The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 2021
Filed:
Dec. 20, 2019
Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Ag, Zug, CH;
Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, SG, SG;
Cedric Corpa De La Fuente, Gibsonia, PA (US);
Constantinos Nikou, Monroeville, PA (US);
Branislav Jaramaz, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Zug, CH;
Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, Singapore, SG;
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for performing joint laxity measurement are disclosed. A retractor includes a plurality of spacers, such as plates, that are capable of being moved from a central portion of the retractor by a carriage mechanism. In some cases, the carriage mechanism may press against ramps connected to internal sides of the plates, thereby causing the plates to be displaced outwardly. In other cases, the carriage mechanism may include blades that rotate and press against the internal sides of the plates, thereby causing the plates to be displaced outwardly. The retractor is mounted on a surgical device configured to actuate the carriage mechanism. When the retractor is placed in a joint and the carriage mechanism is actuated, a measurement of the joint laxity may be determined based upon characteristics of the retractor and/or the surgical device.