Modular bone implant devices and means of insertion
Inventors
Hollis, Chad • Hartdegen, Vernon • Sayger, Daniel • Triplett, Daniel J. • Berlet, Gregory C. • Hyer, Christopher F.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12042192-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A modular bone fixation implant includes a center post having exterior bone engaging features and configured to be implanted within a bone. The center post includes an aperture at an outer end of the center post. One or more interchangeable modular components may be placed within the bone and anchored to the aperture of the center post. Interchangeable modular components may include staples, bone plates, and spacers, each having at least a first end including a post engaging arm sized and shaped to seat within an interlocking feature of the aperture. A locking screw is provided to anchor all components to the center post when the interchangeable modular components have been placed.
Core Innovation
The described invention relates to internal fixation of one or more bones using a modular bone implant that includes an implanted center post defining a central axis. The center post has an interior including an aperture disposed about the central axis and a channel extending along the central axis, and at least a portion of the channel includes internal screw threads.
Secondary components are engaged by inserting post engaging members into the aperture, including components that include a bone engaging member and a bridge extending between the bone engaging member and the post engaging member. In particular configurations, a bone plate component includes a fastener receiving member at a second end configured to be coupled to the bones, and a staple component is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration with placement and release using an inserter.
Each secondary component is secured to the center post by inserting a locking screw into the channel so that screw threads of the locking screw engage the internal screw threads of the channel. A head of the locking screw retains the post engaging members within the aperture, thereby securing the secondary components to the center post. Optional coupling of a spacer component supports securing connective tissue to the spacer component.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent method claims centered on a modular bone implant internal-fixation sequence using a center post with an aperture and a threaded channel, engagement of secondary components via post engaging members, and locking via a locking screw that retains the components within the aperture. Across the independent claims, there are inventive features covering the center post interior, engagement and securement of secondary implants, and optional spacer/connective-tissue coupling.
Center post with aperture and threaded channel for receiving post engaging members
Implanting a center post at a first location within the one or more bones, the center post defining a central axis, the center post comprising an exterior and an interior, the interior comprising an aperture disposed about the central axis and a channel extending along the central axis, at least a portion of the channel comprising internal screw threads.
Engagement and implantation of secondary components using post engaging members and bone engaging members
Engaging first and second post engaging members of first and second secondary components, respectively, into the aperture of the center post, wherein at least one of the first and second secondary components includes a bone engaging member and a bridge that extends between the bone engaging member and the post engaging member; implanting the bone engaging member of the at least one secondary component into a respective second location within the one or more bones.
Locking screw retains post engaging members within the aperture while threading into the channel
Securing each of the first and second secondary components to the center post by inserting a locking screw into the channel such that one or more screw threads of the locking screw engage the internal screw threads of the channel and a head of the locking screw retains the post engaging members of the secondary components within the aperture, such that the bridge extends over the proximal-most surface of the center post.
Spacer coupling and connective tissue securing prior to locking screw insertion
Coupling a spacer to the center post prior to inserting the locking screw, the coupling comprising placing a post engaging member of the spacer component within the aperture; and securing connective tissue to the spacer component.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is directed to a modular internal fixation method in which a center post with an aperture and an axial channel having internal screw threads receives post engaging members from secondary components, and a locking screw with engaging screw threads and a retaining head secures the secondary components by retaining the post engaging members within the aperture. The independent claims also support optional spacer coupling and connective tissue securing.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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