Surgical impact tool coupling

Abstract

Various exemplary surgical impact tool couplings and methods of using surgical impact tool couplings are provided. In general, an adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter may be configured to couple to a surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The surgical impact tool handpiece, such as a handpiece of an orthopaedic surgical impactor, is configured to drive impact of the surgical instrument relative to bone.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 425,911, filed on Nov. 16, 2022, entitled "Surgical Impacting Tool Couplings", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to surgical impacting tool couplings. Background Art

[0004] In the field of orthopedic surgery, prosthetic devices such as artificial joints are typically implanted or positioned within a patient's bone cavity. The cavity is typically formed during surgery and then the existing bone is removed and / or compacted, for example, by a physician or other healthcare professional, to form the cavity for the placement or implantation of the prosthetic device. The prosthetic device (which may also be referred to as a prosthesis) typically includes a rod or other protrusion that is inserted into the cavity.

[0005] To create the cavity, a physician or other healthcare professional may use a drill, a chisel, or other surgical instrument that conforms to the shape of the rod of the prosthetic device. Typically, the surgical instrument is pushed into the implantation area to form the cavity. One technique for pushing the surgical instrument involves a physician or other healthcare professional manually hammering a surgical impact tool to push the surgical instrument into the implantation area. Another technique for creating the prosthetic cavity relies on a computer-controlled robotic arm to create the cavity rather than using manual force provided by a physician or other healthcare professional. Another technique for creating the prosthetic cavity is to pneumatically drive the surgical instrument, for example, by compressed air. Another technique for creating the prosthetic cavity relies on a linear compressor to compress air on a single stroke basis and then, after sufficient pressure is generated, release the air through a valve and onto an impactor to push the surgical instrument.

[0006] A drill, osteotome, or other surgical instrument may be removably coupled to a surgical impact tool to, for example, allow surgical instruments of different sizes and / or shapes to be used with the surgical impact tool in different surgical procedures to help accommodate the needs of a particular patient, allow replacement of a worn, damaged, or otherwise undesirable surgical instrument for future use without having to replace the remainder of the surgical impact tool, and / or accommodate a surgeon's personal preference for a surgical instrument. However, the various techniques for driving a surgical instrument to create a prosthetic cavity (such as the four techniques discussed above) may cause the removable coupling of the surgical instrument to the surgical impact tool to loosen due to the forces required to drive the surgical instrument. Such loosening can cause the surgical instrument to accidentally disengage from the surgical impact tool during a surgical procedure, can cause the surgical instrument to wobble or otherwise move in an unintended direction, and thus cause patient injury and / or adversely affect cavity formation, and / or can impede cavity formation by not allowing the surgical instrument to be received and driven with exactly the desired force.

[0007] Accordingly, there is still a need for improved surgical impact tools. SUMMARY

[0008] Generally speaking, a surgical impact tool coupling and a method of using the surgical impact tool coupling are provided.

[0009] In one aspect, a surgical device is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical device includes an adapter configured such that a portion of the adapter is releasably disposed within a cavity formed in a handpiece of a surgical impact tool, the surgical impact tool being configured to drive an impact against bone via the adapter. The adapter includes a proximal portion having a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a first diameter. The adapter further includes a distal portion having at least four sides defining an outer perimeter of the distal portion, and the distal portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The adapter further includes a neck located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The neck has a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a third diameter less than the first diameter and less than the second diameter. The surgical device can have any number of variations.

[0010] In another embodiment, the surgical device includes a handpiece of a surgical impact tool and includes an adapter configured such that a portion of it is releasably disposed within a cavity formed in the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to drive an impact on bone via the adapter. The adapter includes a proximal portion having a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a first diameter. The adapter further includes a distal portion having at least four sides defining an outer perimeter of the distal portion, and the distal portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The adapter further includes a neck located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The neck has a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a third diameter less than the first diameter and less than the second diameter. The surgical device can have any number of variations.

[0011] In another embodiment, the surgical device includes an adapter. The adapter includes a proximal portion configured to be releasably disposed within a cavity formed in a handpiece of a surgical impact tool, and the adapter includes a diameter-reducing portion that is in comparison to a first diameter of a first portion of the adapter proximal to the diameter-reducing portion and a second diameter of a second portion of the adapter distal to the diameter-reducing portion. The diameter-reducing portion has a proximal rounded corner and a distal rounded corner, and the radius of the distal rounded corner has a greater radius than the proximal rounded corner. The surgical device can have any number of variations.

[0012] In another embodiment, the surgical device includes an adapter and a handpiece of a surgical impact tool. The adapter includes a proximal portion configured to be releasably disposed within a cavity formed in the handpiece, and the adapter includes a diameter-reducing portion that is in comparison to a first diameter of a first portion of the adapter proximal to the diameter-reducing portion and a second diameter of a second portion of the adapter distal to the diameter-reducing portion. The diameter-reducing portion has a proximal rounded corner and a distal rounded corner, and the radius of the distal rounded corner has a greater radius than the proximal rounded corner. The handpiece includes a first pawl and a second pawl configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to a housing of the handpiece, in the first position, the first pawl and the second pawl do not engage the diameter-reducing portion of the adapter, and in the second position, the first pawl and the second pawl do not engage the diameter-reducing portion of the adapter. The adapter is in a locked position relative to the handpiece when the first pawl and the second pawl are in the second position. The surgical device can have any number of variations.

[0013] On the other hand, a surgical method is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical method includes releasably attaching an adapter to a handpiece by moving the adapter into a cavity defined by the cavity of the handpiece substantially along a longitudinal axis defined by the cavity of the handpiece and driving an impact of a surgical instrument relative to a bone. The surgical instrument is coupled to the adapter, and the direction of the impact is substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity. The adapter is configured such that a portion of it is releasably disposed in the cavity formed in the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to drive an impact of a bone via the adapter. The adapter includes a proximal portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and a first diameter. The adapter further includes a distal portion having at least four sides defining an outer perimeter of the distal portion, and the distal portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The adapter further includes a neck located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The neck has a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter. The surgical method can have any number of variations.

[0014] In another embodiment, a surgical method includes releasably attaching an adapter to a handpiece by moving the adapter into the cavity defined by the cavity of the handpiece substantially along a longitudinal axis defined by the cavity of the handpiece and driving an impact of a surgical instrument relative to a bone. The surgical instrument is coupled to the adapter, and the direction of the impact is substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity. The adapter includes a proximal portion configured to be releasably disposed in a cavity formed in a handpiece of a surgical impact tool, and the adapter includes a diameter-reduced portion that is in comparison to a first diameter of a first portion of the adapter proximal to the diameter-reduced portion and a second diameter of a second portion of the adapter distal to the diameter-reduced portion. The diameter-reduced portion has a proximal rounded corner and a distal rounded corner, and the radius of the distal rounded corner has a larger radius than the radius of the proximal rounded corner. The surgical method can have any number of variations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a handpiece of a surgical impact tool;

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top view of the handpiece of

[0018] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a front view of the handpiece of

[0019] Figure 4Rear view of another embodiment of the handpiece of a surgical impact tool;

[0020] Figure 5 is Figure 4 Front view of the handpiece, to which an embodiment of the adapter is releasably attached;

[0021] Figure 6 is Figure 5 Side view of the handpiece and the adapter;

[0022] Figure 7 is Figure 5 Perspective view of the handpiece and the adapter;

[0023] Figure 8 is Figure 5 Another perspective view of the handpiece and the adapter;

[0024] Figure 9 Perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter;

[0025] Figure 10 is Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the adapter;

[0026] Figure 11 is Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the adapter;

[0027] Figure 12 is Figure 9 Side view of the adapter;

[0028] Figure 13 is Figure 9 Distal end view of the adapter;

[0029] Figure 14 is Figure 12 View of a part of the adapter;

[0030] Figure 15 Perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter;

[0031] Figure 16 is Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of the adapter;

[0032] Figure 17 is Figure 15 Side view of the adapter;

[0033] Figure 18 is Figure 15 Another cross-sectional view of the adapter;

[0034] Figure 19 is Figure 15 Distal end view of the adapter;

[0035] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter;

[0036] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a cross-sectional view of the adapter of;

[0037] Figure 22 is Figure 20 a side view of the adapter of;

[0038] Figure 23 is Figure 20 the other side view of the adapter of;

[0039] Figure 24 is Figure 22 a cross-sectional view of the adapter of;

[0040] Figure 25 is Figure 20 another perspective view of the adapter of;

[0041] Figure 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter;

[0042] Figure 27 is Figure 26 a distal end view of the adapter of;

[0043] Figure 28 is Figure 26 a cross-sectional view of the adapter of;

[0044] Figure 29 is Figure 26 a side view of the adapter of;

[0045] Figure 30 is Figure 26 a perspective partial view of the adapter of;

[0046] Figure 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical instrument;

[0047] Figure 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a surgical instrument;

[0048] Figure 33 is of Figure 9 a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking assembly releasably coupled to the adapter of;

[0049] Figure 34 is Figure 33 another perspective cross-sectional view of the locking assembly and the adapter of;

