External fixator, kit comprising the same, and method of fixation

Abstract

The present invention provides an external fixator (1) for fixation of a joint, such as a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of a finger, and a kit comprising a congruent pair of such external fixators (1). The external fixator (1) comprises a rigid planar member made of a radio-transparent material. The planar member comprises a circular through hole (6) and a rectilinear main slot (10), which is radially aligned with the through hole (6). The external fixator (1) may also comprise a circular arc (8) of radio-opaque material centred on the through hole (6), a tail (14) to aid in its manipulation, and one or more subsidiary slots (20). The main and subsidiary slots (10, 20) have dentilated inner surfaces. In addition to a congruent pair of external fixators (1), the kit may further comprise a plurality of Kirschner wires and one or more stoppers (not shown). In use, the pair of external fixators are placed transversely on each lateral side of a patient's finger, a first one of the Kirschner wires is inserted through the through holes (6) in each external fixator (1) and through the condyle or head of the proximal phalanx. A second one of the Kirschner wires is inserted through the main slot (10) in each external fixator (1) and through the middle phalanx. The third Kirschner wire is inserted through a convenient one of the subsidiary slots (20) in each external fixator (1) and through, over or under the middle phalanx or a fragment thereof. Movement of the second Kirschner wire along the main slots (10) in the direction of arrow D can be used to apply a distraction force to the joint. Movement of the third Kirschner wire along the one of the subsidiary slots (20) towards the main slot (10) can be used to reduce subluxation of the middle phalanx or a fragment thereof. The one or more stoppers, which engage with the dentilated inner surfaces of the main and subsidiary slots (10, 20), prevent backwards movement of the Kirschner wires along the main and/or subsidiary slots (10, 20) thereafter. The invention also provides a method which comprises providing a congruent pair of such external fixators (1) for use in a surgical operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.