Orthopedic instrument adapter

Abstract

Generally, orthopedic instrument adapters and methods for using orthopedic instrument adapters are provided. [Solution] In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to an end effector configured to deliver an impact to bone. The end effector may be a broach, chisel, or other surgical instrument. The adapter comprises a spring-loaded hook configured to releasably seat within a notch formed in the end effector. The adapter is also configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool, such as an orthopedic impactor, configured to drive the impact of the end effector on bone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to orthopedic instrument adapters.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of orthopedics, prostheses such as artificial joints are often implanted or installed within cavities in a patient's bone. The cavities are typically formed during surgery, for example, before a physician or medical professional installs or implants a prosthesis, and the physician or medical professional removes and / or compresses existing bone to form the cavity. The prosthesis, which may also be referred to as a prosthesis, typically includes a stem or other protrusion that is inserted into the cavity.

[0003] To form the cavity, a physician or other medical professional may use a broach, chisel, or other surgical instrument that conforms to the shape of the stem of the prosthesis. Generally, the surgical instrument is pushed into the implant area to form the cavity. One technique for pushing the surgical instrument involves a physician or other medical professional manually hitting a surgical impacting tool with a hammer to push the surgical instrument into the implant area. Another technique for forming a prosthesis cavity relies on a computer-controlled robotic arm for forming the cavity instead of using manual power provided by a physician or other medical professional. In another technique for forming a prosthesis cavity, the surgical instrument is driven pneumatically, i.e., by compressed air. Another technique for forming a prosthesis cavity relies on a linear compressor that compresses air on a single-stroke basis and then releases the air onto a striker through a valve to push the surgical instrument forward after sufficient pressure has been generated.

[0004] Broaches, chisels, or other surgical instruments may be removably coupled to a surgical impact tool, for example, to help meet the needs of a particular patient, to allow the use of surgical instruments of different sizes and / or shapes in different surgical procedures with the surgical impact tool, to allow the replacement of worn, damaged, or otherwise undesirable surgical instruments for future use without the need to replace the rest of the surgical impact tool, and / or to accommodate the surgeon's personal preference regarding surgical instruments. However, various techniques for pushing surgical instruments to form a prosthesis cavity, such as the four techniques described above, may loosen the removable coupling of the surgical instrument to the surgical impact tool due to the force required to push the surgical instrument. Such looseness may cause the surgical instrument to unintentionally separate from the surgical impact tool during the surgical procedure, potentially causing the surgical instrument to vibrate or move in an unintended direction, thereby potentially harming the patient and / or adversely affecting cavity formation, and / or hindering cavity formation by preventing the surgical instrument from accepting and advancing with the intended full force. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, improved surgical impact tools are still needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Generally, orthopedic instrument adapters and methods for using orthopedic instrument adapters are provided.

[0007] In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided, in one embodiment the surgical system includes an end effector and an adapter. The end effector is configured to impact bone. A notch is formed in the end effector. The adapter comprises a rear end configured to releasably engage with an orthopedic impactor and a spring-loaded lever having a hook at its front end configured to releasably seat within the notch of the end effector. The hook has an inclined front surface.

[0008] The surgical system can have a variety of variations. For example, at least one of the horizontal movement of the end effector in the rearward direction and the horizontal movement of the adapter in the forward direction may be configured to bring the adapter and the end effector into contact, thereby automatically causing the movement of a spring-loaded lever so that the hook is releasably seated in the notch. In some embodiments, the adapter may also include a release mechanism including a spring, and when the release mechanism is activated with the hook releasably seated in the notch, a vertical movement of the hook may be caused, thereby releasing the hook from the notch.

