External fixator
OwnerDavid M. Allisoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An external fixator (10) for assisting healing of a fracture in a bone (18) comprises a securing portion (16) that defines a void; and an elongate bracket portion (12) extends from the securing portion. The bracket portion is arranged to engage one or more first percutaneous bone fasteners (20) locatable in the bone on a first side of the fracture. In use, one or more second percutaneous bone fasteners (26) are located in the bone on a second side of the fracture such that the second fasteners extend into the void of the securing portion. The void can be filled with a cement compound to secure the second bone fasteners in place with respect to the securing portion.
Claims28
An external fixator for assisting healing of a fracture in a bone, the external fixator comprising:
- a securing portion that defines a void;
- and
- an elongate bracket portion extending from the securing portion, the bracket portion arranged to engage one or more first percutaneous bone fasteners locatable in the bone on a first side of the fracture;
- whereby, in use, one or more second percutaneous bone fasteners are located in the bone on a second side of the fracture such that the second fasteners extend into the void of the securing portion, and the void can be filled with a cement compound to secure the second bone fasteners in place with respect to the securing portion.
A method for holding in place a fracture in a bone, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an external fixator according to the first aspect;
- securing one or more first bone fasteners percutaneously in the bone on the first side of the fracture;
- fastening the bracket portion to the first bone fasteners;
- securing one or more second bone fasteners percutaneously in the bone on the second side of the fracture, such that the second bone fasteners extend through the void defined by the securing portion;
- and
- filling the void with a cement compound and allowing the cement compound to set so as to secure the second bone fasteners in place with respect to the external fixator.
An external fixator kit for assisting healing of a fracture in a bone, the external fixator kit comprising:
- an external fixator comprising;
- a securing portion that defines a void, and
- an elongate bracket portion extending from the securing portion;
- one or more first percutaneous bone fasteners locatable in the bone on a first side of the fracture and arranged to engage the bracket portion in use;
- one or more second percutaneous bone fasteners locatable in the bone on a second side of the fracture such that the second fasteners extend into the void of the securing portion;
- and
- a cement compound for filling the void so as to secure the second bone fasteners in place with respect to the securing portion.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.