Abstract: The distraction system for long bones includes a guide socket (42) and an intramedullary pin (10). It will make possible, in addition to elongation, also a segmental dislocation, as well as a segmental dislocation in combination with an elongation without repeated surgical intervention, while assuring a sufficient pressure on the bone contact surfaces of the docking site. Intramedullary pin (10) is thus provided on its outside wall with a projection (41) which engages in a longitudinal hole (43) in guide socket (42), whereby intramedullary pin (10) is secured against rotation by means of guide socket (42) attached in the long bone, but can be displaced axially.

Abstract: An intramedullary device (1) for pinning bones, wherein an elongated body (6), insertable inside the medullary canal of the bone (2), is connected to the bone (2) by a connecting device (14) having at least one deformable metal pin (15), and an assembly (16) for deforming and guiding the pin (15) along a respective given path (19); the guide assembly (16) having at least one guide surface (23) extending at least along a portion of the path (19), and a radial constraint element (28) distinct from the elongated body (6) and connected to the elongated body (6) in a position facing an intermediate portion of the guide surface (23) to define, in use, a radial constraint for the pin (15).

Abstract: A screw removal system is provided that can be used to remove a broken screw piece, which is embedded in a bone. The screw removal system includes an internally-threaded outer tube and a T-handled shaft which screws into the tube. The outer tube includes at one end two flange legs that engage the second or third thread of the broken screw piece and a bonding component sized to engage the broken screw piece. With the outer tube held in a stationary position by a wrench, the T-handled shaft is rotated downwardly to force the flange legs, and the bonding component into a locking engagement with the broken screw piece. After this locking engagement is achieved, the outer tube wrench is held so that it can rotate with the T-handled shaft and the broken screw piece can be unscrewed out of the bone upon continued rotation of the T-handled shaft, which causes the rotation of both the outer tube and the engaged screw piece.

Abstract: A method and template for making a rod to be implanted in a human for affixing the spine of the patient. The template and the method consist of a metal rod covered by a flexible sleeve and end caps.

Abstract: An improved fixation assembly for orthopedic applications. The fixation assembly includes a screw having an upper shank portion, a middle section with a recessed area, and a lower threaded section. A locking ring surrounds the recessed area of the screw, with the diameter of the locking ring being greater than the diameter of the recessed area of said screw and less than the diameter of the shank and threaded sections of the screw. The screw and locking ring combination is used to attach an orthopedic plate to a bone. The orthopedic plate includes a hole for receiving the screw and the locking ring. The hole includes an upper section and a lower section, wherein the width of the upper section is less than the width of the locking ring so that the locking ring is compressed while in the upper section of the hole. The width of the lower section is greater than the width of the locking ring so that the locking ring is not compressed while in the lower section of the hole.

Abstract: A fixture is attached to the bones using external fixation techniques to trace a representation of the polycentric motion of a joint. The fixture has two plates attached to bones on respective sides of the joint. The plates are unconnected to each other and free to move relative to each other. The motion may be recorded using a stylus that traces a track in a deformable medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting two or more bone segments during the healing process. The device comprises an elongate pin having a distal anchor thereon. A proximal anchor is axially movably disposed with respect to the pin, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. The bone fixation device may comprise bioabsorbable or permanent materials such as poly-p-dioxanone, poly L-lactide (PLLA), nylon or stainless steel.

Abstract: A calcar trial includes a stem having a proximal end and a distal end, and a body. The body is engaged with the stem near the proximal end of the stem and is slidable with respect to the stem. A locking mechanism inhibits movement of the body with respect to the stem when desired. A collar extends radially outward from the stem to surround a portion of the body. The body and stem are configured so that the diameter of the calcar trial at a point between the collar and the distal end of the stem increases as the body is moved toward the distal end of the stem and decreases as the body is moved away from the distal end of the stem. The proximal end of the stem can include opposed notches that are egagable by a forked tool. A curved distal stem portion can be secured to the distal end of the stem.

Abstract: Fasteners having coordinated self-seeking conforming members or implanting into a cavity such as a hole, tube, or hard tissue defect are provided. An actuator mechanism translates applied force to conform members of a plurality of members to the cavity. The fasteners may be used for implanting a prosthetic device into hard tissue of humans or animals, for anchoring a device while the device is being worked on, for centering a device in a hole or tube, such as in well technology. The mechanism operates expanding members so that they independently or dependently conform and apply controlled and known pressure to surrounding materials.

