Torque driver for interference screw
US6663656B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/031
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A torque driver includes a torque measurement assembly for indicating the amount of torque being applied during implanting of an interference screw. The torque measurement assembly includes a proximal cup and a distal cup, and a coil spring fixed between the cups. A torque scale is marked on one of the cups, while a reference marking is provided on the other. When used to insert an interference screw, the driver head is inserted into the socket of the screw and the driver is turned, which causes the torque spring to tighten. As the spring tightens, the reference mark moves relative to the scale to indicate the torque measurement exerted on the spring. Using this torque driver, a surgeon can be made aware if too much torque is being exerted or if a desired minimum torque load for achieving a desirable level of fixation strength for the graft is not reached.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.