Hinge apparatus for external bone fixator

A hinge apparatus for an orthopedic exterior fixator, the hinge apparatus comprising:

• first and second outrigger bars, each of the first and second outrigger bars having an elongated longitudinal body extending between a connected end and a distal end;
• first and second joint bodies, each of the first and second joint bodies being attached to a respective one of the connected ends, the first and second joint bodies having respective first and second surfaces that face and engage each other;
• a joint screw having an elongated cylindrical threaded body extending along a screw axis, the joint screw extending through and connecting first and second joint bodies;
• a size changeable knob, the size changeable knob designed to change between a first size and a second size, the first size having at least a part that extends a greater distance in a direction outwardly from the threaded body of the joint screw as compared to the second size so that a greater rotational torque can be applied relative to the screw in connection with the first size as compared to the second size, the knob having a central screw turn actuator engaged with the joint screw so that movement of the actuator is caused in first and second linear directions along the cylindrical threaded body when rotational force is applied in first and second rotational directions, respectively, to the size changeable knob;
• and
• wherein the size changeable knob includes at least one collapsible turn lever, the turn lever has a longitudinal body extending between a movable end and a hinged end, the central screw turn actuator having an outer side and an inner side, the hinged end being connected via a hinge to the outer side of the central screw turn actuator, the movable end being movable between a collapsed position where the movable end is situated over the outer side of the central screw turn actuator and an un-collapsed position where the movable end is situated outwardly from the outer side of the central screw turn actuator.