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US 7,841,998 B2Granted
Fixator or splint
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorsLinda Pomeroy, Ali Bajwa
Life of this patent
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AssigneeNone recorded
InventorsLinda Pomeroy, Ali Bajwa
Estimating the term…
The present invention relates to a non-invasive external fixator particularly suitable for fracture fixation. In particular, the fixator of the invention includes proximal and distal portions for mounting on a limb either side of a fracture. Each of the proximal and distal portions includes a rigid member. An articulation member connects the proximal and distal portions. The articulation member includes a universal joint for allowing relative movement between the proximal and distal portions, wherein the articulation member connects the rigid members.
An external non-invasive fixator for fixing a long bone fracture of a limb comprising proximal and distal portions for mounting on alongside of the long bone fracture, each of the proximal and distal portions including a rigid rod extending substantially parallel with a long axis of the limb, and an articulation member connecting the rigid rods that allows relative movement between the proximal and distal portions, the articulation member comprising a first universal joint that is arranged at a level of a joint line associated with a movable joint of the limb and a second universal joint that is arranged at a level of the long bone fracture, wherein the first and second universal joints are selectively lockable and unlockable to restrict and permit three-dimensional movement at each of the joint line and the long bone fracture.
A method of treating a long bone fracture of a limb, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Devices extending alongside the bones to be positioned: specially adapted to be fitted across a bone joint
Specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations: for the arms, hands or fingers
For the arms: for wrists, hands, fingers or thumbs
Devices extending alongside the bones to be positioned: with non-continuous, e.g. hinged, pin-clamp connecting element
Term ended 12 May 2026 (estimated)
The present invention claims priority from PCT Patent Application No. PCT/GB2006/050102, filed May 12, 2006; which claims priority of United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB0509613.6 filed May 12, 2005.
The present invention relates to a non-invasive external fixator particularly suitable for fracture fixation. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to an external fixator which allows for movement in a joint adjacent a fracture site; while certain embodiments relate to a fixator useful in movement, distraction and/or reduction of a fracture.
When a bone is fractured, it is often necessary to hold the fragments of the bone together to allow for correct healing. If this is not done, problems such as misalignment or poor healing can occur.
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and without limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of a fixator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention mounted on a patient's arm; and
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show top, bottom, and side views respectively of the fixator of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring to the Figures, a non-invasive external fixator 10 according to the present invention is shown mounted on an arm 12 of a patient. The arm 12 has a fracture 14 near the wrist.
The fixator 10 includes proximal 16 and distal 18 cuffs which are mounted either side of the fracture. Each cuff 16, 18 includes a rigid plastics outer shell 20, 22 which is open at the lower part thereof (seen best in FIG. 4), and a flexible elastomeric inner sleeve 24, 26 which encircles the patient's arm. The proximal cuff 16 is divided into two portions 16a, 16b which are connected by a connecting bar 28, and includes two inner sleeves 24a, 24b. The connecting bar 28 may be provided with an autograph plate. To fit the fixator onto the patient, the inner sleeves may be deformed to allow them to be passed over the patient's arm; the elastomeric nature of the inner sleeve will allow it to conform closely to the shape of the patient's arm. The outer shell may also similarly deform to allow the fixator to be secured to the patient.
Each cuff 16, 18 includes a number of rigid loops 30 through which pass proximal and distal carbon fibre rods 32, 34. The loops 30 are provided with grub screws 36 which may be tightened in order to retain the rigid rods within the loops.