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Publication Number
US-11607251-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A clamp assembly for orthopedic use having a housing that includes a top surface, a recess, a distal base and a bottom surface, the recess defining a longitudinal axis and extending through the housing from the top surface through the distal base and toward the bottom surface, and at least two through slots, each one of being disposed at a bottom or a side a surface of the housing. The assembly including a securement assembly positionable within the recess in a co-axial relationship to a mating surface on the recess, and a band sized for travel along a predetermined path defined in part by the through slots in the housing, wherein at least one of the through slots is a starting point for travel of the band along the predetermined path.
Core Innovation
The claimed invention is an orthopedic stabilization clamp assembly comprising a housing recess, a coaxially positionable securement assembly, and a flexible band or tether sized to travel along a predetermined path defined in part by housing through slots. Opposing side slots define a band path below the securement assembly, and a mating surface in the recess includes a locking feature for engaging the securement assembly.
Embodiments include unitary housings, locking and plug or blocker components, alternative band paths, and distal-base surface features such as elevating feet, texturing, ribs, or knurling. The disclosure also identifies clamp-delivery and tensioning instruments for provisional retention, band tightening, and final locking in association with spinal rods and vertebral anatomy.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include two independent claims directed to orthopedic stabilization clamp assemblies.
Slot-defined band path with coaxial securement and distal-base features
Independent claim 1 recites a housing recess extending from the top surface through the distal base, a securement assembly positionable coaxially with a mating surface in the recess, and a band traveling along a predetermined path defined in part by at least three through slots. The mating surface includes a locking feature, at least one slot is at the bottom surface, opposing side slots define a band path below the securement assembly, and the distal base includes at least one of elevating feet, bottom-surface texturing, ribs, or knurling.
Unitary housing with coaxial securement and band-routing slots
Independent claim 2 recites a unitary housing having a square or circular distal base, a cylindrical extension on the top surface with a circular opening to the recess, and at least four through slots defining a predetermined band path. At least two slots are at the bottom surface, opposing side slots define a band path below the securement assembly, and a coaxially positionable securement assembly includes securement and locking components selected from blocking nuts, a blocker, a plug, a spring-loaded plug, or a set screw.
The two independent claims cover clamp assemblies routing a band through housing slots beneath a coaxially positioned securement assembly, specifying alternative securement and locking components, housing geometry, and distal-base surface features.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Rib cerclage.
Fracture fixation.
Spinal stabilization, including use with spinal rods and vertebral anatomy.
Tether-assisted rod reduction.
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