Modular digit fixation device, and related systems and methods
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024217181
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-08-27
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-27
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 892,222, entitled “Modular Digit Fixation Device and Related Systems and Devices,” filed August 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] Various embodiments herein relate to bone fixation devices, and more particularly, to modular finger fixation devices that are externally affixed to a finger following reconstructive, reintegration, or trauma surgery. [Background technology]
[0003] Internal and external fixation can be an important healing step after bone surgery. For example, the best outcomes after hammertoe or bunion surgery result from fixating the toes to ensure they are properly aligned during healing. In known procedures, surgeons manually position each toe in the proper position, but typically rely on the use of bandages to maintain alignment during the initial healing period of several weeks. One drawback of such procedures is that the toe deformity frequently recurs, resulting in undesirable results.
[0004] An alternative approach is to feed pins through the bones of the toes (phalanges) and into the bones of the foot (metatarsals). This approach can be applied to several toes, but is rarely used on toes other than the middle three, is more invasive, requires additional protection during healing, and is more susceptible to pin breakage. Hammer toe and bunion surgery are additional approaches commonly performed on multiple toes in one surgical setting, with the goal of achieving long-term, multiplanar alignment of one toe to the other. These traditional approaches often result in insufficient alignment of the toes in both the short-term and long-term.
[0005] There is a need in the art for improved finger fixation methods, systems, and devices for maintaining proper finger alignment post-operatively. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Described herein are various embodiments of modular finger fixation devices that include devices having at least one elongated module, a cylindrical module, as well as other related devices, methods, and techniques.
[0007] In Example 1, a modular finger immobilization system includes at least one first finger immobilization module including a modular body and a clamp slidably coupled to a flange. The modular body includes a flange and a first cylinder having a first lumen defined therein. The system further includes a second finger immobilization module including a second cylinder having a second lumen defined therein.
[0008] Example 2 relates to a modular finger fixation system according to Example 1, in which the clamp is attachable to a second cylinder. Example 3 relates to a modular finger fixation system according to Example 1, wherein the flange has a channel defined therein and the clamp is slidable along the channel.
[0009] Example 4 relates to the modular finger fixation system according to Example 1, further comprising at least two fixation rods, a first of the at least two fixation rods being positionable within the first lumen and a second of the at least two fixation rods being positionable within the second lumen.
[0010] Example 5 relates to the modular finger fixation system of Example 4, wherein each of the at least two fixation rods includes a first length and a second length having an axis disposed at an angle ranging from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the axis of the first length, and the first length and the second length are attached at a joint.
[0011] Example 6 relates to a modular finger fixation system according to Example 5, wherein the first length is implantable into a finger bone of a patient. Example 7 relates to the modular finger fixation system of Example 1, further comprising a first coupling mechanism operably coupled to the first cylinder, a first attachment mechanism operably coupled to the clamp, and a second coupling mechanism operably coupled to the second cylinder.
[0012] In Example 8, the modular finger fixation system includes at least two intramedullary fixation rods, each of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods being implantable in a patient's elongated bone, and at least one first finger fixation module including a modular body and a clamp. The modular body includes a first cylinder having a flange and a first lumen defined therein, and a first rod of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods is positionable within the first lumen. The clamp is slidably coupled to the flange such that the clamp is slidable along a length of the flange, and the clamp includes a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm, and a clamp lumen defined by the first and second clamp arms. The system further includes a second finger fixation module including a second cylinder having a second lumen defined therein, wherein a second of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods is positionable within the second lumen.
[0013] Example 9 relates to the modular finger fixation system according to Example 8, wherein the first cylinder is adjustably positionable along a length of a first rod of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods and the second cylinder is adjustably positionable along a length of a second rod of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods.
[0014] Example 10 relates to a modular finger fixation system according to Example 9, wherein the first and second cylinders are adjustably positionable along the sagittal plane of the patient. Example 11 relates to a modular finger fixation system according to example 8, wherein the clamp is attachable to the second cylinder such that the distance between the first and second cylinders is adjustable along the transverse plane of the patient.
