Multi-axial support for external fixation

Abstract

A poly-axial external fixation bolster is provided that includes a bolster member and a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the bolster member. The first ball joint includes a first ball joint body and a first ball member. The first ball member is rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body to allow variable angular adjustable positioning of the first ball member within the first ball joint body. The first ball joint additionally includes a friction member. The friction member is configured to generate friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to polyaxial struts for external bone fixation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates generally to polyaxial struts including structures that maintain the end of the polyaxial strut in an adjustable position.

[0003] 2. RELATED ART

[0004] External fixation traditionally requires the use of percutaneously placed pins and / or wires that are fixed to an external scaffolding device to provide support to a fractured limb. Using this mechanism, the bone or joint can be stabilized during limb reconstruction. This technique presents many benefits compared to internal plates and intramedullary nails. External fixators cause less damage to soft tissue, bone blood supply, and periosteum, and are particularly ideal for soft tissue management in cases of acute or chronic trauma where skin quality is compromised. Additionally, the temporary nature of the pins and wires makes the frame ideal for providing bone stability in cases of bone infection, where the presence of an internal implant would make treatment of the infection more challenging. Furthermore, unlike internal plates, external fixators provide postoperative adjustability. External fixation can also be used for limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures.

[0005] Various types of external fixators are used for clinical applications. One type of external fixator is a circular frame fixator. The classic circular frame is the Ilizarov external fixator, which can be integrated with other circular frames such as the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF). The basic components of the frame are rings, connecting rods, and struts. The Ilizarov ring can be configured as a full (closed) ring, partial (open) ring, or an arch.

[0006] Another type of circular frame is the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF). The TSF is a six-legged device based on a Stewart platform. The device includes two or more aluminum or carbon fiber rings connected by struts. Each strut can be independently lengthened or shortened to achieve the desired result, i.e., compression, lengthening, etc. at the fracture site. The TSF is connected to the bone by wires or half-pins and can manipulate the attached bone in six axes (anterior / posterior, varus / valgus, lengthening / shortening).

[0007] Polyaxial struts are commonly used in forming external fixation frames, where the struts are not necessarily parallel to each other and are not necessarily perpendicular to the rings. Typical strut ends are rotated to accommodate non-orthogonal orientations, and such rotated ends are typically unconstrained during frame construction, such that they default to any relative position controlled by gravity. To facilitate the process of constructing such frames, it is desirable that these polyaxial struts rotate during frame construction to maintain the orientation set by the surgeon, rather than the orientation set by gravity. It is also desirable to be able to fix the strut angle prior to fixing the strut to the ring.

[0008] Additionally, there are two different types of struts on the market for use in the strut ring fixator frame: linear struts and polyaxial struts. This creates additional cost to the manufacturer and reduced flexibility to the surgeon. Thus, struts configured to behave as both linear and polyaxial struts are also desirable. SUMMARY

[0009] The foregoing advantages of the present application are illustrative of those that can be achieved by various example embodiments, and are not meant to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages that can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the various example embodiments will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practice of the various example embodiments, as each of the embodiments resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations, and improvements as shown and described herein.

[0010] In light of the current need for polyaxial external fixation strut systems with more constrained rotational end portions, a brief overview of the various example embodiments is presented. Some simplification and omission can be made in the following overview in the interest of brevity and conveying the substance of the various example embodiments without undue emphasis on or limitation to the scope of the application. A detailed description of preferred example embodiments suitable for allowing one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concept will follow in later sections.

[0011] Various embodiments herein relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut comprising a strut member and a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the strut member. The first ball joint comprises a first ball joint body and a first ball member. The first ball member is rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body. The first ball joint additionally comprises a friction member, such as a spring clip member or a spring member, configured to create friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body to maintain an adjustable position of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint body.

[0012] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut comprising a strut member and a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the strut member. The first ball joint comprises a first ball joint body and a first ball member. The first ball member is rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body. The first ball joint additionally comprises a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an inner surface of the first ball joint body or a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an outer surface of the first ball member, the channel configured to house a friction member, such as a spring clip or a spring member. The friction member is configured to create friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body to maintain an adjustable position of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint body.

