Connection mechanisms for use with orthopedic instruments
AssigneesSmith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
InventorsAaron N. Little, Jeffrey N. Yeager, Tom J. Francis, Jason S. Jordan, Tedd Dixon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Orthopedic systems, methods, and instrumentation for preforming knee arthroplasty. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and instruments utilized improved quick connect mechanisms such as, for example, snap-fit connectors, to facilitate easier assembly and disassembly of the various components. For example, various connection mechanisms for coupling a tibial base trial to a guide (e.g., a fin punch guide), and/or for coupling the guide (e.g., fin punch guide) to a punch. In use, the systems, methods, and instruments provide an improved workflow for facilitating knee arthroplasty surgery.
Claims6
An orthopedic knee system comprising:
- a tibial base trial including an inferior surface arranged and configured to contact a resected tibia, a superior surface opposite the inferior surface, at least one first connector, and a recess including a surface;
- a fin punch guide including an inferior surface arranged and configured to contact the superior surface of the tibial base trial, a superior surface opposite the inferior surface, at least one second connector arranged and configured to couple with the at least one first connector, at least one third connector, and a fin punch guide tab including a lever or hook-shaped end portion configured to reside within the recess and to contact the surface when the fin punch guide is coupled to the tibial base trial;
- and
- a fin punch including at least one fourth connector arranged and configured to couple with the at least one third connector and a projection or tab configured to contact the fin punch guide tab during connection of the fin punch to the fin punch guide, contact of the projection or tab moving the fin punch guide tab to a second position thereby releasing the lever or hook-shaped end portion from the recess so that removing the fin punch causes the fin punch guide to disconnect from the tibial base trial;
- wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector includes a male mating feature, and the other one of the first connector and the second connector includes a female mating feature;
- and
- wherein at least one of the third connector and the fourth connector includes a male mating feature, and the other one of the third connector and the fourth connector includes a female mating feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.