Pin Connector Patents (Class 606/59)
  • Publication number: 20100191239
    Abstract: System for correcting bones, comprising: —at least a first pin which can be connected to the bone at a first location; —at least a second pin which can be connected to the bone at a second location at a distance from the first location; —a fixation member which is coupled rigidly to the first and second pins for the purpose of fixing the mutual distance between the pins during a hardening phase, and which is coupled flexibly to the first and the second pins during a correction phase; and —at least a first annular fixation member which is removably connected to the first pin and at least a second annular fixation member which is removably connected to the second pin for the purpose of adjusting the bone during the correction phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: UMC UTRECHT HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Ralph Johan Bernhard Sakkers, Aleida Johanna Van Der Wal, Joris Emanuel Nicolaas Jaspers, Peter Timo Dijkstra
  • Patent number: 7763020
    Abstract: A load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Moximed, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Draper
  • Publication number: 20100179548
    Abstract: A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Luis E. Marin
  • Patent number: 7749224
    Abstract: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Cresina, Stephen Walulik
  • Patent number: 7722651
    Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: SeungKyu Daniel Kwak, Nam T. Chao, Andrea Burke
  • Publication number: 20100125273
    Abstract: Sleeve (2) comprising a longitudinal axis (14), a right portion (22), a left portion (23), an outer wall (15), an interior wall (16) and a lumen (7), said sleeve (2) being implantable across the opposed cortices (4) of a long bone (5) and said lumen (7) being adapted for receiving a pin (3) connectable to an external supporting structure (9) of an external skeletal fixator (8), wherein said lumen (7) comprises at least one contraction (6) in said right portion (22) and at least one contraction (6) in said left portion (23), said at least two contractions (6) having a form to serve as supports for said pin (3) for avoiding contact between said pin (3) and said interior wall (16) except at said contractions (6). Transfixation device (1) for an external skeletal fixator (8) comprising such a sleeve (2) and one or more pins (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: AO TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Karsten Schwieger, Victor Sprenger
  • Patent number: 7717916
    Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Nutek Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammed A. Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 7717919
    Abstract: An alignment jig that creates a plurality of parallelograms may be used to align an external alignment line with an internal target path. The internal target path is within the patient's body and may be defined by two guide pin tips. The alignment jig may be created so that it creates the external alignment line to be co-linear with the internal target path or the external alignment line may be parallel to the internal target path by offset a distance from being co-linear. The external alignment line may be used in the provision of therapy such as the delivery of a screw to a precise location in the provision of therapy to a portion of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: TranS1 Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Eugene A. Dickhudt
  • Patent number: 7708736
    Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purpose of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Extraortho, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Mullaney
  • Publication number: 20100100096
    Abstract: A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Shane M. Hollawell
  • Patent number: 7699848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clamp assembly which allows the surgeon to snap a bone fixation assembly onto a bone fixation rod at an intermediate location along the length of the rod. It is not necessary to “thread” the clamp onto the rod starting at the end and sliding it down the length of the rod to the desired location. In particular, this invention provides a novel clamp assembly for use with standard bone fixation rods, and bone pins. The clamp allows the interconnection of a bone fixation rod with a bone pin locking assembly including a bone pin vise. The clamp is a single-piece construction, having a jaw capable of loosely capturing the bone fixation rod when the surgeon presses the jaw onto the rod. The assembly may be rigidly fixed to the rod using a bolt which tightens the jaw onto the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Mindy Lynn Hoffman, Charles Dean Preston, II, Michael Charles Mazzio
  • Publication number: 20100082028
    Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments include pin holders arranged so that bone pins, extending from a linearly extending or arcuate surface are concentrated in a region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Publication number: 20100076436
    Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Publication number: 20100076435
    Abstract: A Mini External Fixate device is disclosed in closed operations in order to fix fractures of elbow bone especially olecranon and cure its problems including mal-unions and non-unions, correcting elbow deformities, lengthening the bone length up to 5 cm. The device comprises three curved plates which are connected by a threaded rod. The device may further comprise two half pin consuls which go through each curved plate in one direction. The half pin consuls may extend as far as they are connected to the fracture, while they don't reach the other side of the bone. Half pins may be used instead of full pins in this device. The half pin consuls may be attached to the curved plate by means of a wire fixation bolt. A hinge may be attached to the extreme of the threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: MARYAM ESLAMI, Parvaneh Reshteh Ahmadi
