Surgery – Instruments – Orthopedic instrumentation
Patent
1993-09-08
1995-07-04
Brown, Michael A.
Surgery
Instruments
Orthopedic instrumentation
606 59, A61B 1756
Patent
active
054296374
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The prior art includes various types of external fixators for orthopedic interventions intended to produce osteosynthesis of a limb. The purpose of these fixators is generally to assure the reduction and immobilization of a fracture. Patent EP 0424292 can be cited as an example. This patent describes a fixator comprising two clamps mounted on a cylindrical body in combination with means for adjusting the axial position. Due to its design, this fixator can only be used on previously reduced fractures. It is lacking in both controlled mobility and simple mobility.
In addition, it is also important to note that this fixator is not modular, i.e., it cannot be adapted to the pathological condition to be treated. Notably, it is necessary to first attach each of the clamps to the fixator body and then install the unit mounted in this manner on either side of the fracture site.
This drawback considerably limits the application of this type of fixator. In addition, it is not possible to adjust the fixator as the treatment of the fracture progresses.
The goal of the present invention is to resolve these drawbacks in a simple, reliable, effective and rational manner.
More specifically, the invention pertains to a fixator designed for adult and adolescent arms, i.e., for non-weight-bearing limbs. Notably, one of the essential problems that the invention proposes to resolve is to assure the immobilization of a fracture while preserving the movement of the superjacent and subjacent joints as well as immobilization in a functioning position.
This problem is resolved by the development of an external fixator which is completely modular and which comprises elements functioning as clamps and receiving anchor pins to be fixed in a determined angular position on either side of the fracture site. The said clamps are designed to receive, after fixation, at least one fixator body capable of controlled angular orientation and of being locked in this position by means of coupling rods.
This fixator in accordance with the invention can be adapted to the given clinical situation due to its modular nature. In addition, because of its various components and their fittings, the fixator can follow the evolution of a fracture by assuring controlled mobilization with or without distraction at the necessary moment.
It should be noted that the fixator in accordance with the invention can also be applied for the external fixation of the weight-bearing extremities of children.
The invention also proposes to resolve the problem of being able, if necessary, to increase the angulation of a fixed mounting, limit mobilization in a given sector and increase the sector of mobilization.
This problem is resolved in that the fixator has at least one element functioning as a mobilization relay which is configured so as to be coupled by means of rods between the fixator body and a clamp.
The invention also proposes to resolve the problem of being able to lock the various constituent elements of the fixator in translational position as well as according to different angular planes as a function of the type of fracture and its evolution.
This problem is resolved in that the coupling rods between the fixator body and the clamps are constituted by a cylindrical journal functioning as a piston and designed to be engaged with the ability to slide and lock in translational position in a complementary fitting in the fixator body, with one of the ends of the said journal having a spherical head suitable for cooperating in a complementary housing formed in the clamps with the ability to lock in angular position.
The coupling rods between the mobilization relay and the fixator body are constituted by a cylindrical journal functioning as a piston and designed to be engaged with the ability to slide and lock in translational position in a complementary fitting in the fixator body, with one of the ends of the said journal having a spherical head for cooperating in a complementary housing formed in the relay with the ability to lock in an angular position, with the cou
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patent: 4988349 (1991-01-01), Pennig
patent: 5122140 (1992-06-01), Asche
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