US 11,596,442 B2 · Dynamization tabs providing component interconnectivity for external fixation devices

Abstract

Dynamization tabs and methods of use are provided. Dynamization tabs may be used with an external fixation ring or other fixator device as part of a therapeutic treatment of bone fractures or malformations. The device forms a connection between one or more fixation struts and an external fixation ring so as to introduce controllable amounts of movement or dynamization to the arrangement of the struts and the fixator. By introducing controlled amounts of dynamization, therapeutic benefits can be derived in the enhanced, accelerated bone formation, mineralization and remodeling of the underlying bone. Dynamization tabs may comprise a strut connector, a mechanical biasing or dynamizing device, and a ring connector. Many different forms for introducing controlled amounts of dynamization are disclosed.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A dynamization system comprising:

an external fixation ring;
and
a dynamization tab having a longitudinal axis defined therein, the dynamization tab comprising:
a ring connector being configured to releasably couple the dynamization tab to the external fixation ring;
a strut connector being configured to releasably couple the dynamization tab to one or more struts and be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab in a resting position and in a manner such that it that it is capable of being displaced from the longitudinal axis under loading;
and
a biasing mechanism, the biasing mechanism being configured to, in response to the strut connector being displaced from the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab, apply a biasing force sufficient to return the strut connector to the resting position.

4 more elements

A dynamization tab having a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis, and a transverse axis, the dynamization tab comprising:

a ring connector, the ring connector having a proximal end and a distal end and being positioned along the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab, the ring connector further comprising:
a ring connector body, the ring connector body having a proximal end and a distal end and being positioned along the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab, the ring connector body further comprising:
a top surface;
a bottom surface;
a first upper lateral surface;
a second upper lateral surface;
a first bore that extends from the top surface of a ring connector knob to the bottom surface of the ring connector knob and is parallel to the vertical axis of the dynamization tab, the first bore being configured to accept an adjustment screw;
a second bore that extends from the first upper lateral surface of the ring connector body to the second upper lateral surface of the ring connector body and is positioned parallel to the transverse axis of the dynamization tab at the proximal end of the ring connector body, the second bore being configured to accept a pivot pin;
a connecting bolt that extends from the bottom surface of the ring connector body and is positioned parallel to the vertical axis of the dynamization tab and is configured to accept a connecting nut;
and
a strut connector, the strut connector having a proximal end and a distal end and being positioned along the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab such that the strut connector is in contact with the ring connector, the strut connector further comprising:
a head, wherein the head comprises a proximal end and a distal end and is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the dynamization tab, the head further comprising:
a top surface;
and
a bottom surface;
wherein the ring connector can be mated with the strut connector so that a pivot pin pivotably secures to the ring connector to the strut connector and allows the strut connector to pivot about the transverse axis with respect to the ring connector;
and
a biasing element positioned between the ring connector and the strut connector such that the biasing element provides a mechanical bias that opposes pivotal movement of the strut connector with respect to the ring connector.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

16/448,794Filed 21 Jun 2019

Published

US 2020/0397481 A124 Dec 2020

Granted

7 Mar 2023

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

A61B 17/62
For external osteosynthesis, e.g. distractors, contractors: ring frames, i.e. devices extending around the bones to be positioned
A61B 17/66
For external osteosynthesis, e.g. distractors, contractors: alignment, compression or distraction mechanisms
A61B 17/6416
Devices extending alongside the bones to be positioned: with non-continuous, e.g. hinged, pin-clamp connecting element
A61B 17/645
Devices extending alongside the bones to be positioned: comprising a framework

Dynamization tabs providing component interconnectivity for external fixation devices

Life of this patent

Dynamization tabs providing component interconnectivity for external fixation devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17