Abstract: The Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphyseal Fixation Screw is an Orthopaedic fixation devise for treatment of pediatric and adolescent femoral neck fractures through the epiphyseal plate. The unique innovation involves constructing a contracted anchoring fixation head at the end of a cannulated screw barrel. This fixation screw is designed to eliminate epiphyseal plate bridging by a threaded segment of a fixation screw, which is currently unavoidable with current fixation screws due to the inherently elongated thread lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener extends through an opening (50) in the housing into the second passage. A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage. A spacer (60) received in the second passage of the housing is engageable with the fastener and the longitudinal member. A positioning member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener and the housing and permit manual movement of the fastener relative to the housing against the force when the longitudinal member is disengaged from the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable, resorbable copolymers containing L-lactide and glycolide repeat units, and in particular to terpolymers containing L-lactide, glycolide, and one other type of repeat unit selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, D,L-lactide, and &egr;-caprolactone. Medical devices for in vivo implantation applications containing such implantable, resorbable copolymers are also described, as well as methods for making such copolymers and devices.

Abstract: A method and device to correct instability of hinged joints of injured animals. The device is a rectangular block having three threaded fixation pins. Two fixation pins are inserted in the non-rotating bone and secured in the block by setscrews. The third fixation pin is inserted in the rotating bone.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor that has a first externally threaded portion disposed in the first bone portion and a second portion which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator is disposed within the anchor and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion and includes a sleeve. The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener is provided that has a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic stabilization structure including a threaded fastener capable of articulation to accommodate various skeletal geometries, a rod, and a cup supporting the threaded fastener and the rod to be subsequently helps in fixed position with respect to the skeletal structure.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener having compressive forces along the direction of the long axis of the fastener and radially inwardly directed forces towards the center of the fastener to draw in a bone providing an improved structure for uniting a fractured bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic device including a longitudinal plate assembly having an adjustable length and two ends. Each of the ends includes a feature that can be used to couple the end to a body structure, such as, for example, a vertebral bone. Preferably, the assembly includes two longitudinal plates that can translate longitudinally with respect to one another through a plurality of positions and be secured with respect to one another at one of the positions, thereby enabling the length of the assembly to be adjusted. Inasmuch as the length of the plate assembly can be adjusted, the surgeon can set the length to the most clinically appropriate length for effective coupling of the plate assembly to the body structure.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail system includes an intramedullary nail for insertion in the femur. The nail has an axial bore and an intersecting transverse bore. A lag screw is inserted through the transverse bore and turned into the head of the femur. A slotted sleeve is inserted over the lag screw and through the transverse bore with the slots aligned with the axial bore. A sleeve lock is inserted into the axial bore and has a locking tab which engages the slots in the sleeve preventing rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the nail. A compression screw is turned into the trailing end of the lag screw and engages the encircling sleeve to provide longitudinal translation between the lag screw and sleeve to apply compressive force across a fracture.

Abstract: The invention describes a surgical implant for providing stabilization of an intraosseous circumferential fracture within a femoral neck of a proximal femur. The surgical implant includes a bone barrel and a cortical side plate having at least one screw hole to allow rigid fixation of the implant to the proximal femur. The cortical side plate abuts a lateral cortex of the proximal femur having a lateral portal of entry to ensure the bone barrel remains substantially parallel to an inner bony surface of the lateral portal of entry at all times. The bone barrel ensures a collection of bone growth elements is retained intraosseously. An osteomedullary rod being coaxially aligned with the bone barrel includes an axial threading for securely engaging an internal mating thread of the bone barrel. The axial threading is adapted to allow clockwise axial rotation of the osteomedullary rod to position a compression head thereof in operational contact with an autogenous cancellous osteomedullary bone cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prosthetic element comprising two principal components intended to be assembled together and immobilized with respect to each other by means of a screw, which may be screwed by means of at least one thread in two tappings which are respectively fast or intended to be rendered fast with one and the other principal components. The screw comprises at least one radial element in relief adapted to come into abutment against a stop surface fast with a first component, and a non-threaded end forming guide finger and adapted to slide in a housing, of cross-section correspondiong to that of this finger and made in the second component.