Abstract: An endomedullar device for nailing long bones is disclosed. The device includes an elongated tubular body for insertion inside the bone. A connecting mechanism for connecting the body to the bone is made up of at least a pair of deformable nails and an operating mechanism for moving the deformable nails between a withdrawn idle position inside the tubular body and an operating position where the nails project outward of the tubular body and into the bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for displacing two bodies relative to each other. The device of the invention is made up of two pieces respectively associated with the two bodies, a mechanism for applying a force between the two pieces, a projecting portion secured to the piece, a cavity complementary to at least a part of the projecting portion formed in the other piece, the pieces being displaceably mounted relative to each other in such a manner that the projecting portion engages in the cavity, the piece in which the cavity is formed being of a first material that is suitable for passing from an undeformable hard first state to a deformable soft second state, while the piece which is secured to the projecting portion is of a substantially undeformable second material, and a controller for controlling the passage of at least the portion of the first material that surrounds the cavity from the first state to the second state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A device for effecting progressive elongation of a sectioned bone having no extracutaneous elements, and a method for using the device, are presented. The device, which includes a pair of telescopically engaged cylindrical members, is inserted into the medullary space of the bone, and one cylindrical member is affixed to each section of bone. Under the normal torsions experienced by the affected limb, a clutch mechanism is provided that causes the cylindrical members to be forced apart, separating the sections of bone, at which site new bone growth is stimulated. Rotations as small as 1 degree are sufficient to activate elongation. A mechanism is also provided for sensing and measuring the amount of elongation that has occurred extracutaneously. In an alternate embodiment, instead of the clutch mechanism, elongation is achieved by magnetically driving an internal component with an externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A bone lengthening mechanism is placed into a bone which is then lengthened by extending the mechanism. The mechanism is extended by effecting a rotational movement in a drive bolt which mates with a threaded portion in a section of the mechanism. The threads convert the rotational movement to a longitudinal force thereby lengthening the bone.

Abstract: A bone marrow cavity fixation device for treating a fractured bone is composed of a tubular body, a plurality of diameter-adjusting elements, an adjustment element, and an urging element. The tubular body is provided axially with a hollow interior and is further provided peripherally with a plurality of through holes communicating the hollow interior with the outside of the tubular body. The diameter-adjusting elements are disposed movably in the through holes such that the diameter-adjusting elements can be so urged by the adjustment element located in the hollow interior as to jut out of the through holes to bring about an increase in diameter of the tubular body. The adjustment element can be actuated by a rotational motion of the urging element which is located in the hollow interior such that the top end of the adjustment element is urged by the lower end of the urging element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reduction of spondylolisthesis involving the insertion of an elongate implant which is split longitudinally into two side-by-side members, one of which is movable relative to the other, into the disk space between two misaligned vertebrae. Each of the members is provided with teeth for engaging the adjacent vertebrae and positioned on the members so as to be located on opposite sides of the implant. The implant formed by the two side-by-side members is generally rectangularly-shaped in cross section, the height of the rectangularly-shaped cross section being less than the width so that the implant can be inserted between the adjacent vertebrae with the lesser, height dimension oriented in the same direction as the axis of the spinal column and the larger width dimension at approximately a right angle to that axis.

Abstract: Transverse connector (10) bridges rod connector assemblies (40 and 70), and includes an elongate body (12) along longitudinal axis (L). A first portion (20) is formed at a first end (22) of elongate body (12), and has an interlocking surface (26) configured to engage rod connector assembly 40 in variable rotational positions which need not be perpendicular to rod (R1). A second portion (30) is formed at an opposite second end (32) of elongate body (12) and has interlocking surface (36) configured to engage rod connector assembly (70) in variable linear positions. As a result, transverse connector (10) accommodates variable spacing of rods (R1 and R2), and variable positioning of rod connector assemblies (40 and 70) thereon. Rod connector assemblies (40 and 70) include bone screw plates (50 and 80), respectively, connected thereto. A spinal fixation system results which permits connection of a transverse connector (10) at the same site along a rod as a vertebral fixation element.

