Distal targeting of locking screws in intramedullary nails
US7060075B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/397
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a distal targeting system a hand-held location pad is integral with a guide section for a drill or similar surgical instrument, and has a plurality of magnetic field generators. A sensor, such as a wireless sensor, having a plurality of field transponders, is disposed in an orthopedic appliance, such as an intramedullary nail. The sensor is capable of detecting and discriminating the strength and direction of the different fields generated by the field generators. Control circuitry, preferably located in the location pad is responsive to a signal of the sensor, and determines the displacement and relative directions of an axis of the guide section, and a bore in the orthopedic appliance. A screen display and optional speaker in the location pad provide an operator-perceptible indication that enables the operator to adjust the position of the guide section so as to align its position and direction with the bore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.