Expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation
US9220546B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/8019
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation. The instrument includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver, such as a hexagonal head screwdriver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture of a fracture fixation plate. The driver is adapted to engage the head of a bone screw, partially threaded into bone proximate the fracture and disposed through a longitudinal slot of the plate. Manual manipulation of the handle members together or apart causes the driver head and replaceable tip insert to become farther apart or closer together, respectively. This in turn, causes the bone screw to be displaced along the longitudinal slot, expanding or compressing the fracture, respectively. Once the fracture has been expanded or compressed to the desired degree, rotation of the screwdriver, facilitated by the bearing assembly, tightens the bone screw, locking the plate into place.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.