Abstract: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In particular, the invention relates to a cap that has an inside surface comprising an interface component that is operable to engage a flexible wire. The flexible wire is connected to a head component that engages a first bone fragment. The outside surface of the cap may include cutting threads to facilitate attachment to a second bone fragment. A tensioner may be used to exert tension on the wire, the cap and the head component, thereby drawing the first bone fragment to the second bone fragment. In various embodiments, the cap is a planar disk that has a central hole that restricts backward translation and expands when the cap is translating down a wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.

Abstract: An internal bone fixation sizing device and methods for using this device during a procedure for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A medical device for determining a depth and a diameter of a medullary cavity of a bone includes an outer shaft having a proximal end engaging an activation mechanism, a distal end having a first opening at an upper surface and a second opening at a lower surface, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft includes a plurality of markers; and an inner shaft having a proximal end engaging the activation mechanism, a distal end terminating in two sizing arms, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the two sizing arms are able to move from a retracted position to an extended position extending beyond the outer shaft.

Abstract: An expandable bone device including a unitary body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a deformable distal end portion having a collapsed orientation for placement adjacent a spinal structure, the deformable distal end portion including relatively wide, mutually contiguous support surfaces outlined by relatively narrow cutouts, the support surfaces being contiguous with the rest of the unitary body via relatively narrow deformable splines, the deformable distal end portion having an expanded orientation wherein the support surfaces are moved transversely outwards away from and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an actuator coupled to the deformable distal end portion and operative to cause movement of the deformable distal end portion between the collapsed orientation and the expanded orientation.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment.

Abstract: A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded devices may enhance and expedite bone healing.

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 cancellous 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 bone fixation application.

Abstract: This invention relates to medicine, in particular to surgical devices for curing the locomotor apparatus with the aid of osteosynthesis. In order to improve operational reliability during implantation, the structure of the inventive device for elongating long bones is embodied in such a way that the axes of the bearing part and the thread screwed part of a screw-holder are offset at a distance ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. A boss (bulge) is embodied on the external body of the device on the side of the orifice in which said screw-holder is fixed. The specific structural embodiment of a finger makes it possible to reduce the traumatic effects of a surgical operation.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for reinforcing a femoral neck bone comprises a support structure deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position within a cancellous bone area of the femoral neck. The support structure compresses at least a portion of the cancellous bone upon expansion. A cavity created by the expansion is adapted to receive a filler material such as, but not limited to, bone cement. Upon final positioning and curing, the support structure and any filler material is adapted to interact with the healthy cortical bone and/or compressed cancellous bone and receive at least a portion of a load placed on the femoral neck bone.

Abstract: An internal bone transport device and method for lengthen bone that, once surgically implanted will allow for a segment of bone to be transported along the length of the rod without changing the overall length of the rod. The segment from one bone end is transported to the other in a controlled fashion allowing for complete control of the rate of bone transport and adjusting this rate to the quality of the bone formation. The segment is moved either by the application of an externally applied magnetic force or by a fluid actuator in combination with a compression spring. It applies to patients in whom a segment of bone has been removed. This fully internal bone transport allows the bone transport to occur without any external fixation, thus eliminating the problems associated with pin tract infections and pain from the pins cutting through the soft tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure. A femoral implant achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head. To optimally position the femoral implant, a minimally invasive incision is aligned with the greater trochanter and the wound is developed to expose the greater trochanter. Various reamers are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: A bone fixation device having an elongate body, an actuateable gripper disposed on the elongated body, an actuator operably connected to the gripper to deploy the gripper from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration, and a membrane surrounding at least a portion of the elongate body or the gripper is disclosed. Also disclosed are systems, surgical kits and methods of using a bone fixation device with a membrane cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for stabilizing a bone fracture and methods for applying the system. The system includes a device with two anchorable members with an intervening connector and a passageway through the device. The anchorable members have a constrained non-anchoring configuration and a released anchoring configuration. The anchoring configuration includes a radially-expanded structure such as a plurality of struts. After implantation across a fracture site, the anchorable members are released from their linearly constrained configuration, and structural features radially self-expand, anchoring the device across the fracture. A flowable bone-filling material may be conveyed into the passageway of the device after implantation. The composition fills the space within the expanded structures of the anchorable members and flows into space surround the device, stabilizing it further in the implantation site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect to each other. Movement of the implant halves and their respective positions are controlled by set screw within the implant. The implant includes radial anchors which fit into alignment slots made in the misaligned vertebra by the disclosed method. The set screws are used to advance the halves of the implant which in turn move the misaligned vertebrae back into correct positions. The correct position of the vertebrae is locked in place through a nut and a plate.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone device comprises a distal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof, a proximal outer member for positioning in substantial axial alignment with the distal outer member, the proximal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof. The distal outer member and the proximal outer member each have a passage therein. The device also has a distal inner member sized to be slideably received within the passage of the distal outer member and a proximal inner member sized to be slideably received within the passage of the proximal outer member. An extender/retractor is selectively operable to selectively alter the relative longitudinal positioning between the distal inner member and the proximal inner member. The extender/retractor is able to selectively extend or retract to selectively lengthen or shorten, respectively, the device.

