Abstract:
A discrete sacrificial zinc anode is fabricated from one or more slotted and slatted metal plates. The plates are fixed in a parallel planar configuration using conventional fasteners. One or more electrical connection wires are formed with a looped portion for spacing the anode assembly a predetermined distance from a steel reinforcing member.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,091, filed Aug. 25, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF USE 
       [0002]    Described herein are devices and methods for treating bone and other tissue trauma and/or deformities in humans and animals. In particular, the description relates to devices and methods for utilizing compression devices on surgical pins, screws and bone wire such as, for example, a Kirschner Wire or “K-Wire” to facilitate healing after surgery such as, for example, to repair small bones. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Current treatment for injury or deformation of bones such as small metatarsal bones involve fusion techniques typically utilizing a bone wire such as a “K-wire” inserted through the bone fragments and sometimes secured to an anchor bone. The wire is placed through the fractured or displaced bone segments which are then fixated by anchoring the wire to an adjacent anchor bone in the desired alignment for a duration of time to heal, and in most cases, is removed upon completion of the healing process. 
         [0004]    Recently, several devices have been developed that incorporate a component that provides compression to the proximal end of the end bone of the treated bone segments containing a bone wire. This compression helps prevent motion and/or loosening of a fixated fractured bone segment or segments. Combined with the anchoring of the bone wire to an adjacent located bone segment, the compression devices attempt to provide more secure placement and stabilization of fractured bones to aid in healing without loosening or movement of the set bones. These devices are not efficient and/or are complex and bulky making their delivery cumbersome for the user and problematic for the patient during healing. 
         [0005]    There is a need for devices and methods that can provide more efficient and effective treatment of bone trauma and/or deformities and in particular, small bone trauma and/or deformities. Devices that have been developed to date have failed to adequately provide a simple structure that is easy to use by surgeons. Disclosed are devices and methods that can substantially improve the treatment of small bone injuries and/or deformities. There exists a clear need for compression devices that can be easily adjusted by surgeons both during and subsequent to a procedure. There also exists a need for devices that can be quickly inserted and/or removed in combination with existing techniques, all of which will provide a more efficient procedure, healing time, and higher rate of success. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Broadly, described herein are devices and methods allowing for the fixation of small traumatized or deformed bones and/or tissue through the utilization of a compression device in conjunction with an anchorable bone wire, pin, or screw. 
         [0007]    Several embodiments of compression devices are disclosed herein that significantly improve existing procedures for repair of damaged bones and tissue such as, for example, small bones. By way of example, the compression devices described below could be utilized in the repair and fusion of phalangical and metatarsal bones for the purpose of surgically correcting hammertoe deformities. 
         [0008]    In the various disclosed embodiments a compression device is inserted onto a bone wire, pin or screw, and slides proximally along the wire, pin or screw towards the treated bone fragments until the desired compression location is achieved. Typically, the desired location for placement of a compression device is through the soft tissue located in the distal area of the most distal bone fragment such as, for example, a toe phalange being treated, and abutting up against that bone segment. Once the desired compression is achieved the disclosed devices are then locked into their position to secure and maintain the desired compression. The compression would be maintained over the healing period. In some preferred embodiments, the compression devices are adjustable during the healing period to account for any loss of the desired compression due to any number of variable factors including but not limited to subsidence of the device, reduction in inflammation, or patient activity. 
         [0009]    Each of the examples of the various embodiments described herein will be set forth in the detailed description below. One common utilization of the disclosed devices would be for small bones such as phalanges. However, the disclosed compression devices could be utilized in any bone repair scenario where the compression of damaged bone fragments and/or other tissue during healing is desired. In the preferred embodiment, the compression device includes a slidable component having a flexible end with a pair of parallel reliefs along the distal portion of the device&#39;s long axis differentiating the distal portion of the device from the more rigid proximal end of the device. Abutting a modified bone wire on the inner wall of the compression device is a pair of inwardly protruding male tabs that slide along the bone wire until a desired compression is achieved and therefore a location along the bone wire is selected. Located towards the outer middle portion of the device a locking clip or ring is provided that, once the desired location of the compression device on the modified bone wire is reached, the locking clip or ring is then be moved distally to a locking position near the distal end of the device. When the locking clip is moved distally on the compression device it axially locks the compression device by squeezing together the parallel reliefs on the compression devices distal end, forcing the inner male segment tabs of the compression device into the female slots of the modified bone wire. 
         [0010]    In an alternative embodiment the compression device contains two or more male locking segments that are located on the inner wall of the compression device. The tabs are chamfered on their proximal end so that as the tabs are moved proximally along the bone wire, the tabs are able to move in and out of the female slots on the bone wire. In the preferred embodiment the modified bone wire includes two smooth portions and two portions with female relief slots. The tabs slide along the smooth portion until the desired compression is achieved. The device could then be rotated 90° so the tabs align and mate with the female slots of the modified wire by turning the compression device body with respect to the modified bone wire. The turning of the final locked assembly causes advancement or retraction depending on the direction of rotation and the screw form of the K-Wires&#39; threaded portion. 
