Adjustable rail apparatuses and external bone and/or tissue fixation system including an adjustable rail apparatus is disclosed. The rail apparatuses comprise first and second external fixation beam elements with alignment grooves, and a joint coupling the first and second beam elements and configured to selectively adjust the relative angular and rotational arrangement of the first and second beam elements. The joint also comprises a first and second beam end housings rotationally fixed to the first and second external fixation beam elements, respectively. The joint also comprises first and second clamp members axially and rotationally fixed to the first and beam end housings, respectively. The joint also comprises first and second rotation end housings coupled with the first and second clamp members, respectively, the first and second rotation end housings being selectively rotatably adjusted with respect to the first and second clamp members, respectively, within fixed ranges of rotation.

The present invention provides body anchored protraction devices. The protraction devices direct the negative forces of protraction over a large surface area on the chest and abdomen of a patient. The protraction devices employ a cantilever support rod and ultra-low friction joints to enable low compression on the head without restricting free movement.

Devices for the fixation of a bone fracture and methods of using the devices are provided. The devices comprise at least one distal pin assembly configured to engage a first bone fragment, at least one proximal pin assembly configured to engage a second bone fragment, and a rail bar system configured to connect the distal and proximal pin assemblies together across the bone fracture. Each pin assembly includes a screw portion having a distal end configured to engage first bone fragment and a proximal end, a support sheath portion having a distal end configured to engage the first bone fragment, wherein the support sheath portion defines an elongated channel in which the proximal end of the screw portion is disposed, and a cap portion configured to attach the proximal end of the screw portion to the support sheath portion.

An external fixator system includes a proximal frame configured to restrict motion in a lower extremity of a subject, and a frame connector assembly. The proximal frame includes a first, second, and third component. The first component can support a first clamp to secure a first pin inserted within a bone extending between a foot and a knee of the lower extremity. The third component extends from a second end of the second component. The first, second and third components have longitudinal axes that are substantially coplanar. The third component includes an extension to extend over a dorsal portion of the foot of the subject and to support a second clamp to secure a second pin inserted within a bone of the foot. The frame connector assembly extends from the second component to support a third clamp to secure a third pin inserted within a third bone of the foot.

A clamping device for an external fixation system includes a clamp body and a locking assembly. The clamp body includes a first and second jaw that define a slot in communication with a first channel. The first channel can accommodate a first fixation element along a longitudinal axis of the first channel. The first jaw defines a first opening and the second jaw defines a second opening that are sized to receive a portion of the locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first fastening element to pass through the first and second openings, and define a second channel to accommodate a bone pin. The locking assembly includes a second fastening element configured to engage with the first fastening element. The locking assembly is configured to restrict movement of the first fixation element and the bone pin relative to the clamp body in response to tightening of the locking assembly.

A medical device, comprising: a medical strut; a preloader configured to store energy, wherein the medical strut is configured to transform the energy stored in the preloader to a first force applicable to a bodily tissue; an actuator configured to apply a second force to adjust the length of the medical strut, thereby facilitating the transforming the stored energy to the first force; and a controller configured to control the actuator.

A clamping device includes a clamp body and a locking assembly. The clamp body includes a first jaw defining a first opening and a second jaw defining a second opening. The locking assembly includes a first locking element, a second locking element, and a lever. The first locking element includes a first end and a shaft portion extending from the first end. The shaft portion is sized to pass through the first opening and the second opening. The locking assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw responsive to rotation of the second locking element. The lever is configured to attach to the second locking element and rotate about the second locking element from a first position to a second position to cause the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to be reduced further.

The skull clamp system with pressure limiting and alarm systems includes at least one and preferably multiple inwardly power driven immobilizing pins adjustably engaging the skull of a patient. The pin power drive systems includes at least one sensor capable of sensing the degree of back pressure on the pin from contact of the pin against the bone of the patient, the sensor being capable of signaling the drive system to stop when the sensor detects a preselected degree of back pressure. The sensor is also capable of signaling an alarm to warn of any reduction of pressure applied to the pins that might result from pin slippage.

An adjustable fixation clamp having first and second clamp assemblies positioned about a shaft. The clamp assemblies may each have a pair of vise plates. Each pair of vise plates may define at least two receiving portions and insertion portions intersecting the receiving portions. The receiving portions of one clamp assembly may receive at least two fixation components such as screws, pins or wires. The receiving portions of the other clamp assembly may receive at least one connector such as a rod, bar and/or ring. A biasing structure may be positioned between the first and second clamp assemblies and may allow for the fixation components to be snapped into the receiving portions through the insertion portions. Two or more adjustable fixation clamps may be used to form an external fixation system. At least two screws, pins or wires may be inserted into bone and one of the clamp assemblies may be attached thereto. A guide may be used for insertion of screws, pins or wires into bone. The other clamp assembly may be connected to a rod, bar or ring. Thereafter, the clamp assemblies may be oriented relative to each other and locked in place.

A bone fixation device comprises a plurality of brackets (6, 8, 42-48), each defining a surface formed with at least one recess (56, 58). Part of a ball (12-18, 52, 54) is mounted in each recess with an exposed face formed with a groove (24, 26, 52, 54) for receiving a fixation rod or bone screw. The brackets are capable of being brought together such that at least one pair of exposed ball faces are in juxtaposition with the grooves defining a sleeve for a fixation rod or bone screw, and means (10, 50) are included for urging the brackets and the exposed ball faces towards each other to clamp a fixation rod or bone screw between a pair of juxtaposed ball faces. Normally, the recesses and ball parts are arranged such that as the brackets are brought together at least two pairs of ball parts are in juxtaposition, forming two sleeves for fixation rods or bone screws.