Bone fixation tensioning tool and method
AssigneeZimmer Spine, Inc.
InventorsKarl Pierre Belliard, Gilles Larroque-Lahitette, Marion Jeanne Sophie Delclaud, Jean-Luc Albert Paul Jouve
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Abstract
A tensioning tool and method for tensioning a conformable ligature of a bone fixing system are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature can be passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop. Another portion of the conformable ligature can be coupled to a tensioning tool. The tensioning tool can include a first portion and a second portion in threaded engagement with each other. Rotation of one portion relative to the other can cause tensioning of the conformable ligature through translation of a tensioning member.
Claims18
A tensioning tool for applying controlled tension to a conformable ligature of a bone fixing device, comprising:
- a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, the tool body defining a slot extending along a portion thereof;
- a connector at the distal end of the tool body configured to interface with a ligature capturing element of a bone fixing device attached to a spinal rod;
- a threaded drive shaft running through at least a portion of the tool body;
- a carriage movable along the slot, the carriage defining a drive shaft passage having a thread engaging portion to engage threads on the drive shaft and wherein the drive shaft passes through the drive shaft passage;
- wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the carriage to move towards or away from the connector along the slot;
- a tensioning member coupled to the carriage, the tensioning member configured to engage a conformable ligature of the bone fixing device;
- a detachable handle connected to the drive shaft proximate the proximal end of the tool body, the detachable handle configured to permit a user to rotate the drive shaft;
- wherein rotation of the drive shaft such that the carriage moves away from the connector applies a tensioning force to the conformable ligature to tension the conformable ligature around a bony structure;
- and
- a tension control device configured to determine the amount of tensioning force applied to the conformable ligature.
A tensioning tool for applying tension to a conformable ligature of a bone fixing system, the tension tool comprising:
- an elongate tool body having a first end and a second end;
- a threaded drive shaft extending along at least a portion of the tool body;
- a connection portion positioned at the second end of the elongate tool body shaped to engage a ligature capturing element of the bone fixing system;
- and
- a carriage movable along the elongate tool body through rotation of the threaded drive shaft to selectively apply tension to the conformable ligature via movement of the carriage;
- the carriage defining a drive shaft passage through which the drive shaft extends through, the drive shaft passage having a thread engaging portion configured to engage threads on the drive shaft;
- wherein rotation of the drive shaft moves the carriage away from the connector to apply a tensioning force to the conformable ligature to tension the conformable ligature around a bony structure;
- and
- wherein the tensioning tool further includes a tension control device configured to determine the amount of tensioning force applied to the conformable ligature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.