Surgical reamer

Abstract

An orthopedic surgical reamer (100) for reaming an intramedullary canal of a patient's bone. In some examples, the reamer includes a reamer shaft (110) and a reamer head (130). The reamer head is configured to be selectively coupled to, and decoupled from, the reamer shaft utilizing a geometric fit. In some examples, the reamer head includes a pocket (152). The reamer shaft includes a ledge (154). The pocket receives the ledge for coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft. In addition, the reamer head may include one or more recesses formed in an outer surface thereof. The reamer shaft includes a projection. The projection is received within the recess formed in the outer surface of the reamer head. Thus arranged, the reamer head is coupled to the reamer shaft via slidably moving the reamer head laterally relative to the reamer shaft.

Description

SURGICAL REAMERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. provisional patent application number 63 / 532,100, filed August 11, 2023, entitled “Surgical Reamer” the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic devices or instruments and corresponding methods of use, and more particularly to an orthopedic surgical reamer including an improved coupling mechanism for coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Orthopedic fixation devices (e.g., implants) may be used, for example, to stabilize an injury, to support a bone fracture, to fuse a joint, and / or to correct a deformity. Orthopedic fixation devices may be attached permanently or temporarily, and may be attached to the bone at various locations, including implanted within an intramedullary canal or other cavity of the bone. Orthopedic fixation devices are generally machined or molded from isotropic materials, such as metals including, for example, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, and tantalum.

[0004] An intramedullary (“IM”) nail is one type of orthopedic fixation device. The primary function of the IM nail is to stabilize the fracture fragments, and thereby enable load transfer across the fracture site while maintaining anatomical alignment of the bone. An IM nail is implanted within an intramedullary canal of a patient’s bone, such as, for example, a patient’s femur, tibia, humerus, etc.

[0005] Other types of orthopedic fixation devices include hip implants, shoulder implants, and the like. Generally speaking, hip implants, shoulder implants, and the like, may include, inter alia, a stem portion that is implanted within an intramedullary canal of a patient’s bone.

[0006] In preparing a patient’s bone to receive, for example, an IM nail or a stem portion of a hip implant or shoulder implant, an incision may be made and an optimal entry point may be identified. Instrumentation including, for example, guidewires, tubes, sleeves, handles, reamers, etc. may be used to prepare or ream the patient’s intramedullary canal to receive the implant (e.g., IM nail, stem portion, etc.).

[0007] Generally speaking, a reamer includes a shaft such as, for example, a flexible shaft, and a head. The head may include one or more cutting flutes for reaming the inside of the intramedullary canal of the patient’s bone. The reamer head may be detachably coupled to the reamer shaft enabling interchangeability, facilitate cleaning, etc. Currently, existing reamers utilize friction fits, elastic collets, bushings, sleeves, etc. to couple the reamer head to the reamer shaft.

[0008] One concern with existing reamers is the coupling or connection between the reamer head and the reamer shaft may be inadequate and / or difficult to use. For example, it is important to ensure that the reamer head remains coupled to the reamer shaft throughout the procedure including, for example, as the reamer is being passed from the scrub tech to the surgeon. Meanwhile, it is desirable to ensure that the reamer head can be easily removed or decoupled from the reamer shaft. In addition, it would be desirable to eliminate the use of elastic couplings such as, for example, elastic collets, bushings, sleeves, or fingers, which may break over time.

[0009] Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a reamer with an improved coupling or connection mechanism for coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft while still enabling the reamer head to be decoupled when desired (terms coupling and connection used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit or distinguish). It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present disclosure may be useful.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] An orthopedic surgical reamer for reaming a patient’s bone such as, for example, an intramedullary canal of a patient’s bone for receiving an intramedullary nail or a stem portion of an orthopedic implant is disclosed. In some examples, the reamer orreamer assembly includes a reamer shaft and a reamer head. The reamer head is arranged and configured to be selectively coupled to, and decoupled from, the reamer shaft utilizing a geometric fit or coupling mechanism.

[0012] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a central shaft portion extending between the proximal and distal ends.

