Removing tool for guide block

Abstract

To provide a removing tool for a guide block that can be easily inserted to a part between a guide block and a radius fixation plate from a region incised at the time of arrangement of the guide block, and that enables detachment work of the guide block from the radius fixation plate to be easily and reliably performed.SOLUTION: A removing tool 31A, 31B for a guide block removes a guide block 5 held in a radius fixation plate 2 from the radius fixation plate. The removing tool 31A, 31B for the guide block includes: a connection member 33 connected to a connection part 32 of the guide block to be connected with the guide block; and an extrusion member 34 that presses and contacts a guide block facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate downward from an upper side of the guide block while being connected to the guide block by the connection member, and increases a gap between the guide block facing surface and the guide block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide block removal tool used to remove a guide block for a radius fixation plate from the radius fixation plate. The guide block is placed on and held on the radius fixation plate to guide a fixation screw that is rotated to fix the radius fixation plate to the radius. [Background technology]

[0002] When the radius is fractured, instead of using a splint (i.e., a splint) or a plaster or FRP cast to fix the fractured portion of the radius, a radius fixation plate is known, which involves partially incising the arm near the fracture and spanning the fractured portion to fix the radius.

[0003] When the radius fixation plate is fixed to the radius, a plurality of fixation screws are fastened to the radius.

[0004] Conventionally, a thin metal plate such as titanium or its alloy, which is strong, lightweight, and highly biosafe, has been used as a radius fixation plate.

[0005] However, metal plates do not allow X-rays to pass through, making it difficult to determine the condition of the fractured area covered by the radius fixation plate.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, thin resin radial fixation plates have been developed instead of metal plates.

[0007] When fixing such a resin radius fixation plate to the radius with fixation screws, the thinness of the radius fixation plate means that the fixation screws cannot be inserted in the specified direction (for example, perpendicular to the plate surface) into each female screw provided in the radius fixation plate, which may lead to damage to the female screws. Furthermore, because the insertion direction of the fixation screws into the radius fixation plate is designed in advance to match the shape of the radius, inserting the fixation screws in any other direction may interfere with the function of the radius fixation plate even if the female screw is not damaged.

[0008] In order to prevent such damage to the female screw and to enable the plate to function as a radius fixation plate, a guide block has been placed on the distal region of the radius fixation plate, and the guide block guides the fixation screw so that it can be inserted in a specified direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,523,919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] When the guide block is placed on the distal region of the radius fixation plate, the guide block is fastened to the radius fixation plate with a male screw to prevent misalignment.

[0011] However, with such a configuration, after the radius fixation plate has been fixed to the radius, removing the guide block from the radius fixation plate requires loosening the male screw, making the removal process cumbersome. Also, because the radial fixation plate is fixed by the male screw, the radial fixation plate requires a special female thread portion specifically for the male screw, which reduces the strength of the radius fixation plate.

[0012] Therefore, instead of male screws, it is possible to arrange multiple retaining claws on the outer peripheral edge of the guide block, and use the retaining claws to removably hold the guide block to the radius fixation plate, while releasing the retention of the retaining claws to remove the guide block from the radius fixation plate.

[0013] In this case, when removing the guide block from the radius fixation plate after holding the guide block to the radius fixation plate, it is necessary to insert a tool such as a raspatium between the guide block and the radius fixation plate from the side of the guide block to detach the guide block from the radius fixation plate.