[0015] Example 12 relates to the modular finger fixation system according to example 11, wherein the second cylinder is positionable within the clamp lumen such that the clamp is attachable to the second cylinder.
[0016] Example 13 relates to the modular finger fixation system according to example 8, wherein the flange has a channel defined therein and the clamp is slidable along the channel. Example 14 relates to the modular finger fixation system of Example 8, wherein each of the at least two fixation rods includes a first length and a second length having an axis disposed at an angle ranging from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the axis of the first length, and the first length and the second length are attached at a joint.
[0017] Example 15 relates to the modular finger fixation system according to example 14, wherein the first length is implantable into a finger bone of a patient, the first cylinder is adjustably positionable along a second length of a first rod of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods, and the second cylinder is adjustably positionable along a second length of a second rod of the at least two intramedullary fixation rods.
[0018] Example 16 relates to the modular finger fixation system of Example 8, further comprising a first coupling mechanism operably coupled to the first cylinder, a first attachment mechanism operably coupled to the clamp, and a second coupling mechanism operably coupled to the second cylinder.
[0019] In Example 17, a method of fixation of at least two fingers includes implanting a first intramedullary fixation rod into a first finger bone, implanting a second intramedullary fixation rod into a second finger bone, and positioning a first finger fixation module over the first intramedullary fixation rod. The first finger fixation module includes a module body and a clamp. The module body includes a first cylinder having a flange and a first lumen defined therein. The clamp is slidably coupled to the flange such that the clamp is slidable along a length of the flange and includes a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm, and a clamp lumen defined by the first and second clamp arms, and positioning the first finger fixation module over the first intramedullary fixation includes positioning the first intramedullary fixation rod in the first lumen. The method further includes positioning a second finger fixation module over a second intramedullary fixation rod, the second finger fixation module including a second cylinder having a second lumen defined therein, and positioning the second finger fixation module over the second intramedullary fixation rod includes positioning the second intramedullary fixation rod within the second lumen and attaching the first finger fixation module to the second finger fixation module with a clamp.
[0020] Example 18 relates to the method according to example 17, in which attaching the first finger fixation module to the second finger fixation module with a clamp includes positioning a second cylinder within the clamp lumen.
[0021] Example 19 relates to the method of Example 17, further comprising adjusting a position of the first and second finger fixation modules along a sagittal plane of the patient by adjusting a position of the first and second finger fixation modules along a length of the first and second intramedullary fixation rods.
[0022] Example 20 relates to the method of example 17, further comprising adjusting a distance between the first and second cylinders along a cross-section of the patient by adjusting a position of the clamp along a length of the flange.
[0023] Certain additional examples include a finger fixation device comprising at least one elongated module and a cylindrical module. Both the elongated and cylindrical modules comprise a cylinder defining an internal lumen designed to receive a K-wire protruding from the finger. A set screw is used to affix the cylinder to the K-wire at a desired height and angle to ensure proper alignment. The elongated module further comprises a flange and a clamp. The flange is fixedly attached to the cylinder and slidably attached to the clamp. The clamp is designed to be slidable around the flange, allowing the distance between the modules to be altered. The clamp is also designed to mate with the cylinder of an adjacent module and is secured with a set screw.
