Hybrid bone fixation element and methods of using the same

摘要

The present invention is directed to a hybrid bone fixation element including a threaded proximal cortical bone contacting portion for threadably engaging the cortical portion of a human bone and a non-threaded expandable distal collections portion for engaging the cancellous portion of the human bone. The hybrid bone fixation element can be used, for example, as a pedicle screw, a bone screw or in any other type of bone fixation application.

主权项

1. A hybrid bone fixation element for engaging a patient's bone including:
a proximal bone contacting portion for engaging an outer cortical portion of the bone, the proximal bone contacting portion comprising an externally threaded shaft and a head portion integral with the externally threaded shaft along a longitudinal axis, the head portion comprising a drive surface; a expandable distal bone contacting portion for engaging an inner cancellous portion of the bone, the expandable distal bone contacting portion coupled to the threaded shaft along the longitudinal axis; wherein the expandable distal bone contacting portion has a first radial diameter in a first unexpanded state equal to or less than a radial diameter of the externally threaded shaft and a second radial diameter in a second expanded state greater than the radial diameter of the externally threaded shaft, wherein the proximal bone contacting portion and the expandable distal bone contacting portion include a central bore extending therethrough.