[0014] However, the Raspatrium and the like must be inserted between the guide block and the radial fixation plate from the lateral side of the guide block, which poses a problem when minimizing the incision area of ​​the arm.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a guide block removal tool that can be easily inserted between the guide block and the radius fixation plate from above and below the guide block, rather than from the side of the guide block; in other words, from the area that has been incised at the time of placement of the guide block, thereby enabling the operation of removing the guide block from the radius fixation plate to be performed simply and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guide block removal tool for removing a guide block held by a radius fixation plate from the radius fixation plate, the tool comprising: a coupling member coupled to the coupling portion of the guide block to couple with the guide block; A guide block removal tool is provided, which includes an extrusion member that presses downward from above the guide block against the guide block opposing surface of the radius fixation plate while the guide block is connected to the guide block by the connecting member, thereby widening the gap between the guide block opposing surface and the guide block. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the above aspect of the present invention, with the release tool coupled to the guide block by the coupling member, the extrusion member can be pressed against the guide block-facing surface of the radius fixation plate from above and below the guide block, rather than from the side of the guide block—in other words, from the area that was incised when the guide block was placed—to easily and reliably widen the gap between the guide block and the guide block. As a result, the guide block can be removed from the radius fixation plate simply and reliably, and no special configuration is required for the radius fixation plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a partially see-through perspective view showing a state in which a radius fixation plate is fixed to a radius with a fixation screw while using a guide block for a radius fixation plate, and then the guide block for a radius fixation plate is detached from the radius fixation plate using a guide block detachment tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Plan view of the guide block placed on the radial fixation plate [Figure 2B] Bottom view of the guide block of Figure 2A [Figure 3A] 2B is a perspective view of the guide block of FIG. 2A placed and held on a resin radius fixation plate on the radius, viewed from diagonally above near the connecting portion. [Figure 3B] 2B is a perspective view of the guide block of FIG. 2A placed and held on a resin radius fixation plate on the radius, viewed from diagonally below near the connecting portion. [Figure 4] 2B is an explanatory diagram of two locking protrusions of the guide block of FIG. 2A; [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guide block removal tool according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5B] Right side view of the release tool of FIG. 5A [Figure 5C] Cross section of line CC in Figure 5B [Figure 5D]An enlarged front view of the tip of the removal tool of FIG. 5A [Figure 6A] 5A is a diagram illustrating the use of the release tool; [Figure 6B] 5A is a diagram illustrating the use of the release tool; [Figure 6C] 5A is a diagram illustrating the use of the release tool; [Figure 6D] 5A is a diagram illustrating the use of the release tool; [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guide block removal tool according to a second embodiment; [Figure 7B] Right side view of the release tool of FIG. 7A [Figure 7C] Cross section of line CC in Figure 7B [Figure 7D] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the removal tool according to the modified example of the second embodiment of FIG. 7A, taken along line CC of FIG. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7D is a partially transparent explanatory view of a release tool according to a modified example of the second embodiment; [Figure 7F] 7A and 7D are enlarged front views of the tip of the removal tool; [Figure 8A] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8B] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8C] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8D] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8E] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8F] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; [Figure 8G] 7A and 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the use of the removal tool; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Before continuing with the description of the present invention, it is to be noted that like parts are designated by like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] A guide block removal tool 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tool for removing a guide block 5 held by a radius fixation plate 2 from the radius fixation plate 2. Before describing this guide block removal tool 31, the radius fixation plate 2 and the guide block 5 will first be described.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the radius fixation plate guide block 5 is a member that guides the fixation screw 4 when the radius fixation plate 2 is fixed to the radius 3 with the fixation screw 4.

[0022] First, the radius fixation plate 2 and the fixation screw 4 will be described, and then the guide block 5 will be described.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the radius fixation plate 2 is fixed to the radius 3 across the fractured portion 3a of the radius 3. At this time, a guide block 5 is placed on the radius fixation plate 2 to facilitate the screw tightening operation of rotating the fixation screws 4 using a radius fixation plate fixation screw tool (not shown). After being placed in this manner, the guide block 5 is placed on the radius 3, and the fixation screws 4 are tightened while being guided, for example, in cooperation with pilot holes pre-formed in the radius 3, so that they can be inserted in a specified direction. After the radius fixation plate 2 is fixed to the radius 3, the guide block 5 is removed from the radius fixation plate 2 using a guide block removal tool 31 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 1, the fractured portion 3a of the radius 3 is divided into a radius body 3b and a fractured fragment 3c, with the fractured portion 3a as the boundary. In some cases, the radius body 3b and the fractured fragment 3c are completely separated, and in other cases, they are only partially connected.

[0025] The radius fixation plate 2 is placed on the radius 3 so that the fractured fragment 3c is fixed in a state where it is normally connected to the radius body 3b.

[0026] The radius fixation plate 2 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, such as a thermoplastic resin or a composite material thereof. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and polyetherimide.