[0013] In any preceding or subsequent example, the central shaft portion is flexible so that the position of the distal end can be bent relative to the proximal end.

[0014] In any preceding or subsequent example, the proximal end of the reamer shaft includes a connector arranged and configured to engage, for example, an instrument.

[0015] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer head and the reamer shaft each include a cannulated bore.

[0016] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer head includes a cutting tip and a proximal end. The proximal end of the reamer head is arranged and configured to be coupled to the distal end of the reamer shaft via a coupling mechanism providing a geometric fit (e.g., the proximal end of the reamer head is arranged and configured to be selectively coupled to, and decoupled from, the distal end of the reamer shaft via a geometric fit).

[0017] In any preceding or subsequent example, the proximal end of the reamer head includes a pocket. The distal end of the reamer shaft includes a ledge. The ledge being slideably received within the pocket to selectively couple the reamer head to the reamer shaft.

[0018] In any preceding or subsequent example, the proximal end of the reamer head includes one or more recesses formed in an outer surface thereof. The distal end of the reamer shaft includes a projection configured to be received within the recess to prevent further movement of the reamer head relative to the reamer shaft. Thus arranged, the reamer head is coupled to the reamer shaft via slidably coupling or moving the reamer head relative to the reamer shaft. The pocket formed in the reamer head is aligned with the ledge formed on the reamer shaft. Thereafter, the reamer head is laterally moved relative to a longitudinal axis of the reamer shaft until the projection formed on the shaft contacts the recess formed in the outer surface of the reamer head thereby preventing further lateral movement.

[0019] In any preceding or subsequent example, the pocket formed in the reamer head is aligned with the ledge formed on the reamer shaft so that the reamer head is laterally moved relative to a longitudinal axis of the reamer shaft.

[0020] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer head further includes one or more grooves formed in the pocket, the ledge further includes one or more bumps, the one or more bumps are received by the one or more grooves.

[0021] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer shaft includes a single projection formed on one side of the reamer shaft.

[0022] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer head includes first and second diametrically opposed recesses formed in the outer surface thereof.

[0023] In any preceding or subsequent example, the reamer head further comprises a first magnet and the distal end of the reamer shaft includes a second magnet for further coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft.

[0024] In any preceding or subsequent example, the orthopedic surgical reamer further includes an extender including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end arranged and configured to couple to a proximal end of the reamer shaft, the proximal end arranged and configured to couple to an instrument.

[0025] In any preceding or subsequent example, the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end including a cavity arranged and configured to receive the proximal end of the reamer shaft, the extender further including a rod insertable into the bore from the proximal end, the rod including a threaded distal end arranged and configured to threadably engage a corresponding thread formed on the proximal end of the reamer shaft.

[0026] In any preceding or subsequent example, the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the extender further including a spring- loaded collar to prevent decoupling of the reamer shaft.

[0027] In any preceding or subsequent example, the extender further includes a plurality of grooves formed in the distal end thereof, the plurality of grooves arranged and configured to receive a plurality of transverse posts formed on the reamer shaft, the spring-loaded collar is configured to prevent the plurality of transverse posts from disengaging from the grooves.

[0028] In any preceding or subsequent example, the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end further including a plurality of flexible arms arranged and configured to receive the proximal end of the reamer shaft, the extender further including an axially moveable collar to prevent decoupling of the reamer shaft.

[0029] An extender configured to couple to a proximal end of a reamer is also disclosed. The extender including a proximal end arranged and configured to couple to an instrument; a distal end arranged and configured to couple to the proximal end of the reamer; a cannulated bore extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a rod insertable into the cannulated bore from the proximal end, the rod including a threaded distal end arranged and configured to threadably engage a corresponding thread formed on the proximal end of the reamer shaft.

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure provide numerous advantages. For example, by utilizing one or more of the coupling mechanisms disclosed herein, the reamer head is arranged and configured to couple to the reamer shaft via a geometric locking feature or geometric fit. As such, the need for elastic collets, bushings, sleeves, or elastic fingers, which may break over time are eliminated. In addition, by utilizinggeometric fits, one or more degree of freedoms are prevented thereby preventing the reamer head from decoupling from the reamer shaft in at least one degree.

