A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. The device has coplanar holes, which allow insertion of protective sleeves. A drill and bone screws can be inserted through the protective sleeves. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the intramedullary nail holes. The aiming arm has a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, wherein said aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail after implantation. Once the aiming arm is precisely positioned, the aiming arm transverse holes and intramedullary nail holes are accurately aligned, protective sleeves are inserted through aiming arm holes, bone drills are drilled through the intramedullary nail holes and surrounding bone material, and bone screws are inserted, locking the intramedullary nail to the bone.

The invention relates to a surgical retractor (E) comprising: a frame (100) having a central opening (110), arms (210, 220, 230) movable in translation, a blade (310, 320, 330) associated with each arm, characterized in that it comprises two independent wheel portions (410, 420) guided in rotation by the frame (100) and collaborating with different arms (210, 220, 230) in order to provide independent movements.

Fixation devices and methods for stabilization of the lamina after laminoplasty are described. The device comprises of a plate with several holes that receive bone fasteners. The plate is curved at the ends to contour to the vertebral structure and has appendages to engage the displaced lamina in a fixed position. Alternatively, the plate has a bone fusion spacer in the middle to engage and fuse the lamina in the displaced position. Several methods of dynamically stabilizing the lamina after either the open door, double door or expansive laminoplasty technique are provided.

A surgical retractor includes a blade and a handle. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. In one exemplary aspect, the retractor has one or more slip-resistant patterns molded into the blade, in order to prevent slippage of the retractor against patient tissue.

A guide assembly for facilitating placement of a fixation member within a medullary canal of a radius is provided. According to one embodiment, a guide assembly includes a guide fastener configured to attach to a fixation member and a guide member configured to receive the guide fastener such that the guide member is secured to the fixation member. The guide assembly also includes an interchangeable distal guide member configured to engage and be disengaged from the guide member. The distal guide member defines a plurality of fastener guide openings for guiding respective fasteners through a plurality of fastener openings defined in the fixation member.

Provided is a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.

The present invention provides an external fixator (1) for fixation of a joint, such as a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of a finger, and a kit comprising a congruent pair of such external fixators (1). The external fixator (1) comprises a rigid planar member made of a radio-transparent material. The planar member comprises a circular through hole (6) and a rectilinear main slot (10), which is radially aligned with the through hole (6). The external fixator (1) may also comprise a circular arc (8) of radio-opaque material centred on the through hole (6), a tail (14) to aid in its manipulation, and one or more subsidiary slots (20). The main and subsidiary slots (10, 20) have dentilated inner surfaces. In addition to a congruent pair of external fixators (1), the kit may further comprise a plurality of Kirschner wires and one or more stoppers (not shown). In use, the pair of external fixators are placed transversely on each lateral side of a patient's finger, a first one of the Kirschner wires is inserted through the through holes (6) in each external fixator (1) and through the condyle or head of the proximal phalanx. A second one of the Kirschner wires is inserted through the main slot (10) in each external fixator (1) and through the middle phalanx. The third Kirschner wire is inserted through a convenient one of the subsidiary slots (20) in each external fixator (1) and through, over or under the middle phalanx or a fragment thereof. Movement of the second Kirschner wire along the main slots (10) in the direction of arrow D can be used to apply a distraction force to the joint. Movement of the third Kirschner wire along the one of the subsidiary slots (20) towards the main slot (10) can be used to reduce subluxation of the middle phalanx or a fragment thereof. The one or more stoppers, which engage with the dentilated inner surfaces of the main and subsidiary slots (10, 20), prevent backwards movement of the Kirschner wires along the main and/or subsidiary slots (10, 20) thereafter. The invention also provides a method which comprises providing a congruent pair of such external fixators (1) for use in a surgical operation.

A surgical retractor for retracting tissue in a surgical field in a patient includes a retractor blade formed from a material so that the retractor blade is non-magnetic, electrically non-conductive, radiolucent, sterilizable and reusable. The material may be a glass filled polymer. A handle may be coupled to a proximal portion of the retractor blade. Additionally an illumination element such as an optical waveguide or light emitting diodes may be coupled to the retractor blade for illuminating the surgical field.

A single step body insertion device contains a Veress needle 10 which penetrates the skin surface and relevant tissue layers to reach fluid and/or gases that need to be removed from the body. The device comprises a cannula shaft 2 with a tapered distal tip 3 and a proximal hub 4 with a side port 7 housing a one way low pressure cracking valve 8. The cannula shaft is of a polymeric material which is flexible and kink resistant. The device is used for the management of conditions such as pneumothoraxes and pleural effusions as well as other conditions that require release of fluid and/or gas from the body.

The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.