External fixation device
Inventors
Mullaney, Michael W. • Miller, Stephen T. • Austin, William B. • Martens, Todd A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12161366-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
An external fixation system for the correction of long bone deformities includes an elongate beam element having an engagement feature along a longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element, a connector element secured to the elongate beam and structurally configured to support a first bone anchor extending from the external fixation system, and a movable carriage engaged with the engagement feature along the longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element and selectively movable along the engagement feature of the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is selectively lockable into a position along the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is structurally configured to support a second bone anchor extending from the external fixation system.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an external fixation system for the treatment of long bones. The system includes an elongate beam element defining a longitudinal axis and a movable connector element carried by the elongate beam element. The connector element comprises a rotation joint adapted to support a first bone anchor, and the rotation joint is configured to selectively adjust the first bone anchor to different angles in relation to the elongate beam element.
To movably couple the connector element to the elongate beam element, the system provides a rack and pinion system engaged with the connector element and the beam. The rack and pinion system includes a rack and a pinion engaged with the rack, where the pinion is a spur gear. An anchor block connected to the elongate beam element is structurally configured to support a second bone anchor.
The system further includes a hinge element pivotable about a hinge axis and configured to span a joint of a patient. The hinge element connects the first bone anchor relative to the second bone anchor and allows the first and second bone anchors to rotate relative to one another about the hinge axis. The hinge axis is separate from a rotation axis of the rotation joint of the connector element, and the hinge element is connected to the rotation joint and rotates with the rotation joint such that the hinge element maintains its position relative to the first bone anchor.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims share a common fixation system core with four inventive features: an elongate beam element, a connector element supporting a first bone anchor with angular adjustability, a rack and pinion system coupling the connector to the beam, and a hinge element that spans a patient joint while allowing rotation between first and second bone anchors about a hinge axis. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on how angular adjustment is achieved with a rack-and-pinion spur gear arrangement and how the hinge axis is kept separate and aligned using the guide pin and rotation relationship with the connector element.
Spur-gear rack and pinion coupled connector with selectively adjustable bone-anchor angle
An elongate beam element defining a longitudinal axis; a connector element carried by the elongate beam element and comprising a rotation joint adapted to support a first bone anchor; and a rack and pinion system movably coupling the connector element to the elongate beam element, the rack and pinion system including a rack and a pinion engaged with the rack, the pinion being a spur gear; wherein the rotation joint of the connector element is configured to selectively adjust the first bone anchor to different angles in relation to the elongate beam element.
Separate hinge axis spanning a patient joint with hinge maintaining position relative to first bone anchor
A hinge element pivotable about a hinge axis and configured to span a joint of a patient and connect the first bone anchor relative to a second bone anchor, and configured to allow the first and second bone anchors to rotate relative to one another about the hinge axis; wherein the hinge axis is separate from a rotation axis of the rotation joint of the connector element; and wherein the hinge element is connected to the rotation joint of the connector element and rotates with the rotation joint of the connector element such that the hinge element maintains its position relative to the first bone anchor.
Guide-pin based alignment of hinge axis with patient joint axis of rotation
The hinge element is configured to receive a guide pin and is configured to align the hinge axis with an axis of rotation of the joint of the patient corresponding to an alignment of the guide pin with the axis of rotation of the joint of the patient.
Across the independent claims, the fixation system centers on an elongate beam with a connector supporting a first bone anchor, a rack and pinion system where the pinion is a spur gear for movably coupling the connector to the beam, and a hinge element spanning a patient joint that connects first and second bone anchors for relative rotation about a hinge axis; the hinge axis remains separate from the connector rotation axis, and guide pin reception is used to align the hinge axis with the patient joint axis of rotation.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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