[0024] While one embodiment is disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. The present invention will be considered capable of modification in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a modular toe fixation system attached to a patient's toe according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an extension module according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylindrical module according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of rods implanted in a patient's toes and an extension module positioned on one rod, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 4A with two additional modules disposed on two additional rods, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a close-up front perspective view of a modular finger fixation system attached to a patient's toe, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top view of the system of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is another front perspective view of FIG. 5A from a lower angle according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Various embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein relate to improved systems, devices, methods, and various components thereof for fixation of external multiplanar joints. Such systems, devices, and methods may be used or implemented for any digit of a patient's limb, including two or more fingers of a patient's hand and / or two or more toes of a patient's foot. More particularly, the implementations relate to modular fixation devices and related systems and methods designed to allow for multiplanar adjustment. Furthermore, certain embodiments relate specifically to a modular finger fixation system having at least two modules, including at least one elongated module and a cylindrical module. Each of the modules is attachable to a longitudinal intramedullary rod and to each other, such that the modules form an adjustable external device that is attached to two or more intramedullary rods embedded in the bones of the patient's fingers. That is, the rods are embedded in the bones, while the modules adjustably couple to the rods and to each other to form an external device or system at a location external to the patient's fingers, such that the system captures each intramedullary rod for each finger, thereby providing a stable and accurate fixation alignment of the fingers. In certain exemplary implementations, up to four elongate modules and one cylindrical module may be used such that up to five fingers can be secured relative to one another due to the multi-sectional adjustable nature of the finger to facilitate proper healing and alignment of the fingers following surgery.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a modular finger immobilization device (or system) 1 for use on a patient's right foot 2, according to one embodiment. In this exemplary implementation, the device 1 includes five finger immobilization modules 10, each attached to a different one of the patient's five fingers. Alternatively, the number of modules 10 used may be reduced depending on the number of fingers requiring alignment. In the particular embodiment shown, four of the modules 10 are more specifically elongated finger immobilization modules 12, while the other modules 10 are cylindrical finger immobilization modules 14.
[0028] As will be explained in more detail below, each module 10 is removably and adjustably connectable to a finger via a rod (such as rod 66 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) disposed within the finger bone and extending from its distal end. That is, each module 10 is adjustably positionable anywhere along the length of the portion of the rod (such as rod 66) that transverses the longitudinal axis of the toe bone (i.e., the portion of the rod disposed in the sagittal plane indicated by arrow A). As will be explained in more detail below, each module 10 is also adjustably connectable to an adjacent module 10 such that each module 10 may be adjustably attached thereto in a manner that allows for movement and adjustment of the module 10 in the transverse plane indicated by arrow B. Thus, the multi-planar adjustable nature of this system of connectable modules (as will be explained in more detail below) is achieved by the adjustable nature of the modules 10 to the rod 66 in the sagittal plane indicated by arrow A and the adjustable nature of the connection of the modules 10 to each other in the transverse plane indicated by arrow B.
[0029] Two separate modules 12, 14 that can be incorporated into various device 1 configurations herein are shown in Figures 2 and 3. More specifically, Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the extension finger fixation module 12 in further detail. As shown, this exemplary extension finger fixation module 12 has two components that are movably coupled to one another: a module body 20 and a slidable clamp 22 slidably coupled thereto. The extension module 12 is also referred to herein as the "first module" or "inner module" because it is typically disposed inside the cylindrical module 14 on the patient's foot, as described in more detail below.
[0030] The modular body 20 has a cylindrical component (further referred to herein as a "cylinder") 24 and a flange (further referred to as a "protrusion") 26 extending from the cylindrical component 24. It is understood that the cylinder 24 does not have a perfect cylindrical shape because the flange 26 extends therefrom. In one embodiment, the modular body 20 (including the cylinder 24 and the flange 26) 26 is one integral part. Alternatively, the cylinder 24 and the flange 26 may be separate parts that are fixedly connected together. The cylinder 24 has a lumen 28 defined therein such that a rod (such as the rod 66 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) can be positioned within the lumen 28, or more specifically, the modular body 20 can be positioned above / over the rod 66 via the lumen 28.
[0031] The module body 20 also has a coupling mechanism 30 associated with the illustrated cylinder 24. More specifically, in this particular embodiment, the coupling mechanism 30 is a set screw 30 positionable through a threaded opening (not shown) in the side of the cylinder 24. As described in more detail below, the coupling mechanism 30 can be used to removably or adjustably attach the module 12 to a rod (such as, for example, rod 66 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ).
[0032] Additionally, the module body 20 has a channel 32 defined in a side of the flange 26 as shown. Additionally, the module body 20 also has a matching channel (not shown) defined in an opposing side of the flange 26. The channel 32 (and opposing channels on opposing sides of the flange 26) is configured to receive the clamp 22 such that the clamp 22 slides along the channel 32. Thus, the clamp 22 can slide back and forth along an axis parallel to the length of the flange 26 and generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 24. Alternatively, the channel 32 (and opposing channels, not shown) can be any known feature or mechanism capable of receiving the clamp 22 such that the clamp 22 can slide relative to the module body 20 described herein.
