An external distraction apparatus for performing a craniofacial distraction is disclosed. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a stationary member. The stationary member may be configured to be affixed to a head of a patient. The external distraction apparatus may also comprise laterally disposed distractors. The laterally disposed distractors may extend inferiorly from the stationary member and be moveable relative to the stationary member. The external distraction apparatus may comprise a motor and controller. The motor may be powered with the controller to perform a craniofacial distraction in an automated fashion.

An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

The invention relates to an external fixator device and a method of its use in treating bone fractures and in orthopedic interventions, such as corrective osteotomies.

A bone distraction device having a ratchet and pawl assembly such that incremental rotation is allowed in one direction and prevented in the other, and further having a quick release mechanism such that the ratchet and pawl mechanism can be released to allow free rotation in both directions. The device has a pawl housing mounted onto a rod housing, the pawl housing having a sloping transition shoulder diminishing to transition onto the outer surface of the rod housing. In other embodiments, the device has a sleeve housing with an enlarged end telescopically mounted onto a rod housing, the enlarged end having a sloping transition shoulder diminishing to transition onto the outer surface of the sleeve housing.

Female polyaxial joints for connecting a strut to a support frame of an external fixation device are described having a ball socket and a ball member. The ball member includes a spherical portion and a ball member shaft extending from the spherical portion. At least one aperture is positioned on the ball member and traverses through at least a portion of the ball member shaft. An internal surface of the ball member shaft may be threaded and configured to receive a threaded connector.

An automatic traction device for a lower limb fracture osteosynthesis includes a chassis structure, a lower leg supporting structure and an upper leg supporting structure connected two by two. The automatic traction device further includes a tibia distal position adjusting device, for adjusting a position and an angle of a distal end of a tibia, on the lower leg supporting structure and close to the first end portion of the lower leg supporting structure; and a tibia proximal position adjusting device, for adjusting a position and an angle of a proximal end of a tibia, on the lower leg supporting structure and close to the second end portion of the lower leg supporting structure.

Systems and methods include stabilizing a leg and providing femoral distraction during a knee arthroplasty surgery. The disclosed systems include a leg holder to receive a foot of a patient and a femoral distractor received in the leg holder and disposed underneath a knee of the patient. The femoral distractor is actuated to increase or decrease in length to distract the femur such that a surgeon may cut to resection the femur without also simultaneously providing distraction of the femur.

An external bone fixation system may include a first semi-circular external fixation member, a second semi-circular external fixation member, four ball collet assemblies attached to the second external fixation member, and four shafts. Each shaft may include a first end attached to the first external fixation member and a second end with a stop member, and each of the four shafts extends slidably through an opening in a ball of one of the four ball collet assemblies. The stop member of each second end prevents each second end from passing through the opening in its respective ball. Each shaft also includes a hinge located closer to the first end than to the second end.

Provided are external fixation horns and clamp for use with struts in conjunction with external bone fixation (EBF) devices. A fixation horn is a cylindrical component intended to connect and provide further fixation locations for a half-pin clamp. A horn can be offered at various angles and lengths to best fit the application and surgeon preference. Prior to securement, the horn is positioned in the desired position and orientation relative to the half-pin clamp. Once in position, a floating collar of the horn is tightened onto the clamp. The collar compresses a serrated face of the horn with a mating serrated face of the clamp. The serrated faces of the horn and half-pin clamp are designed to lock together and resist rotational slippage during use.

Systems and methods include stabilizing a leg and providing femoral distraction during a knee arthroplasty surgery. The disclosed systems include a leg holder to receive a foot of a patient and a femoral distractor received in the leg holder and disposed underneath a knee of the patient. The femoral distractor is actuated to increase or decrease in length to distract the femur such that a surgeon may cut to resection the femur without also simultaneously providing distraction of the femur.