, the connecting nut being mounted onto the threaded rod and being rotatably guided relative to the reference part, and means for converting the movement of the connecting nut along the threaded rod into a movement of the transport part relative to the reference part.

Abstract: A trochanter attachment device can include a plate for attachment to an inner portion of a greater trochanter of a femur, a collar for attaching the plate to a hip implant, and a fastener for securing the collar to a hip implant. The trochanter attachment device can include a groove or other feature for receiving a reinforcing material, such as a wire or a cable, such as to reinforce an attachment of the device to the greater trochanter and/or the hip implant. The trochanter attachment device can include an insert attachable to the plate and configured to attach the plate to the greater trochanter. All or a portion of the plate and/or the insert can include a porous material, such as to promote bone ingrowth of the greater trochanter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Also described is an inserter tool that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

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: An intramedullary orthopedic implant includes a body section having a first end that provides a point of insertion for the body section and a second end. The body section further includes wings extending away from the point of insertion for the body section. The intramedullary orthopedic implant further includes first and second legs extending from the second end of the body section. The first and second legs begin in a first implanted shape, are movable to a second insertion shape, and remain in the second insertion shape as long as the first and second legs are mechanically constrained.

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: The present invention relates to elongation nails for long bones or similar. The elongation nail according to the invention is principally characterized in that it comprises a tube (10), another tube (20) mounted slidably and rotatably in the tube (10) in such a way that the end (21) of the tube (20) emerges from the end (11) of the tube (10), means (30) for coupling the two tubes (10, 20) in such a way that successive rotational oscillations of the two tubes with respect to each other about their longitudinal axis (100) cause a step-by-step translation of the two tubes with respect to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first bone fragment to a second bone fragment, said apparatus comprising: a fusion device, said fusion device comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end; a first bone-engaging feature formed on said shaft at a first location, said first bone-engaging feature comprising at least one barb which, in its unbiased condition, flares outwardly from the longitudinal axis of said shaft and which is capable of being elastically constrained to a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft, such that said first end of said shaft may be advanced into a hole in the first bone fragment when said at least one barb is elastically constrained to a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft but is prevented from being withdrawn from the hole in the first bone fragment when said at least one barb is in its unbiased condition; and a second bone-engaging feature formed on said shaft at a second location, said second bone-engaging feature c

Abstract: Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a device for repairing a fractured bone that includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the delivery catheter having an inner void for passing at least one reinforcing material, and an inner lumen for accepting a light pipe, wherein a distal end of the inner lumen terminates in an optical lens; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, the conformable member moving from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light pipe and the at least one reinforcing material.

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: Systems and methods for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer are disclosed. In some embodiments, a separation system includes a stabilizer configured to slide over an introducer for delivery of a bone fixation device to a bone cavity, the stabilizer being further configured to score a proximal end of the bone fixation device; and a separator configured to engage the introducer and to provide an impact to the introducer to separate the introducer from the bone fixation device.

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: Apparatus and methods for securing a bone implant are provided. The implant may be an expandable implant. The implant may be a non-expandable implant. The implant may be for repairing a bone fracture. The implant may be secured to a bone by anchors. The implant may include anchor receiving features. The anchor receiving features may be configured to direct an anchor into cortical bone. The anchor receiving features may be configured to receive an anchor driven through cortical bone. The implant may include bone engaging members configured to engage cancellous bone. An implant may include different profiles. The different profiles may be configured to secure the implant. The profiles may be configured to support the bone. The implant may have different flexing properties configured to position the implant in the bone. The implant may be positioned to receive an anchor driven through an outside of the bone.

Abstract: An Intramedullary Distraction Osteotomy (IM DO) apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed that allow for the patient or another to lengthen residual bone. The apparatus may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of the residual bone and may be lengthened through the application of a traction force. The apparatus protrudes from the body through a single percutaneous site. Lengthening of the amputated limb is achieved by the application of a controlled traction force that is generated by turning a lengthening knob external to the percutaneous site. One or more additional screw segments may be utilized to assist in limb lengthening. The traction force serves to separate a distal bone segment from a proximal bone segment at a specified, controllable rate, allowing new bone growth to fill in the resulting gap. Components of the apparatus provide support and alignment to the residual bone during both the lengthening and consolidation phases.

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: 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: Systems and methods of using expandable elements inserted into a bone, such as the distal radius, to provide for minimally invasive reduction and fixation of fractures. An introducer is used to insert the expandable elements to create a cavity within the bone, to precisely reposition displaced bone fragments and to form a cavity for introduction of an implant material for bone fixation.