[0013] Various embodiments disclosed herein additionally relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut, wherein the strut member additionally includes a second ball joint coupled to an end portion of the strut member opposite the first ball joint.

[0014] Various embodiments herein additionally relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut including a spring member, wherein the spring member includes a conical spring washer.

[0015] Various embodiments disclosed herein additionally relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut including a spring clip member, wherein the spring clip member is C-shaped.

[0016] Various embodiments disclosed herein additionally relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut further including a first ring contact portion attached to the first ball member.

[0017] Various embodiments disclosed herein additionally relate to a polyaxial external fixation strut further including a fixator clip attached to the first ball joint body and the first ring contact portion and configured to fix the first ball joint body and the first ring contact portion in a linear configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of various exemplary embodiments, reference will be made to the drawings which are described as follows:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective side view of a polyaxial strut is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 An exploded view of a polyaxial strut is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a polyaxial strut is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 A perspective view of a spring clip member is shown;

[0023] Figure 5 A side view of a ball joint stud member is shown;

[0024] Figure 6 Movement of a ball joint stud member relative to a spring clip member is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of a ball joint stud member and a spring clip member positioned in a ball joint body in a linear configuration is shown;

[0026] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a ball joint stud member and a spring clip member positioned in a ball joint body and a ball joint ring contact in an angled configuration is shown;

[0027] Figure 9A A cross-sectional side view of an end of a polyaxial stmt with a spring member positioned between the stmt bar and the ball joint stud member is shown;

[0028] Figure 9B A perspective view of a spring member is shown;

[0029] Figure 10A A side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt configured for use with an external fixator base support is shown;

[0030] Figure 10B An exploded side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt configured for use with an external fixator base support is shown;

[0031] Figure 10C A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt configured for use with an external fixator base support is shown;

[0032] Figure 10D and 10E A perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt mated with an external fixator base support is shown;

[0033] Figure 11A A side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt configured for use with an external fixator base plate is shown;

[0034] Figure 11B A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt configured for use with an external fixator base plate is shown;

[0035] Figure 11C and 11D A perspective view and a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a polyaxial stmt mated with an external fixator base plate is shown;

[0036] Figure 12A A cross-sectional perspective view of a fixator clamp attached to a ball joint body and a ring contact portion is shown;

[0037] Figure 12B A side view of an embodiment of a fixator clamp attached to a ball joint body and a ring contact portion is shown;

[0038] Figure 12C and 12D A perspective view and a top view of a fixator clamp are shown, respectively;

[0039] Figure 12E A perspective view of a ball joint after removal of a fixator clamp is shown;

[0040] Figure 13A cross-sectional side view of a malleable implant positioned between a strut rod and a ball joint stud member is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The embodiments described herein disclose a polyaxial external fixation strut. Various embodiments herein additionally disclose permanent and temporary devices that allow for constrained polyaxial and linear functionality of the external fixation strut. The various embodiments disclosed herein allow a surgeon to maintain the angular orientation of the rotational end of the polyaxial strut during external frame construction.

[0042] Reference now is made to the drawings, wherein the use of the same reference numerals in different figures is intended to refer to the same or like components or steps. Figure 1 and 2 A perspective side view and an exploded view of an embodiment of a polyaxial strut 100 are shown, respectively. The polyaxial strut 100 includes a proximal ball joint 101 and a distal ball joint 102. Both the proximal ball joint 101 and the distal ball joint 102 can include a ball joint body 110 and a ball joint stud member 120 rotatably coupled to the ball joint body 110. The ball joint stud member 120 includes a ball member 121 and a shaft portion 124. As shown, the ball joint body 110 includes a plurality of grooves 113 configured to accommodate a proximal end of the shaft portion 124 of the ball joint stud member 120. The grooves 113 allow the ball joint stud member 120 to be angled acutely within the ball joint body 110 at a particular angular position as set by the surgeon. The distal ball joint 102 additionally includes a ring contact portion 130 attached to the ball joint stud member 120 with a pin 122 configured to inhibit rotation of the ball joint stud member 120 within the ring contact portion 130. Figure 1