  • Publication number: 20100069905
    Abstract: A minimally-invasive osteosynthesis assembly includes bone-screwable members, interlocking bridging members, and locking elements. The bone-screwable members are screwed into the tissue a bone fragment constituting an anchoring point to the bone fragment and the interlocking bridging members are applied to different bone-screwable members so as when the locking elements are tighten the bone-screwable members and the interlocking bridging members are frictionally engaged to each other and form rigid structural framework implemented for osteosynthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Oren Gavriely
  • Publication number: 20100042213
    Abstract: An orthopaedic implant system includes an orthopaedic implant implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body and configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the corporeal body. The implant includes a reservoir and a plurality of channels. The reservoir is configured for receiving the at least one therapeutic agent. The plurality of channels are configured for conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Paul S. Nebosky, Sarah L. Zimmerman, Gregory C. Stalcup, Troy D. Knapp
  • Patent number: 7645279
    Abstract: A pin allows for convenient and noninvasive adjustment and tightening relative to the bone to correct and/or avoid loosening of the pin and attached external fixator. In one embodiment, the pin includes a shank extending from a head toward a distal tip end of the pin. Adjacent to the distal tip of the pin is a threaded region with a varying pitch and the shank of the pin is tapered or conical having an increasing minor and/or major diameter along the pin from the tip end. In an alternative embodiment, an anchor is provided on the distal tip for engagement with the far cortex of the bone. The anchor includes a tapered region proximate the tip that decreases in diameter. A split ferrule, expansion bushing or collar is seated on the tapered region. The shank of the pin also includes a threaded region on which a washer and nut are engaged for rotational movement longitudinally on the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce F. Haupt
  • Publication number: 20090318842
    Abstract: A wound management accessory (10) and a method of dressing a wound (28,30) in the vicinity of an external orthopaedic fixator pin (24) are provided. The accessory (10) has a resilient body with a sleeve (12) defining an inner bore (18) that is shaped and dimensioned to fit around the circumference of the fixator pin (24) with an interference fit. The body also defines a flange (14) extending radially from the bore. The method comprises applying the accessory (10) to the pin (24) by passing the pin through the bore (18), covering the wound (28,30) at least in part with an occlusive adherent film (34), attaching at least the flange (14) of the accessory to the film in a generally sealing manner and applying a negative pressure to the wound beneath the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Nicolas Kairinos
  • Publication number: 20090306662
    Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Dinkler, II
  • Publication number: 20090299368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation device for stably interlinking at least two bone fragments of a broken bone. Said fixation device comprises at least one base for receiving at least one fracture pin and at least one fixation rod. The base and the fixation rod, in a first interlinked state, are released to adjust their relative position, and in a second interlinked state, are figidly interlinked to fixate the adjusted position. A clamping holder received by the base by means of bearings in such a manner that its angle can be adjusted receives a fixation rod. The base, the clamping holder and the bearing are arranged in series in a prestressing bar connection. The clamping holder is configured by a holder which, in an area for adjusting and maintaining the adjusted position, is guided on the base in all directions in space. The clamping holder and at least one bearing element of the bearing through which a prestressing bar extends are positively locked, thereby providing spatial guidance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Tantum AG
    Inventor: Eckhard Bauer
  • Patent number: 7621912
    Abstract: A rod-shaped implant element for the connection of bone anchoring elements includes at least one rigid section that is configured to be placed in a receiver member of a bone anchoring element and a flexible section that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed as a continuous one-piece element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Biedermann Motech GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Harms, Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20090287212
    Abstract: A work for fixing a bone by an external fixator is facilitated. The external fixator comprises a plurality of ball joints each comprising a plurality of pins inserted into a bone, a coupling member, a rotary member that fixes pins to the coupling member relatively, is coupled by the coupling member and forms a ball at least partially, a supporting member in which a first supporting member and a first screw for supporting the ball rotatably are formed, and a tubular fastening member that contains the ball, has openings at the opposite ends, is provided at one end with a second screw corresponding to the first screw, and is provided at the other end with a second supporting portion for pushing the ball against the first supporting portion when the second screw is driven into the first screw, wherein the pins and the coupling member are fixed to the supporting member and the rotary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hirata, Masahiro Tatebe, Takaaki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7618417
