Back to results
US 2003/0149429 A1Published application
External fixation system
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorsJoseph Ferrante, Anthony James, David Castleman, Ed Austin, Kenneth Nelson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An external fixation system having an improved fixation component for constructing a stable, adjustable fixation system that cooperates with other systems, and methods of use thereof.
Claims99
An external fixation component comprising:
- (a) a first capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system;
- and
- (b) a second capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other;
- wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and second capture members from rotation with a single activation.
1 more element
An external fixation component comprising:
- (a) a first capture member comprising a planetary member and adapted to receive a fixation element;
- and
- (b) a second capture member comprising a cooperating surface adapted to receive the planetary member, the second capture member adapted to receive a fixation element,
- wherein one capture member is capable of rotation in more than one axis relative to the other capture member.
1 more element
A capture member for retaining a fixation element of an external fixation system, the capture member comprising:
- (a) a base;
- and
- (b) a head slidably coupled to the base;
- wherein the head slides transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fixation element, and the head is biased toward the fixation element.
1 more element
An external fixation component comprising:
- (a) a first capture member comprising:
- (i) a planetary member having inner and outer surfaces and including an aperture adapted to receive a connector,
- (ii) structure adapted to capture a fixation element;
- and
- (b) a second capture member comprising:
- (i) a cooperating surface adapted to receive and correspond generally in shape with the outer surface of the planetary member and an aperture adapted to receive a connector,
- (ii) structure adapted to capture a fixation element;
- and
- (c) a connector comprising:
- (i) a first portion that corresponds generally in shape to and is adapted to be received in the inner surface of the planetary member, and
- (ii) a second portion adapted to extend through the aperture in the cooperating surface of the second capture member;
- wherein when the first portion of the connector is urged against the inner surface of the planetary member and locked, and the outer surface of the planetary member is urged against the cooperating surface and locked, the fixation components are oriented and locked in position relative to each other, and
- wherein when unlocked, each capture member is able to rotate about more than one axis relative to the other capture member.
10 more elements
An external fixation component comprising:
- (a) a first capture member comprising
- (i) a planetary member having inner and outer surfaces and including an aperture adapted to receive a connector,
- (ii) a channel adapted to receive a ring having a rectangular cross section;
- and
- (b) a second capture member comprising
- (i) a cooperating surface adapted to receive the planetary member and an aperture adapted to receive a connector,
- (ii) a channel adapted to receive a bar;
- and
- (c) a connector comprising
- (i) an end, and
- (ii) a shaft;
- wherein the shaft of the connector is received in the apertures of the first and second capture members and wherein the end of the connector is received in the planetary member and the planetary member is received in the cooperating surface.
9 more elements
An external fixation system comprising;
- a plurality of fixation elements;
- and
- a plurality of fixation components comprising:
- a first capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system;
- and
- a second capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other;
- wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and second capture members from rotation with a single activation.
4 more elements
A method of treating a skeletal condition or injury using an external fixation system, the method comprising:
- (a) inserting a first fixation element into a bone;
- (b) capturing the first fixation element in a first fixation component, the component comprising:
- (i) a first capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system;
- and
- (ii) a second capture member adapted to capture an element of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other;
- wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and second capture members from rotation with a single activation;
- (c) capturing a second fixation element in the first fixation component;
- and
- (d) engaging the single activation to secure the first and second capture members from rotation.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.