Abstract: A locking nail includes a shank, at least one cross-bore close to one end and at least one cross-bore close to the other end. The cross-bores for receiving a bone screw each. An additional cross-bore located at one end of the nail is of an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction of the nail. A female thread is formed in a hollow-designed shank portion having the elongate cross-bore. A locking member with a male-threaded portion which is adapted to be screwed into the female thread in the hollow portion and interact with the bone screw in the elongate cross-bore in order to displace it transversely to its longitudinal axis in the cross-bore. A second cross-bore is provided for a bone screw between the elongate cross-bore and the adjacent end of the shank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device.

Abstract: A jamming retainer for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel without excessive sideways pressure on the ligament that may result in tissue necrosis, the jamming retainer including a substantially rigid body with a bore or loop for receiving a ligament or tendon and a bore or ring for receiving a suture for towing the jamming retainer and ligament or tendon through a bone tunnel. Once positioned, the jamming retainer is fixed in the bone tunnel with an interference screw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device used to repair intertrochanteric fractures of the femur and a method for inserting and using the same which includes in cooperation a hip screw, a gliding mechanism, an intramedullary nail, and a compression screw. The hip screw includes along a longitudinal axis an externally threaded portion as a bone screw for threadable insertion into the head of the femur and a hollow barrel portion, the barrel portion having a pair of opposed slots provided therein along the longitudinal axis of the hip screw. The hollow barrel portion optionally further includes internal or female threads within the barrel portion near the end of the hip screw opposite the bone screw for threadably engaging a compression screw. The gliding mechanism is retained within the barrel portion of the hip screw with a slidable fit and provides for lateral movement of the intramedullary nail along the longitudinal axis of the hip screw.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly includes a fastener having an expandable head. The expandable head has an outer surface including a convex portion, a recess having an inner surface and defining an inner dimension, and at least one slot extending between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. The assembly also has an insert positionable at least partially in the recess having an outer surface defining an outer dimension that is greater than the inner dimension of the recess. The assembly includes a coupling element including a rod receiving opening, a bore for the fastener, and a seat for receiving the head of the fastener and allowing the fastener and coupling element to pivot relative to one another before being locked in place. After an orthopedic rod is positioned within the coupling element, a locking element associated with the coupling element locks the orthopedic rod in the rod-receiving opening.

Abstract: Implant (10) having a shaft which is adapted in use to be embedded in bone tissue and which has an outer surface provided with a circumferentially-oriented roughness. The circumferentially-oriented roughness has first and second axial sections (19, 21) with each section comprising a series of circumferentially-oriented peaks which have a crest and which are axially spaced apart by troughs. The axial spacing (d) between the crests of adjacent peaks in the first axial section (19) is less than the axial spacing (3d) between the crests of adjacent peaks in the second axial section (21). Although the axial spacing between the crests of adjacent peaks in the first and second axial sections of circumferentially-oriented roughness differs, the first and second axial sections of circumferentially-oriented roughness are adapted in use to provide the same or substantially the same pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fracture fixation device, for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone. The fixation device includes an elongate body. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device and comprises a tubular sleeve that includes a plurality of graduations positioned on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve. The device is rotated into position across the femoral neck and into the femoral head, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to lock the device into place. In certain embodiments, the elongated body includes a distal anchor with a distal cutting tip.

Abstract: A graft fixation system for fixing graft material in a bone tunnel includes an expandable fixation member having a graft receiving eyelet disposed proximate its distal end, opposed bone engaging elements disposed about its periphery, and an expansion plug receiving opening defined in its proximal end. The system also includes an expansion plug having a diameter greater than the diameter of the expansion plug receiving opening so that forceable insertion of the expansion plug into the expansion plug receiving opening causes an expansion of the expandable fixation member driving the opposed bone engaging elements apart so as to fix the bone engaging elements, as well as the graft material, in a bone tunnel.

Abstract: A fastener, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tear in soft tissue of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee. The fastener has a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end and a helical protrusion along a central section between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a distal section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a central section between the distal section and the proximal end, the helical pitch decreases from the distal end to the proximal end. The substantially constant pitch along the distal section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone screw, a method for producing the threads of the bone screw and a drill for drilling holes therefor. The bone screw is adapted for implants for fixation of bone fragments at fractures and it comprises a threaded or tapped part (16) which is adapted to be screwed into a bone fragment at the fracture. The threaded part (16) extends backwards from a front end portion (17) of the bone screw (6) to an untapped part (18) thereof and has threads (19) with the same outer diameter (YD). The threads (19) have the same pitch of thread (P) and extend from a core (21). At least front parts of the core (21) closest to the front end portion (17) of the bone screw (6) are conical and have their least diameter (MD) situated at the front end portion (17). The threads (19) have truncated crests (23) and the width (b1-b7) of the crests (23) of the threads (19) increases in backwards direction from the front end portion (17).

