Abstract: A lag screw for connecting a bone portion separated from the femur, by fracture, to the main portion thereof is fixedly secured in the separated bone portion and extends through main portion of the femur. A nail member is installed in the femur in order to fix the lag screw to the femur. The lag screw is secured in the nail member by a set screw inserted into an outer end of the nail member. In order to prevent the rotation of the separated bone portion about the lag screw, an auxiliary connector is inserted through the nail member between the lag screw and the set screw. The lag screw is clamped by the set screw via a spacer for transmitting a clamping force.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail system for use in all human and animal bones for healing fractures or lengthening bones, in particular for use in the femoral region, including an intramedullary nail as the base element, which can optionally be connected at its top and/or bottom end to at least one further implant component via connecting members (3, 4, 6, 10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an intramedullary nail with a locking hole. The locking hole crosses the intramedullary nail perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail. The locking hole includes a passage which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail and a borehole which does not contact the passage and also extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail and is displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis in relation to the passage. The locking hole further includes a slit which connects the passage and the borehole and which in a cross-section of the intramedullary nail is not parallel to the passage.

Abstract: An intramedullary device facilitates fixation after installing in a bone cavity by drilling a pilot opening from the interior of the device through the bone cortical to the exterior. The intramedullary device is equipped with an internal baffle system which is a stationary and can remain a permanent fixed element of the rod for unimpeded steering of a cutting tool from the interior of the device through the bone cortical to the bone exterior. The interior baffle may consist of a laterally inclined chute allowing a bone boring tool on an elongated power transmission cable to be guidedly advanced downwardly to the interior of the device to a pin opening for cutting the bone cortical from the inside and forming the all important initial pilot opening in the bone. The pilot opening can then be utilized to form a continuous channel by introducing a drill bit from the outside of the bone through the two predrilled openings in the device and then cutting through the opposite bone cortical.

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation device according to the present invention includes an intramedullary nail and an intramedullary nail head. The intramedullary nail head can be set and fixed on the proximal end of the intramedullary nail and has at least one bore which extends transversely to the central axis of the intramedullary nail for form-fittingly receiving at a stable angle a bone fastener. At least one threaded bore is provided between the distal end and the proximal end of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: An intramedullary device used to stabilize any of a variety of fractured bones. The device includes a plurality of resilient spine elements and a porous interconnection structure, which interconnects the plurality of spine elements. The porous interconnection structure can be composed of a mesh or plurality of struts connected between the spine elements, The device expands at one or both of the ends. Optionally, the shaft of the device can expand. The end of the device, when expanded, has a circumference greater than a circumference of the structural shaft. Expansion of the device is actuated by pre-shaping the spine elements and/or the interconnection structure. In this regard, the spine elements and/or interconnection structure can be composed of a resilient material and pre-shaped, such that the end or ends of the device expand in the absence of an external restraining force.

Abstract: An intramedullary locking nail for the treatment of femoral neck fractures has a generally elongate body. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the axis is bent between the proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion has a transverse passageway inclined to the axis for receiving, in use, a femoral neck blade. The passageway is formed by two pairs of opposing walls, one of the pairs of opposing walls has walls that are substantially flat and lie in planes that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nail. The distal portion has at least one cross bore having a generally oblong cross-section for receiving, in use, an element for locking the nail to a patient's bone. The oblong cross-section of the bore permits, in use, selection in the degree of anchoring of the nail to the bone depending upon where the locking element is located in the bore.

