Apparatus and method for determining the tension on a ligament graft
US4969895A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1989 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument for determining the variation in tension of a ligament graft extending between first and second proposed fixation sites positioned on first and second articulated bones, respectively, comprises a yoke which carries a device for securing the yoke to one of the first and second bones. A yoke plate is rotatably carried by the yoke. A main housing is adapted for connection to the yoke plate. A sled is slidably carried by the main housing. The sled is adapted for connection to the ligament graft. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the sled relative to the housing so as to place a desired degree of tension on the ligament graft. A transducer is associated with the mechanism for adjusting for determining changes in tension, if any, from the desired degree of tension as the first and second bones are moved relative to one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.