Abstract: A spine repair system and assembly are disclosed. The spine repair system includes a plate for use with a plurality of bone screws to treat a mammalian body having a plurality of vertebral portions in a spine. The plate has an elongate plate-like member having first and second end portions adapted for fastening respectively to a plurality of vertebral portions. First and second end portions are provided with a plurality of apertures for receipt of bone screws, including one or more apertures inclined relative to the plate-like member so as to enhance securement of the first and second end portions to the first and second vertebral portions when the bone screws are introduced through the screw holes into the vertebral portions. A method of operation and use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may have a composite portion including a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix, and may have a non-composite portion. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is substantially deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes substantially hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A medical device for fixing bone parts or for fixing stabilising elements to bone parts, comprising a rigid outer tube, which is provided with at least two opposed recesses on the side that is positioned in the bone, wherein a second inner tube is accommodated in said rigid outer tube, which inner tube is provided with at least two strips extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube on the side that is positioned in the bone, whilst means are provided for loading the inner tube in axial direction, in such a manner that a pressure force is exerted on said strips, which pressure force causes the strips to bend outwards through the aforesaid recesses.

Abstract: A bone support and/or barrier device, system, kit, and method can include an implantable structure having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first bone contact portion, and a second bone contact portion. The structure can be collapsible to an undeployed configuration capable of percutaneous insertion to the interior of a bone and expandable to a deployed configuration in the bone. In the deployed configuration, the first bone contact portion can contact a first portion of the bone, and the second bone contact portion can contact a second portion of the bone such that a load placed on the first portion of the bone can be transferred through the implantable structure to the second portion of the bone. The implantable structure can include a barrier material adapted to restrict a bone filler material inserted into the bone adjacent the inner surface of the structure from flowing to the outer surface of the structure.

Abstract: A system for percutaneous fixation and stabilization of a fracture with a spanning, expandable structural frame placed in the intramedullary canal of the bone, comprising a column of surgical fluid such as bone cement, within which the structural frame acts as a reinforcing cage, and a sheath positioned at the fracture site and at least partially surrounding the frame and fluid. The fluid may be supported by a restrictor and may be agitated with a vibrating probe to remove entrapped air. The structural frame may be self-expanding or opened by an internal force, and it may be retrievable. The frame, fluid, or sheath may contain antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, or other therapeutic compounds to be delivered to the fracture site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a securing device that is used to secure a fixation device to two bone portions to promote healing between the two bone portions. The bone portions commonly include a skull bone portion and a skull bone flap or implant, and the fixation device is commonly a cranial clamp. The securing device provides for securing the fixation device in a uniform, single movement as opposed to currently available products. The securing device has two handles pivotably connected, and a gripping means moveably associated with one handle. As the handles are activated, the gripping means travels proximally along the one handle and grips an elongated section of the fixation device and exerts a tensioning force along the shaft of the elongated section prior to the cutting means cutting the elongated shaft to secure the fixation device in place.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having an endplate that can be slidably expanded following its placement in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer.

