Abstract: A medical device for handling an implant, the medical device comprising a loading section adapted to be loaded with an insert element to be inserted into a hole formed in an implant, and a guiding section adapted to be guided by a pin inserted into the hole formed in the implant for guidedly inserting the insert element into the hole formed in the implant.

Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A member of a modular bone plate is provided, the member comprising a top surface defining a top plane; a bottom surface defining a bottom plane; a connection portion including a hole with a center axis that intersects the top plane and the bottom plane; wherein a first portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a projection forming a first free end of the member and wherein a second portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a groove that is configured to accommodate a projection of a connection portion of a second member of the modular bone plate. Furthermore, a modular bone plate having at least two such members is provided.

Abstract: Bone plates and methods of using the bone plates for adjoining bone fragments are disclosed herein. A device for adjoining at least two bone fragments includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one filling material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable bone plate releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable bone plate has a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end, and a distal end and at least one aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface for receiving a fastener; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and a delivery system housing the at least one filling material.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate system is provided. The cervical plate includes a retention ring with a deflectable flange that is upwardly spaced from the top surface of the ring and configured to prevent an inserted bone fastener from backing out of the plate. The plate includes a locking pin having a camming surface and a blocking surface. When the camming surface is moved into position adjacent to the flange, the flange is free to flex out of the way of a bone screw being inserted into or removed from the plate. When the blocking surface is positioned adjacent to the flange, outward deflection of the flange is prevented to retain the bone screw inside the plate. The locking pin is rotated through a camming surface to bring a blocking surface against the flange deflecting the flange onto the head of the bone screw.

Abstract: A bone plate, having a bone screw and a rotatable lock for retaining the bone screw in place, includes a retainer element and/or a stop element. The retainer element inhibits the lock from being pushed off of the bone plate, while the stop element limits the rotational range of motion of the lock.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to a location adjacent at least one vertebra. An adjustable housing is provided to secure the rod to the plate, and has a first position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate can be adjusted and a second position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate is secured.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone plate assembly having bone plate and bone screws for compressing and locking of bone plates for stabilizing fractured fragments of a bone.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a bone plate and/or a bone plate system. The bone plate includes an elongate body, which body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes at least one projection extending there from, which projection is configured for contacting a bone portion, e.g., a fractured bone portion, so as to aid in the reduction thereof. In some variations, the proximal portion includes a plurality of projections, e.g., reduction aids. Methods of using such a bone plate having reduction aids by itself, or in conjunction with a second bone plate, for the reduction, restoration and treatment of a bone fracture are also provided.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly to promote healing of a bone fracture comprises a first bone engagement member and a second bone engagement member. The first bone engagement member comprises an elongated body with proximal and distal end portions, a projection, and an inner surface defining an opening. The second bone engagement member comprises a main body, first and second outer surfaces, an inner surface defining an aperture, and an inner surface defining an opening spaced from the aperture. One of the end portions of first bone engagement member is dimensioned to extend through the aperture of the second bone engagement member. The opening of the first bone engagement member and the opening of the second bone engagement member are aligned to receive a fastener when the elongated body extends through the aperture and contacts an outer surface of the second bone engagement member.

Abstract: Bone plate systems are provided for surgical implants and bone repair. The bone plate is multi-tiered for receiving bone anchors screws for securing a plurality of bones or bone fragments in a desired relationship. The plate members include throughbores for receiving a pivot base therein, with head ends of the bone anchors being secured in the pivot bases. The throughbores may permit and define a translation path for the pivot base and the bone anchor secured therein relative to the plate. Pivot members extending between the pivot base and the plate member facilitate pivoting and optional translation of the pivot base relative to the plate. With the bone anchor seated within the pivot base, an apparatus for inhibiting screw back out is employed.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms.

Abstract: A device is provided including a rotating portion that can be attached to a plate affixed to a first bone forming a joint and a portion that can be affixed to a second bone of the joint. The device is placed internally in order to prevent pin tract problems and to stabilize the joint while allowing motion of the joint along its natural trajectory. Additionally, a method for using the device is provided that includes attaching the rotating portion to a plate attached to a first bone forming a joint, and attaching the fixable portion to a second bone of the joint.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bone fixation system includes a plate having a first opening a beam configured to traverse through the first opening and reside proximate to a subchondral fragment of bone in an installed position. The beam may be operable to rotate about an axis of rotation proximate to the first opening and reposition the subchondral fragment of bone.