Abstract: An intramedullary fracture fixation device is provided which includes an intramedullary rod, a lag screw and a lag screw collar. The rod has a proximal end with a transverse bore extending therethrough. The lag screw has a distal end with coarse bone engaging thread elements and a proximal end with screw threads. When in use, the lag screw is substantially axially aligned with the transverse bore of the rod. The lag screw collar has an outer diameter sized to rotatably fit within the transverse bore of the rod. The collar also has an inner diameter and internal screw threads adapted to cooperate with the screw threads of the proximal end of the lag screw. The lag screw collar may have an increased outer diameter at one end thereof which is at least slightly larger than a diameter of the transverse bore of the rod. The device preferably includes a longitudinal bore which extends through the proximal end of the rod so as to open into the transverse bore.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail for treating a fracture of a long bone according to the present invention has the shape of a helically twisted blade with a flattened cross section extending partially or totally along the longitudinal axis of the nail. The nail is provided with a hole at its distal end for receiving a bone fixation means to be inserted transversely through the hole and at least one cortex of the long bone. The nail is made long and thin with the smallest dimension of the cross section being much smaller than the largest dimension, so that it is flexible along the longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis auxiliary (10) for the treatment of subtrochanteric, peritrochanteric and femoral-neck Fractures, with a locking nail (12) that can be introduced from the proximal end into the medullary space of a femur(11) and that comprises a distal section (15) having at least one oblong cross bore (13) to receive a distal locking element as well as a proximal section (14) having a slanted passageway (16), and with a femoral-neck part (19) that can be introduced from a lateral position through the slanted passageway (16) into the neck (17) and head (18) of the femur, wherein at least the section of the femoral-head part that can be anchored in the head (18) of the femur has a cross section that is not circular or rotationally symmetrical. Preferably this section (34) has the shape of a double-T or I profile (35).

Abstract: A femoral intramedullary rod system capable of treating a variety of femoral bone fractures using a uniform intramedullary rod design. The system generally comprising an intramedullary rod defining an opening having an upper surface and a transverse member including a bone engaging portion and a connection portion defining a thru-hole with the nail sized to pass therethrough. A pin is selectively coupled to the transverse member to rigidly assemble the transverse member to the nail when the nail is passed through the thru-hole and the pin is received within the opening.

Abstract: A new type of bone fastener is proposed, which is suitable for implantation either in a fractured shinbone (tibia) or a fractured thighbone (femur). The bone fastener includes an elongated steel tube having a bent tail portion, a middle portion, and a frontal portion, with a plurality of screw holes being formed in a non-parallel manner in the bent tail portion and the frontal portion. Further, a set of bolts are selectively screwed to the screw holes depending on the case of either a shinbone fracture or a thighbone fracture so as to secure the fractured part together. Since the screw holes and the bolts are oriented in a non-parallel manner, the bone fastener can be hardly loosened off position when the user moves on foot at fast paces, thus providing a better fastening effect than the prior art.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for use in combination with a proximal bone screw. The nail includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end with a central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the body has a transverse slot therethrough, the transverse slot therethrough with contour for allowing the proximal bone screw to be inserted through the transverse slot and through the proximal end of the body with the longitudinal axis of the proximal bone screw located at an angle to the central axis of the body of the nail within a range between an acute angle on either side of a plane extending transverse to the central axis of the body of the nail.

Abstract: An intramedullary cavity nail for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, comprises a solid elongate body with a proximal portion (2) having at least one transverse bore for accommodating a corresponding screw (9, 10) for stabilizing the femoral neck, the proximal portion being joined to a distal portion (3) having at least one distal bore (16) for accommodating at least one diaphysis screw for stabilizing the distal part of the femur. The proximal portion (2) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.p) adapted to be stably anchored in a relatively limited length bore of the femur for reducing blood losses, while said distal portion (3) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.d) which is less than that of said proximal portion, for ease of insertion in the medullary canal of the femur without any drilling. The proximal and distal portions (2, 3) are substantially rectilinear and form between themselves a predetermined deviation angle (.beta.) in a lateral plane.

Abstract: A nail (or rod) for axial insertion into a large bone for support thereof, which comprises an elongated nail body having a central bore extending through the nail body from the proximal end along a proximal portion of the nail, and typically terminating at point spaced between the ends. The nail may also define a transversely flattened distal portion extending proximally from the distal end. In the embodiment shown, an open slot may extend centrally and longitudinally from the distal end along the distal portion to an inner slot end which is spaced between the ends of the nail. The nail body defines a plurality of transverse holes extending therethrough for receiving bone screws for supporting securance of the nail to a bone while the nail occupies the intramedullar space of the bone.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for use in combination with a proximal bone screw. The nail includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end with a central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the body has a transverse slot therethrough, the transverse slot therethrough with contour for allowing the proximal bone screw to be inserted through the transverse slot and through the proximal end of the body with the longitudinal axis of the proximal bone screw located at an angle to the central axis of the body of the nail within a range between an acute angle on either side of a plane extending transverse to the central axis of the body of the nail.