         [0011]    Another alternative embodiment includes a spring loaded pressure compression device. This design allows the compression device to slide proximally along a standard bone wire until the desired location for compression is achieved at the distal bone segment. Once in this desired position the compression device cannot slide distally on the bone wire unless the user moves the spring tab into a perpendicular orientation with respect to the devices long axis. 
         [0012]    In another alternative embodiment, the compression device includes a slidable component that would be delivered into the desired location on a modified bone wire and a second crimping component that includes a C-clip that would be inserted or placed around the slidable component when the slidable component is properly located on the bone wire. The C-clip would lock into recesses located along the modified bone wire locking the compression device into the proper axial position along the bone wire. 
         [0013]    In another alternative embodiment, the compression device&#39;s components include a spring clip with multiple inwardly facing locking tabs. In this embodiment, the compression device includes a slidable component that would slide down a modified bone wire to the desired location at the distal end of the bone from which the bone wire protrudes. The bone wire contains a series of female slots or dimples down two parallel and symmetric sides of the wire that match with two or more male locking tabs on the spring clip that protrude from the inner wall of the device. The slidable compression device is advanced along the wire until desired compression and then rotated 90° so that the spring clip locking tabs would lock into the desired bone wire slots, preventing any backward directional movement of the compression device thereby maintaining the desired compression. 
         [0014]    In another alternative embodiment the compression device includes a two piece “collet” assembly that would be utilized with a modified threaded bone wire. In this embodiment, the outer portion of the device does not rotate as the inner portion rotates on the wire threads. In one alternative, the device is self tapping rather than threaded. In another alternative the outer component rotates and the inner component remains static. This would prevent twisting or torqueing of the soft tissue envelope or the distal bone abutting the compression device. 
         [0015]    In another alternative embodiment a single component compression device slides down a modified bone wire that contains multiple female grooves along its axis. 
         [0000]    With this design there is a quadrant relief along the bone wires length. Radially adjacent to the quadrant relief there are radial reliefs in an adjacent quadrant of the bone wire. The first quadrant relief, along the bone wires&#39; long axis, allows the compression device to slide along it when the compression device tab and bone wire relief are aligned. The partial radial reliefs allow the user to rotate the compression device 90° when the desired location on the bone wire is achieved, forcing the inward tab to engage the radial reliefs and locking the device in its desired location. The compressive device&#39;s tab may be deformable and when the compression device is rotated the tab could self tap into the bone wire reliefs. 
         [0016]    The disclosed compression devices might be utilized in the repair of small bones with internal bone wire applications, or could utilized with external fixators. They could be utilized anywhere compression is desired to facilitate healing of bone or tissue trauma and/or deformity. 
         [0017]    Further objects and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are more fully set forth in the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Embodiments or variations are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of a compression device on a modified bone wire. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2   a - c  show several views of a tabbed bone wire compression device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2   c  shows a cutaway of a tabbed compression device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   a - b  show several different perspectives of a tabbed compression device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3   c  shows a cutaway of a tabbed compression device. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 4   a - c  show an example of a locking clip for use with a tabbed compression device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5   a  shows a cutaway view of a tabbed compression device on a bone wire with a locking clip in an unlocked position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5   b  shows a cutaway view of a tabbed compression device on a bone wire with a locking clip in a locked position. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6   a - c  show various perspectives of a modified bone wire. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6   d  shows a cross sectional view of the partially relieved portion of the K-wire. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6   e  shows a side view of four finger or toe bones prior to surgical intervention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6   f  shows a side view of four finger or toe bones after surgical preparation of the bone joint surfaces that are to undergo fusion. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6   g  shows the insertion of a k-wire antegrade through the three distal finger or toe bones. The threaded proximal end is residing in one of the two bone anchors. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6   h  shows the threading of the k-wire retrograde across the two bone anchors. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6   i  shows the final assembly of a tabbed compression device on a modified bone wire. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7   a  shows a tabbed compression device on a bone wire in an unlocked position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7   b  shows a tabbed compression device on a bone wire in a locked position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7   d - e  shows a couple views of a windowed tab compression device. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7   f  show a cutaway view of a windowed tab compression device. 
           [0038]    Fig. g-h shows a couple views of a tabbed compression device without locking features. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7   i  shows a cutaway view of a tabbed compression device without locking features. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7   j  shows an isometric view of a tabbed compression device without locking features. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7   k  shows a side view of a tabbed compression device without locking features. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7   l  shows a cutaway view of a tabbed compression device without locking features. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 7   m - n  show cutaway views of the tabbed compression device without locking features.  FIG. 7   m  is in the un-locked position and  7   n  is shown in the locked position. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7   o  shows a side view of a single locking tab without a locking feature locked in position along a smooth k-wire. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7   p  shows a cutaway view of a single locking tab without a locking feature locked in position along a smooth k-wire. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7   q - r  show various views of a tabbed compression device with a distal body locking feature. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7   s  shows a cutaway view of a tabbed compression device with a distal body locking feature. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7   t  shows a cross-sectional view of a tabbed compression device with a distal body locking feature. 