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A plate provides guides for preferably two screws, which hold the screws in a stable way at an angle against the plate. Furthermore, the screws are preferably fixed in a stable and removable way with a clamping device against rotations around the screw barrel and shifts in the direction of the screw barrel. For this a special screw is suitable with an outer thread diameter, which is larger than the neighboring barrel diameter. To ensure a secure guidance, the barrel diameter is enlarged in the area of the screw head.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A spinal fixation and retrieval device includes a bone plate and a plurality of screws. The bone plate has a plurality of slot holes via which the screws are fastened onto vertebrae under treatment. The screws have a head, a neck, and a threaded stem in sequence. At least one of the slot holes of the bone plate is a long slot hole having a dimension so that the neck of the screw is restricted in the lateral direction and is able to move in the longitudinal direction of the long slot hole.

Abstract: An intramedullary system for securing portions of a bone together has a lag screw assembly extending through a radial bore in an intramedullary nail. The lag screw is inserted into one portion of a bone and deployed to fix the leading end. The intramedullary nail is placed in the intramedullary canal of a portion of the bone and the trailing end of the lag screw assembly is adjustably fixed in the radial bore to provide compression between the lag screw assembly and the intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail has a cap screw in the proximal end holding the lag screw assembly and a tang in the distal end. The tang has legs extending through the nail to fix the distal end in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for fixating two objects in a fixed spatial relationship, such as bone segments, so that resultant stress is maintained at a constant value along a shank portion of the fastener in order to minimize stress concentrations and optimize the strength to size relationship of the fastener, thereby reducing the likelihood of fastener failure. The fastener additionally comprises an improved head which temporarily engages a driving instrument to facilitate fixation. A driving instrument for deploying the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A hip neck screw having a shank, a male-threaded portion at the proximal end thereof and areas for engagement by a tool wherein the screw is designed in such a way that it is adapted to be passed through a bore of a supporting device adapted to be mounted on the femur, preferably a locking nail and to be held therein. The neck screw has axially parallel grooves extending from the distal end are formed at opposite sides, of which at least one extends into the threaded portion. A fork-like blade is provided having blade legs which are accommodated by the grooves and has a connecting portion of the legs adapted to be connected to the distal end of the screw shank.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic implant for use in treating fractures to the head and neck of the humerus. The implant includes a body, a helically twisted blade having an oblate cross section, and a circumferential collar having a plurality of attachment points for sutures.

Abstract: An apparatus for embolic treatment including a high frequency power source and at least one induction coil connected to the high frequency power source which is positioned around the vicinity of diseased vasculature of the body of a patient for generating an eddy current in the metallic coil inserted into the vascular malformation of the diseased vasculature. The eddy current in the metallic coil generates heat which coagulates and contracts the vascular malformation.

Abstract: A hip neck screw having a shank, a male-threaded portion at the proximal end thereof and areas for engagement by a tool wherein the screw is designed in such a way that it is adapted to be passed through a bore of a supporting device adapted to be mounted on the femur, preferably a locking nail and to be held therein. The neck screw has axially parallel grooves extending from the distal end are formed at opposite sides, of which at least one extends into the threaded portion. A fork-like blade is provided having blade legs which are accommodated by the grooves and has a connecting portion of the legs adapted to be connected to the distal end of the screw shank.

Abstract: A prosthetic cage for spine adapted to be implanted in an intervertebral disc space between two vertebral bodies in a spine and to accommodate fusion of the disc space, said cage being a tubular body with an internal aperture, an external surface of which having a plurality of wall apertures each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof and communicating with the internal aperture, and dual convex screw threads extended therefrom, such that the cage of the present invention has an advantage that the stability of fixation between the cage and the vertebral body can be achieved by simple variation of its shape

Abstract: An implant screw assembly comprising; an inner screw provided with a thread on an outer periphery of one end, and with a base at the other end, wherein an angled socket for a wrench or a slot for a driver is provided at the base, an outer screw provided with a thread on at least part of an outer periphery, and coaxially disposed around the periphery of the base of the inner screw, wherein the thread of the inner screw and the thread of the outer screw are in the same rotation direction, and a meshing structure formed by an outer peripheral face of the inner screw and an inner peripheral face of the outer screw, to prevent relative rotation between the inner screw and the outer screw, whereby the outer screw and the inner screw are only able to slide axially.