[0027] As an example, the radius fixation plate 2 has a T-shaped plate member made up of a wide distal region 2a and a proximal region 2b extending from the distal region 2a. Here, in this specification, the "proximal region" refers to a region of the radius fixation plate 2 that is closer to the heart, and the "distal region" refers to a region of the radius fixation plate 2 that is farther from the heart than the proximal region.

[0028] The distal region 2a is fixed to the fracture fragment 3c with multiple fixation screws 4, and the proximal region 2b is fixed to the radius body 3b with multiple fixation screws 4 so that the radius fixation plate 2 straddles the fractured portion 3a and the fracture fragment 3c is normally connected to the radius body 3b.

[0029] The distal region 2a and the proximal region 2b each have a large number of circular screw insertion holes 2d formed therein, the axial direction of which extends in the thickness direction of the radius fixation plate 2 or in a direction inclined relative to the thickness direction. As necessary, fixation screws 4 are inserted into the screw insertion holes 2d and screwed into both a portion of the screw insertion holes 2d of the radius fixation plate 2 and the radius 3, thereby fixing the radius fixation plate 2 to the radius 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the fixation screw 4 inserted into the screw insertion hole 2d is made of hard metal and is composed of a head 4c and a shaft 4a having a male thread connected to the head 4c and screwed into the radius 3.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2A to 3B, the guide block 5 is placed on and held by the radius fixation plate 2, and then placed on the radius 3. Thereafter, when the fixation screw 4 is rotated with a radius fixation plate fixation screw tool to perform the screw tightening operation, the guide block 5 guides the fixation screw 4, making it easier to perform the screw tightening operation.

[0032] The guide block 5 can be made of synthetic resin.

[0033] 2A to 3B, the outer shape of the guide block 5 is, for example, the same as that of the radius fixation plate 2, so that it can cover the entire radius fixation plate 2 and be easily stacked. The back surface of the guide block 5 (the surface that comes into contact with the radius fixation plate 2) has, for example, a shape that corresponds to the front surface of the radius fixation plate 2 (i.e., the surface opposite to the surface that comes into contact with the radius 3 and that comes into contact with the guide block 5).

[0034] The guide block 5 for a radius fixation plate includes at least a distal portion 5x and a proximal portion 5y.

[0035] The distal portion 5x has a wide shape that allows it to be placed on the distal region 2a of the radius fixation plate 2, and has a plurality of screw guide holes 5d for fixation screws 4 that communicate with the screw insertion holes 2d of the radius fixation plate 2. The distal portion 5x is formed so that when placed on the distal region 2a of the radius fixation plate 2, it completely covers, almost covers, or partially covers the distal region 2a of the radius fixation plate 2.

[0036] The proximal portion 5y has an elongated shape that can be placed on the proximal region 2b of the radius fixation plate 2, and has a plurality of screw guide holes 5d for fixation screws 4 that communicate with the screw insertion holes 2d of the radius fixation plate 2. The proximal portion 5y is formed so as to completely cover, almost cover, or partially cover the proximal region 2b of the radius fixation plate 2 when placed on the proximal region 2b of the radius fixation plate 2.

[0037] Here, in this specification, the "proximal portion" refers to the portion of the guide block 5 that is closer to the heart, similar to the radial fixation plate 2, and the "distal portion" refers to the portion of the guide block 5 that is farther from the heart than the proximal portion.

[0038] For example, the thickness of the guide block 5 is made thicker than the thickness of the radius fixation plate 2 to facilitate guiding of the fixation screws 4. In such a case, for example, the thickness of the radius fixation plate 2 is 2.4 mm, and the thickness of the guide block 5 is about three times that, or 6 mm. However, as another example, the thickness of the guide block 5 may be the same as or approximately the same as the thickness of the radius fixation plate 2. Even in such a case, the fixation screws 4 can be guided by the thickness of the guide block 5, compared to when only the radius fixation plate 2 is used.

