# US 12,758,349 B2 · Frame > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,758,349 B2 - Document ID: US12758349B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/968,514 - Filed: 2024-12-04 - Published: 2026-01-01 - Granted: 2026-10-13 - Earliest claimed: 2024-07-01 - Assignees: Mosaic Surgical Limited - Applicants: Mosaic Surgical Limited - Inventors: Angela Spang - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12758349B2 ## CPC - A61B 90/08: {Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for} - A61B 17/0293: {with ring member to support retractor elements} - A61G 13/124: {Hands or wrists} - A61B 2017/0287: {with elastic retracting members connectable to a frame, e.g. hooked elastic wires} - A61B 90/14: Fixators for body parts, e.g. skull clamps; Constructional details of fixators, e.g. pins - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61G: TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS (appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk A61H3/00); OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES (embalming corpses A01N1/00) ## Abstract The present invention provides a frame for supporting digits which may be used during surgery to elevate digits during an operation. The frame comprises a plate with two wings which define a plane and a space therebetween, an engaging feature on each wing for removable engagement with retaining ties, and an elevated support surface between the wings to support digits. The frame provides a secure platform for supporting digits during hand surgery. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of preparing a hand for surgery comprising the steps of: providing a frame for supporting a hand during surgery, the frame comprising a plate having two wings which define a plane and a space therebetween, and a support portion positioned between the two wings which comprises a supporting surface for two digits which is elevated relative to the plane defined by the wings, wherein each wing is provided with an engaging feature for removably engaging a retaining tie; and engaging a hand with the frame, wherein the step of engaging the hand with the frame comprises the step of inserting two digits of the hand through the space between the wings of the frame such that the digits are supported on the supporting surface, and another digit of the hand remains on the opposite side of the plane defined by the plate to the supporting surface. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is provided with two recesses or two concave shapes or raised portions for accommodating the two digits. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is substantially square when viewed from above or below. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a width of greater than 30 mm. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a width of between 30 mm and 60 mm. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a W-shaped surface. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the support portion is provided with three engaging features for removably engaging retaining ties. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein an area of the support portion is greater than 30 cm2. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the supporting surface defines a ramp which is inclined with respect to the plane defined by the plate. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the space between the wings is substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or has a semi-circular shape. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, the frame further comprising: two retainer ribs which protrude from the plate on an opposite side of the plate to the support portion, wherein the retainer ribs are positioned on opposite sides of the support portion. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the frame is formed from a single piece of material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the providing the frame comprises providing a kit comprising the frame, the kit further comprising a securing device for securing two digits on the frame during surgery, wherein the securing device comprises: a rigid body with a contacting surface for contacting a digit which is supported on a frame; and elongate retaining ties extending from opposite sides of the rigid body, wherein the elongate retaining ties are stretchable in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the contacting surface has a length of at least 3 cm. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of securing the two digits on the supporting surface by engaging the elongate retaining ties of a securing device to engaging features of the frame such that the contacting surface of the securing device contacts the two digits which are supported on the supporting surface of the frame, wherein the securing device comprises: a rigid body with a contacting surface for contacting a digit which is supported on a frame; and elongate retaining ties extending from opposite sides of the rigid body, wherein the elongate retaining ties are stretchable in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the contacting surface has a length of at least 3 cm. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising securing at least one of the two digits to the supporting surface by engaging at least one retaining tie with the engaging feature of one or both wings. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein securing the two digits comprises engaging elongate retaining ties of a securing device with the engaging features of the frame such that a contacting surface of the securing device presses the two digits against the supporting surface. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method according to claim 16, wherein securing the two digits comprises stretching the elongate retaining ties and retaining them in a stretched condition to apply a downward force to the digits. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising performing a surgical procedure on at least one of the two digits while the hand is engaged with the frame. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method according to claim 18, wherein the surgical procedure is selected from the group consisting of carpal tunnel release, Dupuytren's contracture fasciectomy, trigger finger release, tendon repair, ganglion removal, knuckle replacement, and trapeziectomy. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The method according to claim 18, wherein performing the surgical procedure comprises making an incision in tissue positioned within the space between the wings of the frame.