[0050] Figure 35 is Figure 33 and Figure 34Perspective and cross-sectional views of the locking assembly and the adapter, wherein the housing of the locking assembly rotates;

[0051] Figure 36 is Figure 33 and Figure 34 Cross-sectional view of the locking assembly and the adapter;

[0052] Figure 37 Exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the locking assembly;

[0053] Figure 38 is Figure 37 Perspective view of the housing of the locking assembly;

[0054] Figure 39 is Figure 38 Side cross-sectional view of the housing;

[0055] Figure 40 is Figure 37 Perspective view of the base of the locking assembly;

[0056] Figure 41 is Figure 40 Side cross-sectional view of the base;

[0057] Figure 42 is Figure 32 Perspective view of the biasing element of the locking assembly;

[0058] Figure 43 is Figure 42 Side view of the biasing element in;

[0059] Figure 44 is Figure 37 Perspective view of the support of the locking assembly;

[0060] Figure 45 is Figure 44 Side view of the support;

[0061] Figure 46 is Figure 37 Perspective view of the pawl of the locking assembly; and

[0062] Figure 47 is Figure 46 Side cross-sectional view of the pawl. Detailed Description

[0063] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of construction, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods specifically described herein and shown in the drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] In addition, in the present disclosure, components with similar names in each embodiment generally have similar features. Thus, in a particular embodiment, every feature of each component with a similar name is not necessarily set forth in its entirety. Additionally, to the extent linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that may be used in connection with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalent dimensions for such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry. Those skilled in the art will understand that dimensions may not be exact values, but are considered to be approximately at that value (e.g., within + / - 0.5% of that value) due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring equipment. The dimensions and shapes of the systems and devices and their components can depend at least in part on the dimensions and shapes of the components that will be used with the systems and devices.

[0065] Various exemplary surgical impact tool couplings and methods of using surgical impact tool couplings are provided. Generally, an adapter can be configured to releasably attach to a surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter that releasably attaches to the surgical impact tool handpiece allows the surgical impact tool handpiece to releasably attach to a variety of different adapters. Each of the adapters can differ from one another in one or more respects, such as length, be configured to have a surgical instrument releasably attached thereto, or have a surgical instrument non-removably attached thereto, etc., thereby allowing a surgeon (or other medical professional) to select a particular adapter to achieve an optimal desired impact in a particular surgical procedure performed on the bone of a particular patient.

[0066] The adapter can be configured to releasably couple to a surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The surgical impact tool handle, such as the handle of an orthopedic impactor, is configured to drive the impact of the surgical instrument relative to the bone. The surgical impact tool handle releasably attached to the adapter is configured to provide a force to the surgical instrument via the adapter to drive the impact of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument configured to attach to the adapter can be a drill, a chisel, or other surgical instrument. Additionally, each of the surgical instruments configured to attach to the adapter can differ from one another in one or more respects, such as shape and / or size, etc., thereby allowing a surgeon (or other medical professional) to select a particular surgical instrument for optimal desired impact in a particular surgical procedure performed on the bone of a particular patient.

[0067] In some embodiments, instead of a surgical instrument releasably attached to the adapter, the surgical instrument can be non - releasably attached to the adapter to allow the surgical impact tool to be used with various different surgical instruments by being attachable to various different adapters.

[0068] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of a surgical impact tool handle 100 including a locking assembly is shown, the locking assembly being configured to releasably attach to an adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the handle of the surgical impact tool is the handle of an orthopedic impactor, but as mentioned above, the surgical impact tool can be another type of surgical impact tool. The locking assembly is located at the front or distal end 102 of the surgical impact tool handle 100. Embodiments of the locking assembly are discussed further below.

[0069] The surgical impact tool handle 100 includes an actuator 104 configured to be actuated to drive a surgical instrument attached to an adapter that is releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handle 100 via the locking assembly. In this illustrated embodiment, the actuator 104 includes a trigger located on the handle 106 of the handle 100, but other surgical impact tools can be actuated in other ways. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 100 is configured to provide a forward impact and a backward impact, in the forward impact, a forward force is provided by the handle 100 for impacting in the forward direction, and in the backward impact, a backward force is provided by the handle 100 for impacting in the backward direction. The forward impact and the backward impact can be cyclic, sequentially repeating the forward impact and the backward impact. In some embodiments, the handle 100 can be configured to provide only one of the forward impact and the backward impact.

[0070] Power source 108 is configured to be releasably attached to handle 106 of handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, power source 108 includes a battery, but other power sources are possible. In other embodiments, handpiece 100 may be releasably attached to the power source in another manner, such as by insertion into the power source. In other embodiments, the power source may be non - releasably attached to handpiece 100, such as by a battery non - removably disposed within, for example, handle 106.

[0071] Handpiece 100 includes an energy selector 110 on handle 106 of handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, energy selector 110 includes a rotary dial, but may have other configurations, such as a lever, buttons, etc. Energy selector 110 is configured to allow selection of an energy level, such as high energy or low energy.

[0072] Handpiece 100 includes a frequency control 112 on handle 106 of handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, frequency controller 112 includes a button, but may have other configurations, such as a lever, a rotary dial, etc. Frequency controller 112 is configured to allow a user to select the frequency of the impacts, such as slow impacts or fast impacts.

[0073] The handpiece 100 may have additional or alternative features. Various exemplary embodiments of a surgical impacting tool handpiece including additional or alternative features are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 319,700, filed May 13, 2021, entitled "Surgical Impacting Tool Interfaces", U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0161050, published Jun. 27, 2013, entitled "Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting", U.S. Patent Publication No. 10,912,597, published Feb. 9, 2021, entitled "Orthopedic Adapter For An Electric Impacting Tool", U.S. Patent No. 11,083,512, published Aug. 10, 2021, entitled "Orthopedic Impacting Device Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable Impact", U.S. Patent Publication No. 11,134,962, published Oct. 5, 2021, entitled "Orthopedic Impacting Device Having A Launched Mass Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable & Reversible Impacting Force", U.S. Patent No. 8,393,409, published Mar. 12, 2013, entitled "Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting", U.S. Patent No. 8,936,105, published Jan. 20, 2015, entitled "Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting", and U.S. Patent No. 8,695,726, published Apr. 15, 2014, entitled "Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0074] Figures 4 to 8 Another embodiment of a surgical impacting tool handpiece 200 including a locking assembly is shown, the locking assembly being configured to releasably attach to an adapter 300. Figures 4 to 8Illustrated is an adapter 300 that is releasably attached to a handpiece 200 via a locking assembly. In this illustrated embodiment, the handpiece 200 of the surgical impact tool is the handpiece of an orthopedic impactor, but as mentioned above, the surgical impact tool can be another type of surgical impact tool. The handpiece 200 is generally constructed and used similarly to the handpiece 100 of Figure 1 and includes, for example, a locking assembly located at the front end or distal end 202 of the handpiece 200, and includes an actuator 204, a handle 206, an energy selector 210 (a lever in this illustrated embodiment), and a frequency controller 212 (a dial in this illustrated embodiment). In this illustrated embodiment, the handpiece 200 is configured at the bottom end 208 of the handpiece 200 to be releasably attached to a power source, similar to how the handpiece 100 is releasably attached to the power source 108 as described above. Embodiments of the locking assembly are discussed further below.

[0075] In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 300 is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument to impact bone. In other embodiments, the adapter 300 may be non - releasably attached to the surgical instrument.

[0076] The adapter 300 and other embodiments of the adapters described herein may be formed of a rigid biocompatible material, such as stainless steel, titanium, or other materials. The rigid biocompatible material may allow the adapter to be repeatedly impacted during the performance of one or more surgical procedures when used with one or more surgical impact tool handpieces without deforming or breaking.

[0077] Figures 9 to 13 Illustrated is another embodiment of an adapter 400 that is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as Figures 1 to 3 the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 of Figures 4 to 8 the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 of Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter 400 includes a proximal portion 402, a distal portion 404, and an intermediate portion 406 located between the proximal portion 402 and the distal portion 404. As

[0078] shown, the intermediate portion 406 is located distally adjacent to the proximal portion 402, and the distal portion 404 is located distally adjacent to the intermediate portion 406.

[0079] The proximal portion 402 of the adapter 400 has a generally cylindrical shape and has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape may not be exact, e.g., not exactly cylindrical or exactly circular (e.g., within + / - 0.5% of the cylinder and circular diameter), but is still considered to be generally that shape due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring equipment. As further discussed below, the generally cylindrical shape and generally circular cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion 402 can reduce the angular clearance of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handle in which the proximal portion 402 is disposed. Figure 12 The angular clearance of the illustrated angle α is not created by using the adapter 400, but is shown to illustrate angular clearance. The smaller angular clearance between the adapter and the surgical impact tool handle in which the adapter is partially disposed can allow for a more secure fit between the adapter and the handle, and / or can facilitate a more precise impact along the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and thus provide a more predictably directed impact on bone, as the angular movement of the adapter relative to the longitudinal axis is reduced.

