External fixator apparatus and method
AssigneeChip Shot Partners LLC
InventorsTedd L. Weisman, David Rechberger, Randall Allard, Craig W. Lynn, Caleb Pridey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved external fixator assembly for fixating fractures that includes a proximal frame assembly, a distal frame assembly and a polyaxial joint. The polyaxial joint comprises articulating components that engage to have multi-axial or polyaxial translational motion to allow for distraction/reduction and adjustment of flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, pronation/supination of the wrist to an optimal wrist position. The polyaxial joint may be lockable. Fixation screws are also provided for engaging the patient's bone tissue on opposite sides of a fracture.
Claims20
An external fixator system comprising:
- a distal frame assembly, the distal frame assembly comprises a distal frame member, a distal compression bracket, the distal compression bracket is movable relative to the distal frame member;
- a proximal frame assembly, the proximal frame assembly comprises a proximal frame member, the proximal frame member includes longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, a first row of openings, a second row of openings, and a window opening,
- the window opening extending through the proximal frame member,
- the first row of openings and the second row of openings extending through the proximal frame member, the first row of openings comprises a first plurality of openings, each of the first plurality of openings are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the proximal frame, the second row of openings comprises a second plurality of openings, each of the second plurality of openings are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the proximal frame member;
- and
- a polyaxial joint positioned between the distal frame assembly and the proximal frame assembly, the polyaxial joint comprises a ball component, a socket component and a locking collar, the ball component engages with the socket component to create the polyaxial joint, the polyaxial joint is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, the unlocked position allows the ball component to be movable relative to the socket component to create polyaxial motion, and the locked position prevents the ball component to be movable relative to the socket component.
A method to reduce distal radius fractures comprises the steps of:
- obtaining an external fixation system, the external fixation system comprises a proximal frame assembly, a distal frame assembly, and a polyaxial joint between the proximal frame assembly and the distal frame assembly, one or more proximal fixation screws and one or more distal fixation screws, the proximal frame assembly comprises a proximal frame member, the proximal frame member includes a window opening extending through the proximal frame member, the distal frame assembly comprising a distal frame member and a distal compression bracket;
- securing the one or more proximal fixation screws into a first bone position;
- securing one or more distal fixation screws into a second bone position;
- applying the proximal frame assembly over the secured one or more proximal fixation screws at the first bone position, and the distal frame assembly over the secured one or more distal fixation screws at the second bone position;
- performing one or more adjustments of at least one fracture;
- securing the one or more distal fixation screws to the distal frame assembly and the one or more proximal fixation screws to the proximal frame assembly;
- and
- locking the polyaxial joint of the external fixator assembly at an optimal wrist position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.