    Abstract: A clamping element for the clamping of multiple rod-shaped elements has two opposing jaws, which have a number of corresponding grooves for the acceptance of a corresponding number of rod-shaped elements such as bone pins. Spring elements are provided, with which in the resting position the closed jaws are tensed, to hold the rod-shaped elements in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Lutz, Damian Fankhauser, Clemens Dransfeld, René Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090275944
    Abstract: In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external fixation device for the foot and ankle of the human anatomical skeleton includes a yoke, three adjusters, and a base (or foot plate). The foot plate selectively couples to the yoke without the need of any tools, thereby enabling the patient to self attach and remove the foot plate from an existing circular fixation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Quantum Medical Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Randall J. Huebner, Alexander Randall Shaevitz, William McGrath, Douglas N. Beaman
  • Publication number: 20090264884
    Abstract: An apparatus for external fixation of the pelvic ring, having left grip means and right grip means to be engaged in insertion/engagement holes formed respectively in the left and right iliac bone of the pelvic ring, left locking means and right locking means for mutually locking respectively the left grip means and the right grip means, left articulation means and right articulation means in order to allow to connect articulately the left and right locking means, and transabdominal means for joining the left and right articulation means. The apparatus has left and right means for guiding drilling means used by the orthopedic surgeon to provide the insertion/engagement holes so as to allow correct execution of the insertion/engagement holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Alessandro Masse, Domenico Aloj, Antonio Biasibetti
  • Publication number: 20090234356
    Abstract: A method for securing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the first bone segment against the second bone segment, forming a first bore through the first bone segment and into the second bone segment, and forming a second bore into the second bone segment so that the second bore intersects the first bore; positioning a locking member within the second bore so that an opening in the locking member is aligned with the first bore; and positioning an interlocking screw within the first bore so that the interlocking screw passes through the opening in the locking member and makes a locking engagement therewith, whereby to lock the interlocking screw with the locking member and thereby secure the first bone segment to the second bone segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Barry T. Bickley
  • Patent number: 7588571
    Abstract: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Ron Anthon Olsen
  • Publication number: 20090228006
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating malformative and traumatic conditions affecting the knee area, having an external fixation means for fixing bone portions together and first and second bone screws to be engaged respectively in the epiphyseal and diaphyseal region of the femur/tibia and to which the fixation means is to be coupled. The apparatus includes a guiding means, which is separate from the fixation means, for guiding the surgeon in the operations for identifying a plurality of drilling points on these regions, for producing engagement holes in these regions at the drilling points, and for inserting the bone screws in the engagement holes. The separate provision of the guiding means allows to simplify the structure of the fixation means with respect to existing fixation means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: MIKAI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Mussolin
  • Publication number: 20090216231
    Abstract: A pelvic clamp has a rail-like straight guide for two arms which are displaceable relative to one another along this straight guide and project from the straight guide and on each of the free ends of which an approximately tubular carrier for a tip intended for bone contact is provided. A locking device releasable using at least one handle is provided between the two parts displaceable relative to one another, namely between at least one of the arms and the straight guide. Preferably at least one of the arms preferably both arms, is or are capable of being folded or dismantled and thus shortened via at least one joint which can be fixed in a desired position and/or a plug connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Andreas Lanz
  • Patent number: 7575575
    Abstract: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Ron Anthon Olsen
    Inventors: Ron Anthon Olsen, Daniel E. Gerbec
  • Publication number: 20090198236
    Abstract: A clamping pin is intended to be inserted into and held in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises a screw having a longitudinal axis, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements are in contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages in one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Publication number: 20090187189