[0080] The proximal portion 402 has a diameter 402D and a longitudinal length 402L. In this illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 402 is chamfered at its proximal end 402p. Thus, the proximal end 400p of the adapter 400 defined by the proximal portion 402 is chamfered. Thus, the proximal portion 402 has a smaller diameter at its proximal end 402p than the remainder of the proximal portion 402 that is distal to the chamfer. Thus, the diameter 402D (marked in Figure 12 ) of the proximal portion 402 defines the maximum diameter of the proximal portion 402. The adapter 400 having a chamfered portion at its proximal end 400p can facilitate insertion of the adapter 400 into a cavity formed in the surgical impact tool handle, as further discussed below, since the adapter 400 can be inserted into the cavity in the proximal direction. Additionally, as further discussed below, the relative dimensions of the cavity and the adapter 400 are such that the maximum diameter of the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 inserted into the cavity is just less than the diameter of the cavity at least at the distal opening of the cavity. The chamfered portion of the adapter 400 can thus make it easier to initially insert the adapter 402 into the cavity, as the chamfered portion reduces the diameter of the adapter at its proximal end 400p. The insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 includes the proximal portion 402, an intermediate portion 406, and the proximal portion of the distal portion 404, as further discussed below.

[0081] As Figure 12As shown, the adapter 400 has a chamfered portion at an angle β in the proximal portion 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is about 60°, but it can be another angle. Those skilled in the art will understand that the value may not be an exact value, but is considered to be approximately at that value due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring equipment (e.g., within + / - 0.5% of that value).

[0082] Also as Figure 10 shown, the chamfered portion has a longitudinal length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal length L of the chamfered portion is about one-fifth (1 / 5) of the longitudinal length 402L of the proximal portion 402, but the lengths L and 402L can have another ratio.

[0083] In other embodiments, the proximal end 400p of the adapter 400 and thus the proximal end 402p of the proximal portion 402 are not chamfered, and the proximal portion 402 has a substantially equal diameter along its entire longitudinal length 402L. Those skilled in the art will understand that the values may not be exactly equal, but are considered to be substantially equal due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring equipment (e.g., within + / - 0.5% of each other).

[0084] The proximally facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 at its proximal end 402p defines the proximally facing surface 400p of the adapter 400 at its proximal end 400p. In the case where the adapter 400 is releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, the proximally facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 and thus the proximally facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 are configured to be impacted to provide a forward or distally directed impact force, as further discussed below.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximally facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 and thus the proximally facing surface 400p of the adapter 400 are continuous solid surfaces, as Figure 9 and Figure 13 shown. The continuous solid surface can facilitate the impact of the proximally facing surface 402s because the entire area within the perimeter of the proximally facing surface 402s can be used for impact.

[0086] In other embodiments, the proximally facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 has one or more blind holes formed therein, such as a single blind hole 402b at the center of the proximally facing surface 402s (in Figure 10a plurality of blind holes in a circular pattern centered on the center of the proximally facing surface 402s (shown in dashed lines), or other locations. One or more of the blind holes are configured to receive one or more corresponding protrusions of a surgical impact tool handle, and the adapter 400 is partially disposed within the surgical impact tool handle. Disposing one or more protrusions within one or more blind holes can help further reduce adapter play and / or can help ensure that the adapter 400 has been inserted into the handle relative to the handle in the correct orientation, because it is possible to prevent the adapter 400 from being disposed within the handle unless one or more holes receive one or more protrusions therein, e.g., because the protrusions would otherwise abut the proximally facing surface 402s. Each of the one or more blind holes and thus each of the corresponding one or more protrusions can have any one of a variety of shapes, e.g., a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cubic shape, a substantially triangular pyramid shape, a substantially conical shape, etc.

[0087] In the case where the adapter 400 is releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handle, the distally facing surface 402f of the proximal portion 402 is configured to be struck to provide a backward or proximally directed impact force, as further discussed below.

[0088] The distal portion 404 of the adapter 400 includes a first portion 408 distal to the intermediate portion 406, a second portion 410 distal to the first portion 408, a third portion 412 distal to the second portion 410, and a fourth portion 414 distal to the third portion 412. The longitudinal length 404L of the distal portion 404 is equal to the sum of the longitudinal lengths 408L, 410L, 412L, 414L of the first portion 408, the second portion 410, the third portion 412, and the fourth portion 414. The longitudinal length 400L of the adapter 400 is equal to the sum of the longitudinal lengths 402L, 404L, 406L of the proximal portion 402, the distal portion 404, and the intermediate portion 406.

[0089] The longitudinal length 408L of the third portion 408 is substantially equal to the longitudinal length 406L of the intermediate portion 406. Thus, the longitudinal length 402L of the proximal portion 402 is approximately twice the length 408L of the third portion 408.

[0090] As Figure 12As shown, the diameter 408D of the first portion 408 of the distal portion 404 is substantially equal to the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402. Accordingly, the diameter immediately distal of the intermediate portion 406 of the adapter 400 and the diameter immediately proximal of the intermediate portion 406 are substantially equal. Accordingly, the intermediate portion 406 has a diameter 406D that is less than the diameters 402D, 408D of its immediately adjacent proximal portion 402 and distal portion 408, and thus defines a diameter-reduced portion. The substantially equal diameters of the proximal portion 408 and the first portion 402 can reduce the angular clearance of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handle within which the proximal portion 402, the intermediate portion 406, and the first portion 408 are disposed. The intermediate portion 406 having a diameter 406D that is smaller than the first portion 408 of the proximal portion 402 and the distal portion 404 facilitates locking the adapter 400 within the surgical impact tool handle, as discussed further below. The diameter 406D of the intermediate portion 406 can be, for example, in the range of about 55% to about 60% (e.g., about 57% or another percentage) of the diameter 402D of the proximal portion, and in the range of about 40% to about 50% (e.g., about 45% or another percentage) of the second diameter.

[0091] The diameter 410D of the second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 defines the maximum diameter of the distal portion 404 and the maximum diameter of the adapter 400, as Figure 10 shown. The diameter 410D of the second portion 410 is greater than the diameter 408L of the first portion 408 of the distal portion 404, and thus is also greater than the diameter 406D of the intermediate portion 406 and the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402. Accordingly, the maximum diameter (e.g., the diameters 402D, 408D of the proximal portion 402 and the first portion 408) of the adapter 400 proximal of the second portion 410 is less than the diameter 410D of the second portion 404. The adapter 400 having a smaller diameter proximal of the second portion 410 can facilitate inserting the adapter 400 into the surgical impact tool handle by abutting the surface of the handle, as discussed further below. In this illustrated embodiment, the diameter 410D of the second portion 410 is approximately 20% greater than the maximum diameter of the adapter 400 proximal of the second portion 410, but other ratios of these diameters are possible, e.g., in the range of about 15% to about 20%, about 16%, etc.

[0092] The diameter 414D of the fourth portion 414 of the distal portion 404 is less than the diameter 410D of the second portion 410, and the diameter 412D of the third portion 412 of the distal portion 404 is less than the diameter 414D of the fourth portion 414. Thus, the third portion 412 has a diameter 412D that is less than the diameters 410D, 414D of its immediately adjacent proximal portion 410 and distal portion 414, and thus defines a diameter-reduced portion of the distal portion 404.

[0093] Each of the first portion 408, the third portion 412, and the fourth portion 414 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. As discussed further below, the substantially cylindrical shape and substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the first portion 408 can reduce the angular play of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handle in which the first portion 408 is disposed. The substantially cylindrical shape and substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the third portion 412 and the fourth portion 414 can reduce the angular play of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical instrument to which the adapter 400 is releasably coupled.

[0094] The distal portion 404 includes a portion having four sides 416. The second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter includes a first proximal portion having four sides 416 (one of the sides 416 is obscured in the figure). The second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter further includes a second distal portion distal to the first proximal portion of the second portion. The second distal portion of the second portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0095] Each of the four sides 416 is substantially planar in at least its proximal portion. The flat surfaces 416f of the sides 416 are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter. Compared to the four sides 416, the adapter 400 proximal to the distal portion 402 (e.g., the proximal portion 402 and the intermediate portion 406 of the adapter) is substantially cylindrical and thus has a continuous circumferential surface, e.g., a continuous circumferential surface around the proximal portion 404 and a continuous circumferential surface around the intermediate portion 406.

[0096] The flat surfaces 416f of the sides 416 are configured to be disposed at least partially within the surgical impact tool handle, as discussed further below. Thus, the flat surfaces 416f can help prevent rotation of the adapter 400 relative to the handle, where the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 is fully and properly disposed within the handle.

[0097] In this illustrative embodiment, each of the four sides 416 also includes an inclined portion 416s in its distal portion. The inclined portion 416s is radially outwardly inclined towards the maximum diameters 404D, 410D of the distal portion.

[0098] The four sides 416 are equally spaced around the perimeter of the distal portion 404, around the perimeter of the second portion 410, etc. In this illustrative embodiment, the four sides 416 are each identical to one another and define a substantially square cross-sectional shape having flat surfaces. In other embodiments, the four sides 416 may define a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In such embodiments, two of the sides 416 may be identical to one another and different from the other two sides 404s. For example, due to the rectangular cross-sectional shape, two of the sides 416 are longer than the other two sides 416 and thus have different dimensions.

