A self-inserting absorbable orthopedic fixation device having a bioabsorbable fastening body portion for fastening body tissue, and having bone penetrating elements such as hard, pointed tips for penetrating bone or hard tissue fixed thereto. The pointed tips may be fabricated from metals or ceramics. The fixation device may be in the form of staples, pins, screws, and the like.

Absorbable surgical fastener with bone penetrating elements

Apparatus for, and methods of, inserting implants (200) are disclosed wherein the apparatus includes a handle portion (112) and a body portion attached to the handle portion (112). The body portion includes an outer tubular member (110), an inner tubular member (118) and an inner shaft (132). The outer tubular member (11) is fixed to the handle portion (112) for rotation therewith and with implant engaging structure (116) on its distal end. The inner tubular member (118) is disposed within the outer tubular member (110) and can move longitudinally and rotationally therein. Second implant engaging structure (130) is positioned at the distal end of the inner tubular member (118). The inner shaft (132) rotates relative the inner and outer tubular members and has a third implant engaging structure (144). At least one of the engaging structures attaches to a removable cap (206) of the implant.

Apparatus and method for implant insertion

A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto. A housing may be provided for positioning the transducer near a portion of the skin near the wound, and for indenting the skin to form a cavity, with the transducer disposed in the cavity to emit the ultrasound toward an internal surface of the wound. Fixture structures, such as adjustable straps, may extend about a portion of the body to position the transducer near the wound.

Ultrasonic treatment for wounds

A surgical fastener assembly (10) for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture (12) therebetween, is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor (22) that has a first externally threaded portion (46) disposed in the first bone portion, and a second portion (44) which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin (60) is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor, and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator (110) is disposed within the anchor, and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide (20) is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion, and includes a sleeve (30). The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener (24) is provided that has a head portion (82), and an externally threaded shank portion (80). The shank portion thread engages with the anchor, and the head portion operably engages with the guide.

Surgical fastener assembly

The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen.

Implant surface preparation

The invention is an improvement in a prosthetic device of the type that is a composite of a first material adapted to be strong enough to withstand the wear and stress exerted on the prosthetic device and a second material in the form of a coating fixed to the first material over a substantial portion of the outer surface of the prosthetic device that engages the bone to which the prosthetic device is attached. The coating is adapted to allow adjacent human tissue to grow therein. The improvement comprises the coating being at least 1 mm. thick and formed of a porous polymeric material that includes a network of interconnected pores throughout its volume. The average pore diameter of the coating ranges from 50 μm - 300 μm, the minimum pore volume being 30%.

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Barry W. Sauer

Papers

Composite prosthetic device with porous polymeric coating

Materialmaessig zusammengesetzte prothese

Appareil prothetique composite avec revetement de polymere poreux