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:
Oct. 19, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 04, 1998
David Castleman, Bartlett, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew, Inc., , DE (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for reducing a fracture provides a provisional fixation pin to provisionally affix the bone plate to the bone prior to the installation of the bone plate with permanent attachment, such as bone screws. The method and apparatus of the present invention will maintain some reduction without significantly compromising the bone. The method utilizes a provisional fixation pin having an upper or proximal unthreaded shaft section and a lower externally threaded shaft section. A cutting tip is provided at the extreme distal end of the fixation pin. In between the proximal and distal sections is an enlarged diameter section that has an annular surface sized and shaped to conform to the countersunk surface of openings in the bone plate.