Percutaneous Fixator and Method of Insertion
AssigneeJ. Dean Cole
InventorJ. Dean Cole
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a technique for percutaneous intramedullary fixation. A protective outer sheath is provided for internal fixation of the proximal tibia. Additionally, a unique intramedullary plate is provided that is adapted for percutaneous insertion into the intramedullary canal of a long bone. A plate holder is also provided that may be utilized through the outer sheath to drive and position a fixation plate within the intramedullary canal.
Claims38
A method for insertion of a tibia fixation member comprising:
- gaining supra patella surgical access to an intermedullary canal of a proximal end of a tibia;
- moving the fixation member substantially posterior to a patella;
- and
- inserting the fixation member into a proximal end of the intermedullary canal.
A method for insertion of a tibia fixation member comprising:
- creating a supra patella surgical access site;
- inserting a substantially tubular protective sheet posterior to a patella such that a distal end is adjacent a proximal end of the tibia;
- accessing the intermedullary canal of the tibia utilizing a cutting tool guided by the protective sheet;
- inserting the fixation member into a proximal end of the intermedullary canal;
- and
- anchoring the fixation member to the tibia.
A protective sheath for use in percutaneous insertion of a tibia fixation device, the protective sheath comprising:
- a radiolucent body;
- at least one radiopaque marker;
- a distal end tapered to substantially engage a notch of a proximal end of a tibia.
A kit for performing a percutaneous insertion of a tibia fixation device comprising:
- a protective sheath defining a distal opening, a proximal opening and a passage between, the distal opening adapted to engage the proximal end of a tibia;
- a bone fixation member configured with a plurality of apertures for receiving bone engagement members and for receiving an insertion tool;
- and
- an insertion tool having an inner shaft movably fixed within an outer sleeve, the inner shaft and outer sleeve forming a grip at a distal end, the grip configured to releasably engage the bone fixation member.
An insertion tool for inserting a tibia fixation device into a tibia, the tool comprising:
- an outer sleeve with a first grip half on a distal end;
- a threaded portion on a proximal end of the outer sleeve;
- an inner shaft passing through the distal end of the sleeve and defining a second grip half;
- and
- a threaded handle to interface with the threaded portion of the outer sleeve and attached to the inner shaft within the outer sleeve.
A tibia fixation device comprising:
- a substantially rigid body defining a plurality of apertures;
- wherein one or more of the apertures is adapted to engage an insertion tool on a proximal end of the rigid body;
- wherein one or more of the apertures is adapted to receive a bone engagement member;
- wherein one or more of the apertures is adapted to allow a guide wire to pass through the rigid body, the guide wire proceeding from a supra patella surgical site to a proximal opening in an intermedullary canal of a tibia and proceeding along a route substantially posterior to a patella.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.