University of Iowa Research Foundation

Electro-biology, Inc.

J Lawrence Marsh

Michael Bottlang

Stephen B Walulik

Curtis M Steyers

An apparatus for aligning a mechanical pivot axis of an external fixator with an anatomical pivot axis of a hinged joint. The hinged joint has first and second bones on opposite sides of the anatomical pivot axis. The external fixator has a central body connecting a first bone screw clamping assembly and a second bone screw clamping assembly. The central body includes the mechanical pivot axis. The apparatus for aligning includes an alignment member and a connecting member. The alignment member has a longitudinal axis for alignment with the anatomical pivot axis. The connecting member has a first end adjustably secured to the alignment member and a second end adjustably secured to the first bone screw clamping assembly.

Method and apparatus for external fixation of a hinged joint

An apparatus for adjustably securing the humerous, which is on a proximal side of elbow joint, relative to the ulna on the distal side of the elbow joint. The apparatus includes a central body having inner and outer ring members interconnected for relative rotation about a common mechanical axis adapted to align with the anatomical axis of the elbow joint. The central body defines a radiographic window for permitting lateral radiographic examination of the anatomical pivot axis of the elbow joint. The apparatus preferably includes a distraction mechanism for distracting the humerus perpendicular to the proximal end of the ulna.

Method and apparatus for external fixation of an elbow

A fixator for adjustably securing a first skeletal element on a superior side of an ankle joint relative to a skeletal element on the inferior side of the ankle joint. The fixator includes a bone screw clamping assembly that preferably secures a pair of screws to the bones of the foot. The bone screw clamping assembly is attached to a central body of the fixator and is operative for articulating the pair of bone screws about an axis substantially co-axial with the anatomical pivot axis of the ankle joint. The bone screw clamping assembly further defines a radiographic window for permitting lateral radiographic examination of the anatomical pivot axis of the ankle joint.

Growing community of inventors

Iowa City, IA, United States of America

J Lawrence Marsh