           [0049]      FIG. 7   u - v  show a couple side views of a tabbed compression device with another embodiment of a distal body locking feature. 
           [0050]      FIG. 7   x  shows an end view of a tabbed compression device with another embodiment of a distal body locking feature. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 8   a - c  show a helical pathway design of a tabbed compression device. 
           [0052]      FIG. 9   a  shows a cutaway view showing the reliefs in the helical pathway tabbed compression device. 
           [0053]      FIG. 9   b  shows a cutaway view of the internal locking tabs in the tabbed compression device. 
           [0054]      FIGS. 10   a - b  show two views of a clip utilized with the helical tabbed compression device. 
           [0055]      FIGS. 11   a - b  show a cutaway view of a helical tabbed compression device.  11   a  is unlocked and  11   b  is locked. 
           [0056]      FIGS. 12   a - b  show a helical tabbed compression device on a bone wire.  12   a  is unlocked and  12   b  is locked. 
           [0057]      FIGS. 13   a - c  show a locking ring utilized for locking the tabbed compression device into position. 
           [0058]      FIG. 14   a  shows the pull ring mechanism for moving the spring clip of the tabbed compression device in an unlocked position. 
           [0059]      FIG. 14   b  shows the pull ring mechanism for moving the spring clip of the tabbed compression device in a locked position. 
           [0060]      FIG. 14   c - d  show cutaway views of the pulling mechanism.  FIG. 14   c  is unlocked and  14   d  is locked. 
           [0061]      FIGS. 15   a - b  show cutaway views of the locking ring mechanism.  FIG. 15   a  is unlocked and  15   b  is locked. 
           [0062]      FIGS. 16   a  and  b  show the pull ring mechanism in a locked,  FIG. 16   b , and unlocked,  FIG. 16   a , position on a bone wire. 
           [0063]      FIGS. 17   a - c  show various views of a proximal tab compression device that contains several internal male interlocking tabs. 
           [0064]      FIGS. 18   a - c  show different views of a multiple tab compression device that contains several internal male interlocking tabs. 
           [0065]      FIG. 19   a  shows a cutaway of a multiple tabbed compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0066]      FIG. 19   b  shows an enlarged view, a cutaway of a multiple tabbed compression device. 
           [0067]      FIG. 20  shows a multiple segmented tabbed device on a modified bone wire. 
           [0068]      FIGS. 21   a - c  show various views of a spring loaded compression device. 
           [0069]      FIG. 22   a  shows a cutaway of a spring loaded compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0070]      FIG. 22   b  shows, an enlarged view, a cutaway of a spring loaded compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0071]      FIG. 23  shows a spring loaded compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0072]      FIGS. 24   a - c  show various views of a crimping compression device. 
           [0073]      FIG. 25   a  shows an ISO view of a crimping compression device. 
           [0074]      FIG. 25   b  shows a view of a clip utilized with a crimping compression device. 
           [0075]      FIGS. 26   a  and  b  show two cutaway perspectives of a crimping compression device.  FIG. 26   a  is unlocked and  26   b  is locked. 
           [0076]      FIGS. 27   a - c  show several views of a crimping compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0077]      FIG. 28  shows an isometric view of a bone wire with a crimping compression device. 
           [0078]      FIGS. 29   a - c  show various views of a compression device body for use with a spring clip. 
           [0079]      FIG. 30   a  shows an isometric view of a spring clip. 
           [0080]      FIG. 30   b  shows a top view of a spring clip. 
           [0081]      FIG. 30   c  shows a cutaway of a spring clip. 
           [0082]      FIG. 31   a  shows a cutaway of a compression device with spring clip on a bone wire. 
           [0083]      FIG. 31   b  shows an enlarged view of a cutaway of a compression device with spring clip. 
           [0084]      FIGS. 32   a  and  b  show an alternative multi-part compression device with spring clip. 
           [0085]      FIG. 33  shows a compression device with spring clip on a bone wire. 
           [0086]      FIG. 33  shows a compression device with spring clip on a bone wire. 
           [0087]      FIGS. 34   a - c  show various views of the inner component of a collet compression device. 
           [0088]      FIGS. 35   a - c  show various views of the external component of a collet compression device. 
           [0089]      FIG. 36   a  shows a cutaway of a collet compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0090]      FIG. 36   b  shows a cutaway of a collet compression device. 
           [0091]      FIG. 37  shows a collet compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0092]      FIGS. 38   a - c  show various views of the outer component of an alternative embodiment of a collet compression device. 
