Combination broacher-reamer for use in orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

A combination broacher-reamer includes a generally longitudinally symmetrical cutting tool which is provided with a plurality of longitudinal broaching cutting teeth as well as a plurality of axial reaming cutting teeth. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the broacher-reamer is generally cylindrical with a smooth blunt distal tip and a tapered distal cutting portion. The proximal end of the tool is provided with a handle and one or more witness marks are provided on the shank of the tool. If the handle is removable the shank may be coupled to a motor or impacting tool. An exemplary broacher-reamer according to the invention is approximately 6.78 inches long with an overall maximum diameter of approximately 0.843 inches. The proximal end of the tool has a diametrical throughbore which is dimensioned to receive the handle which is approximately 3.94 inches long. The cutting portion of the tool begins approximately 3.0 inches distal of the proximal end and terminates approximately 1.25 inches short of the blunt smooth distal end of the tool. The reaming cutting teeth are arranged in a plurality of helical paths which transect the broaching teeth, each helical path being offset from an adjacent path by approximately 36 degrees and having a right hand helix angle of approximately 28 degrees. The flutes of the reaming teeth are the same depth as and are interrupted by the spaces (fillets) between the broaching teeth.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.