[0009] In another embodiment, a single contact point may exist between the hook and the end effector, with the notch in which the hook is releasably seated. In yet another embodiment, the hook may have an inclined rear surface that inclins forward, and the inclined front surface may be inclined backward. In yet another embodiment, the surgical system may also include one or more additional end effectors, each of which may have a notch formed inside. The hook may be configured to releasably seat in one of the notches at a time. Each of the end effectors and the one or more additional end effectors may be different from one another.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the surgical system may also include an orthopedic impactor, the orthopedic impactor being configured to drive an end effector to repeatedly impact bone, with the adapter releasably engaged with the orthopedic impactor and the hook releasably seated within the notch. In some embodiments, the orthopedic impactor may be configured to drive the end effector horizontally, and the hook may be configured to be released from the notch only by moving vertically.

[0011] In another embodiment, the surgical system includes an adapter comprising a rear end configured to releasably engage with an orthopedic impactor, a spring, and a spring-biased lever. The lever has a hook at its front end, the hook configured to releasably engage with an end effector configured to impact bone. The hook has an inclined front surface.

[0012] Surgical systems can vary in various ways. For example, an adapter may define a lateral angle with respect to a first longitudinal axis extending between the rear end and the front end of the adapter, and an inclined front surface may be inclined at a lateral angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the surgical system may also include an end effector, which may define a second longitudinal axis extending between the rear end and the front end of the end effector, and a hook may be configured to be released from the end effector only by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes, and / or a spring may be configured to move between a non-compression configuration in which the spring biases the lever downward and the hook engages with the end effector in a releasably manner, and a compression configuration in which the hook is configured to be released from the end effector by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0013] In another embodiment, the hook may have an inclined rear surface that is inclined forward, and the inclined front surface may be inclined backward.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the surgical system may also include an end effector, within which a notch may be formed and configured to releasably seat a hook. In some embodiments, a single contact point may exist between the hook and the end effector with the notch releasably seating the hook therein.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the adapter may also include a release mechanism operably coupled to a spring, and when the release mechanism is actuated with the hook releasably engaged with the end effector, the spring compresses, thereby causing the lever to move and releasing the hook from the end effector. In some embodiments, the surgical system may also include an end effector, the end effector may define a longitudinal axis extending between the rear end and the front end of the end effector, and the movement of the lever may be lateral to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In another embodiment, the surgical system may also include an end effector, which may comprise a broach or chisel.

[0017] In another embodiment, the surgical system may also include an orthopedic impactor, the orthopedic impactor being configured to drive the end effector to repeatedly impact bone, with an adapter releasably engaged with the orthopedic impactor and a lever releasably engaged with the end effector.

[0018] In another embodiment, a surgical method is provided which, in one embodiment, involves moving the end effector horizontally backward and moving the adapter forward so that the adapter and the end effector come into contact, thereby causing movement of a spring-loaded lever of the adapter so that the hook of the lever is releasably seated in a notch of the end effector and a single point of contact exists between the lever and the end effector. The surgical method also includes, with the adapter coupled to an orthopedic impactor and the hook releasably seated in the notch, causing the orthopedic impactor to drive the end effector horizontally to impact bone.

