Abstract: An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting ocular implants in eyes are provided which include a bent cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen having a length and a diameter and being configured to receive an ocular implant. The ocular implant is made up of a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles, preferably a plurality of uniformly sized microspheres, arranged in a one-by-one array along the length of the lumen. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for delivering the implant through the distal end of the lumen and into the eye, preferably without the use of a liquid or gel carrier medium located in the lumen along with the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intramedullary nail having a body with a transverse bore extending through the body and having an area of enhanced stress distribution on at least the lateral side of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail includes a cutout adjacent to the transverse bore, such as an oblique cutout, that enhances the stress distribution of the intramedullary nail in the region around the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutout includes a ramp portion or area that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In other exemplary embodiments, the cutout includes a runout or a substantially flat portion that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore.

Abstract: A surgical nail for treating a fractured bone includes a nail body extending along a longitudinal axis from a trailing end to a leading end and including a trailing end locking aperture extending transversely through a trailing end portion thereof and a leading end locking aperture extending transversely through a leading end portion thereof; a trailing end connecting element located at the trailing end of the nail body adapted and configured to be coupled to a trailing end aiming guide; and a leading end connecting element at the leading end of the nail body adapted and configured to be coupled to a leading end aiming guide.

Abstract: The assembly supports the trailing end of a lag screw or hip nail device being used to immobilize a hip fracture, and enables the compression of the fractured bone ends together, thereafter enabling sliding of the femoral head together with the lag screw or hip nail laterally, while simultaneously limiting their rotation, thereby promoting healing of the fracture.

Abstract: A system for implanting a prosthetic device with an opening into a bone includes a plug that is removably received within the opening of the prosthetic device. The system also includes a bone removal tool that advances into the bone from outside the bone and that removes a portion of the bone while advancing into the bone to reveal the plug. The bone removal tool includes a plug engaging portion that engages with the plug. The bone removal tool at least partially removes the plug from the opening of the prosthetic device while engaged with the plug. Moreover, the system includes an alignment system that detects whether the bone removal tool and the plug are substantially axially aligned.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: A titanium body (2) of a femoral nail incorporates an opening (3) leading into a hollow region (4) which defines a cavity in which electronics may be incorporated. A potting compound overlays the electronics, within the region (4). A 100 to 150 ?m thick cover (18) made from polyetheretherketone is arranged to overlay the opening (3) and close the hollow region (4). The cover (18) is made from flat polyetheretherketone film of suitable thickness which is heat shrunk onto a former and then machined to define the desired shape.

Abstract: An implant for osteosynthesis, for example a bone nail, has an implant body which has at least one bore with a threaded portion and a bone screw which engages the thread when it is threaded into a bone for the fixation of the implant body. The threaded bore has an annular groove the diameter of which is larger than the thread outer diameter, and which receives a ring of a deformable material with an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the thread of the bone screw so that the ring extends partially into the bore.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin for insertion into the medullary space of the femur through the lateral compacta of the trochanter major. The pin has a proximal pin section and an adjoining distal pin section. Each pin section includes one or more bores for one or more bone screws. The proximal pin section has at least one bore running obliquely to the longitudinal axis, so that bone screws can be inserted through the bore into the head of the femur, or a screw can be inserted in the antegrade direction through the bore. The distal pin section is at least partly straight and the proximal pin section has a curvature in the lateral-posterior direction.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: A variety of options for for fracture fixation after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty. The ability to pre-engineer fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Methods and apparatus include targeting devices allowing for intimate association of fixed angle locking screws in pre-drilled holes in an existing prosthetic, femoral nail, or other components including additional fixation components. Such apparatus and methods further include alignment devices and other components to allow for ease of repair of periprosthetic fractures utilizing the pre-engineered solutions.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes an intramedullary pin having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal tip configured and dimensioned for insertion into a medullary canal of a bone and a bone plate disposed at the proximal end of the intramedullary pin, wherein the bone plate includes an angled tab configured and dimensioned to have a center of gravity lying on a radius of a cross-sectional area of the intramedullary pin taken orthogonally to the intramedullary pin's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing a bone using an intramedullary nail interlocked with a buttress member disposed on the bone.

