Compression bone staple, apparatus and method of the invention

Abstract

A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation uses a compression staple, generally U-shaped, having a pair of legs with sharp front ends and proximal ends interconnect by a bridge portion that is resilient and bowed, the staple having an initial configuration and capable of a tensioned configuration by spreading apart the legs by a certain amount causing the curvature of the bowed bridge to lessen and the legs urged towards each other with certain compressive spring force. A staple applicator supports and guides the staple and positions the tensioned staple with its pointed ends forward, adjacent an ejection port at the front of the applicator. A powered strike member is mounted for longitudinal movement and has a front end that will strike the rear of the tensioned staple with percussive force and eject it in tensioned configuration from the applicator.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 896,360, filed Jul. 20, 2004, which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 985,719, filed Nov. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,531, issued Aug. 31, 2004, which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 500,060, filed Feb. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,054, issued Feb. 19, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 299,285, filed Apr. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,787, issued May 9, 2000, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to devices and techniques for securing bone segments across a fracture site, and more particularly relates to a bone stapling method and apparatus for achieving compression between segments.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]In treating a bone fracture it is common practice to fasten one bone segment...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately this method requires the drilling of specially sloped holes, involves multiple steps and is time-consuming, and like the conventional rigid fastening techniques, requires relatively large surgical opening.

Also, the manual installation of the clip using hemostats and the like is difficult, requires meticulous skill and handling.

This design appears inherently limited regarding adjustability and maintenance of constant pressure.

The foregoing techniques involving crimpable clips all appear to be imprecise in setting up suitable compressive' forces, require hole drilling and related problems, and do not lend themselves to minimizing the size of the surgical opening.

Unfortunately there is concern for trauma to the bone due to driving of the compound-shaped legs into the bone mass, and there is little apparent precision in establishing the desired compressive forces.

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