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. 04, 2011
Filed:
Aug. 25, 2005
Jim Hearn, Coatsville, PA (US);
Thomas J. Maughan, Downingtown, PA (US);
Timothy J. Horan, Royersford, PA (US);
Michael J. Wahl, Wilmington, DE (US);
Jim Hearn, Coatsville, PA (US);
Thomas J. Maughan, Downingtown, PA (US);
Timothy J. Horan, Royersford, PA (US);
Michael J. Wahl, Wilmington, DE (US);
Synthes USA, LLC, West Chester, PA (US);
Abstract
An external fixation system for connecting one or more bone segments together to facilitate healing of bone. The system may include one or more rings and/or ring segments. One or more linear distractors and/or angular distractors may connect the rings to each other so as to allow for distraction and/or reduction/compression of a bone. Linear distractors may enable an operator to move the rings towards and away from each other, while angular distractors may enable an operator to angle the rings relative to each other. In an embodiment using angular distractors, one or more angular separation assemblies may be positioned between the rings. These separation assemblies may have joints which may two portions which may be angled relative to each other and connected directly or indirectly to the rings. Various fasteners (e.g., nuts) and/or tightening members may configured for quick movement along and selective tightening to various components. Moreover, clamps may be attached to the rings and may engage pins, wire, rods, which may be inserted into bone to hold bone segments to each other. The components of the external fixation system may be provided in sets or kits so that the a surgeon may select various combinations of components to create an external fixation system which is configured specifically for the particular needs of a patient and the bone fracture/deformity.