Abstract: In an internal fixator having a sliding mechanism for treating femoral trochanteric fracture, it is intended to firmly hold the femoral head by setting a sliding direction at a high angle. The fixator is constituted of a sliding nail, a femoral head nail, and a sleeve plate. The sliding nail is inserted at a high angle of about 160° in relation to a femoral axis. The femoral head nail is inserted at a low angle of about 95°. A tip of the femoral head nail is located within the femoral head. The femoral head nail is combined and joined with the sliding nail within the bone. A sliding nail passes and slides within the sleeve of the sleeve plate. A sliding direction is consistent with a tangential direction of an inner cortical bone at a fracture side. Thus, displacement between the fracture edges is less likely to occur and excessive shortening can be avoided. With the femoral head nail, the femoral head can be firmly held.

Abstract: An intra-corporal expandable device incorporating a screw operating under traction. A first elongated part (1) receives a second telescopic part (2). Each of these parts comprises links (61), (62) to the organism at a first end (11), (21) and is linked to a rod (3) comprising at least one thread at a second end (12) and (22). The rotation of the rod (3) controlled by means (4) causes a relative displacement of the two parts (1) and (2). The rod (3) is thus assembled between two ends (12) and (22) which come closer when the device is elongated, the length of the loaded rod (7) is reduced when the device is elongated and the length of loaded rod (7) operates only under traction. The device according to the invention is intended in particular for the production of osseous lengthening nails and growth prostheses.

Abstract: A nail assembly for use in trauma surgery is provided. The nail assembly includes an intramedullary shaft including a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage in the shaft. The first transverse passage and the second transverse passage do not contact each other on the shaft. The nail assembly also includes a first shaft extending through the first transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft and a second shaft extending through the second transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft. The second shaft includes an engagement feature configured to bring the second shaft into contact with the first shaft. The engagement feature may be in the form of a lateral mechanical feature that provides simultaneous unilateral coupled motion of the first shaft with the second shaft through the transverse passages in the intramedullary shaft.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments.

Abstract: A fixation instrument for treating a bone fracture including a bone screw and a nail, wherein the bone screw extends through an opening in the head or proximal end of the nail. A movable insert is disposed within a chamber located at the proximal end of the nail. The insert engages the bone screw to prevent rotation thereof once the bone screw is placed in position.

Abstract: A surgical nail (1), in particular, an intramedullary nail, has a central axis (2) and is formed of a material (M) having a modulus of elasticity (E). A plurality of transversal openings (5) run transversally to the central axis (2) and have a cross-sectional profile (F) and a transversal axis (6), the cross-sectional profile (F) having a maximum length (a) that runs in the direction of the central axis and a maximum width (b) that runs perpendicular to the length. A longitudinal bore (3) runs coaxially with the central axis (2) and defines a wall (4). A longitudinal insert (7) can be introduced into the region of the transversal opening (5) via the longitudinal bore (3). Said insert has a longitudinal axis (13) and consists of a material (m). The insert (7) comprises at least one longitudinal slot (25) so that said insert can be elastically compressed in a radial manner and includes a plurality of radial elevations (14) fitting inside the transversal openings (5).