Abstract: Novel bone screw and plate assemblies including locking confirmation mechanisms are provided. In certain cases, a locking confirmation mechanism is operably attached to the plate, and comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion. When a bone screw is positioned in a plate in an unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism assumes a first position. When the bone screw is positioned in the plate in a locked configuration, this causes the locking confirmation mechanism to pivot and assume a second position. The locking confirmation mechanism thus provides a convenient visual and/or tactile means to assess when the screw is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A remotely controllable growing rod device comprises a housing containing on-board electronics and supporting drive assemblies operable to extend or retract associated extension elements projecting along the axis of the device. Each extension element terminates in an anchor element configured to be anchored to a part of the spine, such as the pedicle of a vertebral body. Each drive assembly includes a micromotor and a threaded interface between the motor and the corresponding extension element. The on-board electronics includes a microprocessor, a power supply, such as an inductive power supply, and a receiver/transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to receive remotely transmitted movement data through the receiver and to control actuation of the drive assemblies to move the associated extension elements. Multiple growing rod devices implanted within a patient may communicate to a common on-board microprocessor through an implanted data bus.

Abstract: A bone fixation device (1) for internal fixation of bone fragments with a longitudinal axis (2) and comprising: A) a first and a second plate (3, 4) each having a lower surface (5), an upper surface (6), two lateral surfaces (22, 23), a front surface (7) axially intermediate between said first and second plate (3, 4), an axially terminal surface (8) and at least one screw hole (17) extending from said upper surface (6) to said lower surface (5) and intended to receive a bone screw; B) a first and a second guide rail (13, 14) arranged parallel with respect to said longitudinal axis (2) and uniaxially slideably connecting said first and second plate (3, 4); and C) at least one resilient member (15, 16) arranged between said first and second plate (3, 4) acting as a compression spring.

Abstract: A bone fracture plate assembly including female and male plate portions. The female plate portion has a post, a female dovetail, and an extending aim with a group of ratchet teeth. The male plate portion has two upstanding posts, a male dovetail for coupling to the female dovetail so that the plate portions move linearly with respect to each other, a slot for the arm, and a pawl for engaging the ratchet teeth. A spring, coupled to the posts of the plate portions, dynamically connects the plate portions by applying a compressive load therebetween. The spring has a pair of elongated ears, each defining a slot to allow for relative movement of the plate portions. The ratchet teeth are engaged by the pawl to retain the plate portions together, and the spring mounts on the posts of the plate portions such that the spring biases the plate portions together.

Abstract: A bone plate for a fracture between an epiphysis and a diaphysis has an outer part unitarily formed with a fan-shaped outer end having a plurality of outer holes and an inner end extending from the outer end. A bar-shaped inner part has an outer end juxtaposed with the inner end of the outer part and formed inward of its outer end with a plurality of inner holes. A pivot is provided between the inner end of the outer part and the outer end of the inner part. Formations juxtaposed with the pivot on the inner end of the outer part and on the outer end of the inner part are lockable together in each of a plurality of angularly offset fixed positions of the inner and outer parts. When the formations are pressed together the inner and outer parts are locked angularly relative to each other.

Abstract: A bone fixation system has a first fixation device. The first fixation device has a first longitudinally extending bone insertion blade having an orienting portion, and a first plate extending transversely from the first bone insertion blade and positionable along a surface of a bone. The bone fixation system further has a second fixation device. The second fixation device has second longitudinally extending bone insertion blade orientatively interactive with the orienting portion, and a second plate extending transversely from the second bone insertion blade and positionable along the surface of the bone adjacent the first plate. When assembled, the second bone insertion blade has an orientation that is based on an orientation of the orienting portion.

Abstract: A screw fixation system includes a plate having opposed first and second surfaces, and a hole defined in the plate which extends between the first and second surface. A screw is included having a head and a shaft extending from the head and defining a longitudinal axis for the screw, the shaft of the screw being configured and adapted to be inserted into the hole. A retainer is circumferentially positioned around the shaft of the screw and proximate to the screw head. The retainer is configured to engage with the plate proximate the hole when the shaft of the screw has been inserted into the hole so as to resist removal of the screw from the hole and to allow removal of the screw from the hole when a preset torque is applied to the screw.

Abstract: A method for repairing a fractured bone includes providing a bone fracture fixation assembly including a plate, an elongated shaft, and a rod. At least a portion of the shaft is threaded, and the shaft has a hole extending therethrough. The hole has an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method further includes positioning the plate adjacent the surface of the fractured bone, extending the shaft into the bone, cooperatively engaging the threaded portion of the shaft with a screw receiving aperture of the plate, extending the rod into the bone, and inserting the rod into the hole of the shaft.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is adapted to fixate the spinous processes of vertebral bones. The device includes at least one bone engagement member. When implanted, a bone engagement member is located on each side of a spinous process and adapted to forcibly abut the side of each spinous process.