[0039] The distal portion 5a and the proximal portion 5b are each formed with a number of circular screw guide holes 5d extending axially in the thickness direction of the guide block 5 or in a direction inclined relative to the thickness direction, in other words, in the thickness direction of the radius fixation plate 2 or in a direction inclined relative to the thickness direction. Each screw guide hole 5d is formed and arranged to correspond to each screw insertion hole 2d. Therefore, a plurality of adjacent screw guide holes 5d can be formed and arranged in directions that obliquely intersect with each other in the distal portion 5a, the proximal portion 5b, or both the distal portion 5a and the proximal portion 5b.

[0040] The function of each screw guide hole 5d is to guide the fixation screw 4 inserted into the screw insertion hole 2d in the axial direction when tightening the screw, and to regulate the depth of the fixation screw 4, as well as to function as a base for other surgical tools.

[0041] In addition to the above function for the fixing screw 4, the guide block 5 itself can also function as a base for inserting various other instruments used during surgery.

[0042] When the radius fixation plate 2 is placed on the radius 3, the radius fixation plate 2 also flexes along the radius 3. At this time, the proximal region 2b of the radius fixation plate 2 flexes relatively to the distal region 2a. The distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y are arranged to be relatively movable, i.e., relatively flexible, so that the guide block 5 also flexes in response to such flexure of the radius fixation plate 2. An example of such an arrangement is one in which the distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y are connected and integrally formed by a connecting portion 20 such as some kind of means or member.

[0043] As an example of the connecting portion 20, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B, the distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y may be connected by a thin flexible portion 21 to allow relative movement. In this case, a groove 22 having a width equal to or greater than half the thickness of the guide block 5 may be formed from the front surface side (i.e., the surface opposite the radius contact surface) of the guide block 5 between the distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y and from end to end in the width direction, and the thin flexible portion 21 may be formed on the back surface side as the remaining portion. The thickness of the thin flexible portion 21 may be, for example, one-third the thickness of the guide block 5. This flexible portion 21 allows the distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y to bend relatively and to follow the bending of the radius fixation plate 2. The width dimension of the thin flexible portion 21 may be, for example, approximately the same as the width dimension of the proximal portion 5y.

[0044] 2B to 3B, the outer peripheral edge of the back surface of the guide block 5 (i.e., the surface facing the radius fixation plate) has at least three retaining claws 5c that can be engaged and held on the outer peripheral edge of the radius fixation plate 2. That is, one retaining claw 5c is arranged on the longitudinal edge of the proximal portion 5y, which is the right end in FIG. 2B, and two retaining claws 5c are arranged on the longitudinal edge of the distal portion 5x, which is the left end in FIG. 2B, on both edges in the width direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction. By arranging the retaining claws 5c in these three locations, a well-balanced and reliable holding can be achieved.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, each of the retaining claws 5c has a locking projection 5t that projects in a J-shape or an inverted J-shape in the thickness direction T of the guide block 5. The locking projection 5t projects so as to be securely locked to the boundary portion between the side surface 2q of the radius fixation plate 2 that is curved outwardly convexly in the lateral direction intersecting with the thickness direction T and the bottom surface 2r that contacts or faces the radius 3. However, the locking projection 5t does not come into contact with the bottom surface 2r that contacts the radius 3 so as not to interfere with the proper positioning of the radius fixation plate 2 and the radius 3.

[0046] Auxiliary holding claws 5r are arranged on the remaining edges of the guide block 5, except for the connecting portion 20 between the distal portion 5x and the proximal portion 5y. The connecting portion 20 is omitted to ensure flexibility at the connecting portion 20. It is preferable that the auxiliary holding claws 5r also have locking protrusions 5t, similar to the holding claws 5c. For example, the auxiliary holding claws 5r may be arranged on the proximal portion 5y so as to face opposing longitudinal edges of the proximal portion 5y, as shown in FIG. 2B, to ensure more secure holding at the proximal portion 5y. For example, the auxiliary holding claws 5r may be arranged on the distal portion 5x so as to face opposing longitudinal edges of the distal portion 5x, as shown in FIG. 2B, to ensure more secure holding at the distal portion 5x.

[0047] If the arrangement of the retaining claws 5c at the edge of the guide block 5, or the arrangement of the retaining claws 5c and auxiliary retaining claws 5r, is symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis of the guide block 5 when viewed from the back side as shown in Figure 2B, a balanced holding force can be exerted on the radius fixation plate 2.