[0031] Further features and advantages of at least some of the exemplary examples of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various exemplary examples of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] By way of example, specific examples of the disclosed device will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an orthopedic surgical reamer in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the orthopedic surgical reamer including a reamer shaft and a reamer head;

[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates a detailed view of a distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternate detailed view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 2C illustrates a first side view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 2D illustrates a second side view opposite the first side view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 2E illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 2F illustrates a detailed view of the distal end of the reamer shaft shown in FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective, side view of the reamer head shown in FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 2H illustrates a perspective, rear view of the reamer head shown in FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 21 illustrates a detailed side view of the distal end of the reamer shaft shown in FIG. 1 with the shaft portion removed;

[0043] FIG. 2J illustrates a detailed end view of the distal end of the reamer shaft shown in FIG. 1 with the shaft portion removed;

[0044] FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed view of a distal end of an alternate example of an orthopedic surgical reamer in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the orthopedic surgical reamer including a reamer shaft and a reamer head;

[0045] FIG. 3B illustrates an alternate detailed view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 3A;

[0046] FIG. 3C illustrates an alternate detailed view of the distal end of the orthopedic surgical reamer shown in FIG. 3A;

[0047] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective, side view of the reamer head shown inFIG. 3A;

[0048] FIG. 3E illustrates an alternate perspective, side view of the reamer head shown in FIG. 3A;

[0049] FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective, end view of the distal end of the reamer shaft shown in FIG. 3A with the shaft portion removed;

[0050] FIG. 3G illustrates an alternate perspective, end view of the distal end of the reamer shaft shown in FIG. 3 A with the shaft portion removed;

[0051] FIG 4 illustrates various views of a first example of an extender in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates various views of a second example of an extender in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure; and

[0053] FIG 6 illustrates various views of a third example of an extender in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0054] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict various exemplary examples of the disclosure, and therefore are not considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various features or the like of an orthopedic surgical reamer will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more features of the orthopedic surgical reamer will be shown and described. It should be appreciated that the various features may be used independently of, or in combination, with each other. It will be appreciated that the orthopedic surgical reamer as disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and may selectively include one or more concepts, features, or functions described herein. As such, the orthopedic surgical reamer should not be construed as being limited to the specific examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain features to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, with reference to FIGS. 1-2 J, the orthopedic surgical reamer or reamer assembly 100 (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit or distinguish) includes a reamer shaft 110 and a reamer head 130. As illustrated, the reamer shaft 110 includes a proximal end 112, a distal end 114, and a central shaft portion 116 extending between the proximal and distal ends 112, 114. In some examples, the central shaft portion 116 may be flexible so that the position of the distal end 114 may be bent relative to the proximal end 112. In some examples, the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110 may include a connector (e.g., a powered connector) 118 arranged and configured to engage, for example, an instrument (e.g., powered screwdriver, powered drill, handle, etc.) (not shown). In some examples, the reamer shaft 110 includes a cannulated bore 1 15 arranged and configuredto receive a guidewire or the like. In some examples, the reamer shaft 110 inclusive of the proximal end 112 and the distal end 114 may be integrally or monolithically formed. Alternatively, the reamer shaft 110 may be manufactured from multiple components or segments, which are coupled together. For example, the distal end 114 may be separately formed and coupled to the central shaft portion 116.

[0057] The reamer head 130 includes a cutting tip, cutting flutes, a cutting body, etc. 132 and a proximal end 134. The proximal end 134 of the reamer head 130 is arranged and configured to be coupled to the distal end 114 of the reamer shaft 110 via a coupling mechanism 150. The coupling mechanism 150 is arranged and configured to enable the reamer head 130 to be quickly and easily coupled to the reamer shaft 110 while providing a secure and reliable connection during, for example, transferring from the scrub tech to the surgeon. In some examples, the reamer head 130 includes a cannulated bore 135 arranged and configured to receive a guidewire or the like. Thus arranged, the reamer (e.g., reamer head 130 and reamer shaft 110) can be positioned over a guidewire, which acts to further couple the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110 during surgery.