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

Abstract: An instrument system is provided for positioning an internal fixation prosthesis and guiding a cannulated bone drill during a surgical, radioscopic procedure for the repair of a fractured bone of a patient. The instrument system includes a target wire, a handle formed from a radio translucent material having a target hole for guided passage of the target wire along a target axis. The target axis coincides with the intersection of a first plane and a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The instrument system also includes a nose component attached to an end of the handle and removably connectable to the prosthesis. The nose component includes an alignment sight formed from a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: A femoral fracture treatment device including: an intramedullary pin (1) with a central longitudinal axis (2) and a passage (5) of non-circular cross-section (6) through a proximal portion (4) of the pin oblique to the longitudinal axis (2), a sliding sleeve (10) configured to pass through the non-circular passage (5), a longitudinal bone fixing element (20) having a head portion (22) with fixing means (23) for engaging the femoral head and a shaft (24) that may be coaxially introduced into the sliding sleeve (10). Both an external jacket surface (14) of the sliding sleeve (10) and an internal jacket surface (15) of the sliding sleeve (10) have non-circular cross-sections at least in a partial section. The shaft (24) is rotatably mounted in the longitudinal bore (13) of the sliding sleeve (10), and locking means are provided at the free end (27) of the shaft (24), such that rotation of the longitudinal bone fixing element (20) relative to the sliding sleeve (10) can be optionally locked or released.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail (20) and related method for fixing a fracture in a long bone. The nail (20) comprises an elongate member (22) having a longitudinal axis (54), a proximal end section (32), a distal end section (34) and a solid central section (24) extending between the proximal and distal end sections (32, 34). The proximal and distal end sections (32, 34) respectively include proximal and distal fastener receiving areas (28, 30) of greater cross sectional dimensions than the central section (24). Each fastener receiving area (28, 30) includes at least one hole (50, 52) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis for receiving a cross fastener (110) adapted to secure to the bone on opposite sides of the elongate member (22). The proximal and distal end sections (32, 34) thereby provide rigid anchoring locations relative to the central section (24) and the central section provides flexibility to promote healing of the fracture.

Abstract: An intramedullary locking nail for treating bone fractures and which have spaced apart regions has at least one transverse hole for receiving a bone screw and at least one transverse hole being configured as an elongate hole extending in the longitudinal axial direction of the nail. An end portion of the elongate hole being wider than an adjacent portion of the elongate hole. The adjacent portion of the elongate hole having a constant width over its length. A bone screw is provided having a cross-sectional contour having a flattened segment. The end portion of the elongate hole being formed such that the bone screw is locked in a first rotational position in the end portion, and in a second rotational position, may enter the adjacent portion unhindered from the end portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant assembly is disclosed for the treatment of fracture or other trauma to a long bone. The implant assembly includes an intramedullary nail and a lag screw that extends through a transverse bore of the intramedullary nail). The intramedullary nail includes an elongated body and one or more enlarged portions positioned adjacent to the transverse bore to reinforce the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A precision adjustable surgical tool holder/driver is provided which is easily disassembled for cleaning and precisely reassembled. The holder/driver has a positionable handle allowing adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle of the holder to enable the “handedness” of the holder to be changed in order to accommodate a user while operating from the left or right side of the patient, standing behind or in-front of the patient, or for use in different surgical methods. The holder/driver includes a “limited-play” capture mechanism, which connects the drive end of the housing to its locking sleeve via a limited-play locking device. The limited-play locking device utilizes a disengageable, precision fitted bayonet pin and seat combination in part to accomplish the precision reassembly feature of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.

Abstract: A system (110, 150) for targeting a landmark (114, 160) is disclosed. The system includes an instrumented medical implant (112, 152), a control circuit (118, 153), a power supply (120, 157), and a landmark identifier (122, 154). The instrumented medical implant (112, 152) has one or more landmarks (114, 160) and each landmark (114, 160) has a corresponding coil (116, 162). The control circuit (118, 153) is electrically connected to the corresponding coil (116, 162), and the power supply (120, 157) is electrically connected to the control circuit (118,153). The landmark identifier (122, 154) has a magnetic sensor (124, 155) for sensing the corresponding coil (116, 162).

Abstract: The invention provides an osteosynthesis and compression screw that is self-boring and self-tapping for the purpose of coaptation of small bone fragments. The screw comprises: a proximal portion formed by a screw head provided with an outside thread; an intermediate portion having no thread; and a distal portion provided with an outside thread. Wherein: each of the screw head and the distal portion includes at least one groove, firstly extending over the entire axial length of its thread, and secondly being formed through each thread in such a manner to form tapping means; and the terminal zone of the distal portion is provided with preparation means for preparing a housing in the bone fragments for receiving the intermediate and distal portions of the screw.

Abstract: An intramedullary osteosynthetic device includes an intramedullary nail, a hip helical implant, a sliding sleeve, a lateral set screw, and at least one distal locking screw. The intramedullary nail is cannulated. The cannulation is at least partially threaded to receive a coaxial set screw. The intramedullary nail includes at least one oblique slotted bore in communication with the cannulation, where the at least oblique slotted bore receives a sliding sleeve, and further includes a threaded notch compatible with the lateral set screw. The hip helical implant includes a frontal helical portion having a truncated conical shape, at least two helical twisted blades attached to the frontal helical portion, and a rear smooth shaft, the shaft having an external flat surface. Each blade of the hip helical implant has a hole for receiving a peg from a step helix fixating the hip helical implant to the step helix.