[0033] The slidable clamp 22 may be any known slidable fastening component slidably connectable to the modular body 20. In this particular implementation, the slidable clamp 22 has a front clamp component 22A and a rear clamp component 22B that are operably connected to one another by an attachment mechanism 34. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the attachment mechanism 34 is a set screw 34. Alternatively, any known adjustable attachment mechanism 34 may be incorporated for use with the slidable clamp 22. The clamp 22 is slidably connected at a first end to a channel 32 on the flange 26, as described above. At a second end, the clamp 22 has a lumen 36 defined therein (or, more specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the two clamp halves or portions 22A, 22B define a lumen 36 therebetween). Additionally, the clamp 22 has a slot 38 defined along its second end such that the slot 38 is in fluid communication with the lumen 36. Lumen 36 is sized to receive a cylinder of an adjacent module (such as cylinder 24 of module 12) such that cylinder 24 can be inserted into lumen 36 via slot 38. Thus, clamp 22 is adjustable at a first end relative to flange 26 and at a second end relative to an adjacent module cylinder (such as cylinder 24) such that once properly positioned relative to both flange 26 and adjacent cylinder 24, clamp 22 can be secured with attachment mechanism 34 by biasing the two clamp components 22A, 22B together, as described in more detail below.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the cylindrical finger fixation module 14 in further detail, according to one embodiment. The cylindrical finger fixation module 14 is a generally cylindrical body (further referred to herein as a "cylinder") 50 having a lumen 52 defined therethrough. Similar to the extension module 12 described above, the lumen 28 is configured such that it can receive a rod (such as, for example, the rod 66 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). Additionally, the generally cylindrical body 50 also has a coupling mechanism 54 associated with the cylinder 50 as shown. In this particular embodiment, more specifically, the coupling mechanism 54 is a set screw 54 positionable through a threaded opening (not shown) in the side of the cylinder 50. As described in more detail below (and in a manner similar to module 12), the coupling mechanism 54 can be used to removably or adjustably attach the module 14 to a rod (such as, for example, the rod 66 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The cylindrical module 14 is also referred to herein as the "second module" or "lateral module" because it is typically positioned lateral to the extension module 14 on the patient's foot, as described in more detail below.
[0035] According to one embodiment, best shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each separate module (separate modules 60, 62, 64, etc.) is attached to a separate finger of a patient and linked together in use to create a fixation device, such as device 1 shown in Figure 1 or device 80 shown in Figures 5A-5D. More specifically, a rod (such as rod 66 shown in Figures 4A and 4B) is first implanted in each finger, and then a module (modules 60, 62, 64, etc.) is attached to each rod 66.
[0036] The rods 66 may be K-wires 66 or any other known rod-like or wire-like components for use in bone fixation devices. In this implementation, each rod 66 is implanted into a toe to internally fixate the bones and soft tissues of each target toe after any finger or metatarsal / carpal surgery. Such known surgery may include, but is not limited to, arthroplasty, arthrodesis, tenotomy, capsular resection, osteotomy, fracture or dislocation reduction, tendon repair or grafting, and the like. Upon implantation, the rod 66 protrudes from the tip of each such toe, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. As shown, the rod 66 has two portions 66A, 66B with a joint 66C therebetween, such that the longitudinal axis of the first portion (or "embedded portion") 66A of the rod 66 intersects the longitudinal axis of the second portion (or "module attachment portion") 66B of the rod 66 at an angle that is approximately 90 degrees. Thus, the first portion 66A is positioned within the patient's toe as described above such that the first portion 66A is positioned generally parallel and concentric with the longitudinal axis of the toe and positions the junction 66C just distal to the illustrated toe. The second portion 66B of each rod 66, according to one embodiment, extends from the junction 66C at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the first portion 66A (and thus relative to the toe) so that a toe fixation module (such as modules 60, 62, 64) can be coupled to the second portion 66B, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, the second portion 66B is positioned at an angle relative to the first portion 66A ranging from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, so long as the second portions 66B of each of the two or more rods 66 are positioned at approximately the same angle.