           [0093]      FIGS. 39   a - c  show various views of the inner component of an alternative embodiment of a collet compression device. 
           [0094]      FIG. 40   a  shows a cutaway of an alternative collet compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0095]      FIG. 40   b  shows a cutaway of an alternative collet compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0096]      FIG. 41  shows an alternative collet compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0097]      FIGS. 42   a - c  show various views of a quarter turn compression device. 
           [0098]      FIG. 43  shows a perspective of a quarter turn compression device on a modified bone wire. 
           [0099]      FIGS. 44   a  and  b  show cutaways of a quarter turn compression device. 
           [0100]      FIGS. 45   a  and  b  show a top view of a bone wire utilized with a quarter turn compression device. 
           [0101]      FIG. 46  shows a of a quarter turn compression device on a bone wire. 
           [0102]      FIG. 47  shows a view of a press fit compression device. 
           [0103]      FIG. 48  shows a view of a tinnerman clip compression device. 
           [0104]      FIG. 49  shows the use of a disclosed compression device with an external fixator apparatus. 
           [0105]      FIG. 50  shows a top view of a disclosed compression device with an external fixator apparatus. 
           [0106]      FIG. 51  shows an alternative external fixator device. 
           [0107]      FIG. 52  shows a cutaway view of a compression device with an internal seal. 
           [0108]      FIG. 53  shows a flexible band with tabs. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0109]    A preferred embodiment of the disclosed bone wire compression apparatus  10  includes a tabbed compression device  103  and a modified bone wire  101  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The compression device includes a tubular-like member that surrounds the modified bone wire and slides axially towards the threaded proximal portion  105  of the modified bone wire  101 . The modified bone wire  101  is initially inserted through the various bone fragments that require treatment. Once the desired placement is achieved, the modified bone wire  101  is secured by anchoring the wire by way of threads into a base bone at the threaded proximal end  105  of the modified bone wire  101 . When the bone wire anchor is threaded into and secured into the anchor bone the non-threaded distal end of the wire protrudes out from the most distal phalange. The tabbed compression device  103  would be placed on the bone wire and slid proximally on the modified bone wire  101  to the desired location at the distal tip of the most distal phalange. The tapered tip  107  of the tabbed compression device  103  would abut this distal phalange tip. Adjacent to the tapered tip  107  there is a soft tissue spacer  109  to allow the tabbed compression device  103  to have direct bone contact while minimizing trauma to and/or displacement of the surrounding soft tissue. In the disclosed preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a - c  and  3   a - c , immediately adjacent and distal to the soft tissue spacer  109 , a relief or groove is provided, defining an unlocked-position groove  201  adapted to receive a locking clip, ring, or cap such as, for example, a locking clip  401  as shown in  FIGS. 4   a - c  or a locking ring  1301  as illustrated in  FIGS. 13   a - 13   c . When resting in this unlocked-position groove  201 , the locking clip  401  or locking ring  1301  would allow the tabbed compression device  103  to freely slide along the modified bone wire  101 . 
         [0110]    Adjacent and distal to the unlocked-position groove  201  is a locking mechanism ramp  203  and a locked-position groove  211  that facilitate locking the tabbed compression device  103  into place on the modified bone wire  101  once the desired bone compression and location of the tabbed compression device  103  on the modified bone wire  101  is achieved. As depicted in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  and  3   a - 3   c , the locked-position groove  211  and the unlocked-position groove  201  are separate and distinct circumferential grooves spaced axially apart from one another and formed in an exterior, e.g., an outer wall, of the tabbed compression device  103 . Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c , for example, the grooves  201 ,  211  of the present embodiment constitute open channels or troughs formed in the compression device  103  having generally semi-circular cross-sections for receiving the locking clip or ring, for example, in a complementary manner. While the present embodiment, and other embodiments disclosed herein, include both a locked-position groove and an unlocked-position groove, alternative embodiments can include only a locked-position groove. In such embodiments, the locking clip or ring can be stored separate from the compression device  103  while it is being positioned on the bone wire  101 , and once positioned as desired, the locking clip or ring can be positioned in the locked-position groove to secure the same. In one preferred embodiment, the tabbed compression device  103  includes two relief cuts  205  that start at a distal end of the tabbed compression device  103  and run parallel to each other ending at a terminus  301  approximately one half to one third of the way proximally down the compression device  103 . This splitting of the tabbed compression device  103  created by the two relief cuts  205  defines the tabbed compression device  103  as including at least one flexible member, which in the present embodiment includes two flexible halves, and permits the non-tapered distal portion of the tabbed compression device  103  to naturally bias outwardly when unlocked or to be squeezed together in a radial direction by the locking clip  401  or ring  1301  upon placement of the locking clip or ring into the locked-position groove  211 . As such, the at least one flexible member (e.g., the two flexible halves), can be described as being radially actuable because they move in a radial direction to engage or disengage the bone wire  101 . In the present embodiment, the placing of the locking clip or ring into the locked position groove  211  would squeeze flexible halves together across the reliefs  205 , thereby radially actuating the halves and forcing at least one male locking tab  207  located on the inside wall  209  of the tabbed compression device  103  into a receptive female relief slots  603  located on the modified bone wire  101 . In the present embodiment, the at least one male locking tab  207  of the compression device  103  can include a pair of male locking tabs  207 , each tab  207  located on an inside wall of a respective one of the two flexible halves.  FIG. 5   a  illustrates a cutaway of the tabbed compression device  103  with the locking clip  401  in an unlocked position, occupying the unlocked-position groove  201 , while  FIG. 5   b  illustrates the clip  401  in a locked position, occupying the locked-position groove  211 . 