Abstract: An anchor for fixing soft tissue within a bone tunnel includes a distal end sized and shaped for passage through the tunnel and a proximal end for extending into the tunnel. The distal end is constructed to engage bone cortex adjacent the tunnel opening. The proximal end includes a mount for attaching soft tissue to the anchor. The distal end defines a hook having a sharp or rounded tip and teeth for engaging the bone cortex. The mount is a loop through which soft tissue is passed. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes passing the anchor through the tunnel, distal end first, and positioning the anchor in the tunnel with the distal end protruding from the tunnel such that the distal end engages bone cortex adjacent the opening of the tunnel and the proximal end extends into the tunnel.

Abstract: An interlocking intramedullary nail system has a nail having an upper extremity, a lower extremity and transverse locking ducts in the upper and lower extremity, a plurality of fixation bone screws adapted to be received by the locking ducts, an attachable lower guide at the lower extremity of the nail, a perforator-guide detachably-fixed to the upper extremity of the nail, and an attachable upper guide at the upper part of the perforator-guide for precisely meeting the locking ducts in the upper extremity of the nail. A method of interlocking an intramedullary nail using this system attaches the perforator-guide to the nail, perforates a bone along its medullary canal with the nail and the perforator-guide until the upper part of the perforator-guide has left the bone, and attaches the upper guide to the upper part of the perforator-guide. Holes are drilled into the bone using the locking ducts of the upper guide and bone screws inserted into the upper extremity locking ducts to secure the nail to the bone.

Abstract: The invention discloses an intramedullary nail to be used in orthopedics comprising: a tubular body having inside at least one anchoring device; a maneuvering element and a drilled bushing at the top end of said nail wherein said tubular body, substantially cylindrical, has the top end not cylindrically shaped. The anchoring device is provided with two or more longitudinal cavities shaped for housing a hook with arched tip pointed towards the outer side of the tube and movable with respect to the housing cavity during the sliding of the anchoring device with respect to the tube. The maneuvering element, housed inside the tubular body, operates the longitudinal sliding in the two opposite directions of said anchoring device. The drilled bushing slides without rotation with the non-cylindrical top end of said tubular body and has at least one arched lip for the contact with the bone.

Abstract: A cannulated screw is employed to fasten an intramedullary nail to a bone of a patient. A guide is disposed within the intramedullary nail and registered with a preformed securing hole in the nail. Preferably, the guide is fabricated from a bio-absorbable material such as polyglycolic acid and fixedly registered to the distal securing holes. A flexible drill shaft is directed to the selected securing hole by the guide. The drill is operated to drill through the bone cortex and soft tissue of the patient to exit the skin of the patient. A cannulated fixation screw is fitted over the exposed drill bit and is then driven into the patient, guided by the drill bit back to the selected securing hole. The drill bit is then extracted and the cannulated screw is driven through the intramedullary nail into the opposite cortex of the bone. After all of the fixation screws have been placed, the intramedullary nail is fastened to the bone.

Abstract: A targeting apparatus for a locking nail with a first section which is releasably connectable to the allocated end of the nail, with a bow-like second section connected to the first section, which comprises a receiving section running approximately parallel to the nail when the nail is connected to the first section and which comprises at least one transverse bore for the approximate fitting accommodation of a guiding sleeve. The receiving section consists of a first part rigidly formed with the second section and facing the first section, and of an outer second part movable relative to the first part against spring force, wherein the transverse bore extends through both parts and the bore in the parts is selected such that with a relaxed second part the sleeve is held in a slightly clamping manner and with a certain adjustment of the second part to the first part is freely displaceable in the bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixating and adjusting the position of vertebrae in conjunction with vertebral surgical operations, comprising two mutually crossing and generally rod-shaped implant elements. For the purpose of locking the implant elements together, the device (1) further comprises four generally parallel, elongated elements (B, C, D, E) projected onto a plane that passes through two of the elements whose ends are generally located in the corners of a parallelogram, preferably a square.