Abstract: An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate.

Abstract: Bone plate systems and methods for implanting. A bone plate system includes a bone plate having a first surface, a second, bone contacting surface opposed to the first surface, and at least one aperture extending through the first and second surfaces. The system includes a bone screw having a threaded shank along a distal end portion thereof, the threaded shank configured to pass through the aperture. A dynamic member is configured to fit between portions of the screw and the bone plate and allow movement of the dynamic member and the screw relative to the bone plate in a first direction, while preventing movement of the dynamic member relative to the bone plate in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a maxillary implant for advancement, expansion and stabilization of repositioned bone sections of a maxilla. According to embodiments, a maxillary implant includes a first plate having a bone attachment portion. The bone attachment portion has a bone contacting surface defining a first plane and one or more screw holes. The first plate has a coupling portion defining a second plane and has a post-opening. The maxillary implant includes a second plate having a top panel and two side panels. The two side panels each has a bone contacting surface defining respective third and fourth planes and one or more screw holes. The maxillary implant has a post projecting from the top panel in the posterior direction. The post and the post-opening jointly form an interface which allows the first and second plates to be adjustable relative to each other.

Abstract: A fixation assembly and methods for its use are provided. The fixation assembly includes two or more fixation elements, at least one connection means adapted to engage with the fixation elements to connect them to one another, and a locking means that is actuated after engagement of the fixation elements with the connection means to simultaneously lock the fixation elements in place relative to one another and to the connection means.

Abstract: A bone plate locking system including a threaded screw body having a proximal end and a distal end and a plate with a through-hole. The proximal end includes a head. The head includes an upper portion, a groove adjacent the upper portion and a lower portion adjacent the groove, wherein a center-axis of the groove is off-axis to a center-axis of the threaded screw body. A locking ring configured to reside within the groove of the head. The through-hole includes an upper portion, a groove adjacent the upper portion and a lower portion adjacent the groove. The head is receivable in the through-hole. The locking ring is rotatably positioned around the groove of the head such that in an unlocked position the locking ring is outside the groove of the through-hole and in a locked position the locking ring is at least partially within the groove of the through-hole.

Abstract: A bone plate has a body with an outer surface and a bone-contacting surface with a channel formed at a periphery of the body, and a suture member having an end slidably received in the channel. The suture member has an end extending outwardly of the channel. The channel is formed along at least one side of the body. The suture member includes a retainer member received in the channel, a shank extending through the channel, and a loop member affixed to the end of the shank opposite the retainer member. The loop member has a shape suitable so as to allow a suture to be affixed thereto. The body has a slot communicating with the channel and opens at the outer surface so as to allow the suture member to be inserted into the channel.

Abstract: In order to configure, in such a way as to be capable of being employed in a simple and secure manner and produced cost-effectively, a surgical connecting element for fixing adjacently arranged bone plates, comprising a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a coupling element, by means of which the first and second bearing element can be coupled to each other in such a way that bone plates lying between the first and second bearing element can be fixed, it is proposed that the second bearing element and the coupling element be so designed and adapted to each other that, by relative movement between the coupling element and the second bearing element transversely to a clamping direction, the bone plates are fixable between the first and the second bearing element.

Abstract: A proximal humeral plate assembly can include a first plate, a coupler, a second plate, and a guide. The first plate can define a window and can have a first major surface adapted to conform to a native bone structure. The coupler can be formed on a second major surface of the first plate opposite the first major surface. The second plate can be adapted to engage the coupler, to cover the window, and to conform to the native bone structure. The second plate can include through holes adapted to receive bone screws. The guide can be adapted to engage the coupler and to guide at least one of a cutting tool and a dilation tool.

Abstract: A sternum reinforcing device to be used after a sternotomy or a sternal fracture, made of a biocompatible material, comprises an elongated modular member (10) with a pair of legs (20, 30), that are joined each other by a body portion (4), and a pair of arms (6, 7). The legs (20, 30) can be fitted in an intercostal space of the thorax of a patient, laterally to the sternum, and can be bent in a mutually opposite direction, on the internal side of the thorax, after being fitted therein. The arms (6, 7), extending from one side to the other of the body portion (4) and orthogonally to the pair of legs (20, 30), constitute a male part and a female part, respectively, of a prismatic type coupling for consecutive modular members.