Abstract: A pin (20) and method for use are provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.

Abstract: Plate and screw assembly for fixing bone pieces, the assembly including a plate and at least one screw, the plate including at least one orifice that defines a cavity for housing a head of the screw and the screw head is provided with a resilient retainer for retaining the head of the screw within the cavity with free pivotal movement but prevented from any axial movement, so that the screw is prevented from moving out of the orifice of the plate.

Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional joint for use in hip compression screw assemblies, allows for relative alignment of the lag screw and angle plate, even when these components are effectively fitted to the respective bone sections. The joint has first and second elements (2, 4), formed with complementary male and female cylindrical surfaces (10, 12), which define the plane of adjustment. The first element (2) also defines a hinge point (6) at the axis of the male cylindrical surface (10), and the second element (4) includes a fulcrum (8) extending to the axis of the female cylindrical surface (12). A setting device (20) extends between the two elements (2, 4), which can be extended or contracted to alter the angle subtended at the hinge point/fulcrum (6, 8).

Abstract: A distal femoral osteotomy system and method according to which an end segment is cut from the bone to be realigned and a wedge-shaped segment is cut from between the end segment and the remaining portion of the bone. The wedge-shaped segment is cut so that it has an angled surface substantially corresponding to the angle of malalignment. The wedge-shaped segment is discarded and the severed end segment is repositioned relative to the remaining portion of the bone at an angle corresponding to the angle of malalignment to realign the end segment and the remaining bone portion and correct for the malalignment. A compressive load is then established across the remaining bone portion and the end segment.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor that has a first externally threaded portion disposed in the first bone portion and a second portion which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator is disposed within the anchor and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion and includes a sleeve. The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener is provided that has a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion.

Abstract: A bone jointer comprising a lag screw, a tube placed along the jointed bone and provided with a receiving part, a tube between the lag screw and the tube plate provided with a head to be movably engaged with the receiving part, a set screw engaged with the tube, a compression screw penetrating inside the set screw and engaged with the lag screw thereby the lag screw and the bone are drew toward the other bone, and a washer between the set screw and the receiving part, rotating during engagement of the set screw with the head, until the washer stops at a stablest position.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw system and method of utilization thereof is provided for a bone having first and second sections with a fracture interface there between. A preferred embodiment of the bone fixation screw system includes a side plate having a first part for placement adjacent the bone second section and a second part angled from the first part providing a barrel. The barrel is adapted for insertion into a transsectionally extending bore into the bone in at least the second section of the bone. A lag screw is also provided for positional retention of the first section of the bone with respect to the second section of the bone. The lag screw also has a first part of a resorbable material for threaded connection of the lag screw within the bore of the bone in at least the first section of the bone, the lag screw having a second part connected with the first part made from a stronger nonresorbable material.

Abstract: An anchoring screw (1) is disclosed for implantation in bone, consisting of a tissue compatible material for supporting prostheses, artificial joint components, or the like. The anchoring screw (1) has at least one slot (5, 5a) extending from its threaded outer surface at a distance from the insertion end (3). The slot (5, 5a) is arranged to receive a blanking element (6, 6a) which shields the slot (5, 5a) during the application of the anchoring screw (1) and its integration in a recess prepared beforehand in the bone during a healing stage. The blanking element (6, 6a) is replaced, after integration of the anchoring screw (1) with the bone, by a holder for a prosthesis, the holder including a web portion insertable into said slot. There is also disclosed an anchoring arrangement comprising at least one such anchoring screw and such a holder or coupling, and a method for application of such an anchoring arrangement in osseous tissue.

