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. 22, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 16, 1993
Thomas A Russell, Memphis, TN (US);
Harry E Lee, Jr, Southhaven, MS (US);
Memphis Orthopaedic Design, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Abstract
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.