Repositioning tool
AssigneeHowmedica, Inc.
InventorPeter Metz-Stavenhagen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A repositioning tool for handling pedicle screws which have annular heads with parallel clamping faces is provided. The tool has a tongue-shaped portion connected to a handle, which tongue-shaped portion is brought into engagement with the head of a pedicle screw in the axial direction thereof. The tool can apply a tilting moment perpendicular to the length axis of the pedicle screw and can apply a torque. The tool comprises pliers with jaws (22, 24) including inwardly extending projections (28, 30) to engage opposite indentations (70, 72) provided along the periphery of the annular head (64) of the pedicle screw (60).
Claims13
A method for repositioning and handling a pedicle screw having an annular head including parallel clamping faces on opposite sides of said annular head to be connected to at least a tensioning means, said method comprising:
- bringing a tongue-shaped pliers portion connected to a pliers handle into engagement with the head of said pedicle screw in the axial direction thereof to apply a tilting moment perpendicular to the length axis of said pedicle screw and to apply a torque,
- wherein said pliers (10) portion comprises jaws (22, 24) meeting at a pivot pin and having a jaw mouth (26) with a jaw mouth opening and including inwardly extending projections (28, 30)
- so that said inwardly extending projections (28, 30) engage opposite indentions (70, 72) having plane bottoms and provided along the periphery of the annular head (64) of said pedicle screw (60).
A method for handling a pedicle screw which has an annular head including parallel clamping faces on opposite sides of said head, said method comprising:
- (1) grasping said pedicle screw with a tool comprising pliers having:
- (a) a handle portion and
- (b) a jaw portion having a tongue-shape and connected to said handle portion, and
- (2) bringing said jaw portion into engagement with the head of said pedicle screw so as to apply a tilting moment perpendicular to the length axis of said pedicle screw and to apply a torque,
- wherein said jaw portion comprises a first jaw and a second jaw meeting at a pivot pin and having inwardly extending projections for engagement of corresponding indentations provided along the periphery of said annular head of said pedicle screw.
A method for handling pedicle screws including an annular head having head indentations on opposite sides of the periphery of said head, a threaded shank, and a longitudinal axis, said method comprising:
- (1) bringing a pliers having a pair of jaws with inwardly extending projections facing each other and connected to crossing handle portions into engagement with said head indentations such that said pliers is coaxial with said longitudinal axis and
- (2) exerting a tilting force on said pedicle screw transverse to said longitudinal axis and exerting a torque on said pedicle screw.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.