Distal tip designs for bone fixation devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for bone fixation includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable member having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the expandable member is releasably attached about the distal end of the delivery catheter at the proximal region of the expandable member; a distal cap attached to the distal region of the expandable member to seal the expandable member; a light conducting fiber; and a light-sensitive liquid; wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of a light-sensitive liquid into the expandable member to expand the expandable member and an inner lumen for passage of the light conducting fiber into the expandable member to cure the light-sensitive liquid inside the expandable member.

A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

A method for treating a bone, the method comprising: selecting at least one reinforcing element to be combined with an injectable matrix material so as to together form a composite implant capable of supporting the bone; positioning the at least one reinforcing element in a cavity in the bone; flowing the injectable matrix material into the cavity in the bone so that the injectable matrix material interfaces with the at least one reinforcing element; and transforming the injectable matrix material from a flowable state to a non-flowable state so as to establish a static structure for the composite implant, such that the composite implant supports the adjacent bone.

Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A device for use in repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one reinforcing material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and the at least one reinforcing material.

An implantable compensating sleeve is for application between a longitudinal implant section of a first implant, and a second implant that encompasses the longitudinal implant section of the first implant. The compensating sleeve has a sheath with a sheath body and a passage, running from the proximal to the distal end of the sheath body, for receiving the longitudinal implant section of the first implant. The sheath body is formed from separate planar and/or rod-shaped compensating elements which are arranged in a ring and aligned in the longitudinal direction of the sheath body. A gap runs from the proximal to the distal end between two adjacent compensating elements. Adjacent compensating elements are interconnected by at least one foldable wire such that they can move relative to one another.

A fracture in a hollow bone is supported temporarily by a rigid plastics implant formed within a balloon within the bone. To assist implant removal, an access port, comprising a hollow cylinder, is inserted through an aperture made in an end of the bone and surrounds a proximal end of the implant. The access port is connected to a source of torsional-mode ultrasonic vibrations to soften the plastic implant and improve engagement between access port and implant. Removal of the ultrasound source allows introduction of a cutting tool through the access port, which guides it to hollow out the implant. The implant then collapses within the balloon and is withdrawn through the access port. One suitable cutting tool has a head with four helical fins separated by part-circular grooves and a concave distal face. Ultrasonically activated, the fin tips soften and cut the plastic, which flows away along the grooves.

An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

The present invention is a fracture reduction device or system adapted for use in bone cavities. The current device is particularly useful in surgical procedures involving fractured bones.

A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene. The implant is advanced over prior devices due to its: (1) method of operation, (2) high strength, (3) method of insertion, (4) compressive force temperature independence, (5) energy storing implant retention and delivery system, (6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, (7) ability to act as a scaffold to conduct healing bone through the implant, (8) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and (9) reduction in the steps required to place the device.

Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.

Distal tip designs for bone fixation devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for bone fixation includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable member having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the expandable member is releasably attached about the distal end of the delivery catheter at the proximal region of the expandable member; a distal cap attached to the distal region of the expandable member to seal the expandable member; a light conducting fiber; and a light-sensitive liquid; wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of a light-sensitive liquid into the expandable member to expand the expandable member and an inner lumen for passage of the light conducting fiber into the expandable member to cure the light-sensitive liquid inside the expandable member.