[0043] The polyaxial strut 100 also includes a strut member 140 that includes a strut tube 141 that slidably receives a strut rod 150. The strut tube 141 and the strut rod 150 are connected with a connection portion 142 that includes an adjustment knob 143. The adjustment knob 143 is configured to allow length adjustment of the polyaxial strut 100 to a desired length to fit a ring-shaped frame (not shown) for external fixation. In this embodiment, depression of the adjustment knob 143 allows slidable movement of the strut rod 150 within the strut tube 141. However, the adjustment knob 143 can include any configuration known in the art that allows for length adjustment of the polyaxial strut 100. As shown, the distal ball joint 102 can also include a spring clip member 111 configured to at least partially surround the ball member 121 of the ball joint stud member 120. Figure 2

[0044] Additionally, as Figure 1 ​​As shown, the fixator clamp member 160, described in greater detail below, can be attached to the proximal ball joint 101 and / or the distal ball joint 102 in order to fix the ball joints 101, 102 in a linear configuration.

[0045] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of the polyaxial stmt 100 is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the ball joint body 110 can include a channel 112 extending along the circumference of the inner surface 113 of the ball joint body 110. The channel 112 is configured to house the spring clamp member 111. The ball member 121 can also include a channel 125 for housing the spring clamp member 111. As Figure 3 shown, the spring clamp member 111 is configured to create friction between the ball members 121 when the ball members 121 are rotated in the ball joint body 110 to maintain an adjustable position of the ball members 121 within the ball joint body 110.

[0046] Figure 4 A more detailed view of an embodiment of the spring clamp member 111 is shown. In this embodiment, the spring clamp member 111 includes a C-shaped rim 115 having an open side 116 and a central opening 117. Figure 5 A more detailed view of an embodiment of the ball joint stud member 120 is shown. The ball joint stud member 120 includes a ball member 121 at a proximal end and a hole 123 for housing a pin 122 that attaches the ball joint stud member 120 to the ring contact portion 130. The ball joint stud member 120 can additionally include a threaded shaft portion 124 configured to fix the polyaxial stmt 100 to an external fixation frame (not shown).

[0047] Figure 6 A more detailed view of an embodiment of the spring clamp member 111 partially surrounding the ball member 121 of the ball joint stud member 120 is shown. As shown, the ball member 121 is configured to fit snugly within the central opening 117 of the spring clamp member 111.

[0048] Figure 7 A more detailed cross-sectional side view of the distal ball joint 102 is shown. As Figure 7 shown, the ball joint body 110 includes a channel 112 sized to accommodate the spring clamp member 111. The ball member 121 of the ball joint stud member 120 is rotatably housed by the spring clamp member 111. In use, the ball joint stud member 120 can be moved by the surgeon within the spring clamp member 111. The spring clamp member 111 is configured to create friction between the ball member 121 and the ball joint body 110 when the ball member 121 is rotated in the ball joint body 110 to maintain an adjustable position of the ball member 121 within the ball joint body 110, as Figure 8 more clearly shown in

[0049] In other embodiments, the spring clip member 111 can be integrated into any layer of the distal ball joint 102, or multiple layers of the distal ball joint 102. In some embodiments, the spring clip member 111 can be located in a groove on the ball member 121 to interface with the inner surface of the ball joint body 110. In various embodiments, the amount of friction generated by the spring clip member 111 can be a function of the contact surface coefficient and any normal force generated by the spring clip member 111. The surface finish and spring constant of the spring clip member 111 can be optimized according to the desired amount of fixation as known by those skilled in the art.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, the spring clip member 111 can be replaced by any device that effectively generates friction between the ball member and the ball joint body. In various embodiments, the friction generating member can be a spring member 114 as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In various embodiments, the spring member 114 can include a conical spring washer 114a and 114b configured to be positioned between the end of the strut rod 150 and the proximal end of the ball member 121. Figure 9A and 9B In various embodiments, the spring member 114 can include a conical spring washer 114a and 114b configured to be positioned between the end of the strut rod 150 and the proximal end of the ball member 121.