[0019] The surgical method can have any number of modifications. For example, the hook may have an inclined front surface and an inclined rear surface. In another embodiment, the hook may be able to be released from the notch only by moving perpendicular to the end effector.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the surgical method may also include activating a release mechanism of the adapter, thereby releasing the hook from the notch. In some embodiments, the activation of the release mechanism may cause the hook to move vertically and be released from the notch, and / or the spring of the actuator may be decompressed in response to the hook seating in the notch, and the activation of the release mechanism may cause the spring to be compressed.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the end effector may include a broach or chisel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] This disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the adapter. [Figure 3]It is a bottom view of the adapter in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a side view of the adapter in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the lever of the adapter in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a partial side cross-sectional view of the lever in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the adapter in FIG. 1 coupled to one embodiment of an end effector. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 and a surgical impact tool. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter and surgical impact tool in FIG. 9 coupled to each other, and an end effector. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the adapter, surgical impact tool, and end effector in FIG. 10, which are coupled to each other and a part of the end effector is positioned within the tibia. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the adapter, surgical impact tool, and end effector in FIG. 11, where the end effector is positioned within the tibia. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the adapter, surgical impact tool, and end effector in FIG. 12, in a state where the adapter and surgical impact tool are released from the end effector. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 and a broach stop. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the adapter and broach stop in FIG. 14, which are coupled to each other, coupled to another embodiment of the surgical impact tool and end effector in FIG. 9, and a part of the end effector is positioned within the femur. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the adapter, broach stop, end effector, and surgical impact tool in FIG. 15, where the end effector is positioned within the femur. [Figure 17]Figure 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter, broach stop, end effector, surgical impact tool, and broach shim. [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the adapter, broach stop, end effector, and surgical impact tool after the use of the broach shim. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the adapter, broach stop, surgical impact tool, and end effector, with the adapter, broach stop, and surgical impact tool freed from the end effector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Herein, specific exemplary embodiments are described to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacturing and use principles of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems and methods described in detail herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0024] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar characteristics, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, each characteristic of each component with a similar name is not necessarily described in full detail. In addition, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in combination with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that dimensions equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometric shape. The size and shape of systems and devices, and their components, may depend at least on the anatomical structure of the object in which the systems and devices are used internally, the size and shape of the component in which the systems and devices are used, and the methods and surgeries in which the systems and devices are used.

[0025] Generally, orthopedic instrument adapters and methods for using orthopedic instrument adapters are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to an end effector configured to impact bone. The end effector may be a broach, chisel, or other surgical instrument. The adapter comprises a spring-loaded hook configured to releasably seat within a notch formed in the end effector. The spring-loaded nature of the hook allows the hook to quickly and automatically seat within the notch of the end effector when the hook moves to contact the end effector and / or when the end effector moves to contact the hook. Thus, the user, for example, a surgeon or other medical professional, does not need to perform any specific action other than simply moving the two components into contact with each other in order to mount the adapter and end effector together. Separation of the adapter and end effector can also be achieved quickly and easily by compressing the spring of the adapter, such as by pressing a button on the adapter or activating another actuator on the adapter, thereby releasing the hook from the notch.

[0026] The adapter is also configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool, such as an orthopedic impactor, which is configured to drive the impact application of the end effector to the bone. The releasably attachable nature of the adapter to the surgical impact tool allows it to be releasably attached to a variety of different surgical impact tools, and different surgical impact tools can be used with a variety of different end effectors, each of which can be releasably attached to the adapter. Each of the end effectors may differ in shape and / or size from one another, thereby allowing a particular end effector to be selected by the surgeon (or other medical professional) for optimal and desired impact application in a particular surgical procedure performed on the bone of a particular patient. In some embodiments, the adapter may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool instead of being releasably attachable, in order to allow the surgical impact tool to be used with a variety of different end effectors.

[0027] The rear end of the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool, and the front end of the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to an end effector. The hook has a chamfered front surface that slopes rearward toward the tip of the hook. The tip of the hook defines a single point of contact between the hook and the end effector when the adapter is releasably attached to the end effector. The surgical impact tool releasably attached to the adapter is configured to provide a horizontal force to the end effector through the adapter, driving the impact onto the end effector. The hook is configured to move vertically within the notch to attach the adapter to the end effector and to move vertically out of the notch to release the adapter from the end effector. Since the horizontal force from the surgical impact tool does not propel the vertical movement of the adapter or the end effector, the single point of contact between the hook and the end effector may help maintain a secure attachment between the adapter and the end effector during impact application.

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 show one embodiment of an adapter 100 configured to be releasably attached to an end effector configured to deliver an impact to bone. The adapter 100 includes a body 102, a lever 104, a pin 106 for pivotally attaching the lever 104 to the body 102, and a spring 108 for facilitating the movement of the lever 104 relative to the body 102. The lever 104 includes a hook 110 and a button 112. The hook 110 is configured to releasably seat within a notch (also referred to herein as a “cutout”) formed in the end effector for releasably attaching the adapter 100 to the end effector. The button 112 is configured to facilitate the seating of the hook 110 into the notch and the release of the hook 110 from the notch.

