The present application provides external bone fixation systems. The systems include one or more pairs of bone fixation platforms in the form of rings or partial rings. The platforms may be coupled to corresponding bone segments. The pair of platforms are configured to accept a plurality of struts extending therebetween. The struts are configured to attach to the platforms via joints that provide three degrees of rotation. The struts are also configured such that their longitudinal length extending between the joints/platforms can be incrementally adjusted while attached to the platforms. The struts are further configured such that their total range of length adjustment can be increased by coupling at least one add-on component to the struts in situ. The lengths of each of the plurality of struts may be adjusted to arrange the platforms, and thereby the bone segment coupled thereto, in particular relative positions and orientations.

An adjustable dynamic distraction mechanism connects proximal and distal components of a fixator system to enable adjustment of the distraction between proximal and distal bones of a joint and fixation thereof. The device is dynamic in that once fixation of distraction is set, the distal portion of the anatomy may be permitted to move essentially freely to flex and extend by rotation at the natural axis of the joint.

The present disclosure relates to an external (1) fixator for orthopedic use, in particular for the treatment of calcaneus fractures, comprising: a rigid support (10) for a first clamp (11) for fixing bone screws (2); a second support (20) for a second clamp (21) that is hinged at an end (4) of the rigid support (10); a third support (30) for a third clamp (31) that is hinged at an end (4) of the rigid support (10); the rigid support (10) being configured as a guide (16, 17) with the first clamp (11) slidingly mounted thereon. The fixator according to the invention is made of radiolucent material with joint elements comprising partially radiolucent or radiopaque materials and configured to allow orienting the bone screws (2) held by the clamps (11, 21, 31) in directions that are tilted to each other.

Dynamization devices and methods of use are provided. A dynamization device may comprise first and second modules that are mated together in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the first and second modules are connected to deformable rings that may be deformed when a longitudinal force is applied to the first and second modules. The deformation of the rings creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the device to return it to its original shape. The strength, spring coefficient, and size of the dynamization device can be adjusted depending upon the particular needs of the application.

A fixation system for immobilizing a skeletal structure is provided. It includes an internal fixation system having a rod-plate subsystem, a shaft subsystem, and a midfoot plate subsystem. It further includes an external fixation system adapted to connect to the internal fixation system and having a sole that provides a weight-bearing platform underneath a patient's foot to enable a patient to walk with the fixation system.

A bone fixation element is described. The bone fixation element includes first and second channels, a connection channel, and at least one fenestration. The first channel includes a first proximal channel portion and a first distal channel portion. The first proximal channel portion extends from a proximal end of the first channel toward a distal end, and the first distal channel portion extends from the first proximal channel portion to the distal end. The connection channel extends between the distal end of the first channel and a distal end of the second channel such that the first channel is in fluid communication with the second channel via the connection channel. The at least one fenestration extends from at least one of the first and second channels to an outer surface of the bone fixation element.

A fracture reduction method and a parallel external fixator for fracture reduction for realizing the method, the fracture reduction method being used for existing six-chain ring-shaped parallel external fixators in minimally invasive fracture reduction or osteotomy of limbs. The parallel external fixator comprises two fixation rings, six struts and six markers, the fixation rings are arranged with a plurality of connecting holes, the struts are arranged with a spherical hinge, a driving joint (1302), a quick-mounting component and a universal hinge, the markers comprise marker balls and a pin shaft. The parallel external fixator can improve the treatment accuracy, reliability and operation convenience.

A fixator pin with a removable drill bit configured for simultaneously drilling a hole into bone for a fixator pin and threading or installing the fixator pin into the hole. The drill bit portion is joined to the external fixator pin via a separable connection configured as a cut-off, a frangible connection, brittle snap section, or threaded connection. The frangible connection includes at least one feature formed through an outer surface of the frangible connection. The frangible connection is configured to promote the selective separation of the drill bit from the fixator portion at the feature, which may not be separated in the case of an intramedullary pin or nail.

Dynamization devices and methods of use are provided. A dynamization device may comprise first and second modules that are mated together in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the first and second modules are connected to deformable rings that may be deformed when a longitudinal force is applied to the first and second modules. The deformation of the rings creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the device to return it to its original shape. The strength, spring coefficient, and size of the dynamization device can be adjusted depending upon the particular needs of the application.

Dynamization tabs and methods of use are provided. Dynamization tabs may be used with an external fixation ring or other fixator device as part of a therapeutic treatment of bone fractures or malformations. The device forms a connection between one or more fixation struts and an external fixation ring so as to introduce controllable amounts of movement or dynamization to the arrangement of the struts and the fixator. By introducing controlled amounts of dynamization, therapeutic benefits can be derived in the enhanced, accelerated bone formation, mineralization and remodeling of the underlying bone. Dynamization tabs may comprise a strut connector, a mechanical biasing or dynamizing device, and a ring connector. Many different forms for introducing controlled amounts of dynamization are disclosed.