Abstract: In one aspect a device is disclosed for use as a bone implant comprising, a body having a pre-implantation shape and a post-implantation shape different from the pre-implantation shape. The body is configured to change from the pre-implantation shape to the post-implantation shape in response to the body being activated. The body is configured to be inserted in a bone recess while the body is in the pre-implantation shape. In another aspect a method is disclosed comprising inserting a cable member into a recess in a bone, inserting a retention device into the recess, the retention device containing a shape memory material, and activating the shape memory material.

Abstract: A bone barrier device can comprise a barrier material that can be inserted into the interior of a bone and adapted to prohibit substantially all of a bone filler material from flowing through and/or around the barrier material into and through a compromised portion of the bone. Such a barrier device may be inserted into a void created in the interior of a vertebral body so as to prevent the flow of bone cement through and/or around the barrier material into a compromised endplate and/or vertebral body wall. The bone barrier device may comprise a barrier material having an open weave, mesh, and/or through hole design adapted to reduce the flow, and to allow some flow, of bone filler material through and/or around the barrier material.

Abstract: A knotless suture system for anchoring tissue to bone is provided. The system includes a suture anchor configured to radially expand into bone. The suture anchor has a proximal end and a distal end with a bore formed therein. The system further includes a first loop of suture thread attached to the distal end of the suture anchor, a suture needle, and a second loop of suture thread attached to the needle and interlocked with the first loop of suture thread. The system also includes an expander pin that is configured and sized for insertion into the bore of the suture anchor, causing the anchor to radially expand from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter. A method is also provided by which a detached tissue may be securely attached to bone in an anatomically correct position without the need to tie a knot.

Abstract: A device is designed to anchor a tissue to a bone. The device comprises a contractible implant, one or more sutures attached to the implant, and a pasty medicine capable of solidification. The implant is made of a flexible wall and provided with a holding portion and an injection port. The flexible wall is provided with a plurality of pores, each having a diameter smaller than 0.1 millimeter. The pasty medicine is injected into the holding portion of the implant upon completion of insertion of the contracted implant into the bone, thereby resulting in expansion of the contracted implant. The implant is thus securely lodged in the bone upon solidification of the pasty medicine to facilitate the anchoring of the tissue to the bone by suturing.

Abstract: An internal bone transport device and method for lengthen bone that, once surgically implanted will allow for a segment of bone to be transported along the length of the rod without changing the overall length of the rod. An externally applied magnetic force is used to drive the segment from one bone end to the other in a controlled fashion allowing for complete control of the rate of bone transport and adjusting this rate to the quality of the bone formation. It applies to patients in whom a segment of bone has been removed. This fully internal bone transport allows the bone transport to occur without any external fixation, thus eliminating the problems associated with pin tract infections and pain from the pins cutting through the soft tissue.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a first wing, a spacer with a thickness and a second wing, wherein a first configuration of the second wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the second wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the second wing has a second height greater than the first height. The implant is then urged into position between adjacent spinous processes and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.

Abstract: The invention provides an expansion screw set, a hollow nail and an interior nail. The expansion screw set is composed of the hollow nail and the interior nail. The hollow nail has a hollow structure. A first thread and a second thread are provided for the inside and the outside of the hollow nail. The interior nail has a third thread. The hollow nail could nail an object through the first thread. The third thread of the interior nail corresponds to the second thread of the hollow nail. Therefore, the interior nail can be fastened into the hollow structure after the interior nail is nailed into the hollow nail. Moreover, the hollow nail has a separation line which runs parallel to the penetration direction of the hollow structure. Alternatively, the hollow nail has a plurality of penetration holes which is vertical to the penetration direction of the hollow structure. After the interior nail is nailed into the hollow structure, the separation line can be stretched out through the interior nail.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a bone with a compression fracture, includes a coil having a compressed state and an expanded state and which is insertable into the bone when in its compressed state, and an expansion tool arranged to be coupled to the coil when the coil is present in the bone. Manual control of the expansion tool, e.g., by a physician, enables expansion of the coil from the compressed state to the expanded state. Methods for using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A stem-like bone implant includes longitudinal structural members and tension cables that provide curvature control and support, and rigidity against bending and buckling. The longitudinal structural members and tension cables may become an integral part of a composite regenerated bone having a substantially increased strength over natural bone. The flexibility of the implant is controlled by specifically varying the structural geometry of certain portions of the implant, and by adjusting the tension in the tension cables before, during and after the implantation operation to thereby adjust the stiffness of the implant. The tension cables may be adjusted to produce asymmetric or non-uniform levels of tension in the longitudinal structural members.