[0037] Once rod 66 is implanted and positioned as desired, the modules (modules 60, 62, 64, etc.) can then be coupled to rod 66. More specifically, cylinder 68 of module 60 is positioned over rod 66 implanted in the big toe such that rod 66 is positioned within a lumen (not shown) of cylinder 68. Similarly, modules 62 and 64 can also be positioned over their respective rods 66 as shown. Once all of the modules (including modules 60, 62, 64) are attached to rod 66 as desired and coupled to each other as described above, adjustment mechanisms (e.g., mechanisms 70, 72, etc. on module 60) can be used to adjust the position of the modules along both planes described herein and then fixedly (but removably) attach the modules as desired.
[0038] More specifically, with respect to module 60 (but equally applicable to module 62), module 60 can be positioned on rod 60 as desired. More specifically, module 60 can be moved along rod 60 (either "up" or "down" along rod 60 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1) until module 60 is positioned as desired. At that point, adjustment mechanism 70 can be utilized to fixedly attach module 60 to rod 60. Furthermore, once another module (not shown) is placed on rod 60 next to module 60, module 60 can be positioned as desired relative to the second module and then attached thereto. More specifically, the cylinder of the module (not shown) is positioned within lumen 74 of module 60, and clamp 76 is adjusted to set the distance between cylinder 68 of module 60 and the cylinder of the second module (thereby establishing the desired distance between the two toes) in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 1, as described above. Once the cylinder of the second module is located within lumen 74 as desired and clamp 76 is positioned as desired, adjustment mechanism 72 can be utilized to securely attach module 60 to a second module (not shown) and securely attach clamp 76 thereon, thereby securing module 60 as desired. This process is repeated with every module (including, for example, module 62) until all modules of the device are positioned and attached as desired. If any module requires adjustment, adjustment mechanism can be utilized to remove and reinstall such module as desired. Thus, the entire fixation device (such as, for example, device 1 or device 80) is adjustable after assembly. It will be appreciated that this multi-planar adjustable nature allows for multi-planar positioning of the fingers relative to one another, thereby ensuring that adjustment and subsequent fixation positions the fingers as desired.
[0039] According to one implementation, to assemble a modular finger fixation device (such as device 1 or device 80), the surgeon begins the procedure with the innermost toe and proceeds laterally. Thus, the process can begin with the big toe as shown in FIG. 4A, but this is not necessarily the case. In certain embodiments, it is common that there are fewer than five toes that require alignment, and the surgeon often aligns only the middle three toes. In such cases, instead of starting to assemble the modular finger fixation device (such as device 1 or 80) with the big toe, the process begins with the second toe, or any other toe except the fifth toe. According to an alternative implementation, the modular finger fixation device can be installed in the reverse direction (lateral to medial) such that the first module (the cylinder module) is installed on the fifth toe, and then additional modules with cylinders and flanges are successively installed on the fourth toe, third toe, and so on.
[0040] To assemble a particular modular finger fixation device (including, for example, device 1 or device 80) when operating medially to laterally, the surgeon places a first elongated (or medial) finger fixation module (such as module 60) on the medial-most toe. Additional elongated finger fixation modules (such as modules 62, 64) are then placed up to the lateral-most toe where a cylindrical finger fixation module (such as module 64) is placed. After a finger fixation module (60, 62, 64, etc.) has been placed on any toes requiring alignment, the finger fixation module is placed and secured in the desired position relative to rod 66 and the other finger fixation modules. After each finger fixation module is properly aligned and secured using the adjustment mechanisms as described in detail above, assembly of the modular finger fixation device (such as device 1 or 80) is complete.
