Engineering & Precision Machining, Inc.

Memphis Orthopaedic Design, Inc.

Harry E Lee, Jr

Thomas A Russell

Harry E Lee, Sr

An external fixation system for stabilizing bone fractures is provided, having a hexagonal rod as the primary support mechanism with a plurality of fixation components adjustably secured thereto. The fixation components preferably include at least one pin secured to the hexagonal rod by a clamping mechanism which provides multiple degrees of adjustability for enhanced pin placement. The clamping mechanism comprises a clamp member and ball collet having a hexagonal opening formed therein, wherein the ball collet fits within a cavity in the clamp member with the rod extending therethrough, and a retaining nut used to compress the ball collet thereby grippingly engaging the rod and securing the clamp member to the rod. The clamp member is adjustable to any desired position both longitudinally and peripherally about the rod. Each pin is secured within a clamp member through the use of similar ball collets and retaining nuts, and is angularly adjustable relative to the clamp member. In the preferred embodiment, a ring member may also be attached to the rod, with additional fixation components such as tension wires, buttress pins, and the like, adjustably secured to the ring member by similar clamping mechanisms.

External fixator apparatus

The pin site shield having a separate sponge and retainer removably securable to an orthopedic pin, wire, or similar implement. The retainer comprises a body having a slot form therein for receiving the orthopedic pin and a clamping member hingedly secured thereto. The clamping member is selectively moveable between open and closed positions, with interlocking surfaces on the body and clamping member engaging one another when the retainer is in its closed position to secure the retainer at its appropriate position on the pin. Protrusions on the body and clamping member allow installation of the retainer by squeezing the protrusions between a thumb and forefinger, with removal of the retainer being effected by spreading the protrusions apart.

Pin site shield retainer

A method of forming a beaded transfixion wire for orthopedic uses. The beaded transfixion wire includes an elongated wire formed of an implant grade material. A bead is provided on the elongated wire intermediate the opposite ends thereof. The bead extends outwardly beyond the outer surface of the elongated wire and is integral therewith. In forming the beaded transfixion wire the solid bar stock is rotatably fed past a cutting tool to turn down a portion of the bar stock to a selected daiameter to provide a first portion of an elongated wire. The first portion of the elongated wire is fed into a tube for stabilizing the first portion against any whipping motion. The solid bar stock is continued to be rotated past the cutting tool while at the same time a bead is profiled from the solid bar stock with the cutting tool. After the bead has been formed in the bar stock another portion of the bar stock is turned down to the selected diameter to provide a second portion of the elongated wire having the selected diameter.

Method of forming a beaded transfixion wire

A pin site shield is described for covering the entry or exit site of a surgical pin such as a halo pin, external fixation pin, traction pin, or surgical wire. The pin site shield comprises a collar having a slot for receipt of the surgical pin, a surgical sponge attached to the collar, and means for securing the pin in the slot. The surgical sponge includes a foam pad and a tricot material attached to the foam pad on the side remote from the collar. The surgical sponge has a slit in substantial registration with the slot in the collar, allowing the surgical pin to pass inwardly and outwardly within the slot. Preferably, the collar includes a tapped hole passing through a top side of the slot, and a screw inserted into the tapped hole secures the pin in the slot. The collar also preferably includes a nib on the bottom side of the slot for further assistance in securing the pin in the slot. Typically the tapped hole will form an acute angle with the slot for entrapment of a range of sizes of surgical pins, from traction pins to surgical wires, in the corner of the slot.

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Southaven, MS, United States of America

Harry E Lee, Jr