         [0111]    While the foregoing embodiment and a variety of embodiments described below each includes a bone wire  101  having female slots  603  receiving the at least one male locking tab  207 , alternative embodiments could use smooth bone wires without female slots  603 . In such a configuration, the at least one flexible member of the subject compression device  103  would compress against the smooth bone wire in the inward radial direction with sufficient force to resist undesired movement of the compression device  103  relative to the bone wire. 
         [0112]    The compression device may include a cap  501  that can be placed on the distal end of the tabbed compression device  103  after it has been placed in the desired location on the modified bone wire  101  as shown in  FIGS. 5   c - e . In one embodiment the cap  501  is screwed onto the distal end of the compression device after it has been placed on the modified bone wire and the distal end of the wire  505  has been severed as shown in  FIG. 5   f . Any method of securing the cap onto the distal end of the compression device might be utilized however. In one variation the top of the cap  501  might be rounded  503  to create a small space to allow for the distal end of the modified bone wire  505  which may protrude from the distal end of the tabbed compression device  103  after being severed as shown in  FIG. 5   e . The cap might also be utilized as a locking component by squeezing the male tabs located internally within the compression device into female relief slots  603  on the modified bone wire  101  after placement. 
         [0113]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate a modified bone wire  101  for use with a tabbed compression device  103 . The modified bone wire  101  has a series of female slots  603  that axially traverse the wire from the distal tip  605  proximally along the modified bone wire  101  to a desired location on the modified bone wire  101 . In the disclosed embodiment the female slots cease just distally to bone anchor threads  609 . The female relief slots  603  could be placed on the modified bone wire  101  in any location, however, to achieve the locking of the tabbed compression device  103  at the desired location on the modified bone wire  101 . As shown in the figures, the female relief slots  603  include separate and distinct depressions, recesses, or cut-outs formed in the modified bone wire  101 . From the perspective provided in  FIG. 6   b , for each female slot  603 , the modified bone wire  101  defines opposing upper and lower horizontal planar surfaces and a vertical planar surface that is perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces. In the disclosed embodiment, the vertical planar surfaces of the slots  603  have generally rectangular profiles, e.g., they are rectangular in shape. That is, when the modified bone wire  101  is viewed from the side in an upright orientation, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , for example, the female relief slots  603  are rectangular and have a longitudinal dimension that extends transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the bone wire  101 . Of course, in other embodiments, the female relief slots  603  could be square, round, oval, or generally any other shape capable of serving the intended purpose. The female relief slots  603  of the present embodiment are not part of a threaded portion of the modified bone wire  101 .  FIG. 6   c  illustrates three plane trocar tips  611  located at both tips of a modified bone wire  101  although any number of planes could be utilized to achieve sharpened tips of the modified bone wire  101   FIG. 6   d  shows a cutaway of the modified bone wire  101  with the symmetric female slots  603 . 
         [0114]    A method of application is disclosed for utilizing a bone compression apparatus. In this method a modified bone wire is utilized where the proximal portion of a modified bone wire  101  is threaded  609  and the balance of the wire is non-threaded. The threaded portion is provided in order to allow the clinician to pass this portion of the wire across the joint line of a finger or a toe that is not intended to be fused  617  and provide an anchor from which one can utilize the tabbed compression device  103  to afford a compressive force along the axis of the modified bone wire  101  and facilitate fusion of other joint lines  615  provided along the remaining length of the modified bone wire.  FIGS. 6   e - i  disclose a four step method of utilizing the apparatus to fuse and repair a deformed toe.  FIG. 6   e  shows several joints and bones of a toe. The objective is to fuse the two distal joints  615  and leave the proximal joint  617  free to articulate. The clinician would first prepare the desired joints  615  as shown in  FIG. 6   f  so the bones could abut one another. The modified bone wire  101  is then delivered through the bones and joints  615  to be fused as shown in  FIG. 6   g . The proximal threaded portion of the bone wire  101  is then inserted into the anchor bone  613  maintaining a separation in the proximal joint  617  as shown in  FIG. 6   h . The compression device  103  is then placed on the modified bone wire  101  compressing and causing the treated joints  615  to abut each other and fuse. 
