Dynamic wrist fixation apparatus for early joint motion in distal radius fractures
US6162223A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/66
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A joint fixator apparatus conforms to the natural axis of rotation of the joint in question, such as a patient's wrist or knee to avoid the possibility of bone fragment displacement and/or fracture reduction. The apparatus includes two fixation rod sections or shaft sections with a spring module therebetween. The spring module is in the form of a flexible coupler that connects to respective ends of the external fixator rod. The module can include a removable clip to restrain the motion of the spring a desired amount such as before healing takes place. The rods can be used to hold pin clamps which then hold bone pins for attachment to selected bones of the patient such as above and below a joint or above and below a fracture. The pin clamps can be moved along the rod sections to provide distraction of the joints for a ligamentotaxis effect in reducing the fracture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.