External Fixation System

摘要

In embodiments of the invention, there is provided an external fixation system comprising a first plate and a second plate and connectors therebetween. Some or all of the connectors may be adjustable in length or angular position or both. Angular adjustment may comprise a fixed amount of friction and an adjustable amount of friction, and the permitted angular deflection can vary around the perimeter of the angular joint. An adjustable-length connector may comprise a tiltable nut that can either engage or not engage a threaded rod to provide both coarse adjustment and fine adjustment. Tactile or audible feedback may be provided.;Other accessories may include: provisional alignment clamps to position parts of the patient's body; a K-wire alignment guide; a K-wire support post; a universal fixation bolt; a plurality of half-pins that can be used with a common support post or block; and a resilient retention device.

主权项

1. An external fixation system, comprising:
a first plate; a second plate; and a first connector connecting said first plate with said second plate, wherein said first connector comprises a lengthwise adjustable member, wherein said lengthwise adjustable member comprises a threaded rod having external threads and comprises a tiltable nut, said tiltable nut having internal threads on a portion of an internal surface thereof, wherein said lengthwise adjustable member comprises a housing that generally surrounds said tiltable nut, said threaded rod being able to pass through at least a portion of said housing, wherein said tiltable nut can occupy a first position in which said internal threads of said tiltable nut engage said external threads of said threaded rod and said tiltable nut can occupy a second position in which said internal threads of said tiltable nut do not engage said external threads of said threaded rod.