[0048] In this way, when the means for holding the guide block 5 to the radius fixation plate 2 is to insert a screw from the guide block 5 side and screw it into the female thread of the radius fixation plate 2, if the screw tightening operation for holding the plate must be redone or if the screw tightening operation itself fails, the female thread of the resin radius fixation plate 2 will be damaged and the radius fixation plate 2 will have to be removed from the radius 3 and discarded, which is cumbersome and involves problems such as a prolonged surgical time. In contrast, if the holding claws 5c or the holding claws 5c and the auxiliary holding claws 5r are used, the holding force of the claws can be released and the operation can be redone any number of times without damaging the resin radius fixation plate 2.

[0049] 2A to 3B, a removal groove 5q, formed by, for example, a rectangular notch, is formed at one edge of the proximal portion 5y. The removal groove 5q is formed so as to expose the boundary between the radius fixation plate 2 and the guide block 5. Therefore, by inserting a raspatilla or a spatula, for example, into this removal groove 5q from the side of the guide block 5 and inserting it into the boundary between the radius fixation plate 2 and the guide block 5 and twisting it to separate the radius fixation plate 2 and the guide block 5, the holding force of the retaining claws 5c and auxiliary holding claws 5r near the removal groove 5q can be released. Then, by inserting a raspatilla or a spatula laterally into the remaining boundaries between the radius fixation plate 2 and the guide block 5 or by manually removing the guide block 5 from the radius fixation plate 2, the holding force of the remaining retaining claws 5c and auxiliary holding claws 5r can be released, and the guide block 5 can be detached and removed from the radius fixation plate 2. However, as mentioned above, this method requires that a raspatium or the like be inserted between the guide block 5 and the radius fixation plate 2 from the side of the guide block 5, which means that it cannot be used when minimizing the incision area of ​​the arm.

[0050] Therefore, the guide block removal tool 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention described below was invented so that the removal work of the guide block 5 can be easily and reliably performed by inserting it between the guide block 5 and the radius fixation plate 2 from above the guide block 5 downward, rather than from the side of the guide block 5, in other words, from the area that has been incised at the time of placement of the guide block 5.

[0051] The following describes the guide block removal tool 31. Here, as the guide block removal tool 31, the guide block removal tools 31A and 31B according to the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the guide block removal tool 31A according to the first embodiment is configured as a single removal member that includes at least a rod-shaped connecting member 33 and a rod-shaped pushing member .

[0053] The connecting member 33 is connected to the connecting portion 32 of the guide block 5 to connect the guide block 5 and the release tool 31A.

[0054] As an example, the coupling portion 32 can be configured as a female thread portion 5j formed in at least one through-hole 5i for a removal tool formed in the distal portion 5x or the proximal portion 5y of the guide block 5. As a specific example, in FIG. 2A , the through-holes 5i are formed near the grooves 22 in the distal portion 5x and the grooves 22 in the proximal portion 5y, with their axial directions intersecting (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the surface of the radius fixation plate 2, i.e., the guide-block-facing surface 2i. The through-hole 5i in the proximal portion 5y is preferably located away from the removal groove 5q described below, so that the removal locations are spaced apart. The surface of the radius fixation plate 2 facing the distal opening of the through-hole 5i, i.e., the guide-block-facing surface 2i, is configured as a surface rather than a hole, and this surface can be pressed by a pusher member 34 described below.

[0055] As an example, the coupling member 33 is configured with a male thread portion 33a that is screwed into the female thread portion 5j. The coupling member 33 is fixed to the tip of a rod-shaped tool main body 36. The tool main body 36 is configured to be rotatable while being grasped by hand.

[0056] As an example, the extrusion member 34 is configured with a cylindrical extrusion portion 34a fixed to the tip of the connecting member 33 along the axial direction of the tool body 36 and is capable of passing through the through-hole 5i. The male thread portion 33a of the connecting member 33 is threaded downward from the top of the guide block 5, for example, two to three threads, into the female thread portion 5j of the through-hole 5i of the guide block 5, thereby connecting the connecting member 33 to the guide block 5. When the male thread portion 33a is further threaded into the female thread portion 5j, the extrusion portion 34a penetrates and protrudes from the through-hole 5i. As a result, the tip surface of the extrusion portion 34a presses against the guide-block-facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2, widening the gap between the guide-block-facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5. When the male thread portion 33a is further threaded into the female thread portion 5j, the gap between the guide-block-facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5 is further widened.

