Patent · US Active

Tool and method for external fixation strut adjustment

US8864750B2 · kind B2 · utility

740Cited by
34References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 18, 2009
Grant dateOct 21, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 3, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/061
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a method for adjusting the orientation of a first external fixator support member relative to a second external fixator support member, wherein a plurality of adjustable struts connect the first and second external fixator support members. The method include providing a programmable tool, and storing, in a memory unit of the tool, instructions for adjusting the length of each of the plurality of adjustable struts to a desired length. The method further includes receiving identification information corresponding to a first adjustable strut and retrieving, from the memory unit, the instructions for adjusting the length of the first adjustable strut. The method also includes activating an actuator of the tool to adjust the length of the first adjustable strut according to the retrieved instructions. Various embodiments of the programmable tools are also included in the present disclosure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.