Bone punch instrument
Inventors
Krasniak, Carolyn M. • Pierce, Cori G. • Falco, Kevin M. • Barnes, Jeffrey L.
Assignees
Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc
Publication Number
US-12295591-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Expiration Date
2041-03-18
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Abstract
A medical device configured to form one or more holes within a bone of a patient may include a handle assembly including a housing, a lever rotatably coupled to the housing, and a sheath extending distally from the housing, the handle assembly including a spring biasing the lever toward an initial or intermediate position; and a bone punch including an elongate shaft, a head at a proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a piercing tip at a distal end of the elongate shaft configured to be driven into the bone. The elongate shaft may be slidably disposed within the sheath in a first position when the lever is in the initial or intermediate position. Translation of the bone punch distally within the sheath from the first position to a second position may cause a distal end of the lever to rotate away from the housing to an extended position.
Core Innovation
The invention pertains to a specialized medical device engineered for creating holes in a patient's bone, aiding in procedures such as anchor or implant placement. The device comprises a handle with a housing, a rotatable lever, and a sheath housing a bone punch featuring an elongate shaft, a proximal head, and a distal piercing tip. The design allows controlled advancement and retraction of the punch, facilitating precise hole formation.
To address difficulties in removing the punch after hole formation, the invention introduces mechanisms that translate the bone punch's movement into lever movement, providing visual and mechanical feedback. Key features include magnetic couplings, gear systems, and multi-linkages that enhance control, accuracy, and ease of removal, particularly in challenging bone tissue with elastic properties.
Operationally, distal translation of the bone punch induces rotation of the lever away from the handle, serving as a visual indicator of depth and facilitating subsequent extraction. When the lever is rotated back towards its initial position, it actively pulls the punch proximally, enabling efficient removal from the bone. Multiple embodiment details depict various coupling and linkage mechanisms to optimize functionality.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims articulate four core inventive features centered on mechanical and magnetic linkages, gear-driven mechanisms, and enhanced extraction capabilities within a bone punch device.
Handle with linkage and ejector engaging the bone punch
A device comprising a handle with a housing, a rotatable lever, and a sheath containing a bone punch with an elongate shaft, a proximal head, and a distal tip. The handle includes a linkage with an ejector that connects to the punch’s head. When the punch is translated distally, the linkage causes the lever to rotate outward, assisting in punch extraction. Conversely, rotating the lever inward pulls the punch proximally, enabling removal. This linkage provides mechanical leverage and accurate control during bone hole formation and punch extraction.
Bone punch with translation-dependent lever movement for indication and removal
A device where translating the punch distally causes the lever to rotate away from the housing, visibly indicating depth. Rotating the lever back facilitates proximal retraction of the punch, assisting in removal. This direct mechanical relationship improves user feedback and operational control during the procedure.
Multi-linkage mechanism enabling efficient extraction and deployment
A device incorporating a series of pivoted links—an ejector block, distal and middle links—that connect the punch to the handle. Distal translation activates the linkage, rotating the lever outward, while inward rotation reverses the process, pulling the punch back. This multi-link system enhances mechanical advantage and precision.
Gear-driven handle system with coupling to punch gear teeth
A handle that contains internal gears engaging gear teeth on the punch's shaft. Moving the punch distally causes gear rotation, turning the lever into an extended position. This gear mechanism ensures a consistent, mechanical transfer of motion for controlled deployment and retrieval.
Summarizing, these inventive features collectively provide a mechanically efficient, visually intuitive, and reliably coupled system for forming and removing bone holes, addressing the challenges presented by bone tissue mechanics.
Stated Advantages
The lever and linkage systems offer a mechanical advantage, reducing user effort during punch extraction, especially in dense or elastic bone tissue.
Lever rotation provides a clear visual cue of punch depth, enhancing procedural accuracy and control.
Documented Applications
Forming precise holes in bones to facilitate placement of anchors, staples, or other fixation devices in orthopedic surgeries such as tendon repairs or implant attachments.
Securing tendon repair implants or staples to bone or tissue by utilizing holes created with the device, ensuring secure fixation and optimal healing conditions.
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