[0057] Here, the diameter of the cylindrical body of the extrusion portion 34a is smaller than the diameter of the male thread portion 33a, so that it can freely pass through the through-hole 5i. The tip surface of the extrusion portion 34a is flat so that it can be in pressure contact with the guide block opposing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2, but is not limited to this, and may be a curved convex surface or a hemispherical convex surface.

[0058] With the removal tool 31A having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 6A, the tip of the extrusion portion 34a of the removal tool 31A is inserted downward from above the guide block 5, in other words, from the area that was cut out when the guide block 5 was placed, into the through-hole 5i of the guide block 5, and the entire removal tool 31A is rotated so that the male screw portion 33a is threadedly engaged with the female screw portion 5j of the guide block 5.

[0059] Thereafter, the removal tool 31A is further rotated, for example, two or three times, until the tip of the pushing portion 34a reaches the tip of the through-hole 5i and comes into contact with the guide block opposing surface 2i, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0060] 6C and 6D, the tip of the pushing portion 34a protrudes from the tip of the through-hole 5i and presses against the guide block facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2, widening the gap between the guide block facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5, thereby starting to release the holding by the holding claws 5c or the auxiliary holding claws 5r. In this way, the point of pressure for the removal operation, i.e., the point of action, is located between the guide block facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5, making removal easier.

[0061] As a result, the point pressed by the removal tool 31A becomes the starting point for the guide block 5 to begin to separate from the radius fixation plate 2. After performing this operation on the distal portion 5x, for example, the remaining portion can be released by inserting a raspatior or spatula laterally into the boundary between the radius fixation plate 2 and the distal portion 5x of the guide block 5 and twisting it to separate the radius fixation plate 2 and the distal portion 5x of the guide block 5. The holding force of the retaining claws 5c and auxiliary retaining claws 5r near the removal groove 5q can then be released. The proximal portion 5y may then be removed using a raspatior or spatula without using the removal tool 31A. Alternatively, the proximal portion 5y may also be removed smoothly and reliably by using the removal tool 31A for the proximal portion 5y as well, similar to the distal portion 5x. While the above description describes the case where the distal portion 5x is first removed, the proximal portion 5y may also be first removed.

[0062] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the removal tool 31A is configured as a single rod-shaped removal member having a protruding portion 34a at its tip that freely passes through the through-hole 5i, and a female thread portion 5j and a male thread portion 33a formed on the outer surface near the tip that can be threadedly engaged with the guide block 5, for example, with at least two to three threads. With this configuration, when the removal tool 31A is coupled to the guide block 5 with the male thread portion 33a, the protruding portion 34a presses against the guide block-facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2 downward from above the guide block 5, rather than from the lateral direction of the guide block 5—in other words, from the area that was incised when the guide block 5 was placed—to widen the gap between the guide block-facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5. As a result, the removal of the guide block 5 from the radius fixation plate 2 can be performed easily and reliably, and no special configuration is required for the radius fixation plate 2.

[0063] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 7A to 7F, the guide block removal tool 31B according to the second embodiment is not a single component, but is composed of two components, including at least a cylindrical connecting member 33 and a linear pushing member 34.

[0064] The connecting member 33 is connected to the connecting portion 32 of the guide block 5 to connect the guide block 5 and the release tool 31B.

[0065] As an example, the connecting portion 32 can be configured, as in the first embodiment, by a female screw portion 5j formed in a through hole 5i for a removal tool, which is formed in at least one location in the distal portion 5x or the proximal portion 5y of the guide block 5.