Abstract: A drill guide system for a bone plate having holes includes a guide block having at least two drill guide bores alignable with a bone screw receiving hole in a bone plate. A locking element extending through at least one drill guide block bore into the bone plate bone screw receiving hole, the locking element having a partially threaded bore portion and having a bifurcated tip surrounding the threaded bore portion. The bifurcated tip capable of engaging an inwardly extending protrusion formed on an internal wall of a bone screw receiving hole in the bone plate. An axially moveable threaded rod has a head for contacting an outer surface of the guide block and an end portion engaging a portion of the bore in the bifurcated tip of the locking element for separating sections of the bifurcated tip on axial movement of the rod prior to the head contacting the second surface of the drill guide block.

Abstract: An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened, and wherein the device can be disposed in the locked status in differing overall lengths. The sternal clamp having a pair of rib plate members for affixation to the ribs.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular system for cervical fixation is disclosed. The system comprises a first plate operable to be attached to a first vertebra and a second plate operable to be attached to a second vertebra. A fixation means for connecting the first v-plate to the second v-plate is provided. The fixation means can be any one of a number of devices including a pair of beams that connect to the first and second plate, an attachment plate that attaches the first and second plates and an attachment plate that has an elastic middle portion.

Abstract: There are provided orthopedic fixation systems for attachment of a rod to bone. In an embodiment, plate having top and bottom surfaces includes at least one pocket formed through the surfaces to engage an anchor to bone. At least one arm extends from the longitudinal section of the plate. A housing portion has a base configured for slideable engagement with a course defined in the arm to allow selective positioning of the housing portion. The housing defines a passageway for slideable engagement with a rod to allow selective positioning of the rod. A ring has an inner surface for engagement with the housing portion and a lower surface for engagement with the plate. Locking apparatus is configured for engagement with the arm, housing, and rod to allow selective fixation of (1) the housing along the arm and (2) the rod and the housing with respect to one another.

Abstract: A surgical system for stabilizing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, the system comprising a plate having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be secured to the first bone segment and the second end is configured to be secured to the second bone segment, and further wherein the plate has a structural integrity sufficient to stabilize the first bone segment to the second bone segment. Further embodiments comprise a supplemental plate for stabilizing a third bone segment to the second bone segment.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate.

Abstract: An assembly for reducing a fracture between an epiphysis and a diaphysis of a bone has a bone plate having a fan-shaped outer end formed with a plurality of outer holes and a bar-shaped inner end extending along a longitudinal axis from the outer end and formed with a plurality of inner holes. he plate further is formed on the bar-shaped inner end with a longitudinally extending through going guide slot and between the guide slot and the outer holes with an aperture. A slide has a longitudinally extending leg with an inner end formed with a guide formation engaged into and longitudinally slidable along the guide slot and a crosspiece overlying the aperture and engaging the bone plate to both transverse sides of the aperture. The crosspiece is formed with a transversely elongated slide slot, and a slide screw engaged through the slide.

Abstract: Systems for modular bone fixation may include first, second, and at least one third portion to aid in fracture reduction, simplify the surgical procedure, increase fracture fixation strength, and reduce irritation to the patient caused by the implant. In some examples, the at least one third portion may be separable from the first and second portions to further simplify the surgical procedure and reduce irritation to the patient.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for bone fixation using a pair of slender spanning members to span a fracture outside bone.

Abstract: A device for compressing two or more adjacent bones includes a male plate attachable to a first one bones and having a central protrusion extending away from the male plate along a longitudinal axis, a female plate attachable to a second one of the bones and having a channel substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and adapted to conformally receive the central protrusion when the plates are aligned, and a locking mechanism configured to: hold the male plate and the female plate together when the plates are aligned; allow the male plate and the female plate to move with respect to each other under compression along the longitudinal axis when the protrusion is engaged with the channel; and prevent movement of the male plate with respect to the female plate when a desired, measurable amount of force is applied to the first bone with respect to the second bone.

Abstract: Bone treatment plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprise spring structures assembled to bone treatment plates. The spring structure comprises elongate bands, and springs between the bands, urging the bands against structure of the plate. Spring width is less than spring height and/or one or more protuberances extending from the band or bands cooperate with one or more detents in the plate thereby to arrest longitudinal movement of the spring structure with respect to the plate.

Abstract: A slide-type cervical plate includes an anti-backout device (2) preventing the vertical movements of the bone anchor screws (3) and which consists of first vertical-blocking elements (71) capable of deforming elastically in a first direction so that an anchor screw (3) can be introduced into the corresponding bore (4) and of second vertical-blocking elements (8) capable of deforming elastically in a second direction different than the first so that another anchor screw (3) can be fitted into another bore (4), the first and second blocking elements deforming elastically when a combined external load in a vertical direction and in rotation in the clockwise direction is applied to the anchor screws (3).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.