[0041] After assembly of the modular finger fixation device (such as device 10 or 80), the device is positioned away from weight-bearing surfaces such that the device is less likely to interfere with the patient's mobility and prevents complications that may arise from using the device and weight-bearing surfaces attached to the patient's toes. Additionally, the adjustment mechanism faces outward and is accessible to the surgeon during recovery. Because the adjustment mechanism is accessible post-operatively, the surgeon may change the alignment over time as needed.
[0042] As noted above, for simplicity, the device embodiments shown herein are intended for use on the right foot. However, it will be understood that a substantially similar device is contemplated for use on the left foot. Additionally, embodiments may exist for use on digits or bones of other limbs.
[0043] 5A-5D show alternative views of another embodiment of a modular finger immobilization device 80 for use on a right foot. More specifically, FIG. 5A shows a front view of the modular finger immobilization device 80, and FIG. 5B shows the device 80 from above. FIG. 5B more clearly shows how the finger immobilization modules 82 are attached to the rods 84. That is, FIG. 5B shows the rods 84 disposed within the lumens (not shown) of each finger immobilization module 82. Additionally, FIG. 5B shows the clamps 86 of the module 82, more specifically the arrangement of the front clamp component 86A and the rear clamp component 86B on the module 82. The adjustment mechanism 90 extends between the front clamp 86A and the rear clamp 86B such that the two components of the clamp 86 are operably coupled. The clamp 86 is also disposed around the flange 88 such that the front clamp 86A and the rear clamp 86B slide as a pair along the flange 88 to move in unison.
[0044] 5B also illustrates different orientations in which finger fixation module 82 may be arranged, according to one implementation. For example, FIG. 5B shows clamp 86 secured at different angles at which a cylinder of module 82 may be secured to rod 84 at various distances along flange 88. The various angles and distances at which finger fixation module 82 is secured can ensure proper alignment of the post-operative finger.
[0045] FIG. 5C shows a rear view of the toe fixation device 80. This view best illustrates the interaction with the rear clamp 86B of the adjustment mechanism 90. FIG. 5C also illustrates the different lengths at which the rod 84 junctions can be positioned relative to the distal end of the toes. According to certain embodiments, the rod 84 junctions are positioned some distance from the tip of the toe such that neither the rod 84 nor the module 82 contact the skin at the tip of the toe. Additionally, to account for the different lengths of toes on a patient's foot, the junction of any given rod 84 for any given toe can be positioned some distance from the front of the toe, if necessary, to ensure proper alignment of the toe fixation module 82. More specifically, for a toe that is approximately shorter than an adjacent toe, the junction of the rod 84 of that short toe is positioned a greater distance from the tip of that toe relative to the junction of the rod 84 of the adjacent, longer toe, to ensure that the modules 82 of each toe can be coupled together without too great an angle between them.
[0046] 5D further illustrates the modular finger immobilization device 80 from a slightly lower front perspective. FIG. 5D illustrates how the finger immobilization modules 80 can be arranged relative to one another at different heights on the rods 84. That is, each of the rods 84 can extend outward from the tip of its respective toe at a different height and / or location compared to any other rod 84, such that each rod 84 can have a different height compared to adjacent rods 84. Given this anticipated variation and the requirement that the modules 82 be connected to one another at approximately similar heights, it is understood that each module 82 can potentially be attached to the rods 84 at a different height compared to the height at which adjacent modules 82 are attached to adjacent rods 84.
[0047] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. 1. A modular finger fixation system, comprising: (a) at least first and second fixation rods, the first fixation rod being implantable in a first finger bone of a patient and the second fixation rod being implantable in a second finger bone of the patient; (b) at least one first finger immobilization module, (i) a first modular body, (A) a first cylinder having a first lumen defined therein, the first lumen sized to receive the first fixation rod; (B) a module body including a first flange attached to the first cylinder and extending axially from the first cylinder; (ii) at least one first finger immobilization module, the first finger immobilization module comprising: a first clamp slidably coupled to the first flange; (c) a second finger fixation module comprising a second cylinder having a second lumen defined therein, the second lumen sized to receive the second fixation rod.