Abstract: An endomedullary nail for the treatment of proximal femur fractures, comprising an elongate body (12) having a proximal portion (14) and a distal portion (16). The proximal portion (14) has a first and a second hole (20, 21) for a respective cephalic screw (22, 23, 24, 25), each having a transversal axis to the axis of the proximal portion (14). The first hole (20) is split into two passages each having a respective axis (A, B) with a predetermined angle relationship with respect to the axis (C) of the second hole (21). The passages (30, 31) are arranged to be selectively engaged by a respective cephalic screw (22, 24).

Abstract: A device for bone fixation includes an intramedullary pin and a bone plate. The intramedullary pin has a longitudinal axis with a distal tip configured for insertion into the medullary canal. The intramedullary pin also has at least one transverse borehole passing through it for accommodating a hip screw. The bone plate is disposed at the proximal rear end of the intramedullary pin and lies in contact with the greater trochanter.

Abstract: Intramedullary rod and blade assemblies and methods of implanting said assemblies are disclosed herein. The assemblies provided herein are useful in treating distal, proximal fractures, among other conditions, in large bones including, but not limited to: femurs, tibias, and humeri. Preferred assemblies can include an intramedullary rod having a proximal end and coupling means configured to securely attach to a blade, such that no portion of the rod or the coupling means extend into the fractured fragment beyond the blade. Further preferred assemblies include intramedullary rods that connect in the center of the internal blade, or substantially so, such that the rod and blade form a “T-shape,” or substantially so.

Abstract: A guide for use in making tibial augmentation cuts is disclosed. The guide is preferably for use subsequent to an initial cut being made. A method of utilizing the guide, as well as making the initial cut is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nail assembly for use in trauma surgery is provided. The nail assembly includes an intramedullary shaft including a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage in the shaft. The, first transverse passage and the second transverse passage do not contact each other on the shaft. The nail assembly also includes a first shaft extending through the first transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft and a second shaft extending through the second transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft. The second shaft includes an engagement feature configured to bring the second shaft into contact with the first shaft. The engagement feature may be in the form of a lateral mechanical feature that provides simultaneous unilateral coupled motion of the first shaft with the second shaft through the transverse passages in the intramedullary shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved nail and an associated method for implanting the nail into a patient's bone. The nail preferably includes a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of spiral blades (e.g., vanes) and a cannulated bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end so that in use an injectable material such as, for example PCL material, can be injected into the patient's bone through the cannulated bore formed in the nail. The nail also preferably includes a cutout portion at the distal end thereof in order to direct the outflow of injectable material through the cannulated bore. The cutout portion preferably is configured to facilitate the injectable material outflowing past the distal end of the nail and superiorly of the nail when the nail is properly implanted and positioned in situ.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system includes a device with a plate portion intended to be positioned against an exterior surface of bone and an intramedullary portion. The plate portion includes a plurality of fixed angle holes defining a respective number of axes which are divergent. Fasteners coupled within the fixed angle holes extend to follow the contour of subchondral bone and provide a framework for support for fracture healing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fracture fixation device, for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone. The fixation device includes an elongate body comprising a first portion and a second portion that are detachably coupled to each other. The first portion defines a helical cancellous bone anchor and the second portion defines a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device and is rotationally locked to the first portion. 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. The second portion is then detached from the first portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod for use with a fastener to repair a femur includes an elongate nail extending along a longitudinal axis and having a stem and a head. The head is provided with an aperture extending along an axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving the fastener. A mechanism is carried by the head for pivoting the axis of the aperture from a first angled position relative to the head to a second angled position relative to the head. A method for using the rod and fastener is provided.

Abstract: A targeting device used in the insertion of an intramedullary nail into a bone. The targeting device includes a guide barrel having a frame portion formed of a non-radiolucent material. The guide barrel also includes a radiolucent material molded over the frame. In addition, the frame includes openings configured to allow a surgeon to view a relatively greater area around the guide barrel in an image of the assembly during surgery.