Abstract: A compression locking variable length cross-link device having a pair of rod hooking elements, each having rod securing and flat coupling ends. The flat coupling ends are slidably coupled to one another for selective locking to one another independent of the relative separation of the rod securing ends. Each hooking element has a curvate end formed from flat material which has been shaped into a hook conformation to cup the lateral outside surface of a corresponding rod. A set screw positioned through a hole in the top of the curved end locks the curvate end to the rod. In a first embodiment, one (a first) rod hooking element has a narrow flat end having a knurled top surface. The corresponding flat end of the other (second) element is wider, has a knurled undersurface, and has a hole therethrough for receiving a post. The post has a transverse passageway through it for slidably receiving the narrow flat portion of the first element, and an upper portion which is threaded.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral cage apparatus includes a pair of cage components, each generally in the shape of a half cylinder. Each of the cage components provides a corresponding, abutting conically shaped recess that cooperates with a conical end portion of an expansion screw. One of the cage components carries a fitting with an internally threaded bore that receives external threads of the expansion screw. As the expansion screw advances into the cage, the conically shaped end portion of the expansion screw engages the conically shaped recesses on the cage components to expand the two cage components apart until they are in contact with the vertebral plates of adjacent vertebrae. The cage components have passageways for packing with bone-inducing-growth material allowing the cage to become part of a spinal fusion. A surgical method for installing the expandable intervertebral cage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic clip for osteosynthesis for connecting at least two bone parts together, comprising a body having at least two spaced legs, each leg having a lower end which can be inserted into a bone part and each having an upper end, the upper ends of said at least two legs being attached to corresponding ends of an elastic bridge which is deformable by pressure and which preferably comprises at least two elongated sections which extend alongside each other. Preferably, the clip has four legs attached in pairs to each of the ends of the bridge, the legs of each pair being attached together. The two elongated sections have at least a portion where they are not connected together, so that the two bridge sections can be forced apart to hold the bone parts in place. Alternatively, the two bridge sections are spaced apart and brought together to hold two bone parts together with a prescribed spacing.

Abstract: A locked intramedullary nail suitable for treating fractures of the femur, including a pin provided with proximal and distal holes for the passage of locking screws, and further including coaxial tubular elements of greater diameter than the pin, the first of which is mounted from the proximal end on the pin and is provided with restraining means which prevent its rotation about the pin but which enable it to translate along its axis as far as a stop, the first element comprising an upper thread and holes for the passage of the proximal locking screws, between the thread and said holes it being to a certain extent elastically yieldable in the manner of a spring by the effect of spiral slits provided through its lateral surface, the second of the coaxial tubular elements being mounted on said first element and engaging it via a thread of opposite hand to that of the first element, while at the same time engaging the proximal end of the pin by screwing, so that while said second element screws onto the pin it u

Abstract: A method of intervertebral disk stabilization in which adjacent vertebrae are spread and a portion of the intervertebral disk is removed from therebetween is disclosed. An elongate, generally cylindrically shaped implant having middle and end portions, the middle portion being of larger diameter than the end portions, is inserted into the space between the adjacent vertebrae from which the disk was removed and then rotated. Threads formed on the outside surface of the implant bear against the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to move the implant back and forth in an anterior-posterior direction in the disk space to a position in which both the larger diameter middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided are orthopedic fasteners and replacements such as nails, screws, pins, hip and knee replacements, etc., coated with hydrogels and other biocompatible/biodegradable materials which expand in the presence of liquids. Swelling of such coatings causes the fastener or replacement to be securely fixed into position once inserted into bone material. Useful coating materials include methacrylates, hyaluronic acid esters, and crosslinked esters of hyaluronic acid resulting from the esterification of hyaluronic acid with polyhydric alcohols. Also provided is a method for fixing a bone or bone replacement in position employing such coated orthopedic fasteners or replacements.

Abstract: An anchor and method for securement into a bore in a medium. The anchor has a first generally hollow cylindrical section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers and a second generally hollow cylindrical section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers. The first and second sections are arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section. The first and second sections are adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, whereby at least some of the fingers move outwardly so as to secure the two sections in the bore in the medium.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a long bone combines an external fixator with a locking nail implanted in the medullary canal of a long bone. The external fixator has fixed bone pins at each of its ends and movable bone pins intermediate its ends. The fixed bone pins extend through transverse bores at each end of the bone nail and the movable pins extends through a slot in the bone nail intermediate its ends. By this method a fracture can be compressed and stabilized while healing.

Abstract: An implantable bone lengthening apparatus may utilize an entirely self-contained lengthening mechanism which includes a shape memory material-powered hydraulic pump, a shape memory material-powered ratchet mechanism, a permeable head piston mechanism, and a bellows extension mechanism. The bone lengthening nails are more compact, simpler, eliminate unnecessary shifting or torsional movement, and maintain alignment of the bone during its natural healing process.