         [0115]      FIG. 7   a  illustrates the preferred embodiment of the tabbed compression device  103  in an unlocked position while  FIG. 7   b  illustrates it in a locked position. The locking clip  703  is located in the clip resting groove  705  (e.g., unlocked-position groove) where the clip exerts no circumferential load on the flexible body and tabs created by the two relief cuts  205 . This allows the tabbed compression device  103  to slide freely down the modified bone wire  101  to the desired location for compression. Once this location is achieved, the locking clip or ring is slid distally on the tabbed compression device  103  towards the locked-position groove  709  where it exerts a radially inwardly-directed circumferential load on flexible halves  708  of the tabbed compression device  103 , forcing the male locking tabs  207  located inside the tabbed compression device into the female relief slots  603  of the modified bone wire  101 . 
         [0116]      FIGS. 7   d - n  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the tabbed compression device  103  which does not utilize an external locking component. In this embodiment male window tabs  711  might lock into female reliefs  603  at a desired location on the modified bone wire  101  by a rotation into the reliefs. In one embodiment the internal male tabs  711  might snap into the reliefs as the compression device is moved proximally down the modified bone wire through the use of chamfered shaped tabs  713  as shown in  FIGS. 7   m  and  n.    
         [0117]    In one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 7   g - i , the distal portion of the tabbed compression device would not have relief cuts for flexibility.  FIG. 7   d  shows an example of a window tab device where as three sides of the tab are open allowing the tab to be slightly flexible, but able to maintain enough rigidity to lock into the female relief slots  603  without a locking mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 7   j - l , in an alternative embodiment the tabbed compression device  103  would contain reliefs  603  and an internal male tab  711  without an external locking component. In one variation the male window tab  711  might be composed of a material of sufficient compressive strength such, as for example, titanium, that the window tab could be deformed enough to expand and subsequently collapse onto a smooth bone wire  713  with sufficient compressive force and friction to prevent axial or rotational movement or sliding along a bone wire.  FIGS. 7   o  and  p  show a compression device  103  with a single internal male tab  711  compressing onto a smooth bone wire  713  without female relief slots. When the compression device  103  with the single male tab is deformed outwardly from the smooth bone wire  713  it allows the compression device  103  to move along the bone wire to its desired location for optimal bone compression. The single internal male tab would then be collapsed onto the wire maintaining sufficient compressive pressure to lock the compression device into place. While the disclosed example material is titanium any material could be utilized that would provide sufficient compressive strength to lock onto a smooth bone wire  713 . 
         [0118]    In one variation the compression device  103  might contain internal locking components as shown in  FIGS. 7   q - t .  FIGS. 7   p - s  show one example of relieved compression device  103  where the opposing sides  715  of the distal end of the compression device can be spread apart allowing the male tabs  207  to slide freely along a modified bone wire to a desired location. When that location is achieved the opposing sides  715  are collapsed inwardly locking the male tabs  207  into place in female relief slots.  FIGS. 7   u - x  show an alternative compression device with an internal locking component. In this embodiment the top distal portion of the compression device  103  includes two deformable and parallel fingers  717  that when in an open position allow the male tabs  207  to move down a modified bone wire to the desired location where the parallel fingers  717  are then closed locking the compression device  103  into the desired position. 
         [0119]    In one alternative embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 8   a - c , the tabbed compression device  103  includes a helical pathway groove  802  extending away from the unlocked position groove  801  around the tabbed compression device  103  and to the locked position groove  803 . In this embodiment the locking clip  1001  illustrated in  FIGS. 10   a  and  b  includes an arm  1003  on the locking clip with arm  1001  or a locking ring that would allow the user to lock the tabbed compression device  103  without pulling the locking clip into the locked position groove as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , but rather, by rotating the arm  1003  of the locking clip  1001  it would slide distally along the helical pathway groove  802  into a locked-position groove  803 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a cutaway of the tabbed compression device  103  with the two relief cuts  205  and one of the male locking tabs  207  that is locked into the modified bone wire&#39;s  101  female relief slots  603  located in the modified bone wire  101 .  FIG. 11   a  illustrates a cutaway of the locking clip with arm  1101  in the unlocked position groove  801  with  FIG. 11   b  illustrating the locking clip with arm  1101  in the locked-position groove  803  with the male locking tab  207  locked into one of the modified bone wire female relief slots  603 .  FIG. 12   a  illustrates the tabbed compression device  103  with the locking clip with arm  1101  in an unlocked position groove  201 , and  FIG. 12   b  shows the device with the locking clip with arm  1101  in a locked-position groove  211  position on a modified bone wire  101 . 
