Pneumatically powered orthopedic broach

Abstract

A pneumatically driven orthopedic broach inserter comprising a continuously reciprocating piston which strikes a proximal anvil during each cycle. The impact of the piston with the proximal anvil drives the broach out of a bone. To drive the broach into the bone, a surgeon pushes on the power broach inserter, bringing a distal anvil into the path of the piston, and creating a forward action which dominates over the on-going reverse action produced by the piston striking the proximal anvil. The piston is provided with a low-friction sleeve so that completely oilless operation is possible. A fast-acting chuck having a key and a wedge is provided whereby broaches of different size can be quickly attached to the power broach inserter. In addition, means whereby the relative angular orientation between the broach and the power broach inserter may be changed continuously as the surgeon presents the broach toward the bone, but whereby the angular orientation is fixed as the surgeon pushes the broach into the bone is provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.