External fixator strut

摘要

The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of an elongated member. The elongated member is coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

主权项

1. An external fixation strut having a longitudinal axis defined therein, the fixation strut comprising:
a strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough; a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the strut housing, the first ball joint including a first ball joint cage and a first ball member, the first ball member being rotatably coupled to the first ball joint cage, the first ball joint cage including a bore defined therethrough, and the first ball member including a circumferential groove defined therein; a pin inserted through the bore of the first ball joint cage and at least partially into the circumferential groove of the first ball member to at least partially limit rotation of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint cage; an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the axial bore, the adjustment sleeve and the strut housing being releasably coupled by a connector; an elongated member; a second ball joint coupled to an end portion of the elongated member; and an adjustment mechanism having a bore defined therethrough, the elongated member being disposed through the bore, the adjustment mechanism being operable to adjust a longitudinal position of the elongated member relative to the adjustment sleeve.