[0051] Figure 10A-10E A second embodiment of a polyaxial strut 1000 is shown. The polyaxial strut 1000 includes a proximal head portion 1001 and a distal ball joint 1002. The distal ball joint 1002 can include a ball joint body 1010 and a ball joint stud member 1020 rotatably coupled to the ball joint body 1010. The ball joint stud member 1020 includes a ball member 1021 and a shaft portion 1024. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ball joint body 1010 includes a plurality of grooves 1013 configured to accommodate the proximal end of the shaft portion 1024 of the ball joint stud member 1020. The grooves 1013 allow the ball joint stud member 120 to be acutely angled within the ball joint body 1010 at a particular angular position as set by the surgeon. The distal ball joint 1002 additionally includes a ring contact portion 1030 attached to the ball joint stud member 1020 with a pin 1022 configured to inhibit rotation of the ball joint stud member 1020 within the ring contact portion 1030. Figure 10A and 10B As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ball joint body 1010 includes a plurality of grooves 1013 configured to accommodate the proximal end of the shaft portion 1024 of the ball joint stud member 1020. The grooves 1013 allow the ball joint stud member 120 to be acutely angled within the ball joint body 1010 at a particular angular position as set by the surgeon. The distal ball joint 1002 additionally includes a ring contact portion 1030 attached to the ball joint stud member 1020 with a pin 1022 configured to inhibit rotation of the ball joint stud member 1020 within the ring contact portion 1030.

[0052] The polyaxial strut 1000 also includes a strut member 1040 including a strut bolt 1050 slidably received within a strut housing 1044. The strut bolt is secured to a nut 1045 which is then secured to the ball joint body 1010. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ball joint body 1010 includes a plurality of grooves 1013 configured to accommodate the proximal end of the shaft portion 1024 of the ball joint stud member 1020. The grooves 1013 allow the ball joint stud member 120 to be acutely angled within the ball joint body 1010 at a particular angular position as set by the surgeon. The distal ball joint 1002 additionally includes a ring contact portion 1030 attached to the ball joint stud member 1020 with a pin 1022 configured to inhibit rotation of the ball joint stud member 1020 within the ring contact portion 1030. Figure 10CAs shown, the distal ball joint 1002 can also include a spring clip member 1011 configured to at least partially surround a ball member 1021 of the ball joint stud member 1020. The ball joint body 1010 can also include a channel 1012 extending along a circumference of the inner surface 1014 of the ball joint body 1010. The channel 1012 is configured to house the spring clip member 1011. The spring clip member 1011 is configured to create friction between the ball members 1021 as they rotate within the ball joint body 1010. In alternative embodiments, the spring clip member 1011 can be replaced by any device that effectively creates friction between the ball members and the ball joint body, such as the spring member 114 described herein.

[0053] Figure 10D and 10E Perspective and side views of a polyaxial stmt 1000 are shown in cooperation with an external fixator base support frame 1031, 1032.

[0054] Figure 11A-11D A third embodiment of a polyaxial stmt 1100 is shown. The polyaxial stmt 1100 includes a proximal head portion 1101 and a distal ball joint 1102. The distal ball joint 1102 can include a ball joint body 1110 and a ball joint stud member 1120 rotatably coupled to the ball joint body 1110. The ball joint stud member 1120 includes a ball member 1121 and a shaft portion 1124. The distal ball joint 1102 additionally includes a ring contact portion 1130 attached to the ball joint stud member 1120 with a pin 1122 (shown in FIG. 11B) configured to inhibit rotation of the ball joint stud member 1120 within the ring contact portion 1130. Figure 11D