    Abstract: An external fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures is disclosed. The device comprises a splint member having a first and a second axially slidable and mutually fastenable base portions for adjusting the length of the splint member and a plurality of bone pins. Each of the base portions of the splint member includes mountings for the bone pins to traverse the site of the bone fracture in a multi-angle and multi-planar pin configuration, so as to permit direct fixation of the fracture and provide a significant degree of stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: A.M. Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ather MIRZA, Romi Mirza
  • Patent number: 7562855
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for supporting a plurality of tools for use in a folder gluer machine. The clamping mechanism includes first and second clamps. Each clamp defines a corresponding clamping cavity for receiving a tool therein. Each clamp is movable between a release position wherein the clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the clamping cavity has a second configuration. A clamping structure is operatively connected to the first and second clamps. The clamping structure sequentially moves the first and second clamps to their clamping positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Publication number: 20090143780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical synthesis system as well as to a method of connecting a multipart medical synthesis system. The medical synthesis system In this respect includes at least one supporting element and at least one synthesis element, wherein the supporting element is provided for fastening in an organic structure. In this respect, the synthesis element is provided for the fastening to the already fastened supporting element. The synthesis element and the supporting element form a non-releasable coherent unit during application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Lorenz Gabele, Frank Reinauer
  • Publication number: 20090131935
    Abstract: A method of preparing a patient's one leg, that is in need of treatment, for ambulation. The method includes the steps of: applying an external fixation assembly, having at least one external frame component, by pinning the at least one external frame component to at least one of the patient's bones in the patient's one leg so as to prepare the patient's one leg for healing; providing a foot assembly with a sole assembly defining a bearing surface and a connecting assembly; and operatively joining the foot assembly to the patient's one leg, whereby the patient can walk in a manner whereupon weight of the patient's body is applied by a patient's one foot, that is part of the user's one leg, to the sole assembly and therethrough to and against an underlying surface during ambulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Yeager
  • Publication number: 20090112208
    Abstract: A bone screw system is disclosed. The bone screw system allows a bone screw to be inserted into a bone via a guide set with a plurality of pins. After the bone screw is inserted, a head portion of an extension member attached to the bone screw remains external to the wound such that the bone screw can be tightened later without re-opening the wound. The bone screw system is applicable to bone fractures, bone fusions, Osteomonies and other bone connectivity procedures. After healing, the bone screw may be left in the patient by removing an upper portion or the screw may be removed with additional incisions and a local anesthetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony V. Borgia, Axel A. Weller
  • Publication number: 20090105710
    Abstract: A medical apparatus having a tensioning device secured to a fixed point; a wire or pin inserted transversely through a bone; and a tension line connecting the tensioning device to the wire or pin. The tension line transmits a force from the tensioning device to the wire or pin to facilitate distraction of a joint of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Saltzman, Annunziato Amendola
  • Publication number: 20090099565
    Abstract: An external fixator includes a main body and an outrigger for extending over a fractured joint, such as a wrist joint. The main body can be positioned next to a right arm, or flipped over and positioned next to a left arm. The outrigger is attachable to extend either to the left or to the right of the main body, as appropriate. A distal body is removeably connectable to the distal end of the main body, and the distal body can be affixed to bone on the opposite side of the fracture to immobilize the joint where the fracture occurs. The distal body is connected to the main body with an adjustable securement section which provides six degrees of adjustment freedom. The outrigger is attached to the main body through a slide plate in a dual rail configuration which provides two dimensions of adjustment. Fragment pin supports ride in a track of the outrigger, and provide seven degrees of adjustment freedom for directed fixation of fragments at the fracture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: MILLENNIUM MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lon S. Weiner, Thomas Coull
  • Publication number: 20090093812
    Abstract: A cranial flap fixation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rod having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion. The rod has a threaded portion between the first end and the intermediate portion. The system also includes an inferior disk coupled with the rod, proximate the first end of the rod, and a superior disk with an orifice through a central region of the superior disk. The orifice is sized to allow the superior disk to engage the threaded portion and movably couple the superior disk to the rod. The system further includes an installation tool having a central cavity. The installation tool is configured to engage the superior disk and the threaded portion, such that rotation of the installation tool in a first direction directs the superior disk toward the inferior disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: OsteoMed L.P.
