Abstract: A universal clamp apparatus for orthopedic exterior fixators is disclosed. Preferably, the universal clamp apparatus has two pin/rod clamps, each having seating grooves for attaching to a frame rod associated with a frame of the fixator and/or a bone pin for implantation in a bone fragment. A clamp screw extends through and connects the first and second pin/rod clamps. An ergonomically designed knob having at least one collapsible or non-collapsible turn lever acts as a torque amplifier when rotated by hand without tools to tighten and untighten the pin/rod clamps to the frame rod and/or bone pin by movement along the clamp screw. The pin/rod clamps have planar sides that are contiguous and have radial ratchet grooves that are in mating engagement and provide a ratcheting mechanism so that the rotation of the pin/rod clamps relative to each other occurs in incremental rotational steps.

Abstract: A universal clamp apparatus for orthopedic external fixators is disclosed. Preferably, the universal clamp apparatus has two pin/rod clamps, each having seating grooves for attaching to a frame rod associated with a frame of the fixator and/or a bone pin for implantation in a bone fragment. A clamp screw extends through and connects the first and second pin/rod clamps. An ergonomically designed knob having at least one collapsible or non-collapsible turn lever acts as a torque amplifier when rotated by hand without tools to tighten and untighten the pin/rod clamps to the frame rod and/or bone pin by movement along the clamp screw. The pin/rod clamps have planar sides that are contiguous and have radial ratchet grooves that are in mating engagement and provide a ratcheting mechanism so that the rotation of the pin/rod clamps relative to each other occurs in incremental rotational steps.

Abstract: Embodiments of a universal clamp apparatus for an orthopedic exterior fixator are disclosed. The universal clamp apparatus can be operated without the need for tools, with extraordinary tightening precision, and with low risk of losing stability. The universal clamp apparatus has at least one pin/rod clamp, but preferably two pin/rod clamps. Each clamp has seating grooves for snapping in and attaching to at least one of the following: a frame rod associated with a frame of the fixator and/or a bone pin for implantation in a bone fragment. A screw mechanism, such as a clamp screw, extends through and connects the first and second pin/rod clamps. An ergonomically designed knob having at least one collapsible or non-collapsible turn lever acts as a torque amplifier when rotated to tighten and untighten the pin/rod clamps to the frame rod and/or bone pin by movement along the clamp screw.