External fixator assembly

Abstract

A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and / or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is directed to a support structure similar in function but distinguishable in structure to a halo-type support ring adapted for use as an operative component of an external fixation assembly for an ankle or other area of the patient's body. The support structure includes an annular base dimensioned and configured for disposition in surrounding relation to a leg area associated with the ankle being stabilized. An extension assembly comprising a plurality of extension members is connected to the base, wherein the base and extension members are structured for connection to one or more strut members disposed in interconnecting relation to and between the support structure and the other components of the external fixator assembly.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In the medical treatment of pathologies including, but not limited to, injuries, fractures, etc. to the bone and joints, external fixator ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]Therefore, the interconnecting struts serve to place both the ankle stabilization portion and / or other, conventional halo-type rings in spaced relation to the support structure as these various components extend along the length of the ankle area or leg upwardly from the position of the ankle stabilization portion adjacent the ankle area being stabilized. Further, the plurality of apertures defining the connecting sites for the struts are disposed such that the plurality of struts may be disposed at a variety of different locations in order to provide greater versatility to the medical personnel when placing the struts and the various components of the external fixator assembly in order to eliminate the possibility of interference with X-rays views, which are typically required.

[0016]As represented hereinafter in greater detail, the external fixator assembly, including the support structure of the present invention, is structured to connect one or more transfixion pins or like transfixion members so as to extend transversely inward and into stabilizing engagement with the leg bone(s) or other tissue associated with the ankle area at various points along the height or length of the leg and / or ankle area. Further, each of the one or more transfixion pins can be connected to a plurality of different locations along the length thereof. Therefore the disposition of the base and extension assembly of the support structure as well as the structure of at least some of the remainder of the external fixation assembly provides significant versatility in positioning each of the one or more transfixion pins or members at any one of a plurality of different locations relative to the leg and associated ankle area being stabilized.

[0017]Therefore, the positioning of the transfixion pin(s) or member(s) into stabilizing engagement with intended tissue of the leg and ankle area, in the manner described herein, eliminates or significantly reduces the need for conventional support blocks or clamps to connect the transfixion pin(s). As set forth above, the use of such known devices and procedures for orienting of the transfixion pins relative to a predetermined body part is time consuming and has a tendency to obscure X-rays or other viewing facilities of the body part. Therefore the use of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention eliminate or significantly reduce such known and well recognized disadvantages.

Problems solved by technology

In utilizing these support blocks, transfixion clamps, etc., one commonly recognized problem or disadvantage associated therewith is the possibility these devices obscuring important or necessary portions of the ankle joint when X-rayed.

In addition, the proper placement of one or more of such clamps, support blocks, etc. is time consuming for medical personnel and may lack a certain versatility and / or accuracy associated with the accurate placement of a transfixion pin or like transfixion member in the fixed orientation or otherwise support of the various bones of the ankle joint.

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