Knee incision tensile gauge
US5997545A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/4666
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tool for measuring tissue tension during joint surgery has a tissue gripping end and a measurement assembly. The tool is preferably configured as a pair of tongs, with a mechanism that fixes the tongs to grip tissue with its tissue gripping end while the measurement assembly measures the tension in, or spreading force applied on the tissue gripped therein. In use, the joint is moved through a range of motion while the tool is attached, and the measurement assembly displays changes in tissue tension due to movement of the joint. A prototype tool implemented as a pair of tongs has tissue-gripping pincer points that are held closed by a ratchet bar assembly. The ratchet bar assembly is a telescoping cross bar which moves against the restraining force of an extension spring to register the spreading force exerted on the pincer arms by the tissue under tension. An annular stop member about each pincer point limits tissue penetration, and provides a defined surface against which the tissue acts allowing precise calibration of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.