Abstract: The present invention is an intramedullary nail (IM nail) device suitable for implanting within a medullary canal of a fractured long bone and subsequently interlocking the IM nail at least once to the cortical bone of the long bone. The IM nail includes a hollow center and at least a proximal opening into the hollow center and an optional distal tip opening. The IM nail is initially manufactured without any holes, channels, or the like, for the alignment and passage of screws or similar devices suitable for interlocking the IM nail with the long bone. The IM nail includes a material suitably adapted for providing post implanting drilling there through and interlocking with the long bone using these post implantation holes. The present invention makes use of removable and expandable first and optional second sealing plugs in operable sealing contact within the hollow center. The present invention also includes a cylindrical sleeve having a hollow bore open at both ends on a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A locking nail for placement in the marrow space of tubular bones for the care of bone fractures, with an elongate, essentially cylindrical shank with a number of essentially radial openings for accommodating locking screws. At least one radial, elongate opening extends in the longitudinal direction of the shank and at least two sliding blocks are unrotatably guided within the shank and are secured against a movement away from one another so that at least one opening at an angle to the longitudinal direction is formed from at least one intermediate space between the sliding blocks. This opening is aligned to the elongate opening for accommodating a locking screw. In another embodiment, only one such sliding block is used (and can be selected from any of a suitable set, for example a set in which the blocks of the set all have substantially the same length but have transverse bores positioned at a variety of different positions and at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nail).

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lateral bore in a tubular bone for a bone nail to be guided through a transverse bore of a bone nail characterised by the following features;knocking in the bone nailintroducing an elongate transmitting unit for energy into the bone nail and aligning an effective end of the transmitting unit, directed transversely to the axis of the nail, to the transverse bore in the bone nail;producing a hole which is relatively small in diameter by way of the effective end from the inside anddrilling out the small hole from the outside, preferably to the core diameter of the bone screw.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod or nail for aligning a fractured long bone has a rod (100) that is inserted into the bone, with two longitudinal slots (120) into which cutting splines (200) are slid. The splines have cutting teeth (250) for cutting grooves into the bone as the splines slide along the slot. The cutting edges are substantially transverse to the length of the splines and rod. The tooth top surfaces (252) are disposed at gradually increasing radial heights. Recesses (251) between the cutting teeth store bone shavings to prevent jamming. The bone segments are held against bending, rotation, and lateral displacement because the splines are firmly engaged in the grooves they have cut. A blank spline without teeth may replace the cutting spline.

Abstract: A compact external fixation device for the treatment of bone fractures of reduced dimensions and of children comprises a pair of clamps (2, 3) for bone screws (V) connected by respective spherical joints (5, 6) and a central body (4) formed by at least one male element (7) and one female element (8) which are telescopically coupled. In a preferred embodiment, one element (7) is made of a material of high radiotransparency and the other element (8) is made of a substantially radiopaque rigid material with walls of such minimum thickness as to be at least partially radiotransparent. Antirotation means are provided between the male telescopic element (7) and the female telescopic element (8); transverse eccentric pins (34, 35) contained in each clamp act on respective slides (28, 29) for locking the ball (24, 25) of each joint.

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: A method of treating a fracture in a long bone comprises the initial step of providing an implant that includes one of a bone plate or an intramedullary nail having a length sized to span the fracture. The implant has at least one opening therethrough that is positioned at a location along its length, and has an amount of resorbable material at least partially filling the at least one opening. The implant is positioned at an implantation site spanning the fracture. A first bore is drilled into the long bone and through the resorbable material along a drill axis. A fastener is then inserted into the long bone through the at least one opening.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis auxiliary (10) for the treatment of subtrochanteric, peritrochanteric and femoral-neck fractures, with a locking nail (12) that can be introduced from the proximal end into the medullary space of a femur (11) and that comprises a distal section (15) having at least one oblong cross bore (13) to receive a distal locking element as well as a proximal section (14) having a slanted passageway (16), and with a femoral-neck part (19) that can be introduced from a lateral position through the slanted passageway (16) into the neck (17) and head (18) of the femur, wherein at least the section of the femoral-head part that can be anchored in the head (18) of the femur has a cross section that is not circular or rotationally symmetrical Preferably this section (34) has the shape of a double-T or I profile (35).