[0099] In other embodiments, the second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter does not include a substantially cylindrical portion, but rather only has four substantially planar sides 416.

[0100] As described above, the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 is configured to be disposed within a surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter 400 includes a marker that is configured to indicate the extent to which the adapter is inserted into the handpiece. Thus, the user can visually confirm, by visually observing the marker, whether the adapter 400 is in a locked position relative to the handpiece at the proximal-most position possible within the handpiece so as to be fully and properly disposed therein. When the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 is in a locked position relative to the handpiece, the marker is configured to be aligned with a feature of the handpiece (e.g., the distal-most surface of the handpiece, the surface of the cavity in which the adapter 400 is disposed, etc.) and thereby indicate that the adapter 400 is in a locked position.

[0101] The marker can have various configurations. In this illustrative embodiment, the marker 416m includes a groove that is formed in each of the four sides 416 of the distal portion 404 and more specifically in each flat surface 416f. In Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 14Shown are markers 416m (except for one occluded marker). Each marker 416m has a depth 416d. Each marker 416m is a straight groove that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter. Thus, the markers 416m extend substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the adapter 400 is moved into the handpiece (and / or the direction in which the handpiece advances over the adapter 400). The more the insertion portion 400i is within the handpiece, this substantially perpendicular position of the markers 416m allows the markers 416m to be closer to the handpiece. Thus, when the markers 416m are aligned with a feature of the handpiece, the markers 416m have moved as close as possible to the handpiece and thus indicate that the insertion portion 400i has been fully and properly set within the handpiece.

[0102] In other embodiments, one or more markers may include logos printed on the side 416, logos etched on the side 416, and stickers on the side 416. In other embodiments, the adapter 400 is a first color in a portion (e.g., at least a proximal portion of the flat surface 416f) immediately proximal to one or more markers, the adapter 400 is a different second color in a portion (e.g., at least a distal portion of the flat surface 416f) immediately distal to one or more markers, and the junction of the first color and the second color defines one or more markers. The first color becoming no longer visible indicates that the insertion portion 400i has been fully and properly set within the handpiece.

[0103] The adapter 400 is configured to be positioned in a surgical impact tool handpiece in one or more predetermined angular orientations relative to the handpiece. A surgical instrument coupled to the adapter 400 and thus operably coupled to the surgical impact tool handpiece via the adapter 400 can thus be attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations relative to the surgical impact tool handpiece. Depending on one or more factors, such as the surgeon's preference, which hand (left or right) of the user is holding the surgical impact tool, which bone of the patient the surgical instrument will impact, and the position of the patient relative to the user of the surgical impact tool, a certain angular orientation of the surgical instrument may be more desirable than another angular orientation of the surgical instrument.

[0104] The plurality of sides 416 (particularly their flat surfaces 416f) define a plurality of predetermined angular orientations. Thus, the adapter 400 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to be positioned in a surgical impact tool handpiece in four predetermined angular orientations (about zero degrees, about ninety degrees, about one hundred and eighty degrees, and about two hundred and seventy degrees) relative to the handpiece. Thus, in this illustrated embodiment, each of the predetermined angular orientations in the predetermined angular orientations is spaced apart from each other by about ninety degrees.

[0105] The distal portion 404 of the adapter 400 is configured to be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument. Accordingly, the adapter 400 can be coupled to any one of a variety of surgical instruments, thereby increasing the versatility of the adapter 400. Those skilled in the art will understand that a surgical instrument can be releasably coupled to the adapter 400 and other embodiments of the adapters described herein in a variety of ways. For example, the surgical instrument can be configured to be seated within the third portion 412 to releasably couple the surgical instrument to the adapter 400. The third portion 412 of the adapter 400 having a diameter 412D that is smaller than the diameters 410D, 414D of the second portion 410 and the fourth portion 414 facilitates locking the adapter 400 relative to the surgical instrument releasably coupled to the adapter 400 because the larger diameters 410D, 414D can urge the surgical instrument to remain seated within the reduced diameter portion defined by the third portion 412 until it is desired to remove the surgical instrument from the adapter 400.

[0106] In some embodiments, the distal portion 404 of the adapter 400 can have threads, such as threads in the fourth portion 414, that are configured to threadedly mate with threads of a surgical instrument to releasably couple to the surgical instrument. In this illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 404 is threadless.

[0107] In other embodiments, instead of being configured to be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument, the adapter 400 can have a distally extending surgical instrument that is non - releasably coupled thereto. The non - releasable coupling of the surgical instrument to the adapter 400 can help prevent the surgical instrument from moving out of or displacing relative to the adapter 400 during impact.

[0108] The intermediate portion (also referred to herein as the “neck”) 406 of the adapter 400 has a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross - sectional shape, a diameter 406D, and a longitudinal length 406L. As discussed further below, the generally cylindrical shape and generally circular cross - sectional shape of the intermediate portion 406 can reduce the angular play of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handle within which the intermediate portion 406 is disposed.

[0109] As Figure 10 shown, the longitudinal length 406L of the intermediate portion 406 is less than the longitudinal length 402L of the proximal portion 402. In this illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal length 402L of the proximal portion 402 is approximately twice the longitudinal length 406L of the intermediate portion 406, but the lengths 402L, 406L can have another ratio.

[0110] As Figure 12As shown, the diameter 406D of the middle portion 406 is less than the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402. The middle portion 406 having a diameter smaller than that of the proximal portion 402 (and the outermost portion of the distal portion 404) facilitates locking the adapter 400 within the surgical impact tool handle, as discussed further below.

[0111] As Figure 10 and Figure 12 shown, the middle portion 406 has a distally facing concave fillet 418 at its proximal end and a proximally facing concave fillet 420 at its distal end 420. The fillets 418, 420 are configured to help distribute stress over a wider area and effectively make the adapter 400 more durable and capable of withstanding greater loads without breaking.

[0112] Due to the fillets 418, 420, the middle portion 406 has a greater diameter at each of its proximal and distal ends than the remainder of the middle portion 406 located between its proximal and distal ends. Thus, the diameter 406D of the middle portion 406 (marked in Figure 12 FIG. Figure 10 and Figure 12 ) defines the minimum diameter of the middle portion 406. The diameter of the middle portion remains less than the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402 and less than the diameter of the outermost portion (e.g., the first portion 408) of the distal portion 404 along the entire length 406L of the middle portion 406, as also shown in

[0113] The proximally facing fillet 420 is angled with a greater radius than the angled distally facing fillet 418. The smaller radius at the angled distally facing fillet 418 may maximize the amount of the distally facing surface 402f of the proximal portion 402 available for impacting it to provide a backward or proximally directed impact force, as discussed further below. The greater radius at the proximally facing fillet 420 may increase the strength of the middle portion 406 and thus help prevent the adapter 400 from breaking at the diameter-reduced portion 406. In this illustrated embodiment, the radius of the proximally facing fillet 420 is approximately 65% greater than the radius of the distally facing fillet 418. Where the adapter 400 is releasably coupled to the surgical impact tool handle and used for impacting, stress concentrations in the adapter may be greatest at the proximal and distal ends of the middle portion. Additionally, the stress concentration may be greater at the distal end of the middle portion than at the proximal end of the middle portion. Thus, the fillets 418, 420 are located at the proximal and distal ends of the middle portion to help distribute stress and thus provide a more durable adapter 400.

[0114] Figures 15 to 19Shows another embodiment of an adapter 500 that is configured to releasably attach to a surgical impact tool handle, such as Figures 1 to 3 the surgical impact tool handle 100 of Figures 4 to 8 the surgical impact tool handle 200 of Figures 15 to 19 or another surgical impact tool handle. The adapter 500 of Figures 9 to 13 is similarly constructed and used as discussed above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figures 9 to 13 , and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. However, the adapter 500 differs from the adapter 400 of

[0115] Figures 20 to 25 in that the distal portion of the adapter 500 has a longer longitudinal length than the distal portion 404 of the adapter 400, and the adapter 500 omits the third portion 412 and the fourth portion 414 of the adapter 400. Figures 1 to 3 the surgical impact tool handle 100 of Figures 4 to 8 the surgical impact tool handle 200 of Figures 20 to 25 or another surgical impact tool handle. The adapter 600 of Figures 9 to 13 is similarly constructed and used as discussed above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figures 9 to 13 , and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. However, the adapter 600 differs from the adapter 400 of

[0116] Figures 26 to 30 in that the distal portion is enlarged and includes a curved portion at the distal end of the adapter 600. The adapter 600 is configured for impacting the hip bone. The curved portion of the adapter 600 can assist a surgical instrument releasably coupled to the distal end of the adapter 600 in accessing the hip bone. Figures 1 to 3 the surgical impact tool handle 100 of Figures 4 to 8 the surgical impact tool handle 200 of Figures 26 to 30 or another surgical impact tool handle. The adapter 601 of Figures 9 to 13 is similarly constructed and used as discussed above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figure 29 ), and includes, for example, a proximal portion 602, a distal portion 604, and an intermediate portion 606 located between the proximal portion 602 and the distal portion 606 (see Figures 9 to 13the distal portion 404 of the adapter 400, and the forward or distally-directed impact force is configured to be provided via an impact on the surface of the distal portion 606 rather than via an impact on the proximally-facing surface 602s of the proximal portion 602.