[0058] In some examples, the coupling mechanism 150 for coupling the proximal end 134 of the reamer head 130 to the distal end 114 of the reamer shaft 110 provides a geometric fit. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2J, the proximal end 134 of the reamer head 130 includes a pocket 152. The distal end 114 of the reamer shaft 110 includes a ledge 154. The pocket 152 is arranged and configured to receive the ledge 154 for coupling the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110. In some examples, theproximal end 134 of the reamer head 130 includes one or more grooves 153 such as, for example, first and second diametrically opposed grooves 153. The ledge 154 includes corresponding bumps 155 extending laterally along a width of the ledge 154. The grooves 153 formed on the reamer head 130 are arranged and configured to receive the bumps 155 formed on the ledge 154 of the reamer shaft 110 for laterally coupling the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110 as will be described in greater detail below. The coupling provides a geometric fit.

[0059] The proximal end 134 of the reamer head 130 may include one or more recesses 158 formed in an outer surface 156 thereof. The distal end 114 of the reamer shaft 110 includes a projection, a shelf, a key, or the like 160 (terms used interchangeably herein). The projection 160 extending axially from the ledge 154 at one end thereof. The projection 160 is sized and configured to be received within the recess 158 formed in the outer surface 156 of the reamer head 130. The reamer head 130 may be slidably coupled to the reamer shaft 110 by aligning the pocket 152 and grooves 153 formed in the reamer head 130 with the ledge 154 and bumps 155 formed on the reamer shaft 110. The reamer head 130 may be slid laterally onto the reamer shaft 110 until the projection 160 formed on the reamer shaft 110 contacts (e.g., sits or resides within) the recess 158 formed in the outer surface 156 of the reamer head 130, thereby preventing further lateral movement (i.e., perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the reamer shaft 110). That is, as illustrated, the reamer shaft 110 includes a projection 160 that is only on one side of the reamer shaft 110. The projection 160 prevents the reamer head 130 from falling off the reamer shaft 110 in one direction.

[0060] As illustrated, in some examples, the reamer head 130 may include first and second diametrically opposed recesses 158 formed in the outer surface 156 thereof. The reamer head 130 can be slid laterally onto the reamer shaft 110 in either orientation or direction. By not allowing the reamer head 130 from sliding pass the reamer shaft 110, and because the female feature (e.g., recess 158) for the projection 160 may be formed on both sides of the mating part, the assembly can be completed in either direction.

[0061] Thus arranged, the reamer head 130 is quickly and easily coupled to the reamer shaft 110 utilizing geometry alone without the need for elastic collets, bushings, sleeves, or the like. For example, the reamer head 130 can be easily slid onto the reamer shaft 110. In addition, a secure connection is achieved between the reamer head 130 and the reamer shaft 110. By positioning the projection 160 so that it is positioned downwards towards the ground (e.g., towards the direction of gravity) as illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the reamer head 130 is prevented by interaction between the projection 160 with the recess 158 from decoupling from the reamer shaft 110. Meanwhile, the reamer head 130 can be easily decoupled from the reamer shaft 110 in the opposite direction by sliding the reamer head 130 against the force of gravity so that the recess 158 formed on the reamer head 130 moves laterally away from the projection 160.

[0062] Moreover, in accordance with the disclosed coupling mechanism, the reamer head 130 is arranged and configured to slidably engage the reamer shaft 110 without the need for elastic components such as, for example, elastic collets, bushings, or sleeves, which may break over time.

