The present invention relates to a craniotomy fixation device and method for fixing a bone flap to the skull following craniotomy. The device may comprise two portions, one portion may be associated with the skull and the other portion may be associated with the bone flap. The two portions are connected in a way to accommodate changes in intracranial pressure.

The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.

A locking member for a bone fixation device can include a locking body that defines an outer surface, an opposed bone contacting surface, and a slot that extends from the bone contacting surface to the outer surface. The locking member can further include at least one locking tooth that extends into the slot and a biasing member that extends into the slot and defines an abutment surface that faces the at least one locking tooth. The slot can be configured to receive a toothed member along an insertion direction and the biasing member can be configured to bias the toothed member toward the at least one locking tooth such that at least one tooth of the toothed member engages the at least one locking tooth of the locking member so as to prevent the toothed member from translating through the slot along a direction that is opposite the insertion direction.

A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.

The invention provides a method and apparatus for cranial fixation following a craniotomy and treatment for increased intracranial pressure. The cranial fixation device comprises of plates attached to the skull with a telescopic screw. The telescopic screw provides constrained movement of the bone flap relative to the skull to accommodate an increase in the intracranial pressure.

The present disclosure provides dynamic cranial fixation devices and related methods for attaching a resected bone portion(s), or a bone flap, to the skull in such a manner that allows for brain swelling to occur with minimal constraint following a craniotomy or craniectomy. The present disclosure provides dynamic cranial fixation devices and related methods that provide outward movement of the bone flap as the brain swells underneath the bone flap to prevent or reduce a rise in the intracranial pressure. Once the brain swelling resolves, the dynamic cranial fixation devices and related methods of the present disclosure allow the bone flap to return to its original position (before resection) without further surgery, implantation or the like. Once the bone flap return to its original position (or substantially similar position), the bone flap may fuse with the neighboring bone(s), potentially with the assistance of one or more fusion aid.

The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.

An implant for fixing a cranial bone flap in a cranial opening includes a first portion designed to transfer force to the bone flap, a second portion designed to transfer force to a skull bone encircling the cranial opening, and a mechanism connected to the first portion and the second portion. The mechanism is configured such that a transverse spacing, projected onto a transverse axis of the implant, between the first portion and the second portion, is enlargeable, such that the first portion is pressable radially inwardly against the bone flap, and the second portion is pressable radially outwardly against the skull bone. The first portion and/or the second portion are designed for arrangement in an annular gap formed between an outer circumference of the bone flap and an inner circumference of the skull bone. At least two of such implants can make up an implant system.

A cranial fixation device for decompressive/augmentative craniectomy is described comprising a lid (4) and a plurality of brackets (3), the device being designed for the treatment of pathologies causing a herniation of the brain with a consequent increase in intracranial pressure, of the type which provides for the creation of an opening in the cranial case, by milling along a craniotomy edge (2), able to allow the expansion of the brain and the application of the lid (4) at a certain vertical distance (d) from said craniotomy rim (2) with functions of protection and containment of the brain, wherein the lid (4) is connected to the craniotomy rim (2) by the plurality of brackets (3) which are fixed simultaneously to the lid (4) and to the craniotomy rim (2).

An attachment for a drill includes an inner housing configured to be coupled to the drill. The attachment also includes an outer housing positioned at least partially around the inner housing. The attachment also includes a vertical guide coupled to or integral with the inner housing. The attachment also includes a horizontal guide coupled to or integral with the outer housing. The attachment also includes a guide adapter configured to move along the vertical guide and the horizontal guide. The inner housing and the vertical guide are configured to move vertically with respect to the outer housing and the guide adapter, and the inner housing and the guide adapter are configured to move laterally with respect to the horizontal guide and the outer housing.