[0117] The distal portion 606 of the adapter includes a first portion 608 and a second portion 610 that are similar to the first portion 408 and the second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter. However, the third portion 612 and the fourth portion 614 of the adapter 401 are different from the third portion 412 and the fourth portion 414 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter.

[0118] As Figure 29 shown, the diameter 608D of the first portion 608 of the distal portion 604 is substantially equal to the diameter 602D of the proximal portion 602. The diameter 610D of the diameter-reducing portion 610 is less than the diameters 608D of the proximal portion 602 and the first portion 608. The diameter 612D of the third portion 612 is greater than the diameter 610D of the second portion and greater than the diameter 614D of the fourth portion 614. Thus, the third portion 612 has a diameter 612D that is greater than the diameters 610D, 614D of its adjacent proximal portion 610 and distal portion 614, and thus defines a diameter-expanded portion of the distal portion 604. The expanded diameter of the third portion 612 provides a forward impact surface. Specifically, the proximally-facing surface 612s of the third portion 612 defines a surface against which an element (e.g., an anvil or other element) of the surgical impact tool handle can be configured to impact to provide a forward or distally-directed impact force. In this illustrated embodiment, the diameter 412D of the third portion 412 is approximately 20% greater than the maximum diameter proximal to the third portion 412 of the adapter 400, but other ratios of these diameters are possible.

[0119] In this illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 602 is chamfered at its proximal end 602p, similar to Figures 9 to 13 the chamfer of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter 400. Additionally, in this illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 604 is chamfered at its distal end 604d. Thus, the distal portion 604 has a smaller diameter at its proximal end 604d than the remaining portion of the fourth portion 614 of the distal portion that includes the chamfer.

[0120] As described above, various surgical instruments such as osteotomes and drills can be configured to be releasably attached to an adapter, such as Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 the adapter 300, Figures 9 to 13 the adapter 400, Figures 15 to 19 the adapter 500, Figures 20 to 25 the adapter 600 or another adapter. Figure 31An embodiment of a surgical instrument 700 configured to be releasably attached to an adapter is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 700 is a tibial drill configured to impact the tibia. Figure 32 Another embodiment of a surgical instrument 800 configured to be releasably attached to an adapter is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 800 is a femoral drill configured to impact the femur. In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 800 includes a forward or distal portion 802 and a rearward or proximal portion 804 that is configured to be releasably attached to the forward portion 802 by rotating the forward portion 802 into the rearward portion 804 as shown by arrow R.

[0121] As described above, the adapter can be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handle via a locking assembly of the surgical impact tool handle. The locking assembly can have a variety of configurations. Figures 33 to 36 An embodiment of a locking assembly 900 of a surgical impact tool handle (such as Figures 1 to 3 surgical impact tool handle 100, Figures 4 to 8 surgical impact tool handle 200 or another surgical impact tool handle) is shown. The locking assembly 900 is configured to be releasably attached to the adapter. Figures 9 to 13 Adapter 400 of Figures 33 to 36 is shown in

[0122] The locking assembly 900 is configured to move between a locked configuration in which the locking assembly 900 is releasably attached to the adapter and an unlocked configuration in which the locking assembly 900 is not releasably attached to the adapter. Figure 33 、 Figure 34 and Figure 36 show the locking assembly 900 releasably attached to adapter 400 in the locked configuration, and Figure 35 shows the locking assembly 900 in the unlocked configuration.

[0123] The locking assembly 900 is biased to a locked configuration. The locking assembly 900 is configured to move to the locked configuration in response to engagement of the locking assembly with the adapter 400. The engagement of the adapter 400 with the locking assembly 900 includes the adapter 400 moving longitudinally or translationally into the locking assembly 900. The adapter 400 is thus configured to move in a manner (e.g., translationally rather than rotationally) to attach to the locking assembly 900. The disengagement of the adapter 400 from the locking assembly 900 includes the locking assembly 900 rotating relative to the adapter 400 and then the adapter 400 moving longitudinally or translationally relative to the locking assembly 900. The adapter 400 is thus configured to move in the same manner to disengage from the locking assembly 900. The rotational movement required to allow the adapter 400 to disengage from the locking assembly 900 (and thus from the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900) can help prevent the adapter 400 (and the surgical instrument coupled thereto) from disengaging from the surgical impact tool handle during impact because the longitudinally directed force for impact provided by the surgical impact tool handle will not drive the rotational movement of the locking assembly 900. The need for the locking assembly 900 to rotate relative to the adapter 400 (and thus relative to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900) before the adapter 400 moves translationally relative to the locking assembly 900 (and thus relative to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900) to disengage from the locking assembly 900 (and thus from the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900) can help prevent the process of removing the adapter 400 (and the surgical instrument attached thereto) from the locking assembly 900 (and thus from the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900) from starting until the user intentionally rotates the locking assembly 900 because the longitudinally directed force for impact provided by the surgical impact tool handle will not drive the rotational movement of the locking assembly 900.

[0124] The locking assembly 900 includes a cavity 902 that is configured to receive a rearward portion of the adapter therein. The cavity 902 is located at the front or distal end 900f of the locking assembly 900 and thus at the front or distal end of the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900. The cavity 902 is formed in a base 904 of the locking assembly 900. The forward or distal portion 904f of the base 904 has the cavity 902 formed therein such that the cavity 902 is accessible at the front end 900f of the locking assembly 900. The base 904 may be an anvil of the surgical impact tool handle.

[0125] The rear or proximal end of the base 904 (not shown) is configured to be operatively coupled to a drive mechanism of a surgical impact tool handpiece including a locking assembly 900 to permit the drive mechanism to provide a longitudinally directed force to the base 904 to drive the impact of a surgical instrument attached to an adapter 400 that is attached to the locking mechanism 900. The drive mechanism can have a variety of configurations. For example, various embodiments of the drive mechanism are further described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0161050, entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting,” published Jun. 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 10,912,597, entitled “Orthopedic Adapter For An Electric Impacting Tool,” published Feb. 9, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 11,083,512, entitled “Orthopedic Impacting Device Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable Impact,” published Aug. 10, 2021; U.S. Patent Publication No. 11,134,962, entitled “Orthopedic Impacting Device Having A Launched Mass Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable & Reversible Impacting Force,” published Oct. 5, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 8,393,409, entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting,” published Mar. 12, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,936,105, entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting,” published Jan. 20, 2015; and U.S. Patent No. 8,695,726, entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting,” published Apr. 15, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0126] The cavity 902 has a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the insertion portion 400i of the adapter. The proximal or rearward portion 902p of the cavity 902 has a generally cylindrical shape and a generally circular cross-sectional shape, which corresponds to the generally cylindrical shape and the generally circular cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter 400 (which is part of the insertion portion 400i). The intermediate portion 902i of the cavity 902, which is distal to the proximal portion 902p of the cavity 902, has a generally cylindrical shape and a generally circular cross-sectional shape, which corresponds to the generally cylindrical shape and the generally circular cross-sectional shape of the first portion 408 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter 400 (which is part of the insertion portion 400i). The distal or forward portion 902d of the cavity 902 (which is distal to the intermediate portion 902i of the cavity 902) has a generally cubic shape and a generally square cross-sectional shape, which corresponds to the generally cubic shape and the generally square cross-sectional shape of the rearward portion of the second portion 410 of the distal portion 404 of the adapter 400 (which is part of the insertion portion 400i).

[0127] As Figure 36 shown, the cavity 902 is dimensioned just large enough to receive the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 therein. In the case where the insertion portion 400i has dimensions within manufacturing tolerances and the cavity 902 has dimensions within manufacturing tolerances, the relative dimensions and corresponding generally cylindrical shapes of the adapter 400 and the cavity 902 allow for a reduction in the angular clearance of the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly. Figure 36 An exemplary offset axis A transverse to the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 is shown. The offset axis A represents the longitudinal axis of the adapter 400, where the adapter 400 experiences an angular clearance of angle θ when locked within the locking assembly 900. For example, due to flat surfaces and / or 90° angles of the components, non-cylindrical adapters and locking assembly cavities tend to result in greater angular clearances. As described above, the insertion portion 400i of the adapter 400 includes flat surfaces at four sides 416, but the flat surfaces 416 are located at the front end 900f of the cavity 902 and contribute substantially zero to the angular clearance.