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 modular intramedullary nail which, selectively, includes two or three connectable sections that are connectable end to end. In the two section nail the second section is an elongated curved nail component having an elongated, open-ended longitudinal bore, and terminating in a distal end. The three section nail includes an upper proximal nail component having an open-ended bore. The second section is a central nail section that is an elongated curved nail component having an open ended longitudinal bore. The third section is a lower distal nail component having an elongated open ended longitudinal bore. The nail components are connected at the end using corresponding conical socket and conical projecting end portions of adjoining end nail components that can be fitted together and secured upon impact. Upon assembly, the connections are self orienting, providing corresponding tooled "flat" portions adjacent the respective conical socket and conical projecting end portions of the nail components.

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: An apparatus retaining first and second vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal member positionable along the spinal column. A member, such as a plate, connectable with the first vertebra has first and second fastener openings and a portion engageable with the longitudinal member. A first fastener extendable through the first fastener opening in the member has a first end portion for attachment to the first vertebra and has a longitudinal axis. A second fastener extendable through the second fastener opening in the member has a first end portion for attachment to the first vertebra and has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the first and second fasteners converge at an acute angle as viewed in a sagittal plane when the first and second fasteners connect the member with the first vertebra. The member connectable with the first vertebra has a body portion and has a lip portion projecting from the body portion of the member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical intramedullary nail, for stabilization of condylar and supracondylar fractures of the femur. It incorporates a Cruciate arrangement of two obliquely crossing locking bolts such that each condyle of the femur is gripped by an individual bolt. By this means both femoral condyles are stabilized with respect to the shaft of the femur. The bolts are oriented so that each passes through the main extra-articular mass of each condyle. Further predrilled holes are provided for insertion of proximal locking bolts to stabilize the nail with respect to the shaft of the femur. The nail is intended for retrograde insertion from distal to proximal into the intramedullary canal of the femur. Insertion of the locking bolts may be facilitated by the use of a temporary jig which is attached securely to the distal end of the nail. Nails of similar design can be used for stabilization of equivalent fractures of the humerus.

Abstract: A compression interlocking system for stabilizing long bone fractures, comprises an elongated intramedullary rod having a proximial end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the rod adapted for extending within a bore generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a long bone from a proximal end of the bone to beyond a fracture of the bone, a threaded member for fixing the proximal end of the rod to a first portion of a bone having a fracture, a second member for fixing the distal end to a second portion of the bone having the fracture, and a cam for moving the second portion of the bone toward the first portion of the bone for closing and applying compression to the fracture.

Abstract: A bone stabilizing apparatus includes a stem member and an extension member, the stem member having a distal end for insertion within the intramedullary canal of a human humerus and the proximal end connected to the extension member. The extension member has radially directed threaded holes either pre-formed or created after the bone stabilizing apparatus is installed into the humerus. The threaded holes allow fixation of stabilizing screws with suture posts, or a washer structure to grip the surface of the bone and/or surrounding ligaments or muscle. A prosthetic or the natural humeral head can be attached to the extension member. In a preferred embodiment a guide structure directs the drill and stabilizing screws radially through the central axis of the extension member.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod having a cylindrical proximal portion and a rectangular distal portion has a tapering blade-like portion. The intramedullary rod provides rotational stability and resistance to axial migration. Proximal and distal transfixation holes may be provided in the intramedullary rod.

