US 4,361,144 A · External compression frame for stabilizing unstable pelvic fractures

Abstract

An external compression frame for the treatment of fractures of the pelvis comprising four bars so interconnected that they form a trapezoidal square. The frame, positioned in an upright position, comprises two vertical and two horizontal bars, connected to each other with articulations. The vertical two bars extend beyond the fastening points of the square to form the part of the frame which is intended for anchoring of the device into the pelvis. The upper horizontal bar has a predetermined length, whereas the lower horizontal bar is adjustable as to its length. By adjusting the length of the lower bar, the angle between the vertical bars may be regulated in such a way, that compression force is exerted on the pelvis, thereby bringing the fractured detached parts firmly together. The novel and principally characterizing features of the frame construction are the trapezoidal shape, the predetermined undisplaceable attachments of the articulations connecting the bars, and the design of the articulations as glide bearings. The device is thus a ready-mounted external frame, ready for use in the expedient treatment of acute pelvic fractures.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A compression frame for fixing the pelvis when treating pelvic fractures, said frame, when in an upright position, comprising two substantially vertical bars (1,2) and two substantially horizontal transverse bars (3,4), the vertical bars having lower end portions attached to the pelvis and upper end portions connected to end portions of one (3) of the transverse bars, a second (4) of the transverse bars being adjustable in length and being connected to the vertical bars (1 and 2) so as to form a trapezoidal configuration, articulation means (5-8) for interconnecting said vertical bars and said transverse bars, said articulation means having first and second fixture elements with through bores for receiving respective ones of said bars, said fixture elements being so anchored to the bars that a displacement of the fixture elements in the longitudinal direction of the bars is not possible, said fixture elements while so anchored allowing relative angular movement between the vertical and transverse bars connected by said fixture elements so that the angle between the bars and the compression force exerted by the bars on the pelvis are adjustable.

A compression frame for fixing the pelvis when treating pelvic fractures, the frame being connectable to connector elements anchored to a pelvis being treated, said compression frame comprising:

a first pair of bars having first end portions connectable to connector elements anchored to the pelvis;
a first transverse bar extending between said first pair of bars and interconnected to second end portions of said first pair of bars;
a second transverse bar extending between said first pair of bars and interconnected to portions of said first pair of bars spaced intermediate said first and said second end portions;
a plurality of articulation means for interconnecting said first and said second transverse bars with said first pair of bars, each of said articulation means having a first fixture element with a through bore formed therein receiving one of the bars, first means for interconnecting said first fixture element with said one bar so that said first fixture element is connected to and fixed in position with respect to said one of the interconnected bars, a second fixture element with a through bore formed therein receiving a second of the interconnected bars, second means for interconnecting said second fixture element with said second bar so that said second fixture element is connected to and fixed in position with respect to said second of the interconnected bars, and means independent from said first and said second means for interconnecting said first and said second fixture elements so as to permit relative movement therebetween to thereby vary the angular relationships between the interconnected bars;
and
said second transverse bar being adjustable in length to thereby vary the distance between the first end portions of said first pair of bars whereby the compressive force exerted by said frame on the pelvis is controlled.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

External compression frame for stabilizing unstable pelvic fractures

Life of this patent

External compression frame for stabilizing unstable pelvic fractures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7