Abstract: An intercalary implant has two stem members and a collar. One stem member includes a stem portion to be received in the intramedullary canal of a native end portion of a long bone and a threaded male portion to be outside of the intramedullary canal. The second stem member also includes a stem portion to be received in the intramedullary canal of the opposite native end portion of the long bone. The second stem member has a spacer portion and a shoulder to be outside of the intramedullary canal. The collar has an annular base portion with an opening and a cylindrical female threaded portion. When assembled, collar connects the first and second stem members and the implant spans a gap in the shaft of the long bone. The parts can be assembled without distracting the native end bone portions in the proximal-distal direction to prevent damage to soft tissue around the native end bone portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-part telescopic intramedullary orthopedic device comprising a first section inserted into the medullary cavity of one of the fractured or severed bone ends, and secured thereto, and a second section inserted into the medullary cavity of the other fractured or severed bone end and secured thereto, wherein the first section is telescoped within the internal space of the second section, and wherein one of the sections comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other section is either constructed entirely of a non-magnetic material or comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein the ferromagnetic section(s) are actuable by an external axially directed magnetic field, such that one section may be caused to move axially (either bidirectional or essentially unidirectional) in relation to the other section. In addition, the invention encompasses a method for changing bone length as well as a method for enhancing bone fracture healing.

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

Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable distraction device comprises a first arm, having a first skeletal connector for attachment to a first skeletal component at a first location. A second arm has a second skeletal connector for attachment to a second skeletal component at a second location. The first and second arms are slidably moveable with respect to each other. A fluid actuator is associated with each of the first and second arms to apply a separating force between the arms to slidably move at least one of the arms relative to the other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant for replacing a vertebra at least partially, consisting of two parts adapted to be mutually connecting while enabling the adjustment of the implant total dimension, each part having an invariable dimension homologous with the implant dimensions. The parts form a screw-nut connection with each other.

Abstract: A surgical distraction device is provided for applying extending or tensioning force non-invasively to a patient's skeleton or to an implant which comprises anchoring means for attaching first and second components of the device to a bone or to adjoining bones, said components being connected by a linkage of an extendible length, a magnet connected to the linkage via a reduction gearbox and actuating means located externally of the patient for generating a moving or varying electro-magnetic field, thereby causing the magnet to rotate and the linkage to be extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone fixation device having a fixation member using a shape memory effect to secure bone fractures, including but not limited to, femur, tibia and humerus fractures. The fixation member can be malleable at a room temperature, but become rigid at a body temperature because of the shape memory effect, such as derived from a super-elastic property found in such as a nickel titanium alloy. The fixation member can be formed on one or more of the shaft portion and the two end portions of a nail member for securing bone fractures, such as by providing translational and rotational stabilities. The fixation member is also capable of providing a continuous and controllable compression force over the fractured bone, if needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial joint which can be rapidly, securely and easily fixed while being suited to an inner surface of a bone marrow hole by a novel structure absolutely different from the conventional one. An artificial joint is provided with a stem base portion (10) in which a desired head (2) and a desired socket (5) are in slidably contact with each other in a freely bending manner, stems (9, 16) are fitly attached to free ends of the head (2) and the socket (5) respectively, and the respective stems (9, 16) have therein locking screws (14) freely screwing to move along axial directions thereof, and a pair of stem pieces (15) having an elasticity provided to protrude on both front portions of the stem base portion (10), and the locking screws (14) are forcedly inserted within the stem pieces (15) so as to expand them outward, thereby making them tightly contact with and fix to inner surfaces of bone marrow holes (19, 21).