[0066] As an example, the coupling member 33 is a cylindrical member 33b having a through hole 33d. A male threaded portion 33c, which screws into the female threaded portion 5j, is formed on the outer surface of the small-diameter tip of the cylindrical member 33b. As an example, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 7F, the male threaded portion 33c is formed in a rearward region of the small-diameter tip of the cylindrical member 33b, while the tip-end region is left without a male threaded portion and is a small-diameter cylindrical portion smaller in diameter than the male threaded portion 33c, serving as a guide portion 33f for the through hole 5i of the guide block 5. The guide portion 33f allows the cylindrical member 33b to be smoothly inserted into the through hole 5i. However, this is not limited to this, and the male threaded portion 33c may be formed in the entire region of the tip. The cylindrical member 33b is configured to be grippable and rotatable by hand.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7C, the cylindrical member 33b has a small-diameter cylindrical portion with through-hole 33d at the tip end and near the tip end, a large-diameter and thin cylindrical portion at the central portion, and a large-diameter and thin cylindrical portion at the rear end with sliding hole 33e (described below), thereby achieving weight reduction. However, the cylindrical member 33b is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 7D and 7E, the tip end and near the tip end may have the same configuration, the central portion may be a large-diameter and thick cylindrical portion, and only the rear end may be a large-diameter and thin cylindrical portion with sliding hole 33e.

[0068] As an example, the pusher member 34 is configured with a linear pusher portion 34b that is movable in a through-hole 33d in the tubular member 33b. A cylindrical pressing portion 34e is fixed to the rear end of the pusher portion 34b, and the pressing portion 34e is fitted so as to be slidable in the axial direction within a sliding hole 33e at the rear end of the tubular member 33b. When the pressing portion 34e is manually pressed axially toward the distal end of the tubular member 33b within the sliding hole 33e, the distal end of the pusher portion 34b penetrates the through-hole 33d of the tubular member 33b and protrudes from the male thread portion 33c at the distal end, and presses against the guide block-facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2, widening the gap between the guide block-facing surface 2i and the guide block 5. On the other hand, when the pressing portion 34e is manually pulled toward the rear end in the axial direction within the sliding hole 33e relative to the tubular member 33b, the tip of the pushing portion 34b is pulled into the male thread portion 33c at the tip of the tubular member 33b. The tip surface of the pushing portion 34b is flat so that it can be in pressing contact with the guide block opposing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2, but is not limited to this and may be a curved convex surface or a hemispherical convex surface.

[0069] To prevent the pressing portion 34e from accidentally jumping out of the sliding hole 33e, the pressing portion 34e has the following configuration, for example: A ball plunger 37 that presses a ball outward with a spring is disposed in the pressing portion 34e in a direction perpendicular to the axis. This generates a certain frictional force between the pressing portion 34e and the inner circumferential surface of the sliding hole 33e, and a certain resistance force acts between the pressing portion 34e and the inner circumferential surface of the sliding hole 33e.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the release tool 31B having the above-described configuration, the release tool 31B is inserted downward from above the guide block 5, in other words, from the area that was cut out when the guide block 5 was placed, into the through-hole 5i of the guide block 5 from the male screw portion 33c at the tip of the tubular member 33b or from the extrusion portion 34b that protrudes slightly from the male screw portion 33c, and the tubular member 33b is rotated to threadably engage the male screw portion 33c with the female screw portion 5j of the guide block 5.

[0071] Thereafter, as the cylindrical member 33b continues to rotate, the male threaded portion 33c threadably engages with the female threaded portion 5j, preventing further rotation, as shown in Fig. 8C. Thereafter, as shown in Figs. 8D and 8E, the pressing portion 34e is pushed toward the axial tip end of the cylindrical member 33b within the sliding hole 33e, thereby pushing the extruding portion 34b out of the through hole 33d of the cylindrical member 33b and bringing the tip end of the extruding portion 34b into contact with the guide block opposing surface 2i.

[0072] Thereafter, the pushing portion 34b is pushed out by further pushing the pressing portion 34e toward the axial tip end within the sliding hole 33e relative to the tubular member 33b, and as shown in FIGS. 8F and 8G, the tip of the pushing portion 34b presses and contacts the guide block facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2. As a result, the gap between the guide block facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5 is widened, and the holding by the holding claws 5c or auxiliary holding claws 5r begins to be released. In this way, the point of pressure for the removal operation, i.e., the point of action, is located between the guide block facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5, making removal easier.