[0063] Alternate coupling mechanisms may also be used. For example, one or more magnets may be permanently attached to the reamer head and the reamer shaft for coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft. In some examples, magnets may be used in addition to the other coupling mechanisms described herein. In alternate examples, magnets may be used independently. The magnets may be manufactured from a ferromagnetic material to keep the reamer head coupled to the reamer shaft. For example, the reamer head 130 may include a first magnet and the distal end of the reamer shaft 110 may include a second magnet for further coupling the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110. In some examples, the projection 160 may include, or be manufactured from a magnetic material. The recess 158 may include, or be manufactured from a magnetic material. The corresponding magnets arranged and configured to couple the projection 160 within the recess 158 formed in the reamer head 130, although this is but one example, and magnets may be positioned in other regions of the reamer head and reamer shaft.

[0064] Alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include a hook formed on, for example, the reamer head. The hook is arranged and configured to wrap around the reamer shaft in an axial direction. For example, the projection 160 may include a hook and the reamer shaft 110 may include an eyelet, or vice versa, to further couple the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110, although this is but one example, and the hook and eyelet may be positioned in other areas.

[0065] Alternatively, with reference to FIGS. 3A-3G, an alternate coupling mechanism 250 is disclosed. The coupling mechanism 250 utilizes compound geometriesto enable the reamer head 230 to be coupled to the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 while simultaneously preventing the reamer head 230 from becoming decoupled from the reamer shaft 210 unless a specific orientation of motion is performed. That is, as illustrated, the reamer head 230 includes a cutting body or tip 232 (illustrated without the cutting flutes, although cutting flutes could be incorporated) and a proximal end 234. The proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 includes an angled dovetail 252 and a diametrically opposed axially extending segment 254. In addition, as illustrated, the proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 includes diametrically opposed angled or tapered surfaces 258 formed in an outer surface 256 thereof, the angled or tapered surfaces 258 defining an apex or a tip 259. Correspondingly, the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 includes a first opening 260 arranged and configured to receive, interact with, etc. the angled dovetail 252, a second diametrically opposed opening 262 arranged and configured to receive, interact with, etc. the axially extending segment 254, and a pair of diametrically opposed angled recesses 264 arranged and configured to receive the angled or tapered surfaces 258. The distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 is arranged and configured to receive the proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 by aligning and moving the angled dovetail 252 with the first opening 260 (e.g., the reamer head 230 is initially axially moved relative to the reamer shaft 210 and subsequently moved downwards along the angle of the angled dovetail 252). Thereafter, interaction of the axially extending segment 254 with the second opening 262 enables the reamer head 230 to drive (e.g., rotate) with the reamer shaft 210. In addition, interaction of the angled or tapered surfaces 258 with the angled recesses 264 permit the reamer head 230 to move (e.g., tilt) relative to the reamer shaft 210. However, due to the compound geometry ofthe proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 and the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210, the reamer head 230 is prevented from decoupling from the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 unless specific compound movement of the reamer head 230 relative to the reamer shaft 210 is performed.

[0066] As such, the coupling mechanism 250 provides an angled dovetail connection that enables the reamer head 230 to be coupled to the reamer shaft 210 by positioning and / or aligning the proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 with the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 and moving the reamer head 230 relative to the reamer shaft 210 in a single compound motion. Thus arranged, the reamer head 230 is configured to engage the reamer shaft 210 relying on geometry of the coupling alone. The coupling mechanism 250 includes an angled dovetail 252 and one or more positive stops (e.g., two positive stops (i.e., angled or tapered surfaces 258)) to prevent the reamer head 230 from decoupling from the reamer shaft 210. The geometry enables the proximal end 234 of the reamer head 230 to be inserted into the distal end 214 of the reamer shaft 210 by sliding the angled dovetail into position and held in place utilizing geometry alone.

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure that may be used independently from, or in combination with, the coupling mechanisms arranged and configured to couple the reamer head 130 to the reamer shaft 110 previously described herein in connection with FIGS. 2A-3G, a reamer extender is illustrated.

