Implant positioning devices and methods
AssigneeBiomet Microfixation, LLC
InventorsJason F. Detweiler, Scott Steffensmeier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Implant positioning devices and fastener guides for implant positioning devices are disclosed for assisting in positioning orthopaedic fixation devices (such as bone plates, etc.). A fastener guide may include a body with slits in a first end of the body that form a guide arm proximal to the first end of the body. The guide arm is configured to releasable hold a fastener in the fastener guide. The fastener guide may also be coupled to a bone plate to facilitate ease of alignment and insertion of the fastener into a fastener apertures of the bone plate.
Claims20
A fastener guide system for an orthopedic fixation device, the fastener guide system comprising:
- a first guide body including a first longitudinal axis;
- a collar disposable around the first guide body;
- at least a first upper slit and a second upper slit formed in the first guide body, wherein the first upper slit and the second upper slit each include a first open end proximal to a first end of the first guide body and a first closed end opposite the respective first open end;
- a first fastener received in the first guide body;
- a first guide arm directly contacting the first fastener for releasably holding the first fastener in the first guide body, wherein the first guide arm is positioned between the first upper slit and the second upper slit around the first guide body and can flex away from the first longitudinal axis of the first guide body to allow the first fastener to be advanced through the first guide body when the collar is disposed around the first guide body;
- at least a first lower slit and a second lower slit formed in the first guide body, wherein the first lower slit and the second lower slit each include a second open end proximal to a second end of the first guide body and a second closed end opposite the respective second open end;
- and
- a first attachment arm removably couplable to the orthopedic fixation device and positioned between the first lower slit and the second lower slit around the first guide body.
A fastener guide system for an orthopedic fixation device, the fastener guide system comprising:
- a first guide body;
- a collar disposable around the first guide body;
- at least a first upper slit, a second upper slit, a third upper slit, and a fourth upper slit formed in the first guide body and each including a first open end proximal to a first end of the first guide body and a first closed end opposite the respective first open end;
- a first fastener and a second fastener received in the first guide body;
- a first guide arm directly contacting the first fastener for releasably holding the first fastener in the first guide body along a first longitudinal axis that extends through the first guide body, wherein the first guide arm is positioned between the first upper slit and the second upper slit around the first guide body;
- a second guide arm directly contacting the second fastener for releasably holding the second fastener in the first guide body along a first longitudinal axis that extends through the first guide body, wherein the second guide arm is positioned between the third upper slit and the fourth upper slit around the first guide body;
- at least a first lower slit and a second lower slit formed in the first guide body, wherein the first lower slit and the second lower slit each include a second open end proximal to a second end of the first guide body and a second closed end opposite the respective second open end;
- and
- a first attachment arm removably couplable to the orthopedic fixation device and positioned between the first lower slit and the second lower slit around the first guide body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.