Abstract: A method for treating a fracture with a variable length nail is provided. The nail is configured for at least 5 mm of axial length change in each direction. An incision is made in proximity to a fractured bone and canal is cleared through the center of the bone. The variable length nail is inserted into the canal and a distraction shaft and a housing are secured to separate portions of the fractured bone. The incision is allowed or caused to close. An external adjustment device with at least one rotatable magnet is placed in proximity to the patient's skin. The external adjustment device is operated so that a magnetic field of the at least one rotatable magnet of the external adjustment device causes the rotatable permanent magnet of the variable length nail to rotate, causing either extension or retraction of the distraction shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: An intraosseous device is disclosed that can be positioned to straddle a bone fracture to stabilize the fracture and provide structural support for the bone and the surrounding areas. The device includes wire assemblies that are deployable on each side of the fracture to anchor the device within the bone. For the device, an elongated tube is formed with a plurality of slots at each tube end. A central member is mounted inside the tube and moveable members are positioned inside the tube, one at each tube end. Wires connect the moveable members to the central member. A rod cooperates with each moveable member and is rotatable to draw each moveable member inwardly toward the central member. This forces each wire to bow and displace a central wire portion through a corresponding slot and into contact with the bone's inner wall to anchor the device in the bone.

Abstract: A femoral instrument for use in the intramedullary canal is described and includes an intramedullary rod having a tip at a free end. A body is attached to the intramedullary rod and has a face with a bone abutting portion. A centraliser mechanism is located within the rod and is operable to deploy and retract a plurality of members to engage and disengage an inner surface of the intramedullary canal. The length of the intramedullary rod from the tip to the face of the body is less than 30 cm. The instrument can also include an angular adjustment mechanism. The angular adjustment mechanism can have a plurality of formations and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary rod to present at least a one of the formations to abut a portion of the body to define the relative angle between the body and the intramedullary rod.

Abstract: Expanding a spinal canal by drilling a cylindrical passage in each pedicle of a vertebra, making a circumferential pedicle cut (osteotomy) through each pedicle from within the passage, separating each pedicle cut by inserting an implant into the passage to distract the pedicle cut (i.e., lengthen the pedicle) to expand the spinal canal, and securing each pedicle cut, allowing the vertebra to heal with the spinal canal expanded. The implant can include an outer sleeve, an inner bolt, and expandable flanges. The outer sleeve includes an upper and a lower portion, with the expandable flanges therein. Rotation of the inner bolt causes the upper and lower portions of the outer sleeve to separate, causing the pedicle cut to widen and the expandable flanges to radially extend into and stabilize the widened pedicle cut for expansion of the spinal canal.

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 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: Distal tip designs for bone fixation devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for bone fixation includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable member having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the expandable member is releasably attached about the distal end of the delivery catheter at the proximal region of the expandable member; a distal cap attached to the distal region of the expandable member to seal the expandable member; a light conducting fiber; and a light-sensitive liquid; wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of a light-sensitive liquid into the expandable member to expand the expandable member and an inner lumen for passage of the light conducting fiber into the expandable member to cure the light-sensitive liquid inside the expandable member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for fixing bone with an osteosynthesis splint. In embodiments of the present invention, a splint may be introduced into a bone at a fracture site, or may enter the rib at an opening near a fracture site and extend along the intramedullary canal across the fracture site.

Abstract: A model-based method is described which defines a rigid transformation between two co-ordinate systems that reduces the accuracy requirements on the quality of the data-set (including, but not restricted to, the error in the acquisition process, and the number and spread of the points) measured in one of the two co-ordinate systems by identifying a set of remote correspondences that are used to bind the convergence process. The method can be used in minimal-access orthopaedic surgery to improve the accuracy of limb registration. Specific instances include femoral registration, by estimating the functional center of the hip joint in both co-ordinate systems to be co-registered, and tibial registration, using the ankle center as a distant set of paired correspondences. Accuracy can be measured in a variety of ways, including, but not restricted to, evaluating the mis-alignment between the two co-registered objects.

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 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: The present invention is directed to a hybrid bone fixation element including a threaded proximal cortical bone contacting portion for threadably engaging the cortical portion of a human bone and a non-threaded expandable distal collections portion for engaging the cancellous portion of the human bone. The hybrid bone fixation element can be used, for example, as a pedicle screw, a bone screw or in any other type of b ne fixation application.