2. 2. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, wherein the first clamp comprises a clamp lumen defined therein, the clamp lumen sized to receive the second cylinder.
3. 2. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, wherein the first flange includes a first channel defined therein, the first clamp being slidable along the channel.
4. 10. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, wherein the first fixation rod, when implanted, is disposed axially within the bone of the first finger.
5. Each of the at least first and second fixation rods comprises: (a) a first length; (b) a second length having an axis disposed at an angle ranging from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the axis of the first length; 10. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, wherein the first length and the second length are attached at a joint.
6. 6. The modular finger fixation system of claim 5, wherein the first length of the first fixation rod is implantable into the bone of the first finger and the first length of the second fixation rod is implantable into the bone of the second finger.
7. (a) a first coupling mechanism operably coupled to the first cylinder; (b) a first attachment mechanism operably connecting to the first clamp; and 10. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, further comprising: (c) a second coupling mechanism operably coupled to the second cylinder.
8. the first flange comprising a first channel defined in a first side of the first flange and a second channel defined in a second side of the first flange; The first clamp includes: (a) a first clamp arm slidably disposed within the first channel; (b) a second clamp arm slidably disposed within the second channel; and (c) a clamp lumen defined between the first and second clamp arms, the clamp lumen sized to receive the second cylinder; and and (d) a first attachment mechanism operably coupling to the first and second clamp arms, the first attachment mechanism being adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the first and second clamp arms are releasably secured in a predetermined position relative to the first flange and the second cylinder is releasably secured in a predetermined position within the clamp lumen.
9. In order for the modular finger fixation system to have a multi-planar adjustable nature, the second cylinder is adjustably positionable and releasably lockable within a clamp lumen defined within the first clamp such that the first and second finger immobilization modules are adjustably positionable along a sagittal plane of the patient; 2. The modular finger fixation system of claim 1, wherein the first clamp is slidable along a length of the first flange such that the first and second finger fixation modules are adjustably positionable along a transverse plane of the patient when the second cylinder is releasably locked within the clamp lumen.
10. 1. A modular finger fixation system, comprising: (a) a first intramedullary fixation rod implantable in a first finger bone of a patient, and a second intramedullary fixation rod implantable in a second finger bone of the patient; (b) at least one first finger immobilization module, (i) a modular body, (A) a flange; (B) a first cylinder having a first lumen defined therein, the first cylinder being adjustably positionable along a length of the first intramedullary fixation rod; (ii) a clamp slidably coupled to the flange such that the clamp is slidable along a length of the flange and is attachable to a first cylinder of another first finger immobilization module; (A) a first clamp arm; (B) a second clamp arm; (C) at least one first finger fixation module comprising: a clamp comprising a clamp lumen defined by the first and second clamp arms; and (c) a second finger fixation module comprising a second cylinder having a second lumen defined therein.
11. The modular finger fixation system of claim 10, wherein the second cylinder is adjustably positionable along the length of the second intramedullary fixation rod.
12. 12. The modular finger fixation system of claim 11, wherein the first and second cylinders are adjustably positionable along the patient's sagittal plane.
13. 11. The modular finger fixation system of claim 10, wherein the clamp is attachable to the second cylinder such that the distance between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is adjustable along a transverse plane of the patient.
14. The modular finger fixation system of claim 10 , wherein the flange includes a channel defined therein, the clamp being slidable along the channel.
15. Each of the first and second intramedullary fixation rods comprises: (a) a first length; (b) a second length having an axis disposed at an angle ranging from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the axis of the first length.
11. The modular finger fixation system of claim 10, wherein the first length and the second length are attached at a joint.
16. 16. The modular finger fixation system of claim 15, wherein the first length is implantable into a finger bone of the patient, the first cylinder is adjustably positionable along the second length of the first intramedullary fixation rod, and the second cylinder is adjustably positionable along the second length of the second intramedullary fixation rod.
17. The modular finger fixation system of claim 10, wherein the first intramedullary fixation rod is positionable within the first lumen and the second intramedullary fixation rod is positionable within the second lumen.