[0055] The polyaxial stmt 1100 also includes a stmt member 1140 including a U-shaped opening 1147 having a non-threaded opening 1146 on a first prong 1140a of the U-shape and a threaded opening 1148 on a second prong 1140b of the U-shape. The non-threaded opening 1146 and the threaded opening 1148 are configured to receive a bolt 1150 that secures the stmt member 1140 to the external fixator base plates 1131, 1133, as shown in FIG. 11C. As shown in FIG. 11D, the bolt 1150 can be replaced by any device that effectively secures the stmt member 1140 to the external fixator base plates 1131, 1133, such as a pin 1151. Figure 11C Figure 11B ​​As shown, the distal ball joint 1102 can also include a spring clip member 1111 configured to at least partially surround the ball member 1121 of the ball joint stud member 1120. The ball joint body 1110 can also include a channel 1112 extending along the circumference of the inner surface 1113 of the ball joint body 1110. The channel 1112 is configured to house the spring clip member 1111. The spring clip member 1111 is configured to create friction between the ball members 1121 as they rotate within the ball joint body 1110. In alternative embodiments, the spring clip member 1111 can be replaced by any device effective to create friction between the ball members and the ball joint body, such as the spring member 114 described herein.

[0056] Figure 12A and 12B A fourth embodiment of the polyaxial stmt 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the distal ball joint 102 can also be secured with a removable attached fixator clip 160 configured to permanently or temporarily maintain the axial alignment of the ball joint body 110, the ball joint stud member 120, and the ring contact portion 130 during the construction of the external fixation device. As shown, Figure 12C and 12D As shown, the fixator clip 160 can be generally C-shaped with outwardly projecting portions 161a, 161b at the first and second tips 162a, 162b of the C. In various embodiments, the inner surface 163 of the fixator clip 160 can include ridged portions 164 and recessed portions 165 configured to fit closely over the ball joint body 110 and the ring contact portion 130 in order to permanently or temporarily secure the ball joint body 110, the ball joint stud member 120, and the ring contact portion 130 in a linear configuration. As shown, Figure 12E As shown, in use, the fixator clip 160 can be removed by the surgeon at his discretion to allow for angular movement of the distal ball joint 102. The fixator clip 160 can be manufactured from any suitable material, including disposable or reusable plastic or metallic materials.

[0057] Figure 13A fifth embodiment of a polyaxial stmt 1300 is shown. In this embodiment, the distal ball joint 1302 includes a ball joint body 1310, where the ball joint body 1310 includes a first hole 1311 sized to accommodate the ball joint stud member 1320 at a distal end. The ball joint body 1310 also includes a second hole 1312 opposite the first hole 1311, sized to accommodate the stmt shaft 1350 at a proximal end. In various embodiments, a malleable implant 1370 can be configured to be positioned between the static end 1351 of the stmt shaft 1350 and the ball joint stud member 1320. The malleable implant 1370 can be fabricated from any biocompatible malleable implant material. In this embodiment, a first channel 1321 on the proximal end of the ball joint stud member 1320 is sized to accommodate a distal end of the malleable implant 1370. The stmt shaft 1350 also includes a second channel 1351 opposite the first channel 1321, sized to accommodate a proximal end of the malleable implant 1370. In other embodiments, other configurations as known to those of skill in the art can be used to secure the malleable implant 1370 between the static end 1351 of the stmt shaft 1350 and the ball joint stud member 1320.

[0058] In use, the malleable implant 1370 allows the ball joint stud member 1320 to be temporarily fixed at a desired position within the ball joint body 1310. In this embodiment, the malleable implant 1370 is configured to bend to hold an angled position set by the surgeon, with negligible springback. The malleable implant 1370 is configured to allow repeated manipulation without degrading the performance of the malleable implant 1370.

[0059] As such, the malleable implant 1370 allows the distal ball joint 1302 to be maintained in a temporary orientation as set by the surgeon, rather than an orientation set by gravity, during the construction of the external fixator. The malleable implant 1370 also allows for the temporary fixation of the distal ball joint 1302 without the need for external tools to assist in maintaining the distal ball joint 1302 in the temporarily fixed configuration.

[0060] While various example embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain example aspects thereof, it should be understood that the application is capable of other embodiments and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. At the discretion of the applicant or the designer, certain features, structures, materials, and / or functions of the application can be combined in any manner suitable to attain the objectives of the application. As such, the foregoing disclosure, description and figures are intended only to illustrate the present application and should not be construed in any way as restricting the present application. Accordingly, the application is not limited to only those embodiments described and illustrated herein, but rather is intended to encompass any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A polyaxial external fixation spanner, comprising: a spanner member; a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spanner member, the first ball joint comprising a first ball joint body; and a first ball joint stud member comprising a first ball member at a proximal end, the first ball member rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body; wherein the first ball joint comprises a friction member, wherein the friction member is configured to create friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body to maintain an adjustable position of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint body; and wherein the first ball joint stud member further comprises a bore for receiving a pin for attaching the first ball joint stud member to a first ring contact portion to inhibit rotation of the first ball joint stud member within the first ring contact portion.

2. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 1, wherein the spanner member further comprises a second ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spanner member opposite the first ball joint.

3. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 1, wherein the friction member comprises a spring member.

4. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 3, wherein the spring member comprises a conical spring washer.

5. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 3, wherein the spring member is positioned between an end of the spanner member and the first ball member.

6. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 1, wherein the friction member comprises a spring clip member.

7. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 6, wherein the spring clip member is C-shaped.

8. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 6, wherein the spring clip member is configured to at least partially surround the first ball member.

9. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 6, wherein the spring clip member is configured to be positioned within a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an inner surface of the first ball joint body.

10. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 6, wherein the spring clip member is configured to be positioned within a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an outer surface of the ball member.

11. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 1, wherein the first ring contact portion is attached to the first ball member.

12. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 11, wherein the first ball joint further comprises a retainer clip removably attached to the first ball joint body and first ring contact portion, wherein the retainer clip is configured to secure the first ball joint body and the first ring contact portion in a linear configuration.

13. A polyaxial external fixation spanner, comprising: a spanner member; a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spanner member, the first ball joint comprising a first ball joint body; and a first ball joint stud member comprising a first ball member at a proximal end, the first ball member rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body; and ​ ​ wherein the first ball joint includes a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an inner surface of the first ball joint body or along at least a partial circumference of an outer surface of the first ball member, the channel configured to house a friction member; wherein the friction member is configured to create friction between the first ball member and the first ball joint body to maintain an adjustable position of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint body; and wherein the first ball joint stud member further includes a hole for receiving a pin for attaching the first ball joint stud member to a first ring contact portion to inhibit rotation of the first ball joint stud member within the first ring contact portion.

14. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 13, wherein the spacer member further includes a second ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spacer member opposite the first ball joint.

15. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 13, wherein the friction member includes a spring clip member.

16. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 15, wherein the spring clip member is C-shaped.

17. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 16, wherein the spring clip member is configured to be positioned within the channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an inner surface of the first ball joint body.

18. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 16, wherein the spring clip member is configured to be positioned within the channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an outer surface of the ball member.

19. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 13, wherein the first ring contact portion is attached to the first ball member.

20. The polyaxial external fixation spacer of claim 19, wherein the first ball joint further includes a retainer clip removably attached to the first ball joint body and first ring contact portion, wherein the retainer clip is configured to secure the first ball joint body and the first ring contact portion in a linear configuration.

21. A polyaxial external fixation spacer, comprising: a spacer member; a first ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spacer member, the first ball joint including a first ball joint body; and a first ball joint stud member including a first ball member at a proximal end, the first ball member rotatably coupled to the first ball joint body; wherein the first ball joint includes a channel extending along at least a partial circumference of an inner surface of the first ball joint body, the channel configured to house a spring clip member; wherein the spring clip member at least partially surrounds the first ball member to maintain an adjustable position of the first ball member relative to the first ball joint body; and wherein the first ball joint stud member further includes a hole for receiving a pin for attaching the first ball joint stud member to a first ring contact portion to inhibit rotation of the first ball joint stud member within the first ring contact portion. ​ 22. The external fixation spanner of claim 21, wherein the spanner member includes a second ball joint coupled to an end portion of the spanner member opposite the first ball joint.

23. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 21, wherein the spring clip member is C-shaped.

24. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 21, wherein the first ring contact portion is attached to the first ball member.

25. The polyaxial external fixation spanner of claim 24, wherein the first ball joint further includes a retainer clip removably attached to the first ball joint body and first ring contact portion, wherein the retainer clip is configured to secure the first ball joint body and the first ring contact portion in a linear configuration.

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