An intra-osseous support structure can be used to fixate opposed portions of bone. In some examples, the intra-osseous support structure is positioned in openings formed in adjacent portions of bones. Fasteners are inserted through the bone portions to secure the intra-osseous support structure in the bones. Depending on the application, one or more external bone plates may also be applied to the bone portions. The external bone plate may be in compression while the intra-osseous support structure is in tension under load in situ.

An implant insertion assembly including an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a recessed portion, an outer wall of the recessed portion having a first shape about a perimeter thereof and including an engagement mechanism. The implant insertion assembly also includes an implant extending from a distal end to a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the recessed portion of the insertion handle, the opening having a second shape configured to mechanically interlock with the outer wall of the recessed portion when the recessed portion is inserted therein to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant, the proximal end including a receiving structure in a wall thereof, the receiving structure being positioned and oriented to receive the engagement mechanism to removably lock the insertion handle to the implant in the axial direction.

Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a biceps tenodesis system is provided and includes a sheath inserter tool, an expandable sheath configured to couple to the sheath inserter tool, an expander inserter tool, and an expander configured to couple to the expander inserter tool. The sheath inserter tool is configured to advance the expandable sheath, with a tendon disposed therearound, into a bone hole, and the expander inserter tool is configured to advance the expander through an outer shaft of the sheath inserter tool and to drive the expander into the sheath. The expander is configured to be received within a lumen extending at least partially through the expandable sheath to thereby expand the sheath. In this way, the system delivers the tendon or ligament into the bone hole and locks the sheath and tendon within the bone hole.

A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof. The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.

The present disclosure provides a bioresorbable foam closure device for trans-nasally closing an opening in a base of a skull. The closure device comprises a phase-separated polymer. The device includes a stem portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and a head portion at the distal end of the stem portion. The closure device is deformed from a free shape to a constricted shape, inserted through a nasal cavity and into the opening, and released to at least partially revert back to the free shape such that the stem portion fills the opening and the head portion abuts cranium and dura to secure the closure device in position and seal the opening.

Implant tensioning and/or implant anchor deployment devices are described. Certain embodiments may be recognized in the form of a so-called tensioning “gun.” Other embodiments take a simpler and more compact form. Various optional features are described in connection with these embodiments. Optional aspects of anchor embodiments for the subject implants are also described. Some of these features are coordinated for use with the implant tensioning and anchor deployment instrument, others are not.

The invention primarily relates to fastening and stabilizing tissues, implants, and/or bondable materials, such as the fastening of a tissue and/or implant to a bondable material, the fastening of an implant to tissue, and/or the fastening of an implant to another implant. This may involve using an energy source to bond and/or mechanically to stabilize a tissue, an implant, a bondable material, and/or other biocompatible material. The invention may also relate to the use of an energy source to remove and/or install an implant and/or bondable material or to facilitate solidification and/or polymerization of bondable material.

An IM tibial nail aiming guide for providing proximal and distal screw fixation in an intramedullary nailing (IMN) of a tibia includes an attachment that connects and disconnects easily from a jig's proximal handle. Specifically, the IM tibial nail aiming guide functions as an aiming guide for accurate fixation of all the respective proximal and distal screw holes in a tibial nail. The IM tibial nail aiming guide has a length and angle that are adjustable, affording the ability to use this IM tibial nail aiming guide with any tibial nail. This IM tibial nail aiming guide is made of radiolucent material that allows for a confirmatory fluoroscopic imaging to verify that both the proximal and distal screws are fixated appropriately. The IM tibial nail aiming guide permits a more accurate, safe, versatile, and efficient approach to tibial IMN.

The present invention relates generally to implants and tools for the fixation or fusion of joints or bone segments. These tools include tissue dilators and protectors. Other tools include broaches used to shape bores in bone. The tools can also include a system for removing an implant from bone. Implants can include assemblies of one or more implant structures that make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. Implants for fusing both sacroiliac joints of a patient include a long implant that extends across both sacroiliac joints.

This disclosure describes exemplary screw and intramedullary devices that are better able to bring bone fragments into close proximity with each other, generate a compressive load, and maintain that compressive load for a prolonged period of time while healing occurs. The devices are made of a shape memory material.