Orthopedic external fixator and method of use
AssigneeVirak Orthopedic Research LLC
InventorsVirak Tan, Daniel F. Justin, Chad Hollis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An orthopedic apparatus is provided for bridging a first bone unit to a second bone unit. The apparatus is demonstrated on a finger joint, wherein one of the bones and/or ligaments and/or tendons of the joint is/are injured. A method for implanting and using the apparatus also is presented. The apparatus includes a reformably deformable span portion which is generally circular and preferably rhombic. By deforming or reforming the span portion, it can be repositioned laterally, and/or it can be rotated to allow range of rotary motion so as to promote healing.
Claims7
An apparatus for bridging between a first bone unit having at least one first pin therein and a second bone unit having at least one second pin therein, said apparatus comprising:
- a) a control portion;
- b) a first attachment portion;
- c) a second attachment portion;
- d) a first locking portion;
- and
- e) a second locking portion;
- wherein said first attachment portion extends from one side of said control portion;
- wherein said second attachment portion extends from the other side of said control portion, and thereby is opposite to said first attachment portion;
- wherein said first locking portion includes a rod;
- wherein said second locking portion includes a clip;
- wherein said first attachment portion has at least one first through bore extending laterally therethrough;
- wherein said at least one first through bore of said first attachment portion is for receiving the at least one first pin, respectively;
- wherein said first locking portion has a non-through bore extending axially in said first attachment portion;
- wherein said rod of said first locking portion has at least one first divot extending laterally therein;
- wherein said rod of said first locking portion moves axially in said non-through bore of said first locking portion, and when said rod of said first locking portions moves inwardly in said non-through bore of said first locking portion, said at least one divot of said rod of said first locking portion contacts against and binds the at least one first pin in position;
- wherein said second attachment portion has at least one second through bore extending laterally therethrough;
- wherein said at least one second through bore of said second attachment portion is for receiving the at least one second pin, respectively;
- wherein said clip of said second locking portion has at least one second cutout laterally therethrough;
- wherein said clip of said second locking portion snaps on, and moves axially on, said second attachment portion, and when said clip of said second locking portion is snapped onto and moved on said second attachment portion, said at least one second cutout of said clip of said second locking portion contacts against and binds the at least one second pin in position;
- wherein said clip of said second locking portion is a U-shaped locking member;
- wherein said U-shaped locking member of said clip of said second locking portion includes a central channel;
- and
- wherein said central channel of said U-shaped locking member of said clip of said second locking portion is shaped to receive said first attachment portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.