Abstract: A modular intramedullary nail includes three connectable sections that are connectable end to end. The three sections include an upper proximal nail component, a lower distal nail component, and a central nail component. The nail components are connected and the end using corresponding frustroconical socket and frustroconical projecting end portions of adjoining end nail components that can be fitted together with a taper lock or morse taper connection and secured tightly together upon impact. Upon assembly, the connections are self orienting, providing corresponding key and slot portions adjacent the respective frustroconical socket and frustroconical projecting end portions of the nail components. The interlocking keys and slot align and abut upon assembly so that the adjoining nail components only align in one relative rotational position.

Abstract: A modular intramedullary nail has two or more modular components of varied sizes and designs, which are joined by a morse taper friction fit. Adjacent modular components are prevented from rotating relative to each other and can be properly aligned when assembled.

Abstract: A medullary pin is described for intermedullary use in the healing of damage to bones, in particular the healing of fractures of tubular bones. The medullary pin is insertable into the medullary tube of the bone and can be secured to the bone with fixation means at both ends. At least one end of the pin is formed as a fastening part which can be fixed to the outer side of the bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant for engagement in a space left by ablation of a vertebral body between a pair of adjacent vertebrae has a tubular center element extending along an axis and a pair of end elements. The center element is formed with upper and lower screwthreads of opposite hand and with a plurality of radially throughgoing apertures. The upper and lower tubular end elements are each formed with a plurality of radially throughgoing apertures, each have a circular-section inner end threaded onto a respective one of the screwthreads, and each have an outer end adapted to bear on a respective one of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device for lengthening bone in a human or animal by incrementally extending the distance between discrete separated portions of the bone to permit continued bone growth between the separated portions comprising an intramedullary nail having distal and proximal portions both of which are secured within the medullar canal of the bone. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the proximal portion and a piston is connected to the distal portion of the nail. An implantable supply of operating fluid communicates with the cylinder and ratcheting mechanism, between the piston and cylinder, limit their relative movement. A shock absorber mechanism permits limited lost motion between the piston and cylinder and ratcheting release means are employed to permit the piston and cylinder to reverse directions. Various interchangeable distal tips are disclosed to accommodate not only different bones but differently shaped medullar canals.

Abstract: An expansible bone plug assembly comprises a first member closed by a substantially planar surface at one end thereof, the member having a cylindrical outer surface. A central bore extends through the planar surface, and a plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the first member. A second member is closed by a hemispherical surface at one end thereof, and has a cylindrical outer surface. A plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the second member. The second member fingers are interdigitated with the first member fingers, and bear against the first member and the first member fingers bear against the second member. An axially extensible and retractable compression member extends through the bore and is engaged with the second member for causing the first and second members to be drawn together when the compression member is retracted, so that the fingers of the first and second members are thereby caused to extend radially outwardly.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for the lengthening of bones. It comprises base and extension means and adjustment and rectilinear means. The base means includes an elongated means having a longitudinal axis, and axial opening therethrough and having an inner surface, and distal and proximal ends. The adjustment means has an axis, an outer surface, and is disposed within the distal end of the base means. The rectilinear means are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the axial opening of the base means and the adjustment means, respectively, for permitting rectilinear motion of the adjustment means toward the proximal end of the base means. The extension means has an axis, and is telescopically disposed within the proximal end of the base means; it is affixed to the adjustment means.

Abstract: A device for effecting progressive elongation of a sectioned bone having no extracutaneous elements, and a method for using the device, are presented. The device, which includes a pair of telescopically engaged cylindrical members, is inserted into the medullary space of the bone, and one cylindrical member is affixed to each section of bone. Under the normal torsions experienced by the affected limb, a clutch mechanism is provided that causes the cylindrical members to be forced apart, separating the sections of bone, at which site new bone growth is stimulated. Rotations as small as 1 degree are sufficient to activate elongation. In order to limit excessive rotational displacement, a keyring mechanism is provided that limits rotation to that which is physically tolerated yet provides sufficient lengthening, typically between 3 and 5 degrees.

Abstract: A lockable intramedullary nail, suitable for treating fractures of the humerus, including a pin provided in the proximal region with a slot and with an abutment for a spring to be mounted about the pin. On the spring there acts a suitable structure for adjusting compression of the spring, including a sleeve provided with a through hole for the proximal locking of the nail, the hole being able to translate along the pin in a position facing the slot.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a rivet for insertion into a predrilled bore hole in bone, and a setting pin which extends through an axial aperture in the rivet. Preferably the setting pin has barbed legs which are radially expandable to frictionally engage the walls of the bore hole to secure the anchor therein. The setting pin includes a suture accommodating aperture, surface, and/or slot. In one embodiment, a snap-fitting detent and notch are engageable with each other to form an escapement mechanism to position the setting pin at discrete positions within the axial aperture of the rivet.