    Inventors: Shaher A. Ahmad, Lisa Regina Thornhill, Jon M. Staples
  • Publication number: 20090088751
    Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for external fixation systems include a post component having a yaw axis and a clamping system secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis. The clamping system includes a outer jaw and a inner jaw having an inner surface facing the outer jaw. The outer and inner jaws together form an opening for receiving a fixation element of the external fixation system. The inner jaw and outer jaw have a roll axis alignable with a longitudinal axis of the fixation element. The clamping system and post component are rotatable about the roll axis. The inner jaw also includes a cylindrical outer-facing surface. The devices also include a base component having a cylindrical concave surface having a pitch axis. The concave surface of the base component interfaces with the cylindrical outer facing component on the inner jaw. The outer and inner jaws being rotatable relative to the base and the post component about the pitch axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: QFX Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael W. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 7507240
    Abstract: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be rotated into a variety of positions within the mounts. Main bodies of the splint devices can be conveniently moved with respect to each other into a variety of different configurations and positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ron Anthon Olsen
  • Publication number: 20090048599
    Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mohammed A. Hajianpour
  • Publication number: 20090024128
    Abstract: An external skeletal fixation device reduces load on the patient, is capable of freely moving and deformity correction of a bone and bone fragments, is simple in construction and can be attached to the patient by an operator who has not a very high skill and long experience. An external skeletal fixation device 1 includes a pair of pin clamp units 2 and 3 fixedly holding rodlike members 61 and 62 inserted, respectively, into a first part 9B2 and a second part 9B3 of a bone 9B on the opposite sides, respectively, of a virtual hinge point 9B1 in the bone 9B. The virtual hinge point corresponds to a center of rotational angulation of the bone, a center on which the first and the second part of the bone respectively on the opposite sides of a fracture site of the bone or a part of the osteotomy site for deformity correction are turned, or a center about which a joint turns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kozo Nakamura, Isao Ohnishi, Masahiko Bessho, Satoru Oohashi, Tsuneo Aoki, Mitsuo Sato, Ryojiro Asano, Kazuo Watanabe, Hiroshi Matsuzawa, Toshiro Uehara, Yoshiharu Saito
  • Publication number: 20090018541
    Abstract: A clamp for an external fixation system includes a body having a bottom portion and semi-spherical top portion. The top portion has a threaded bore provided along a longitudinal axis: The clamp includes a clamp assembly having a base with a semi-spherical cavity and a lid positioned over the base to house at least one pin between the base and the lid. The base and the lid have a bore provided along a longitudinal axis thereof. A fastening member is provided that extends through the bore in the base and the lid of the clamp assembly and is secured within the threaded bore of the top portion of the body. The bores in the base and the lid have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Abraham Lavi
  • Patent number: 7468063
    Abstract: Frame assembly for external fixation device and associated method. The frame assembly includes a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for controlled relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Walulik, Kirk J. Bailey, Takkwong Ross Leung, Richard Davidson
  • Patent number: 7465303
    Abstract: An external fixation assembly for bone fusion is disclosed. The assembly includes an extension arm having a fixation joint portion and a pin element moveably disposed along the extension arm defining a first joint portion. The assembly further comprises a plurality of connecting pins for bone fusion. Each of the connecting pins is configured to engage with bone matter for bone fusion and to singly attach to one of the joint portions for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Riccione, Shane M. Hollawell, Thomas M. Rocchio
  • Publication number: 20080281324
    Abstract: An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence X. Webb, Louis C. Argenta, Michael J. Morykwas
  • Patent number: 7449023
    Abstract: An external fixation device includes a frame assembly having a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for relative rotation. The external fixation assembly additionally includes an articulating module. The articulating module includes a central member, a first pivot segment and a second pivot segment. The first pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a first pivot axis. The second pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Walulik, Kirk J. Bailey, Takkwong Ross Leung, Richard Davidson
  • Publication number: 20080251086
    Abstract: A skull pin assembly for a head fixation device that allows for effective imaging with limited artifact is disclosed. The skull pin assembly comprises two components, a tip and a housing. The conical-shaped tip component engages the skull at a point and is configured to fit within the bore of the substantially cylindrical non-conductive housing component. The conical skull pin tip can be comprised of a material that causes limited artifact in medical imaging procedures. The conical skull pin tip can taper away from the point engaging the skull at a first angle and can seamlessly transition into a conical-shaped surface of the housing component. In one embodiment, a third surface of the housing component can also be tapered to meet the first surface of the tip component at the identical first angle of tapering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Charles E. Dinkler
  • Publication number: 20080221573
    Abstract: An adjustment device for an external fixator, which has an elongated fixator body connected to bone-pin clamps at proximal and distal ends of the elongated fixator body is disclosed. The adjustment device includes at least one adaptor for mounting to at least one of the bone-pin clamps. The adaptor stabilizes the bone-pins during an adjustment of the fractured bone to lessen the amount of pain experienced by a patient. An adjustment knob may be coupled to the adaptor and used to tighten or loosen a portion of the bone-pin clamp that facilitates rotation of the bone-pin clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: THINKVILLAGE, LLC
    Inventor: David Kumhyr