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthetic device (1) in form of an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal shape, a central axis (5), a first end (2) and a second end (3). The device (1) is helically shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for moving a two bodies 1, 2 relative to each other. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises two parts 11, 12, a projecting portion 14 mounted to co-operate with one of the two parts, a cavity 13 formed in the other part and complementary in shape to the projecting portion 14, the two parts 11, 12 being mounted to move relative to each other in such a manner that the projecting portion 14 penetrates into the cavity 13, the projecting portion 14 forming a closed loop made of an electrically conductive material which completely surrounds a magnetic core 101 which is not completely surrounded by the mechanism 100 for interconnecting the projecting portion 14 and the first part 11. The invention is applicable in particular to a bone prosthesis, a medullary nail for lengthening bones, a rod for correcting and supporting the spinal column.

Abstract: An intramedullary device used to stabilize a variety of fractured bones includes a plurality of resilient spine elements. A porous interconnection structure interconnects the spine elements, such as a mesh or a plurality of struts connected between the spine elements. The device expands at one or both ends, and optionally, the shaft of the device can also expand. The end of the device, in its expanded state, has a circumference greater than a circumference of the shaft. The spine elements and/or the interconnection structure are pre-shaped, e.g., composed of a resilient material and pre-shaped, such that the end of the device expands in the absence of an external restraining force. The spine elements and/or interconnection structure can be composed of a shape memory material, such that the expandable end of the device expands when heated to a temperature above a transitional temperature of the shape memory material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for fixing a first bone fragment (5.1), notably an ankle-bone fragment in ankle joint fractures, to a corresponding second bone fragment (5.2). Said element comprises an elongated spreading part (2) and a fixing part (1) which can be introduced into aligned holes (4, 6) in the bone fragments (5.1, 5.2). The fixing part has a proximal first section (1.1) designed to be introduced into the first bone fragment (5.1) and an adjoining distal second section (1.2) designed to be introduced into the second bone fragment (5.2), as well as a hollow cavity (3) extending substantially along its full length. The fixing part (1) is configured such that it can be fully introduced into the holes (4, 6); by proximal introduction of the spreading part (2) into the hollow cavity (3) at right angles to its longitudinal direction can be spread open by wedge action at least in the area of its two ends so as to be joined to the corresponding bone fragment (5.1, 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone nails for positioning fractured bone portions relative to one another. In particular, the present invention provides a bone portion securing device adapted to be received within a bone cavity, the device including at least one portion capable of being radially expanded under an applied force, the at least one expansion portion having at least one portion capable of being expanded under an applied force, the at least one expansion portion having at least one portion, at least one characteristic of which is selected to be different to a corresponding at least one characteristic of at least another part of the portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary support strut for a long bone for a range of different applications including anchoring and fixation. The strut is in the form of nested telescopic members. In the retracted configuration, the strut is compact and may be inserted into position aligned with a shaft made in the medullary canal via a portal made in the lateral cortex of the bone. The strut may then be telescopically extended into the medullary canal to provide the required support.

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

Abstract: A surgical bone reference assembly is communicable with an image guided surgical system such that position and movement of a bone element are monitorable. A bone anchor member comprises a trackable member and teeth engageable with the bone element. The trackable member comprises a detectable element adapted to be located and tracked in three dimensional space by the image guided surgical system, thereby defining position and movement of the trackable member. A protective guide member is used with the bone anchor member such that the bone anchor member is insertable through soft tissue covering the bone element without causing significant damage thereto. The bone anchor member is engageable with the bone element, such that the teeth are forced into engagement with the bone element and the bone anchor member is fastenable to the bone element in a fixed relation thereto.