[0073] As a result, the point pressed by the removal tool 31B becomes the starting point for the guide block 5 to begin to separate from the radius fixation plate 2. After performing this operation on the distal portion 5x, for example, the remaining portion can be released by inserting a raspatior or spatula, for example, laterally into the boundary between the radius fixation plate 2 and the distal portion 5x of the guide block 5 and twisting it to separate the radius fixation plate 2 from the distal portion 5x of the guide block 5. This releases the holding force of the retaining claws 5c and auxiliary retaining claws 5r near the removal groove 5q. The proximal portion 5y may then be removed using a raspatior or spatula without using the removal tool 31B. Alternatively, the proximal portion 5y may also be removed smoothly and reliably by using the removal tool 31B in the same way as the distal portion 5x. While the above description describes the case where the distal portion 5x is first removed, the proximal portion 5y may also be first removed.

[0074] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the release tool 31B is composed of a tubular member 33b having a male thread portion 33c at its tip and a linear pusher portion 34b that is movable through a through-hole 33d in the tubular member 33b. With this configuration, when the release tool 31B is coupled to the guide block 5 via the male thread portion 33c, the pusher portion 34b presses against the guide block-facing surface 2i of the radius fixation plate 2 downward from above the guide block 5, rather than from the lateral direction of the guide block 5—in other words, from the area that was incised when the guide block 5 was placed—to widen the gap between the guide block-facing surface 2i and the bottom surface 5k of the guide block 5. As a result, the removal of the guide block 5 from the radius fixation plate 2 can be performed easily and reliably, and no special configuration is required for the radius fixation plate 2.

[0075] It should be noted that any of the various embodiments or modifications described above can be appropriately combined to achieve the effects of each. In addition, combinations of embodiments, combinations of examples, or combinations of embodiments and examples are possible, and combinations of features from different embodiments or examples are also possible. Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is to be understood that such changes and modifications are included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The guide block removal tool according to the above aspect of the present invention can easily and reliably remove, from the radius fixation plate, a guide block for the radius fixation plate, which is placed on and held on the radius fixation plate and which guides a fixation screw that is rotated to fix the radius fixation plate to the radius. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2 Radius Fixation Plates 2a Distal region 2b Proximal region 2d screw insertion hole 2i Guide block facing surface 2q side 2r bottom 3 Radius 3a Fracture area 3b Radial body 3c fracture fragment 4 fixing screws 4a Shaft 4c head 5 Guide Block 5a distal part 5b Proximal part 5c retaining claw 5d screw guide hole 5i through hole 5j female thread 5k bottom 5q Breakaway groove 5r Auxiliary holding claw 5t locking protrusion 5x distal 5y proximal 20 Connection part 21 Thin-walled flexible section 22 Groove 31, 31A, 31B Guide block release tool 32 Joint 33 Connecting members 33a,33c Male thread part 33b Cylinder member 33d through hole 33e Slide hole 33f Information Department 34 Extrusion member 34a, 34b extrusion section 34e Pressing part 36 Tool body 37 Ball plunger

Claims

1. A guide block removal tool for removing a guide block held by a radius fixation plate from the radius fixation plate, a coupling member coupled to the coupling portion of the guide block to couple with the guide block; a pusher member that presses downward from above the guide block against the guide block facing surface of the radius fixation plate while the guide block is connected to the joint member, thereby widening the gap between the guide block facing surface and the guide block; a tool body portion formed to rotate integrally with the connecting member and located on the base end side of the connecting member.

2. the coupling member and the extrusion member are configured as a single release member; the coupling portion of the guide block is a female screw portion formed in a through hole of the guide block, the release member is a rod-shaped member having a protrusion portion at a tip end thereof and a male screw portion formed on an outer surface near the tip end thereof and capable of being threadedly coupled to the female screw portion, After the release member rotates and the male screw portion is threadably coupled to the female screw portion of the guide block to function as the coupling member, the extrusion portion penetrates the through-hole and protrudes, and presses and contacts the guide block opposing surface of the radius fixation plate, widening the gap between the guide block opposing surface and the guide block, thereby functioning as the extrusion member.

2. The guide block remover according to claim 1.

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