Fixation augmentation device and related techniques

Abstract

A Fixation Augmentation Device (FAD) is presented. The FAD includes a tubular body or sleeve having a collar disposed on a first end thereof. The sleeve is provided having an outside diameter selected such that the sleeve fits into a hole drilled in a bone. The collar at the first or proximal end of the sleeve prevents advancement of the FAD into the hole with screw insertion. The outer walls of the FAD can be ribbed, threaded or fretted to enhance this fixation. Once a screw is inserted into the FAD, the shape of the walls of the FAD take advantage of the tubular nature of the bone to capture one or more cortices by virtue of the expansion of the device thereby allowing the screw and FAD to obtain purchase where a screw alone would have failed or otherwise have inadequate fixation. The FAD is also designed to collapse as it is withdrawn from a drill hole in the event of removal of the device is necessary. The FAD is designed to allow the screw to obtain secure fixation to the bone in the situations where a screw has inadequate purchase. The FAD is a relatively simple device which is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and to use. Furthermore, the FAD adds no significant operative time to install.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.