Abstract: A method for computer assisted localization of the distal locking holes (11; 14) of an implanted intramedullary nail (2) having a nail axis (19) and a first and second distal locking hole (11; 14) by A) acquiring one single image IM of the distal end section (25) of said intramedullary nail by means of an X-ray device (9) whose optical axis (30) is oriented essentially perpendicular to the nail axis (19) but irrespective to the orientation of the distal locking holes (11; 14); and B) calculating the position of the first and second hole axis (23; 20) of the first and second distal locking hole (11; 14) with respect to a three-dimensional coordinate system A-COS (7) of the implanted intramedullary nail (2).

Abstract: A novel apparatus for treating fractures of the femur is disclosed. The assembly includes two hip implants positioned into the head and neck of the femur. The hip implants solidly lock into each other, while retaining the possibility of being slided together through either the oblique bore of an intramedullary nail or through the barrel of a side plate. This novel apparatus allows the surgeon to achieve sliding rotational control of the femoral head, while avoiding independent rotation of each screw around its own axis. This novel apparatus also avoids independent sliding of each screw.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments.

Abstract: A bone fixing device includes an intramedullary nail (1) with a distal end part (2), a proximal end part (3), a center line (4), and a bore (5) that extends perpendicular to the center line (4) in the proximal end part (3) and is provided with a bore axis (6). The bone fixing device further includes a bone plate (10) with a top face (11), a bottom face (12) that is to be in contact with the bone, a continuous, central opening (13) which is located in the central portion of the bone plate (10) and connects the top face (11) to the bottom face (12), and several plate holes (14) that are also continuous and are disposed peripherally around the central opening (13).

Abstract: An intramedullary nail (20) and related method for fixing a fracture in a long bone. The nail (20) comprises an elongate member (22) having a longitudinal axis (54), a proximal end section (32), a distal end section (34) and a solid central section (24) extending between the proximal and distal end sections (32, 34). The proximal and distal end sections (32, 34) respectively include proximal and distal fastener receiving areas (28, 30) of greater cross sectional dimensions than the central section (24). Each fastener receiving area (28, 30) includes at least one hole (50, 52) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis for receiving a cross fastener (110) adapted to secure to the bone on opposite sides of the elongate member (22). The proximal and distal end sections (32, 34) thereby provide rigid anchoring locations relative to the central section (24) and the central section provides flexibility to promote healing of the fracture.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a fracture of a bone of a subject includes inserting an intramedullary (IM) elongated member, such as a nail, in a medullary canal of the bone of the subject. The elongated (IM) member has a proximal head that defines at least one hole therethrough. A sleeve, which includes a locking mechanism, is provided to engage the hole when the sleeve is inserted in the hole, such engagement preventing rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the hole. The system may include a screw, the sleeve being adapted to slidably receive the screw. An extension member is provided to extend the length of the elongated (IM) member to a desired length. A fixation member may be attached to the elongated (IM) member to fix and retain a broken lateral wall of a fractured bone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating fractures of the distal femur are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an intramedullary nail and blade. The intramedullary nail has a passage through a distal end for accepting a locking screw and a blade passage which extends through a proximal end of the intramedullary nail. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes two blades for passage through the intramedullary nail, each blade when engaging the passage being freely moveable in the passage, but both blades when engaging the passage resisting rotation thereof with respect to the nail. A blade guide, when connected to the nail, defines a passage aligned with the passage through the nail for use in forming a passage in the femur into which the blade(s) are positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deployment systems for deploying a bone fixation device. One embodiment of a deployment system includes a syringe-shaped body configured to provide proximal traction to a bone fixation device in response to a compressive force between a finger grip and a plunger adapted to be engaged by the heel of a clinician's hand. The device may include a collet for gripping a proximal pin of a fixation device. The deployment device may also include a tool that includes an elongate body with a distal tip adapted to rotationally engage a bone fixation device in order to axially rotate the fixation device. A further deployment device embodiment includes a cauterizing tip for heat-cutting an excess portion of a pin of a bone fixation device.