[0068] Currently, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, orthopedic surgical reamers may be used to ream the IM canal of a patient’s bone toreceive an orthopedic implant such as, for example, an IM nail. To accomplish this, orthopedic surgical reamers often need to ream lengths (e.g., extend) of 46-50 cm or more to accommodate the longest IM nails available in a system. However, standard sterilization trays, which contain the IM nails and corresponding instrumentation, often can only contain instruments up to 48cm. Thus, current systems may include an extender (e g., a shaft extender) that extends the overall length of the orthopedic surgical reamer by using a mating geometry that is conjugate to their reamer shafts and reamer heads. That is, current systems may include a shaft extender having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the shaft extender is coupled to the reamer shaft, the distal end of the shaft extender is coupled to the reamer head. As such, the shaft extender is coupled inbetween the reamer shaft and the reamer head thus lengthening the overall length of the orthopedic surgical reamer.

[0069] One disadvantage with such systems however is that surgeons have a difficult time knowing exactly how far they need to ream before attaching the shaft extender. In addition, because an orthopedic surgical reamer has a powered connector on the proximal end and a geometric connector or fitting on the distal end, in order to attach the shaft extender, the surgeon must first remove the reamer shaft from the IM canal of the patient’s bone, disconnect or decouple the reamer head from the reamer shaft, connect the shaft extender to the reamer shaft, and connect the reamer head to the shaft extender before commencing reaming the patient’s IM canal again.

