A nut for treating a bone includes a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end and including a channel extending longitudinally thereinto from the free end, the channel configured to engage an end of a bone screw, and an exterior threading extending about the body from an exterior surface thereof along an entire length thereof, an outer contour of the exterior threading defined via radially outermost edges of the exterior threading, a first portion of the outer contour adjacent the head portion having a smaller diameter than a second portion of the outer contour extending from the first portion to the free end of the body.

The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

A tether for an implantable bone device, the tether including a retention portion for holding the implantable bone device in place, wherein the retention portion comprises a recess configured to receive a protruding proximate end of the device when the device is positioned inside a bone, wherein the recess is open at a first end and closed at a second end; and a fastening portion for affixing the tether to the bone, wherein the fastening portion comprises one or more through fastener openings, wherein each through fastener opening is configured to receive a bone fastener, wherein the fastening portion is adjustable, and wherein the fastening portion is shaped to be less thick that a height of the retention portion.

Intramedullary nails, aiming guide assemblies, and methods. The aiming guide assembly can include an aiming guide having an elongate proximal handle portion. A generally arcuate distal implant alignment tip connector portion is connected to the proximal handle portion and has a distal implant alignment tip extending along a tip axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the proximal handle portion. A recon module may be releasably attached to a proximal end of the proximal handle portion. An oblique module may be releasably attached to the distal implant alignment tip portion.

A femoral nail includes a proximal section, a distal section remote from the proximal section, and an intermediate section disposed between the proximal section and distal section and having first and second curved portions. The first curved portion is positioned closer to the proximal section than the second curved portion. The second curved portion is curved in a first plane, and the first curved portion is curved in the first plane and a second and third plane.

The invention concerns a distal radius fracture fixation device for securing at least two fractured bone segments together. The device comprises: a body portion comprising at least two insertion channels each extending through the body portion and each being configured for receiving a bone fixation element therethrough; and an insertion device connection portion connected to the body portion, and for coupling a separate insertion device to the fracture fixation device. The insertion device connection portion is arranged to be decoupled from the body portion.

An intramedullary nail implant for positioning in a bone having a head and a shaft defining an intramedullary canal. The implant includes a distal portion having a shaft extending along a central axis and configured for positioning within the intramedullary canal. A proximal portion extends proximally from the distal portion. The proximal portion defines a contact surface which extends at least in part medially of the central axis such that it is configured to extend within a medial portion of the bone head. A method of implanting the nail is also provided.

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.