Anatomic external fixation system for the ankle
Inventors
Sanders, Roy W. • Gutierrez, Sergio
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10357285-B2
Publication Date
2019-07-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
An external fixator system includes a proximal frame configured to restrict motion in a lower extremity of a subject, and a frame connector assembly. The proximal frame includes a first, second, and third component. The first component can support a first clamp to secure a first pin inserted within a bone extending between a foot and a knee of the lower extremity. The third component extends from a second end of the second component. The first, second and third components have longitudinal axes that are substantially coplanar. The third component includes an extension to extend over a dorsal portion of the foot of the subject and to support a second clamp to secure a second pin inserted within a bone of the foot. The frame connector assembly extends from the second component to support a third clamp to secure a third pin inserted within a third bone of the foot.
Core Innovation
Not explicitly described in patent.
Not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are present: an external fixator system and a surgical kit. The independent claims define a pivot-channel arrangement with clamping devices for securing bone pins, together with frame connector engagement features and a tapered fastening arrangement that restricts movement between fixation components while defining a bone pin insertion channel for a third bone pin.
Pivot-channel fixation components with clamping devices for bone pins
An external fixator system including a first fixation component with a first pivot structure defining a first pivot channel portion of a pivot channel configured to receive a fastener assembly, the first fixation component supporting a first clamping device to secure a first bone pin; and a second fixation component with a second pivot channel portion of the pivot channel configured to support a second clamping device to secure a second bone pin.
Tapered fastener assembly defining a bone pin insertion channel
A fastener assembly including a first fastening element defining a portion of a bone pin insertion channel, configured to extend through the first pivot channel portion and the second pivot channel portion, and a second fastening element defining a bore configured to receive and engage with the first fastening element to restrict movement between the first fixation component and the second fixation component, where the bore is tapered to compress an external surface of the first fastening element and the bone pin insertion channel is defined by the first fastening element and the bore of the second fastening element.
Frame connectors with pivot channel portion and engagement features
A first frame connector extending from a proximal frame portion to a distal frame portion including a first frame engagement feature, where the proximal frame portion defines a third pivot channel portion of the pivot channel; and a distal frame including a second frame connector and a support frame extending from the second frame connector, where the first frame engagement feature is configured to be engaged to the second frame connector.
Surgical kit with pivot-channel fixation components and tapered fastening elements
A surgical kit including a first fastening element and a second fastening element; a first fixation component with a first pivot structure defining a first pivot channel portion configured to receive at least one of the first fastening element or the second fastening element and supporting a first clamping device to secure a first bone pin; and a second fixation component with a second pivot channel portion supporting a second clamping device to secure a second bone pin, where the first and second fastening elements cooperate with a bore of the second fastening element to define a bone pin insertion channel allowing a third bone pin to extend through the first fastening element and the second fastening element.
Third pivot channel portion in proximal frame with removable coupling
The surgical kit including a first frame connector extending from a proximal frame portion to a distal frame portion including a first frame engagement feature, where the proximal frame portion defines a third pivot channel portion of the pivot channel; and a proximal-frame-based third pivot structure defining the third pivot channel portion, where the third pivot structure is removably coupled to at least one of the first or second pivot structures.
First and second frame engagement feature mating
The surgical kit including a second frame connector with at least one second frame engagement feature configured to mate with the first frame engagement feature on the first frame connector.
Across both independent claims, the core inventive structure is a pivot channel formed by first and second fixation components with clamping devices for bone pins, combined with a fastener assembly using a tapered bore that restricts movement while defining a bone pin insertion channel for a third bone pin, and frame connectors with pivot channel portions and frame engagement features to connect the frames.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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