[0070] In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, an improved system is disclosed wherein the extender is arranged and configured to connectto the proximal end 112 of reamer shaft 110. That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the extender is arranged and configured to be positioned between the instrument (e.g., powered screwdriver, powered drill, handle, etc.) and the reamer shaft 110. As such, the extender includes proximal and distal ends wherein the distal end of the extender is arranged and configured to couple to the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110 and the proximal end of the extender is coupled to the instrument. Thus arranged, the extender has a driver component that applies torque to the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110. In some preferred examples, the extender is cannulated so that the extender can be positioned over a guide wire. Thus arranged, in some examples, the reamer (e.g., reamer shaft and reamer head) and the extender can be positioned over a guide wire. In some preferred examples, the extender includes an outer diameter arranged and configured to be received within a tissue sleeve or cannula. As such, during reaming, if the reamer shaft is too short, a surgeon can decouple the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110 from the instrument, couple an extender to the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110 and to the instrument, and continue reaming without having to remove the reamer from the patient’s intramedullary canal and / or cannula or tissue protecting sleeve.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 4, in some examples, the extender 300 may includer a driver 302 having a distal end 304, a proximal end 306, and a bore 308 extending therethrough. The distal end 304 including a cavity such as, for example, a triangular-shaped opening, although this is but one configuration, and other shapes or configurations can be utilized such as circular, square, hexagon, octagon, or the like. The distal end 304 is arranged and configured to receive the proximal end 112 of the reamershaft 110. For example, as illustrated, the cavity receives the powered connector 118 of the reamer shaft 110. Thereafter, a threaded rod 310 may be inserted into the bore 308 from the proximal end 306 thereof. The threaded rod 310 including a threaded distal end arranged and configured to threadably engage the reamer shaft 110 and / or the powered connector 118 to securely engage the extender 300 to the reamer shaft 110 (e.g., the threaded rod 310 engages the back of a conjugate thread formed in the powered connector 118 and / or the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110). Thus arranged, the threaded rod 310 is arranged and configured to extend from the proximal end 306 to the distal end 304 to threadably engage the reamer shaft 110 to securely couple the extender 300 to the reamer shaft 110. Thereafter, the proximal end 306 may be coupled to the instrument (e.g., a powered screwdriver, a powered drill, a handle, etc.). In some examples, the threaded rod 310 may include a knob that buttress the reamer shaft 110. In some examples, the threaded rod 310 includes a cannulated bore so that the extender 300 can be positioned over a guidewire or the like. It should be appreciated that while the extender 300 has been shown and described in connection with orthopedic surgical reamer 100, the extender 300 may be used with orthopedic surgical reamer 200 or any other suitable orthopedic surgical reamer now known or hereafter developed.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 5, in some alternate examples, the extender 400 may includer a driver 402 having a distal end 404 and a proximal end 406. The distal end 404 including a cavity. The distal end 404 is arranged and configured to receive the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110. For example, the cavity receives the powered connector 118 of the reamer shaft 110. The proximal end 112 or powered connector 118 of the reamer shaft 110 may include a plurality of transverse posts, which may bereceived within a plurality of corresponding grooves 408 formed in the distal end 404. The extender 400 may include a spring-loaded collar 410, which is positioned about the driver 402. The spring-loaded collar 410 is axially moveable relative to the driver 402 so that the spring-loaded collar 410 may be moved distally over the driver 402 to thereby prevent the posts from disengaging from the grooves to securely couple the reamer shaft 110 to the extender 400. For example, the reamer shaft 110 may include external posts and the extender 400 may include a plurality of grooves that engage, grab, etc. the posts. Thereafter, the spring-loaded collar 410 may be actuated forward to prevent the powered connector 118 from rotating when engaged by the extender 400. The spring-loaded collar 410 couples the extender 400 to the reamer shaft 110. In some preferred examples, the spring-loaded collar 410 may be biased distally by a spring 420, which may be held in position by a threaded nut 422. The spring-loaded collar 410 may move proximally to enable the reamer shaft 110 to be inserted into the cavity formed in the distal end 404 of the driver 402. Thereafter, the spring-loaded collar 410 may be biased to move, or may be moved distally, to couple the reamer shaft 110 to the extender 400. Thereafter, the proximal end 406 of the driver 402 may be coupled to the instrument so that torque may be transferred from the instrument to the reamer shaft 110 via the extender 400. It should be appreciated that while the extender 400 has been shown and described in connection with orthopedic surgical reamer 100, the extender 400 may be used with orthopedic surgical reamer 200 or any other suitable orthopedic surgical reamer now known or hereafter developed.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 6, in some alternate examples, the extender 500 may includer a driver 502 having a distal end 504 and a proximal end 506. The distal end504 including a plurality of flexible arms or fingers or a collet 508. The distal end 504 is arranged and configured to receive the proximal end 112 of the reamer shaft 110. For example, as illustrated, the distal end 504 of the driver 502 may include a cavity for receiving the powered connector 118 of the reamer shaft 110. In addition, the extender 500 may include a threaded collar 510, which is positioned about and threadably coupled to the driver 502. The threaded collar 510 is axially moveable relative to the driver 502 so that the threaded collar 510 may be moved proximally or distally relative to the driver 502 based on the direction of rotation. With the reamer shaft 110 positioned within the cavity formed in distal end 504 of the driver 502 rotation of the threaded collar 510 causes the collar 510 to move distally relative the driver 502 to compress the plurality of flexible arms or fingers or collet 508 to thereby compress the plurality of flexible arms or fingers or collet 508 to securely couple the reamer shaft 110 to the extender 500. Thereafter, the proximal end 506 of the driver 502 may be coupled to the instrument so that torque may be transferred from the instrument to the reamer shaft 110 via the extender 500. It should be appreciated that while the extender 500 has been shown and described in connection with orthopedic surgical reamer 100, the extender 500 may be used with orthopedic surgical reamer 200 or any other suitable orthopedic surgical reamer now known or hereafter developed.

[0074] While various examples for coupling the extender 300, 400, 500 to the reamer shaft 110, more specifically to the powered connector 118 of the reamer shaft110, have been shown and described, it should be appreciated that any suitable coupling mechanism now known or hereafter developed may be used to couple the extender 300,400, 500 to the reamer shaft 110. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular coupling mechanism unless explicitly claimed.

[0075] As illustrated, the extenders 300, 400, 500 preferably each include a cannulated bore to enable a guide rod, a guide wire, or the like to pass therethrough when reaming into the IM canal of the patient’s bone. In addition, and / or alternatively, the extenders are sized to fit within a cannula of a tissue protection sleeve.

[0076] The reamer can be manufactured from any suitable rigid material such as, for example, any surgical metal such as, for example, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, tantalum, or the like.