[0128] The locking assembly 900 is configured to position the adapter 400 in the cavity 902 at each of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations relative to the locking assembly 900. A surgical instrument that is coupled to the locking assembly 900 via the adapter 400 and thus also operably coupled to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900 can thus be attached to the surgical impact tool handle at the plurality of predetermined angular orientations relative to the surgical impact tool handle. In this illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 900 is configured to position the adapter 400 in the cavity 902 at four predetermined angular orientations (as defined by the side 416 of the adapter 400 described above) relative to the locking assembly 900. Providing four predetermined angular orientations can simplify the manufacture of the base 904 that includes the cavity 902, and / or can help ensure whether the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900 is held by a left or right hand, and whether the surgical impact tool handle remains upright during impact, the surgical instrument operably coupled to the surgical impact tool handle can be at a convenient angle for impacting bone. The square cubic shape of the cavity 902 in its distal portion 902d allows for four predetermined angular orientations, each angular orientation being spaced apart from each other by approximately ninety degrees. Other quadrilateral shapes of the cavity 902 (e.g., rectangular) similarly allow for four predetermined angular orientations. Other cavity shapes that do not have different multiple sides will define additional multiple predetermined angular orientations. For example, a pentagonal cavity shape defines five predetermined angular orientations of a corresponding pentagonal adapter shape. For another example, a triangular cavity shape defines three predetermined angular orientations of a corresponding triangular adapter shape. For yet another example, an octagonal cavity shape defines eight predetermined angular orientations of a corresponding octagonal adapter shape.

[0129] The locking assembly 900 includes a first pawl 906 and a second pawl 908, each being configured to rotate relative to the base 904 of the locking assembly 900 to lock the adapter 400 to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900. The first pawl 906 is attached to the base 904 at a first pivot point 910, such as using a pivot pin or other mechanism about which the first pawl 906 is configured to rotate relative to the base 904. The second pawl 908 is attached to the base 904 at a second pivot point 912, such as using a pivot pin or other mechanism about which the second pawl 908 is configured to rotate relative to the base 904. The first pivot point 910 and the second pivot point 912 are located on opposite sides of the base 904. The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are configured to pivot simultaneously relative to the base 904 at their respective pivot points 910, 912.

[0130] The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are positioned relative to a cavity 902 formed in the base 904 to permit the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 to engage an adapter 400 inserted into the cavity 902. The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are opposite each other on opposite sides of the cavity 902. The first pawl 906 defines a first longitudinal axis 906A that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 when the locking assembly 900 is in a locked configuration. As Figure 36 shown, the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 is coaxial with a longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter 400 such that the first longitudinal axis 906A of the first pawl is also substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter. The second pawl 908 defines a second longitudinal axis 908A that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 when the locking assembly 900 is in a locked configuration and is thus also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter. The locking assembly 900 moves between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, and when the locking assembly 900 is in the unlocked configuration, the first longitudinal axis 906A and the second longitudinal axis 908A are not substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 or the longitudinal axis 400A defined by the adapter 400. When the locking assembly 900 is in the unlocked configuration, when the locking assembly 900 is in the locked configuration, and during movement of the locking assembly 900 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, the first longitudinal axis 906A and the second longitudinal axis 908A are substantially parallel to each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that the axes may not be precisely perpendicular or precisely parallel, but are considered substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel (e.g., within + / - 0.5% of an angular range) due to many factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring equipment.

[0131] The locking assembly 900 includes a housing 914 operatively coupled to the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908. The locking assembly 900 further includes a biasing element 916 (see Figure 36 ), which is configured to bias the housing 914 in a first direction D1 (see Figure 33 ), which is counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment. The biasing element 916 biases the housing 914 to the locked configuration of the locking assembly 900. The locking assembly 900 includes a support 918 that houses the first biasing element 916, as Figure 36 shown. The support 918 is a tubular member having an internal passage 920 extending therethrough. The biasing element 916 is disposed within the internal passage 920. The support 918 is in a fixed relationship with the housing 914. The support 918 may be integrally formed with the housing 914 or may be a separate element fixedly attached to the housing 914.

[0132] The housing 914 is a tubular member having an internal passage 922 extending therethrough. A cavity 902 formed in the base 904, a forward portion 904f of the base 904, a first pawl 906 and a second pawl 908, and a first biasing element 916 are located within the internal passage 922. The base 904 extends rearwardly from the housing 914, with a rear portion of the base 904 being located outside and rearward of the housing 914.

[0133] The locking assembly 900 (e.g., its support 918) includes a first boss 924 and a second boss 926, each of which extends radially inwardly. The first boss 924 and the second boss 926 are configured to operably engage the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 to pivot the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 at their respective pivot points 910, 912, as discussed further below. As Figure 33 and Figure 34 shown, with the locking assembly 900 in the locked configuration, a first side surface of the first boss 924 abuts a first cam surface of the first pawl 906, and a first side surface of the second boss 926 abuts a first cam surface of the second pawl 908. The housing 914 is biased by the first biasing element 916 in a first direction D1 to urge the first side surface of the first boss 924 into abutting contact with the first cam surface of the first pawl 906 and to urge the first side surface of the second boss 926 into abutting contact with the first cam surface of the second pawl 908.

[0134] The locking assembly 900 is configured to automatically move to the locked configuration in response to engagement of the locking assembly with the adapter 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 400 that moves into the cavity 902 along a longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 and thus also along a longitudinal axis 400A defined by the adapter 400 is configured such that the locking assembly 900 automatically moves to the locked configuration. The adapter 400 can be moved into the cavity 902 by moving the adapter 400 in a rearward direction relative to the locking assembly 900, by moving the locking assembly 900 in a forward direction relative to the adapter 400, or by both moving the adapter 400 in a rearward direction relative to the locking assembly 900 and moving the locking assembly 900 in a forward direction relative to the adapter 400.

[0135] As Figure 36As shown, the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are located at an intermediate position along the axial length of the cavity 902. Thus, the adapter 400 encounters the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 when moving into the cavity 902 and before being seated and locked therein. The first inner surfaces 906i and the second inner surfaces 908i of the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 face radially inwardly and face each other. The inner surfaces 906i, 908i are planar, as Figure 35 and Figure 36 shown. A gap is defined between the inner surfaces 906i, 908i of the pawls. In the case where the locking assembly 900 is in the locked configuration, the minimum width of the gap is less than the width of the cavity 902 behind the pawls 906, 908 and less than the width of the adapter 400 that is inserted into the cavity 902 and will move proximally past the rear portions of the pawls 906, 908 (e.g., the portion of the adapter 400 that includes the proximal portion 402).

[0136] The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 also have a first distally facing side surface 906s and a second distally facing side surface 908s. The distally facing side surfaces 906s, 908s are radially outwardly inclined, as Figure 33 and Figure 34 shown.

[0137] The adapter 400 is longitudinally moved into the cavity 902 such that the adapter 400 engages the first distally facing side surface 906s and the second distally facing side surface 908s, and then engages the first inner surface 906i and the second inner surface 908i. Since the adapter 400 is wider than the gap in its proximal portion 402 and since the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are movably attached to the base 904 in which the cavity 902 is formed, the adapter 400 can move backward through the gap by slidably engaging the pawl side surfaces 906s, 908s, which overcomes the bias of the biasing element 916 and causes the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 to pivot at their respective pivot points 910, 912, thereby widening the gap. The inclination of the distally facing side surfaces 906s, 908s is configured to facilitate entry of the adapter 400 into the gap and thereby assist the adapter 400 in widening the gap. The adapter 400 can thus be longitudinally moved into the cavity 902 until the rearward facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 (which is also the rearward facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter) abuts the forward facing surface of the base 904 that defines the rear end of the cavity 902.

[0138] As described above, the diameter-reduced portion 406 of the adapter 400 has a diameter 406D that is smaller than the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter behind the diameter-reduced portion 406 and smaller than the diameter 408D of the first portion 408 of the adapter in front of the diameter-reduced portion 406 of the adapter. The proximal portion 402 of the adapter moves rearward past the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908. When the diameter-reduced portion 406 of the adapter 400 becomes axially aligned with the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908, the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 are no longer pushed outward by the adapter 400 and are allowed to pivot inwardly freely toward their initial default positions. The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 will thus be seated in the diameter-reduced portion 602, as Figure 33 , Figure 34 and Figure 36 shown. The first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 seated in the diameter-reduced portion 406 of the adapter 400 prevent the adapter 400 from moving longitudinally relative to the locking assembly 900 (and thus relative to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900).

[0139] The locking assembly 900 may include a friction member (not shown) that is configured to impose a resistance to rotational movement of the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908. The friction member includes an O-ring, but may have other configurations. The friction member may help hold the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 in place when the locking assembly 900 is in its unlocked configuration and its locked configuration. A user placing the adapter 400 in the cavity 902 can feel the resistance, which can help the user know that the adapter 400 is being properly attached to the locking assembly 900 (and thus attached to the surgical impact tool handle including the locking assembly 900).

[0140] As described above, the locking assembly 900 is configured to move from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 914 of the locking assembly 900 that rotates relative to the adapter 400 and the base 904 about the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 (and thus about the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter coaxial therewith) is configured such that the locking assembly 900 moves from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration to allow the adapter 400 to subsequently move longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 902A defined by the cavity 902 (and thus about the longitudinal axis 400A of the adapter coaxial therewith). By moving the adapter 400 in a forward direction relative to the locking assembly 900, by moving the locking assembly 900 in a rearward direction relative to the adapter 400, or by both moving the adapter 400 in a forward direction relative to the locking assembly 900 and moving the locking assembly 900 in a rearward direction relative to the adapter 400, the adapter 400 can be removed from the cavity 902.