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: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween including an elongated anchor or bone screw insertable within the first bone such that one end portion of the anchor is disposed on one side of the fracture while a second end portion of the anchor is disposed on an opposite side of the fracture. A guide having a sleeve-like projection is fixedly secured to the second bone. The sleeve-like projection on the guide moves slidably along and is guided by the second end portion of the anchor. A compression screw assembly serves to operably secure the guide to the anchor such that the bone portions secured to each are maintained in compressive relationship relative to each other. A screw assembly for maintaining the guide in fixed relation relative to the bone portion to which it is secured is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-locking and threaded bone tack screw device (10) for fixing and retaining tissue grafts and synthetic membranes directly to a maxillofacial bone graft site. The tack has an oversized cylindrical dome shaped head (14) for retaining the tissue and synthetic membrane to the bone graft site and a hexagonal recess (14a) for easy insertion and removal of the device. The tip of the device incorporates a sharp pin point (12a) to easily pierce the tissue and membrane and initially penetrate into the bone graft site. A locking flange (12c) locks into the bone graft site in a single direction. A self-tapping screw thread (12f) is provided for driving the pin point tip into the bone graft site. Incorporation of the self-locking pin point tip in series with the self-tapping thread allows the hexagonal tool driven bone tack to be easily inserted and removed from the graft site without compromising its fixation.

Abstract: The present implant is for fixing femoral fractures and the like. The implant consists of three main parts, namely a first part consisting of an angle element, a second part which forms a holder and a third part in the form of a screw. The angle element includes a sleeve for receiving the screw. Both the sleeve and the screw are intended to be passed into a channel provided through the neck and head of the femur of a patient. The angle element moreover includes a slide which is slidingly accommodated by the holder. The holder is, in its turn, secured by means of anchorage screws in the shaft of the femur. By cooperation between the slide and the holder the possibility is afforded that the angle element may move in relation to the shaft of the femur. The sleeve of the angle element is disposed at an angle in relation to the slide.

Abstract: A bone screw having a continuously varying pitch includes a tapered root portion having a relatively small diameter on a leading end of the screw and a larger trailing diameter. The pitch of the screw decreases between the leading and trailing ends thus causing the bone fragments in a fracture to be drawn together when the screw is installed across the fragments. The radially outer diameter of the threads increases between the leading and trailing ends thus causing each successive thread portion to cut into bone radially outwardly from the preceding thread portion thereby providing uncut bone in which the succeeding threads can gain purchase.

Abstract: A method of implanting a threaded tapered screw into a substrate having a hardness less than the hardness of the screw comprises: (a) drilling a pilot hole with a drill having substantially the same taper as the taper of the tapered screw, so as to provide a pilot hole having no threads therein; (b) inserting the tapered screw into the pilot hole (preferably by merely dropping the screw into the pilot hole); and then (c) further advancing the tapered threaded screw into the pilot hole. The method requires only a minimal amount of strength to insert the screw into the hole, is preferably used to secure a bioabsorbable screw within bone, is very quickly and efficiently done without any extra step of tapping or cutting threads within the hole, invades or disrupts the bone structure only minimally, and requires no screw-holding forceps for stabilizing the screw.

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 rod, screw, and staple assembly for use in conjunction with anterior or lateral spinal rod implant apparatus includes a screw having a vertebral body screw which has a shaft which is insertable into a vertebral bone and a head portion which includes a rod receiving channel and a radially extending flange. The vertebral body staple includes a flat portion which has a hole through it. The hole has a rim which is upwardly extending and a concave recess formed in the underside of the flat portion around the hole. The staple also includes several barbs which independently hold the staple to the bone surface to which it is to be affixed. The screw is first inserted into the vertebral bone, and then the staple is mounted over the head portion of the screw, such that the head extends above the annular rim. The rod is then inserted into the rod receiving channel and seats against the uppermost surface of the annular rim.

Abstract: A method to surgically promote the fusion of bone segments together in order to correct bone malformations of the finger or toe involves making an incision in the finger or toe to expose the malformed digit; removing a portion of the malformed digit; forming a bore through each digit from the malformed digit through a tip of the finger or toe; forming a hole, that is aligned with the bore, in a proximal digit; enlarging the diameter of the bore relative to the hole; and inserting a bone screw having a head portion into the bore through the tip of the finger or toe and threadably attaching the bone screw within the hole in the proximal digit until each distal digit is compressed between the head portion of the bone screw and the proximal digit. A tracker member, having a terminal sleeve portion adapted to receive a tip of the bone screw, is provided to guide the screw into the bore through the tip of the finger or toe.