Aesculap Ag & Co Kg

Michael Potulski

Jens Beger

Rudolf Zepf

Rudolf Beisse

A locking mechanism for securing a bone screwto a clamping elementof an osteosynthesis holding systemis provided. The bone screwhas a circumferential groovelocated on a top portion of the screwbelow a screw headSnap catchesprotrude from a bone-contacting surfaceof the clamping elementand interlock with the groovein the screwwhen the screwis inserted into the clamping element(e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal deviceis provided for removing the screwas a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screwfrom the locking mechanism is also provided.

Locking mechanism for a bone screw

A Kirschner wire for use in endoscopic surgery is provided, as well as methods and apparatus for installing and removing Kirschner wire . Kirschner wire has a holding device for ease of insertion and removal. Kirschner wire is sufficiently short so as not to protrude from the working channel of the endoscope. Insertion instrument has a receptacle which for engagement with holding device of Kirschner wire . A targeting ring on insertion instrument enables placement of Kirschner wire under x-ray supervision. Removal device has a wire body with a receptacle located at a distal end thereof for engagement with holding device of Kirschner wire . Kirschner wire may be adapted for use in marking a point of entry for a cannulated bone screw or as a point of orientation for an endoscopic procedure.

Kirschner wire with a holding device for surgical procedures

A locking mechanism for securing a bone screw to a clamping element of an osteosynthesis holding system is provided. The bone screw has a circumferential groove located on a top portion of the screw below a screw head Snap catches protrude from a bone-contacting surface of the clamping element and interlock with the groove in the screw when the screw is inserted into the clamping element (e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal device is provided for removing the screw as a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screw from the locking mechanism is also provided.

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Murnau, Germany

Michael Potulski