         [0120]    In another alternative embodiment the tabbed compression device  103  includes a pull ring  1301  as illustrated in  FIGS. 13   a - c . Upon locating the desired location of the tabbed compression device  103  along the modified bone wire  101  the user pulls the pull ring  1301  distally from the unlocked position groove  1403  towards the locked-position groove. This pull ring  1301  either pulls a locking clip or ring  401  into a locked position  1407 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 14   a - d , or the pull ring  1301  is the locking device itself  1501 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 15   a - b . As shown in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , the pull ring  1301  includes a cylindrical portion slidably disposed on the tabbed compression device and a pull flange extending radially outward from an outer wall of the cylindrical portion to be grasped by a user to initiate sliding motion. Accordingly, the pull ring  1301  is generally shaped like a top hat and has a cross-section that is generally T-shaped. Additionally, in the embodiment where the pull ring  1301  is the locking clip or ring, as shown in  FIGS. 15   a - c , the pull ring  1301  further includes a locking ring that extends radially inward from an inner wall of the cylindrical portion of the pull ring  1301 , wherein the locking ring is adapted for engagement with the unlocked-position groove ( FIG. 15   a ) and the locked-position groove ( FIG. 15   b ).  FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  illustrate the tabbed compression device  103  with a locking ring in an unlocked position  1601  and a locked position  1603 . 
         [0121]    Illustrated in  FIGS. 17-20  is an alternative embodiment of the compression device that includes two or more male locking tabs  1701  that are located on the inner distal wall of the compression device  103  and traverse axially along a modified bone wire  101  as illustrated in  FIGS. 19   a  and  b . The male locking tabs  1701  of this embodiment are chamfered on one end  1801  so that as they are moved proximally along the bone wire  101 , the male locking tabs  1701  are able to move in and out of the female relief slots  603  on the modified bone wire  101  as illustrated in  FIGS. 19   a  and  b . Once the desired location is achieved to obtain the desired compression, the male locking tabs  1701  would lock into the female relief slots  603  and would be unable to reverse direction distally on the wire, thus maintaining the desired location and compression.  FIG. 20  illustrates the device  103  on a modified bone wire  101 . Although the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 19   a - 19   c  does not include a locking clip or ring, the tabbed compression device depicted therein could include a locking clip or ring, with or without a specific locked-position groove and/or an unlocked-position groove. 
         [0122]    Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 24-28 .  FIGS. 24   a - c  illustrates an example of a crimping compression device  2401  that includes a crimping housing component  2403 , a soft tissue spacer component  2405 , and a receiving slot  2407  for a crimping component  2501  such as illustrated in  FIG. 25   b . The crimping compression device  2401  slides axially and proximally down a modified bone wire  101  through a bone wire passage  2409  to the desired location abutting the distal phalange bone segment. When the desired compression is achieved, the user might crimp the modified bone wire by squeezing the sides  2411  of the housing component  2403 .  FIG. 26   a  illustrates a cutaway with the crimping mechanism  2501  in an unlocked or free position  2601 . When the crimping component  2501  is moved from the two sides towards the modified bone wire  101 , male tabs  2501  move into the female relief slots  603  on the modified bone wire  101  as shown in  FIG. 26   b  and lock the crimping compression device  2401  into place. The device may be adjustable post procedure by utilizing a removable crimping component  2501  that could be slid into the crimping mechanism receiving slot  2407  in the crimping component  2401 , and into the female receptor recesses  603  on the modified bone wire  101  after placement is achieved.  FIGS. 27   a - c  and  FIG. 28  illustrate examples of various side and front views of a crimping compression device  2401  on a modified bone wire  101 . 
         [0123]    In another alternative embodiment the bone wire compression apparatus  10  includes an alternative spring clip compression device  2901  as illustrated in  FIGS. 29-33 . This alternative embodiment includes a shoulder component  2903 , and a soft tissue component spacer  2905 . With this device, a modified locking clip or ring  3001  as illustrated in  FIGS. 30   a - c  would be placed around the distal portion of the soft tissue spacer  2905  of the spring clip compression device  2901 . On the spacer of the spring clip compression device  2901  there are two female receiving slots  2907  coincident to two male locking tabs  3003  disposed on an inside wall of the locking clip or ring  3001  that the tabs could be inserted into. These tabs include slopes or chamfers  3005  that would allow unidirectional movement of the device proximally down a modified bone wire  3101  to the desired location as shown in  FIGS. 31   a  and  b.    
         [0124]      FIGS. 32   a  and  b  show an alternative embodiment where separate locking tabs  3201  are placed into the female receiving relief slots  603  and then the locking collar  3205  is placed over metal locking tabs  3201  after the desired location on the modified bone wire  101  is achieved.  FIG. 33  shows the spring clip compression device  2901  on a modified bone wire  101  showing the collar  3205  in a locked position. In one variation a flexible band embodiment might be utilized as shown in  FIG. 53 . 