Abstract: An implant for replacing vertebrae has a central load bearing member with a first end and a second end. A first support element is positioned at the first end and a second support element is positioned at the second end. At least one of the first and second support elements has a contact surface, wherein an angle of the contact surface relative to the central load bearing member and the adjacent vertebrae is adjustable for abutting at the adjacently arranged vertebrae. After adjusting the angle of the contact surface, the first and second support elements are fixedly connected to the central load bearing member.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes a stem having a rod portion, the rod portion including a first end portion adapted for connection to a bone and a second end portion including a piston reciprocable in a sleeve. The sleeve includes a closed end and an inner chamber extending to an opposite open end and defining an axial dimension. The chamber contains the piston for sliding movement therethrough and extension of the first end portion of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. The closed end of the sleeve includes an outer surface having a mounting component thereon for mounting on a bone. An inner surface of the closed end cooperates with the piston to define an axially expandable pocket therebetween. Hydrogel is disposed within the pocket and is axially expandable relative to the axis defined by the chamber upon contact with fluid for forcing extension of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. A valve or metering pump controls the flow of the fluid to the hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bone fixation device composed of two separate connectable sections: a compression device and an elongated member. The compression device is further composed of four interacting elements: a hollow, elongated body; a flexible compression wire; at least two compression blades and a hollow cylinder. The elongated member may be adapted to accept shims. The present invention also discloses a bone alignment device composed of: two adjustable circular members; a tubular, longitudinally extending member connecting the two circular members; at least two longitudinally extending connectors also connecting the two circular members and at least one adjustable bone alignment means attached to each connector for applying pressure to the limb containing the fractured bone. The present invention also discloses a system for using the bone alignment device and bone fixation device of the present invention together to align and fix a broken bone.

Abstract: A locking nail which is used for a plurality of bone cavities is provided in a plurality of lengths. The bone nail is suited for dynamic medical care as well as for subjecting compression and/or distraction forces.The shaft (10) of the locking nail is hollow and straight and has an outer diameter which is for the most part smaller than the inner diameter of the corticalis. Enlarging the bone cavity is generally not necessary. The nail has at least a cross bore for receiving a bone screw at the first end and a further cross bore for a bone screw at the second end adjacent the driving end. A bore at the second end (18) is formed as an elongate bore (26) and an inner threaded portion is formed at the second end (18), which threaded portion extends into the elongate bore (26) for receiving a screw bolt (54, 62) which may be brought in contact with the shaft of the bone screw (82) extending through the elongate bore (26).

Abstract: An elastic clip for osteosynthesis for connecting at least two bone parts together, comprising a body having at least two spaced legs, each leg having a lower end which can be inserted into a bone part and each having an upper end, the upper ends of said at least two legs being attached to corresponding ends of an elastic bridge which is deformable by pressure and which preferably comprises at least two elongated sections which extend alongside each other. Preferably, the clip has four legs attached in pairs to each of the ends of the bridge, the legs of each pair being attached together. The two elongated sections have at least a portion where they are not connected together, so that the two bridge sections can be forced apart to hold the bone parts in place. Alternatively, the two bridge sections are spaced apart and brought together to hold two bone parts together with a prescribed spacing.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary bone lengthening device for correction of limb length deficiencies without a need for transcutaneous connections. The implantable intramedullary bone lengthening nail has an implantable housing, an adjustment mechanism attached to the telescoping cylinder housing, and a drive assembly attached to the housing and the adjustment mechanism for transmitting an expansion force to the adjustment mechanism. The implantable housing may be sealed, encapsulating the unit. The intramedullary bone lengthening nail is inserted into the intramedullary cavity of a bone, which may have been enlarged by reaming. The implantable housing of the intramedullary nail is formed from two telescoping cylinders and is affixed at either end to the bone using pins. The adjustment mechanism is attached to both cylinders of the housing and includes a mechanism for expanding the nail and a ratcheting mechanism for regulating the expansion.