[0077] While the present disclosure refers to certain examples, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described examples are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. The discussion of any example is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, while illustrative examples of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

[0078] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more examples or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain examples or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate examples, or configurations. Any example or feature of any section, portion, or any other component shown or particularly described in relation to various examples of similar sections, portions, or components herein may be interchangeably applied to any other similar example or feature shown or described herein. Additionally, components with the same name may be the same or different, and one of ordinary skill in the art would understand each component could be modified in a similar fashion or substituted to perform the same function.

[0079] Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example of the present disclosure.

[0080] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features.

[0081] The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Theterms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., engaged, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative to movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. All rotational references describe relative movement between the various elements. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative to sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An orthopedic surgical reamer for reaming an intramedullary canal of a patient’s bone, the reamer comprising: a reamer shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, and a central shaft portion extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a reamer head including a cutting tip and a proximal end, the proximal end of the reamer head being selectively coupled to, and decoupled from, the distal end of the reamer shaft via a geometric fit; wherein the proximal end of the reamer head includes a pocket, the distal end of the reamer shaft includes a ledge, the ledge being slideably received within the pocket to selectively couple the reamer head to the reamer shaft; and wherein the proximal end of the reamer head includes one or more recesses formed in an outer surface thereof, the distal end of the reamer shaft includes a projection configured to be received within the recess to prevent further movement of the reamer head relative to the reamer shaft.

2. The reamer of claim 1, wherein the central shaft portion of the reamer shaft is flexible so that the distal end can be bent relative to the proximal end.

3. The reamer of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the reamer shaft includes a connector arranged and configured to engage an instrument.

4. The reamer of claim 1 , wherein the reamer head and the reamer shaft each include a cannulated bore.

5. The reamer of claim 1, wherein the pocket formed in the reamer head is aligned with the ledge formed on the reamer shaft so that the reamer head is laterally moved relative to a longitudinal axis of the reamer shaft.

6. The reamer of claim 5, wherein the reamer head further includes one or more grooves formed in the pocket, the ledge further includes one or more bumps, the one or more bumps are received by the one or more grooves.

7. The reamer of claim 1, wherein the reamer head is laterally moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the reamer shaft until the projection formed on the reamer shaft contacts the recess formed in the outer surface of the reamer head.

8. The reamer of claim 7, wherein the reamer shaft includes a single projection formed on one side of the reamer shaft.

9. The reamer of claim 8, wherein the reamer head includes first and second diametrically opposed recesses formed in the outer surface thereof.

10. The reamer of claim 1, wherein the reamer head further comprises a first magnet and the distal end of the reamer shaft includes a second magnet for further coupling the reamer head to the reamer shaft.

11. The reamer of claim 1, further comprising an extender including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end arranged and configured to couple to a proximal end of the reamer shaft, the proximal end arranged and configured to couple to an instrument.

12. The reamer of claim 11, wherein the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end including a cavity arranged and configured to receive the proximal end of the reamer shaft, the extender further including a rod insertable into the bore from the proximal end, the rod including a threaded distal end arranged and configured to threadably engage a corresponding thread formed on the proximal end of the reamer shaft.

13. The reamer of claim 11, wherein the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the extender further including a spring-loaded collar to prevent decoupling of the reamer shaft.

14. The reamer of claim 13, wherein the extender further includes a plurality of grooves formed in the distal end thereof, the plurality of grooves arranged and configured to receive a plurality of transverse posts formed on the reamer shaft, the spring-loaded collar is configured to prevent the plurality of transverse posts from disengaging from the grooves.

15. The reamer of claim 11, wherein the extender includes a bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end further including a plurality of flexible arms arranged and configured to receive the proximal end of the reamer shaft, the extender further including an axially moveable collar to prevent decoupling of the reamer shaft.

16. An extender configured to couple to a proximal end of a reamer, the extender comprising: a proximal end arranged and configured to couple to an instrument;a distal end arranged and configured to couple to the proximal end of the reamer; a cannulated bore extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a rod insertable into the cannulated bore from the proximal end, the rod including a threaded distal end arranged and configured to threadably engage a corresponding thread formed on the proximal end of the reamer shaft.

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