A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

Systems, devices and methods for controlled intramedullary delivery of light (frequencies from about 380 nm to about 500 nm) to treat tissue or bones disorders, including osteomyelitis, by a flexible fiber are provided, where the light is delivered in a circumferential fashion around the fiber, and where the energy delivered from the fiber is of a similar average intensity at the front end and back end of the fiber, and in between. The methods and systems deliver intramedullary light to the canal over long lengths via a minimally invasive pathway to a bone. The methods and systems deliver and maintain a light delivery system within the canal of the bone to provide single or multiple doses of light to kill, eliminate, remove or reduce bacteria, viruses, fungus and pathogens, without removal of the light fiber system, thereby providing single or multiple treatments.

An implant and method for fixation of long bones. The implant provides rotational, longitudinal, and bending stability. The implant comprises one or more elongated members that span the intramedullary cavity of a long bone, a distal tip that expands radially relative to the long axis of the implant, and a locking mechanism at the proximal end of the implant.

The invention relates to an expansion device for bone expansion, wherein the expansion device has a proximal end and a distal end, between which ends the expansion device extends in a longitudinal direction, and extending apparatuses, which succeed one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein the extension apparatuses can be extended in order to exert force on a bone.

The present invention relates to a structure having a variable diameter, the structure including: a bolt which extends in a longitudinal direction; a body which is disposed at one side of the bolt so as to surround the bolt; a core which is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the bolt; a plurality of extensions which is radially disposed outside the core; and a plurality of outer shells which surrounds the extensions so as to correspond to the extensions, in which the extensions are expanded outward or contracted in a direction toward a center thereof by the core in accordance with a rotation direction of the bolt, such that a diameter of an outer circumferential surface of the extensions is changed.

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.

This invention relates to a coupling for an orthopaedic device. Also disclosed in an orthopaedic device comprising a coupling of the invention and method for the use of the orthopaedic device. The orthopaedic device finds utility as a bolt apparatus for fixation of bones such as fractures of the femur, although it may be used in any suitable bone.

Apparatus and methods for delivery of an implant at a target site in an interior of a bone. The apparatus may include a plate. The plate may include a bottom surface complementing a surface contour of a bone. The plate may define first holes sized for receiving screws. The plate may define second holes sized for receiving fixation elements. The plate may define an opening. The opening may be sized for providing passage of the implant through the plate. When the bottom surface is seated complementarily against the surface contour, the first holes may point into an interior of the bone and into a volume occupied by the implant in the interior when the implant is positioned at a target site and radially expanded to form a mesh cage.

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.