Osteosynthetic implants and methods of use and manufacture

摘要

The present invention provides bone fracture fixation devices, systems and methods of use and manufacture. One such bone fixation device includes an elongate element having a responsive zone. The element is adapted to be coupled to the bone so that the responsive zone is positioned adjacent a fracture site in the bone. The responsive zone is adapted to apply a desired pressure to the bone when coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the responsive zone comprises a shape memory material, which may be nickel titanium or Nitinol, to apply compressive pressure across the fracture site for longer periods of time than standard bone screws.