Universal Length Screw Design and Cutting Instrument

摘要

An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.

主权项

1. An adjustable length bone screw for use in a surgical operation where the screw is inserted into a bone, the bone screw comprising:
a shaft section extending between a screw head having a proximal end and a distal tip, where the shaft section has a longitudinal axis; a plurality of threaded portions located at discrete positions longitudinally along the shaft, and a plurality of unthreaded portions located at discrete positions longitudinally along the shaft, wherein the threaded portions are separated longitudinally by the unthreaded portions, and wherein the threaded portions contain a series of threads extending at least partially circumferentially around the shaft; wherein the plurality of the threaded portions each have at least one cutting flute each defined by a notch formed radially into the screw shaft and extending longitudinally along the length of the threaded portions, and wherein the at least one cutting flute divide the threads of the threaded portions into at least one discontinuous thread segment extending circumferentially around the shaft such that the threading does not extend continuously circumferentially around the shaft.