Abstract: A bone nail for the medical care of spoke bone (i.e., radius) fractures comprises a hollow shaft (10) curved in a plane, which shaft is to be distally and posteriorly inserted into a spoke bone medullary canal and which includes a proximal end portion which is slotted so as to be able to be spread apart by a spreading body. A straddling member (36) having an outer threaded portion (44) cooperates with an inner threaded portion (18) in the slotted portion (12) of the shaft (10) of the nail so as to radially expand the proximal nail end when the straddling body (36) is rotated. A cross bore (22) at the distal end of the shaft (10) receives a bone screw extending approximately vertical to the plane of the curvature.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes an implant body and an axially received stem. The stem has a threaded portion and an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone. The implant body includes an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone and a tubular sleeve. The sleeve adjustably receives the stem. An adjustment nut is rotatably carried upon the sleeve for threadably engaging the stem to effect telescopic length adjustment of the stem relative to the sleeve. A jam nut is threaded over the stem and forcibly tightened against the adjustment collar to prevent accidental adjustment of the stem. The female thread formation in each of the adjustment collar and jam nut includes a wedge ramp positioned across the thread root for engaging the thread crest of the corresponding male screw formation on the stem to evenly distribute stresses through the screw formations.

Abstract: A device for transporting a segment of bone intentionally separated at an interim point from the proximal end of a bone toward a void in the bone in the direction of the distal end in a human or animal by incrementally extending the distance between the segment and the proximal end to permit continued bone growth between the intentionally separated portions comprising an intramedullary nail having distal and proximal portions both of which are securable within the medullar canal of the bone. The nail comprising a hydraulic cylinder is connectable to the proximal portion of the bone and a piston is connectable to the intentionally separated segment.

Abstract: A kit for coupling two bone segments has a first longitudinally extending intercalary element with a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of one of the bone segments and a second end in the form of a male conically tapered section, The kit also has a second longitudinally extending intercalary element having a first end for insertion into the medullary canal of the other bone segment which element has a second end in the form of a female conically tapered section for mating with the male section of the first intercalary element, Both intercalary elements have engagement elements formed thereon intermediate the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: A device for lengthening bone in an human or animal by incrementally extending the distance between discrete separated portions of the bone to permit continued bone growth between the separated portions comprising an intramedullary nail having distal and proximal portions both of which are secured with the medullar canal of the bone. A hydraulic cylinder comprises the proximal portion of the nail and a piston comprises the distal portion of the nail. An implantable supply of operating fluid communicates with the cylinder. A ratcheting mechanism, between the piston and cylinder, limits their relative movement. A shock absorber mechanism permits limited lost motion between the piston and cylinder and ratcheting release mechanisms are employed to permit the piston and cylinder to reverse directions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an internal bone fixation apparatus for supporting and securing together two sections of a fractured elongated bone within a patient's body. Generally, the apparatus includes first and second fixation portions which are disposed in holes formed in the internal cavity of the fractured bone on respective sides of the fracture, and a means for connecting these fixation portions together. In the preferred version of the present invention, the connecting means is adjustable such that the first and second fixations portions can be drawn together or spread apart in the longitudinal direction, thereby similarly moving the first and second sections of the fractured bone. In addition, the structural and securing portions of the invention are made from strong resilient metals, that are not necessarily compatible for long term contact with the body of the patient. However, the metals are completely isolated from any contact with the body of the patient by insulating materials which are compatible.

Abstract: Intramedullary pin with self-locking end for metadiaphyseal fractures, constituted by a proximal stub provided with means for fixing to the cortices; the ends of at least two curved and elastically deformable stems are axially rigidly associated with the stub, and the stems are adapted to expand elastically and to press with their tips the walls of the bone from the inside of the medullary canal.

Abstract: The device relates to reconstructive surgery and orthopedics, and includes a central rod introducible into medullary canals of bone fragments of a bone, and a tubular element fittable on the rod at the place of the missing portion of the bone, the tubular element being equidimensional with the missing portion of the bone. The tubular element is shaped as a shell made of biocompatible polymers, and a layer of a porous polymer material is insertable between the rod and the shell incorporating a biomass of homogenized bone tissues. The invention is used for restoration of missing portions of bone which have been lost due to extensive injuries or wounds or as a result of pathologic changes of the bone tissue (such as may be caused by tumors or tuberculous infections).

Abstract: An intramedullary nail is provided having a top end and a distal end. Pivotally mounted jaws are located at the distal end which, when closed, are adapted to be secured about fixed supports in a fractured bone to be healed. The jaws can be fixed into position about the fixed supports.