Bone fixation apparatus

摘要

A clamp assembly for bone fixation elements including first and second clamp structures configured to engage first and second bone fixation elements, respectively. The first clamp structure may have a first spherically contoured bearing surface. The second clamp structure may have a second spherically contoured bearing surface seated in sliding contact with the first bearing surface. A spring-loaded mechanism may apply a spring force urging the bearing surfaces together to resist pivotal movement of the clamp structures relative to each other. The clamp assembly may be used with an assembly of fixation elements to create an external fixation frame.

主权项

1. An apparatus for engaging first and second bone fixation elements in a bone fixation frame, comprising:
a first clamp structure, having at least two bores for engaging at least two first bone fixation elements having a first spherically contoured bearing surface; a second clamp structure, having at least one bore for engaging at least one second bone fixation element, having a second spherically contoured bearing surface seated in sliding contact with the first bearing surface; a connector bolt having a head engaging the second clamp structure and a screw-threaded stem extending to the first clamp structure; a tightening device in screw-threaded engagement with the stem of the connector bolt; and a spring compressed between the first clamp structure and the tightening device, whereby the tightening device can apply a spring force to the connector bolt to tighten the contact of the bearing surfaces by moving the bearing surfaces toward one another.