         [0125]      FIGS. 21   a - c ,  22   a - b , and  23  illustrate an alternative spring loaded binding compression device  2101 . This design would allow the alternative spring loaded binding compression device  2101  to slide along a modified bone wire  101  until the desired location for compression is achieved. Once in place, the alternative spring loaded binding compression device  2101  could be reversed on the bone wire distally to adjust the compression by moving the spring tab  2103  towards a perpendicular orientation relative to the modified bone wire axis.  FIG. 23  illustrates the spring loaded binding compression device  2101  on a modified bone wire  101 . The natural spring force of the spring tab  2103  binds with the bone wire  22051  resisting any axial motion in a distal direction. 
         [0126]      FIGS. 42-46  illustrate another alternative embodiment of a bone wire compression apparatus  10  that allows a quarter turn compression device  4201  to slide proximally down a modified bone wire  101  to the desired location and is then locked into place by rotating the device 90 degrees. This quarter turn compression device  4201  includes a shoulder  4203  and soft tissue spacer  4205 . A male tab  4207  is located on the inside wall of the quarter turn compression device  4201  and remains unlocked while in a female receiving track  4403  of the modified bone wire  101 . Adjacent to the receiving track would be a series of female receptor slots  4405  that would receive the male locking tab  4207  upon the 90 degree rotation of the compression device locking it into place.  FIGS. 45   a - c  illustrate an end view  FIG. 45   a  and a cutaway  FIG. 45   b - c  of the receiving track  4403  and the receptor slots  4405 .  FIG. 46  illustrate a completed quarter turn tabbed compression device  4201  on a modified bone wire  4402 . 
         [0127]    In another embodiment the bone wire compression apparatus  10  is a two part compression device  3401  as shown in  FIGS. 34-41 .  FIGS. 34   a - c  show various perspectives of the inner component  3401  that might be threaded on its inside wall  3403  that abuts the outer threaded modified bone wire  3601 . This inner component  3401  might be sloped inwardly  3403  to nest into an outer component  3501  that could move axially and proximally along the modified bone wire  3601  with the threaded inner component  3401  as depicted in  FIGS. 36   a  and  b . The outer component  3501  would not rotate with the inner component  3401  thus preventing twisting or other unnecessary movement against surrounding soft tissue in achieving the desired location on the bone wire  3601 . 
         [0128]      FIGS. 38-41  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a collet compression device  4001  where the inner non-rotating component  3901  is enclosed by the outer compression device component  3801 . Once the collet compression device is in the desired position on the modified bone wire  3601  the user can stop the rotation. In the event the user needs to adjust the compression post procedure the collet compression device  4001  can be advanced distally or proximally along the modified bone wire  3601  by rotating the outer compression device  3801  as appropriate to maintain the desired compression on the treated bone segments. 
         [0129]    In various embodiments a seal  5201  between a bone wire compression device  5203  as shown in  FIG. 52 . The seal might be circumferential and would eliminate the ability for solids, liquids and/or gas to pass through the interface between the wire and the compression device  5203 . The seal  5201  may be a flexible material that expands around the wire to ensure an ring type of fit ensuring no leakage between the proximal  5205  and distal  5207  portion of the compression device  5203 . Any material might be utilized however that would prevent leakage into the proximal portion of the distal end of the compression device. In the preferred use of the seal  5201  it would be located proximal to the end of the relief cuts  205  and distal to the tapered tip  107  of the compression device as shown in  FIG. 52 . 
         [0130]      FIG. 47  illustrates an alternative press fit compression device  4701 . 
         [0131]      FIG. 48  illustrates an alternative tinnerman clip compression device  4801 . 
         [0132]    Another example of an alternative use in the treatment of bone trauma and/or deformities with the disclosed compression devices is disclosed in  FIGS. 49-51 . In these embodiments, the compression devices are utilized with external fixator apparatuses such as the ring external bone fixation apparatus  4901  illustrated in  FIG. 49 . In that application the compression device  103  might be utilized on a modified pin  4903  or a modified bone wire  4905  to provide compression for bone repair where, for example, the fracture has resulted in a detached bone segment  4907  that needs to be reattached to a main bone  4909 . The use of one of the disclosed compression devices, such as, for example, the double recess compression device, in this application would assist the surgeon in obtaining proper placement and compression of the detached segment during the healing process.  FIG. 50  illustrates a top view of the ring apparatus  4901  with a compression device  103  on a modified bone wire  101  providing compression independent of the ring pins  5001 .  FIG. 51  illustrates a compression device utilized on an alternative external fixation device both in conjunction with a modified pin  5101  and a separate modified bone wire  101 . 
         [0133]    Disclosed are just a few of examples of utilizing the compression devices in alternative bone treatment applications. The disclosed compression devices and modified bone wires, pins, and screws could be utilized anywhere, however that compression is desired for bone and/or tissue treatment due to trauma and/or deformity. 
         [0134]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the described device as specifically shown here without departing from the spirit or scope of that broader disclosure. The various examples are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.