Abstract: A compression interlocking system for stabilizing long bone fractures, comprises an elongated intramedullary rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the rod adapted for extending within a bore generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a long bone from a proximal end of the bone to beyond a fracture of the bone, a first member for fixing the proximal end of the rod to a first portion of a bone having a fracture, a second member for fixing the distal end of the rod to a second portion of the bone having the fracture, and a cam associated with at least one of the first and second members for moving the first portion of the bone and the second portion of the bone toward one another for closing and applying compression to the fracture.

Abstract: An implant for an ostheosynthesis device, in particular for the spine, comprises an anchoring portion (11) for anchoring to bone and a body in which a channel (13) is formed suitable for receiving a rod (T), the channel opening out sideways in the body, a hollow element (20) suitable for surrounding the body (12) and possessing two notches suitable for receiving the rod on either side of the body (12), and a screw (30) for fixing the hollow element on the body. According to the invention: the hollow element is a cover (20) fitting over the body with a rounded top portion (21b) in which an opening (25) is formed, the body (12) includes a tapped hole (14) facing said opening, and the head (31) of a screw (30) bears against the top (21b, 25a) of the cover, its threaded portion (32) being screwed in the tapped hole through said opening.

Abstract: Element for osteosynthesis including a central part or stem and two end parts. The two end parts have a proximal end and a distal end. The two end parts are comprised of a reticulate of titanium or other biocompatible material which is used to exploit the medullary canal of the bones. The proximal end may be temporarily coupled to an introduction instrument. The meshes of the reticulate allow for screwing of at least one transverse screw.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis auxiliary (10) for the treatment of subtrochanteric, peritrochanteric and femoral-neck fractures, with a locking nail (12) that can be introduced from the proximal end into the medullary space of a femur (11) and that comprises a distal section (15) having at least one oblong cross bore (13) to receive a distal locking element as well as a proximal section (14) having a slanted passageway (16), and with a femoral-neck part (19) that can be introduced from a lateral position through the slanted passageway (16) into the neck (17) and head (18) of the femur, wherein at least the section of the femoral-head part that can be anchored in the head (18) of the femur has a cross section that is not circular or rotationally symmetrical. Preferably this section (34) has the shape of a double-T or I profile (35).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable clamp for fixation of one or more bone fragments (82, 85) to a stable bone (81). The clamp has two basic functions, namely a buttress function and a clamp function. Either function or both may be employed depending on the fracture picture. The clamp has a first part (71) having a front part bent into a buttress (79) and/or into a lower part (77) of a clamp. Further, the clamp may comprise a second part (72) constituting the upper part (73) of the clamp. A screw (74) is used to secure the clamp to the stable bone (81). The buttress (79) of the clamp is utilized to press an intra-articular fragment (85) against an adjacent joint surface. The clamp (73, 77) is utilized to capture and secure a bone fragment (82).

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for a humerus is disclosed which is designed to be inserted in a medullary cavity of a fractured humerus. The nail includes an upper rod portion for location in the upper portion of the humerus and a lower oblique portion for location in the lower portion of the humerus. The upper rod portion is longer than the lower oblique portion, with the lower oblique portion having an oblique axis inclined with respect to the axis of the upper rod portion.

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 intramedullary nail inserting and mounting instrument includes a base portion which can be mounted to one end of an intramedullary nail inserted in bone marrow of a pair of bone pieces of a fractured bone to be interconnected, a guide shaft portion which is integrally provided on the base portion and which extends in the direction of an extension of the intramedullary nail, a pressing member which is movable along the guide shaft portion to come into contact with one end of one of the bone pieces, and a pressing member moving device which moves the pressing member along the guide shaft portion. The disclosure also addresses a method for inserting and securing the intramedullary nail to the fractured bone using the mounting instrument.

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 compression interlocking system for stabilizing long bone fractures, comprises an elongated intramedullary rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the rod adapted for extending within a bore generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a long bone from a proximal end of the bone to beyond a fracture of the bone, a threaded member for fixing the proximal end of the rod to a first portion of a bone having a fracture, a second member for fixing the distal end to a second portion of the bone having the fracture, and a cam for moving the second portion of the bone toward the first portion of the bone for closing and applying compression to the fracture.