External fixation apparatus
US4475546A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1983 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32754
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An external fixation apparatus for the reduction and immobilization of the proximal end segments of a fractured bone is disclosed. The fixation apparatus includes a turnbuckle device, a ball joint device attached to the respective ends of the turnbuckle device, a locking mechanism for the ball joint devices, and a plurality of clamps which are located on tubular members extending from the ball joint devices and in which a pin embedded at one end in the fractured bone segment is received. After the pin is immovably clamped to the tubular member, the subsequent manipulation of the two tubular members relative to one another and adjustment of the turnbuckle device causes the fractured bone segments to be aligned and reduced so that the locking of the ball joint devices and turnbuckle device holds the fractured bone segments in a proper healing orientation relative to one another. Special wrenches for moving each tubular member and attached bone segment and for locking each ball joint device is provided which is supported by the associated tubular member during the reduction and immobilization of the fractured bone segments. An extension device is also provided which can be attached to…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.