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Publication Number
US-11832864-B1
Publication Date
2023-12-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Orthopedic accessory tools such as multi-functional orthopedic sizing tools can include features for determination of a length and a diameter. Such features may include length markers positioned on a handle and at least one structure of increased dimension positioned on a shaft.
Core Innovation
An orthopedic system is described that includes an intramedullary stabilization implant and a multi-functional orthopedic accessory tool for use with an orthopedic wire and an orthopedic implant selected from a plurality of orthopedic implants that vary in diameter and/or length. The tool includes a shaft and a handle that cooperatively provide implant sizing for both diameter and length, with radiopaque implant sizing surfaces configured to correspond to a desired diameter and length markers identifiable from an exterior of the handle to permit identification of a desired implant length based on the orthopedic wire position.
The sizing tool provides radiopaque correlation for diameter by placing an implant sizing surface on the shaft such that the outer dimension of the implant sizing surface is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft and corresponds to a desired diameter of the orthopedic implant. The tool further provides length identification by configuring a handle passage that extends through the handle and a plurality of length markers identifiable from the exterior, such that when the orthopedic wire extends out of a distal end through a shaft passage, a length marker adjacent to a proximal end of the orthopedic wire permits identification of a desired length of the orthopedic implant.
A driving function and visibility refinements are also described for the orthopedic accessory tools. The tool includes a driving shaft with a drive surface at a distal end that is configured to engage a drive recess of the orthopedic implant, and the radiopaque shaft sizing surfaces are carried on the driving shaft. In addition, a handle can include a transparent portion and/or a radio-translucent portion to assist external visualization of the orthopedic wire proximal end and to support radiographic identification.
Claims Coverage
The document excerpt provides two independent claims, each covering a multi-functional orthopedic wire tool for selecting implant diameter and length, with radiopaque sizing features and external length markers. Across the independent claims, the inventive features include radiopaque implant sizing surfaces and a handle length-marker system based on orthopedic wire position, with an additional inventive feature set for an implant drive recess interface in one independent claim.
Radiopaque implant sizing surface corresponding to desired diameter
A shaft having a first implant sizing surface located on the shaft, wherein an outer dimension of the first implant sizing surface is greater than an outer diameter of the shaft and corresponds to a desired diameter of the orthopedic implant, and wherein the shaft and the first implant sizing surface are radiopaque.
Handle passage with external length markers for identifying desired implant length
A handle having a handle passage extending therethrough and a plurality of length markers identifiable from an exterior of the handle, such that when the orthopedic wire is within the handle passage and extends out of the distal end through the shaft passage, a length marker adjacent to a proximal end of the orthopedic wire permits identification of a desired length of the orthopedic implant.
Drive surface engaging implant drive recess plus radiopaque sizing diameter surface
A driving shaft having a drive surface at a distal end configured to engage a drive recess of the orthopedic implant, and at least a first implant sizing surface on the driving shaft having a first sizing diameter greater than a driving shaft diameter corresponding to a desired diameter, wherein the driving shaft and the at least one implant sizing surface are radiopaque.
Proximal handle with handle passage and external length markers for identifying desired implant length
A handle located at a proximal end of the driving shaft, the handle including a handle passage located therein adjacent to the shaft passage, and the handle including a plurality of length markers identifiable from an exterior of the handle, such that when a distal segment of the orthopedic wire is within the handle passage and extends out of the distal end through the shaft passage, a length marker adjacent to a proximal end of the orthopedic wire permits identification of a desired length of the orthopedic implant.
Both independent claims cover radiopaque implant diameter sizing on a shaft combined with an external length-marker system on a proximal handle that uses orthopedic wire position to identify desired implant length. One independent claim additionally requires a drive surface at the distal shaft end configured to engage a drive recess of the orthopedic implant.
Stated Advantages
Enables identification of a desired implant diameter using a radiopaque implant sizing surface on the shaft.
Enables identification of a desired implant length using radiopaque correlation of orthopedic wire proximal position to external handle length markers.
Provides a drive surface configured to engage an orthopedic implant drive recess.
Provides external visualization features via transparent or radio-translucent handle portions as described in dependent claim refinements.
Documented Applications
Orthopedic intramedullary stabilization of fractured metacarpal/metatarsal bone using an intramedullary stabilization implant and associated orthopedic accessory tools.
Non-invasive imaging-based matching of orthopedic implant sizing using radiopaque shaft elements and length markers with an orthopedic wire.
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