[0141] With the locking assembly 900 in the locked position for releasably attaching to the adapter 400, the housing 914 rotates in a second direction D2, as Figure 35 shown, which is opposite to the first direction D1 in which the housing 914 is biased. The rotation of the housing 914 in the second direction D2 also causes the support 918 fixedly attached thereto to rotate in the second direction D2, which is clockwise in the illustrated embodiment. The rotation of the housing 914 causes the first boss 924 and the second boss 926 of the housing 914 to rotate. The rotation of the first boss 924 and the second boss 926 in the second direction D2 causes the first side surface of the first boss 924 to move out of abutting contact with the first cam surface of the first pawl 906 and causes the first side surface of the second boss 926 to move out of abutting contact with the first cam surface of the second pawl 908. The continued rotation of the first boss 924 and the second boss 926 in the second direction D2 causes the second side surface of the first boss 924 to abut the second side surface of the second pawl 908 and causes the second side surface of the second boss 926 to abut the second side surface of the first pawl 906. Thus, the first boss 924 moves out of contact with the first pawl 906 and into contact with the second pawl 908, and the second boss 926 moves out of contact with the second pawl 908 and into contact with the first pawl 906. The rotation of the first boss 924 in the second direction D2 pushes the second pawl 908 to cause the second pawl 908 to rotate about the second pivot point 912, and the rotation of the second boss 926 in the second direction D2 pushes the first pawl 906 to cause the first pawl 906 to rotate about the first pivot point 910. The gap between the first pawl 906 and the second pawl 908 thus increases, as Figure 35 shown. The widened gap allows the adapter 400 to be longitudinally removed from the cavity 902 because the diameter 402D of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter behind the diameter-reducing portion 406 can now pass through the gap.

[0142] After the adapter 400 has been removed from the cavity 902, the housing 914 can be released, allowing the housing 914 to rotate in the first direction D1 under the force of the first biasing element 916 to return the locking assembly 900 to its initial configuration. The housing 914 can be manually moved in the first direction D1 to assist the rotational movement of the housing, or the housing 914 can be allowed to move completely in the first direction D1 under the force provided by the biasing element 916.

[0143] In some embodiments, the base 904 may include a blind hole that is behind and in communication with the cavity 902. A second biasing element (not shown), such as a helical spring, an elastomeric material, a spring-loaded plunger, etc., may be disposed in the blind hole. The second biasing element may be configured to provide a forward biasing force and may be configured to engage the rear-facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 (and thus the rear-facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter) when the locking assembly 900 is locked to the adapter 400. Thus, the second biasing element may be configured to push the adapter 400 in the forward direction after the housing 914 has been rotated in the second direction D2, which may assist a user in removing the adapter 400 from the cavity 902 by partially pushing the adapter 400 out of the cavity 902. If there is no second biasing element, the locking assembly 900 may omit the blind hole.

[0144] In some embodiments, the base 904 may include one or more protrusions extending distally from the forward-facing surface of the base 904, against which the proximal-facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 (which is also the proximal-facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter) abuts when the adapter 400 is in the locked configuration. The one or more protrusions may be configured to be received in one or more corresponding blind holes formed in the proximal-facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 (which is also the proximal-facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter), as described above. In other embodiments, the base 904 may include one or more blind holes, and the rear-facing surface 400s of the adapter 400 (which is also the rear-facing surface 402s of the proximal portion 402 of the adapter) may include one or more protrusions.

[0145] Figures 33 to 36 The locking assembly 900 includes rotational locking pawls 906, 908 that are configured to rotate about the longitudinal axes 902A, 400A of the cavity 902 of the locking assembly and the adapter 400, respectively, to facilitate unlocking the adapter 400 from the locking assembly 900 and thus from the surgical impact tool handpiece that includes the locking assembly 900. In another embodiment, it is configured to be releasably attached to an adapter (e.g., Figures 9 to 13 adapter 400 of Figures 15 to 19 adapter 500 of Figures 20 to 25 adapter 600 of Figures 26 to 30The locking assembly of the adapter 601 or another adapter includes pivotable locking pawls that are configured to pivot away from the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the locking assembly and the longitudinal axis of the adapter (which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the cavity) to facilitate unlocking of the adapter from the locking assembly and thus from the surgical impinging tool handle including the locking assembly. For example, various exemplary embodiments of such locking assemblies are further described in the previously mentioned U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 319,700, filed May 13, 2021, entitled "Surgical Impinging Tool Interfaces".

[0146] Figure 37 Shows a surgical impinging tool handle (such as Figures 1 to 3 surgical impinging tool handle 100, Figures 4 to 8 surgical impinging tool handle 200 or another surgical impinging tool handle) of another embodiment of the locking assembly 1000. The locking assembly 1000 is configured to be releasably attached to an adapter, such as Figures 9 to 13 adapter 400, Figures 15 to 19 adapter 500, Figures 20 to 25 adapter 600, Figures 26 to 30 adapter 601 or another adapter. The locking assembly 1000 is similarly constructed and used as the Figures 33 to 36 locking assembly 900 discussed above and includes, for example, a cavity 1002, a base 1004 (e.g., an anvil), a first pawl 1006 attached to the base 1004 at a first pivot point via a first pivot pin 1010, a second pawl 1008 attached to the base 1004 at a second pivot point via a second pivot pin 1012, a housing 1014, a biasing element 1016, and a support 1018. As Figure 37 shown, the locking assembly 1000 also includes a first spring pin 1020 and a second spring pin 1022 and a retaining ring 1024 that is configured to couple the biasing element 1016 to the support. Figures 38 to 47 Shows the various elements of the locking assembly 1000 as separate elements.

[0147] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after single use, or they can be designed for multiple use. However, in either case, the devices can be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Refurbishment can include any combination of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing specific parts, and subsequent reassembly steps. Specifically, the device is disassemblable, and any number of specific parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific components, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use at a refurbishment facility or by a surgical team just prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that refurbishment of the device can be carried out using a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques and the resulting refurbished device are within the scope of this application.

[0148] The devices described herein can be processed prior to use. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument are then placed in a radiation field or a field of toxic gas that can penetrate the container, such as ethylene oxide, gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility.

[0149] Sterilization can be carried out in any of a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art, including beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, steam, and liquid baths (such as cold immersion).

[0150] Those skilled in the art will know of other features and advantages of these devices, systems, and methods based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure should not be limited by what has been specifically shown and described, unless the appended claims indicate otherwise. All publications and references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0151] The present disclosure has been described above only by way of example within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: an adapter configured such that a portion thereof is releasably disposed in a cavity formed in a handpiece of a surgical impact tool, the surgical impact tool being configured to drive an impact on a bone via the adapter, wherein the adapter includes a proximal portion having a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a first diameter, a distal portion having at least four sides defining an outer perimeter of the distal portion, and the distal portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and a neck located between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the neck having a generally cylindrical shape, a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and a third diameter less than the first diameter and less than the second diameter.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion, the distal portion, and the neck are longitudinally aligned.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: a proximally facing surface of an intermediate portion includes a first concave fillet connected to the neck; a distally facing surface of the intermediate portion includes a second concave fillet connected to the neck; and the first concave fillet is defined by a radius greater than a radius defining the second concave fillet.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a ratio of the radius of the second concave fillet to the radius of the first concave fillet is about 1:0.

36.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the distal portion includes a first portion having a generally cylindrical shape and a circular cross-sectional shape, the generally cylindrical shape of the first portion being adjacent and distal to the first concave fillet; and the distal portion includes a second portion distal to the first portion and including the at least four sides.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the distal portion has a fourth diameter that is substantially equal to the first diameter of the proximal portion.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the proximal portion is adjacent and proximal to the neck; the distal portion includes a first portion having a generally cylindrical shape and a generally circular cross-sectional shape, the first portion being adjacent and distal to the neck; and the distal portion includes a second portion adjacent and distal to the first portion and including the four sides.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first portion of the distal portion has a fourth diameter that is substantially equal to the first diameter of the proximal portion.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the third diameter is in a range of about 55% to about 60% of the first diameter, and the third diameter is in a range of about 40% to about 50% of the second diameter.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least four sides of the distal portion include markings configured to indicate the degree of insertion of the adapter into the cavity.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein each of the one or more markings on the side includes one of the following: a groove formed in the side, a logo printed on the side, a logo etched on the side, and a sticker on the side.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the adapter in a first portion proximate to the one or more markings is a first color, the adapter in a second portion distal to the one or more markings is a different second color, and the junction of the first color and the second color defines the one or more markings.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least four sides of the distal portion define a substantially square cross-sectional shape.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least four sides of the distal portion define a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the proximal portion is approximately twice the longitudinal length of the neck.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the proximal portion is chamfered so as to have a smaller diameter at the proximal end than the remainder of the proximal portion.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion has the first diameter along its entire longitudinal length.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distal face of the proximal portion defines a rearward impact surface; and the proximal face of the proximal portion defines a forward impact surface.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal face of the adapter is a continuous solid surface; and the proximal face of the adapter defines a forward impact surface.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal face of the adapter has a hole formed therein, the hole being configured to receive a protrusion of the handpiece extending into the cavity therein; and the proximal face of the adapter defines a forward impact surface.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument configured to impact the bone.

22. The device according to claim 1, wherein a distally extending surgical instrument configured to impact the bone is non - releasably coupled to the adapter.

23. A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: the adapter according to claim 1, and the handpiece according to claim 1.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the handpiece includes a locking assembly configured to be releasably attached to the adapter; the locking assembly includes a cavity configured to receive the adapter therein; the cavity is distally facing; The locking assembly is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in response to the adapter moving substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity into the cavity; and the locking assembly is configured to move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to rotation of the housing of the locking assembly about the longitudinal axis without causing the adapter to move substantially along the longitudinal axis.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the locking assembly includes a first pawl defining a first longitudinal axis and a second pawl defining a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity when the locking assembly is in the unlocked configuration, and the second longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity when the locking assembly is in the unlocked configuration.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the locking assembly includes a base having the cavity formed therein; A first pawl pivotally coupled to the base at a first pivot point; and a second pawl pivotally coupled to the base at a second pivot point.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the adapter moves substantially along the longitudinal axis into the cavity and is configured such that the first pawl pivots at the first pivot point and the second pawl pivots at the second pivot point.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the locking assembly being configured to move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration includes rotation of the housing about the longitudinal axis and thereby rotation of the housing relative to the base such that the first pawl pivots at the first pivot point and the second pawl pivots at the second pivot point.

29. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the locking assembly includes a biasing element that biases the housing to a position corresponding to the unlocked configuration of the locking assembly.

30. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the locking assembly includes a first biasing element that biases the housing to a position corresponding to the locked configuration of the locking assembly.

31. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the locking assembly is configured to automatically move from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration without rotation of the adapter about its longitudinal axis.

32. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the locking assembly is configured to seat the adapter in the cavity in each of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations relative to the locking assembly in the locked configuration.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of predetermined angular orientations are each spaced apart from one another by approximately 90 degrees.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of predetermined angular orientations include four predetermined angular orientations defined by four sides of the distal portion.

35. The apparatus according to claim 23, the apparatus further including a distally extending surgical instrument configured to impact bone.

36. The device according to claim 35, wherein a distal end of the adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument.

37. The device according to claim 35, wherein the surgical instrument is non - releasably coupled to the adapter.

38. The device according to claim 35, wherein the surgical instrument includes a chisel or a drill.

39. The device according to claim 35, wherein when the surgical instrument is coupled to the locking assembly via the adapter, a motor of the handpiece is configured to drive the impact on the bone; and a direction of the impact is substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity.

40. The device according to claim 24, wherein a distal surface of the proximal portion defines a rearward impact surface; and a proximal surface of the proximal portion defines a forward impact surface.

41. The device according to claim 24, wherein the cavity is formed in an anvil of the handpiece.

42. A surgical method, the surgical method comprising: releasably attaching the adapter to the handpiece by moving the adapter according to claim 1 into the cavity substantially along a longitudinal axis defined by a cavity of the handpiece; and impacting a surgical instrument relative to a bone, the surgical instrument being coupled to the adapter, and a direction of the impact being substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity.

43. The method according to claim 42, the method further comprising: detaching the adapter from the handpiece by rotating a housing of the handpiece about the longitudinal axis and then moving the adapter out of the cavity substantially along the longitudinal axis.

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein the cavity is formed in a locking assembly of the handpiece; the locking assembly includes a housing, a first pawl, and a second pawl; and moving the adapter into the cavity causes each of the first pawl and the second pawl to pivot relative to the housing.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein when the adapter is releasably attached to the handpiece, the first pawl and the second pawl are disposed in a neck of the adapter.

46. The method according to claim 44, the method further comprising: After moving the adapter into the cavity, rotate the housing about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the first pawl and the second pawl to pivot relative to the housing and the adapter.

47. The method according to claim 42, wherein the adapter is releasably attached to the handpiece without rotating about a longitudinal axis of the adapter.

48. The method according to claim 42, wherein the surgical instrument includes a chisel or a drill.

49. The method according to claim 42, wherein the surgical instrument is releasably coupled to the adapter.

50. The method according to claim 42, wherein the surgical instrument is non - releasably coupled to the adapter.

51. A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: An adapter, the adapter including a proximal portion configured to be releasably seated in a cavity formed in a handpiece of a surgical impact tool, and the adapter including a diameter-reducing portion, the diameter-reducing portion being in comparison to a first diameter of a first portion of the adapter proximal to the diameter-reducing portion and a second diameter of a second portion of the adapter distal to the diameter-reducing portion; wherein the diameter-reducing portion has a proximal rounded corner and a distal rounded corner; and the radius of the distal rounded corner has a greater radius than the radius of the proximal rounded corner.

52. The device according to claim 51, wherein the first portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape; the diameter-reducing portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape; and the second portion of the adapter has at least four sides defining an outer perimeter of the second portion.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein the first portion has a first diameter; the second portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and the diameter-reducing portion has a third diameter less than the first diameter and less than the second diameter.

54. The device according to claim 53, wherein the third diameter is in the range of about 55% to about 60% of the first diameter, and the third diameter is in the range of about 40% to about 50% of the second diameter.

55. The device according to claim 52, wherein the first portion is proximal adjacent to the diameter-reducing portion; the second portion includes a rounded portion that is distal adjacent to the diameter-reducing portion and has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape; and the second portion includes a quadrilateral portion that is distal adjacent to the rounded portion and includes the four sides.

56. The device according to claim 52, wherein the at least four sides of the second portion define a substantially square cross-sectional shape.

57. The device according to claim 52, wherein the at least four sides of the second portion define a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

58. The device according to claim 51, wherein the second portion includes a marker configured to indicate the degree of insertion of the adapter into the cavity.

59. The device according to claim 58, wherein the marker includes one or more markings, each of the one or more markings including one of the following: a groove formed in the adapter, a logo printed on the adapter, a logo etched on the adapter, and a sticker on the adapter.

60. The device according to claim 58, wherein the adapter proximal adjacent to the marker is a first color, the adapter distal adjacent to the marker is a different second color, and the junction of the first color and the second color defines the marker.

61. The device according to claim 51, wherein the first portion, the diameter-reducing portion, and the second portion are longitudinally aligned.

62. The device according to claim 51, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to impact bone; wherein a distal end of the adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument.

63. The device according to claim 51, wherein a distally extending surgical instrument configured to impact bone is non - releasably coupled to the adapter.

64. The device according to claim 51, further comprising the handpiece; wherein the handpiece includes a first pawl and a second pawl, the first pawl and the second pawl being configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to a housing of the handpiece, in the first position, the first pawl and the second pawl do not engage a reduced - diameter portion of the adapter, and in the second position, the first pawl and the second pawl do not engage the reduced - diameter portion of the adapter; and the adapter is in a locked position relative to the handpiece when the first pawl and the second pawl are in the second position.

65. The device according to claim 64, wherein a proximally - facing surface of the first portion of the adapter is configured to abut a distally - facing surface of the handpiece when the adapter is advanced as proximally as possible into the cavity.

66. The device according to claim 65, wherein the proximally - facing surface of the first portion defines a forward impact surface; and a distal surface of the first portion defines a rearward impact surface.

67. The device according to claim 66, wherein the cavity is formed in an anvil of the handpiece; and the anvil is configured to impact the proximally - facing surface of the first portion to provide a forward impact force.

68. A surgical method, the surgical method comprising: releasably attaching the adapter to the handpiece by moving the adapter according to claim 51 into the cavity substantially along a longitudinal axis defined by the cavity of the handpiece; and impacting a surgical instrument relative to bone, the surgical instrument being coupled to the adapter, and the direction of the impact being substantially along the longitudinal axis defined by the cavity.

69. The method according to claim 68, further comprising: detaching the adapter from the handpiece by rotating the housing of the handpiece about the longitudinal axis and then moving the adapter out of the cavity substantially along the longitudinal axis.

70. The method according to claim 68, wherein the cavity is formed in a locking assembly of the handpiece; the locking assembly includes a housing, a first pawl, and a second pawl; and moving the adapter into the cavity causes each of the first pawl and the second pawl to pivot relative to the housing.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein when the adapter is releasably attached to the handpiece, the first pawl and the second pawl are disposed in the reduced - diameter portion of the adapter.

72. The method according to claim 70, the method further comprising: After moving the adapter into the cavity, rotate the housing about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the first pawl and the second pawl to pivot relative to the housing and the adapter.

73. The method according to claim 68, wherein the adapter is releasably attached to the handpiece without the adapter rotating about the longitudinal axis of the adapter.

74. The method according to claim 68, wherein the surgical instrument comprises an osteotome or a drill.

75. The method according to claim 68, wherein the surgical instrument is releasably coupled to the adapter.

76. The method according to claim 68, wherein the surgical instrument is non - releasably coupled to the adapter.

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