[0029] The pin 106 defines a pivot point, and the lever 104 is configured to pivot relative to the body 102 about this pivot point. The lever 104 includes a passage 114 formed through its interior and configured to seat the pin 106 therein. The body 102 has an opposing channel 116, which is formed through the left and right side walls of the body 102 and configured to seat the pin 106 therein. The pin 106 is seated in the passage 114 and channel 116 in Figures 1, 3, and 4. As in this illustrated embodiment, the pin 106 can be fixed in place relative to the body 102 and the lever 104, which can help facilitate the smooth pivot of the lever 104 about the pin 106 relative to the body 102. The pin 106 can be fixed in the passage 114 and channel 116 in any of the following ways, for example, by seating it therein via an interference fit, using adhesive, or by welding.

[0030] In this illustrated embodiment, pin 106 is a single solid cylindrical rod. In other embodiments, pin 106 may have other configurations. For example, pin 106 may be a single hollow cylindrical rod. Pin 106 being a single cylindrical rod (hollow or solid) can help facilitate the smooth pivoting motion of the lever 104 relative to the body 102 by extending across the entire width of the lever 104. In another embodiment, pin 106 may include a first cylindrical rod (hollow or solid) attached to the left or right side of the body 102 and lever 104, and a second cylindrical rod (hollow or solid) attached to the other side of the body 102 and lever 104. For example, pin 106 including two pivot pins can facilitate the manufacture of the adapter 100 because it does not require forming a passage 114 in the lever 104 for a single pin to pass through and receive. In yet another embodiment, pin 106 may be formed integrally with the lever 104 and configured to seat within the body 102. In yet another embodiment, the pin 106 may be integrally formed with the body 102 and configured to seat within the lever 104.

[0031] The main body 102 has a cavity 118 formed inside. The cavity 118 is configured to seat a spring 108 and a lever 104 inside, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. The size and shape of the cavity 118 generally depend on the size and shape of the spring 108 and the lever 104, respectively. The cavity 118 is configured to fully seat the spring 108 inside, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. The cavity 118 is configured to partially seat the lever 104 inside, as further shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. At least the button 112 and hook 110 of the lever 104 are configured to be located outside the main body 102 and therefore at least partially outside the cavity 118. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the button 112 extends beyond the bottom opposing surface 102b of the body 102, thereby facilitating user access to the button 112 for manual pressing, as will be further described below. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the hook 110 extends beyond the front opposing surface 102f of the body 102, thereby allowing the hook 110 to engage with a notch formed within the end effector, as will be further described below. In an exemplary embodiment, with the hook 110 seated within the notch, the front opposing surface 102f of the body 102 abuts against the rear opposing surface of the end effector, which may help stabilize the adapter 100 relative to the end effector.

[0032] The adapter 100 includes a stabilizer 120 at the front end of the body 102. The stabilizer 120 extends forward from the body 102. The stabilizer 120 is configured to releasably seat in a cavity formed within an end effector where a notch is formed, and the hook 110 is configured to seat in this notch. The stabilizer 120 is configured to releasably engage with the end effector to help stabilize the adapter 100 relative to the end effector. The size and shape of the stabilizer 120 generally depend on the size and shape of the end effector to which the adapter 100 is configured to be releasably mounted.

[0033] As in this illustrated embodiment, the stabilizer 120 may include a key element 122 configured to seat within a corresponding key mechanism of an end effector adjacent to the cavity of the end effector. The key element 122 is configured to seat within the key mechanism of the end effector to help ensure that the adapter 100 is in a predetermined rotational alignment with the end effector. The size and shape of the key element 122 generally depend on the size and shape of the end effector to which the adapter 100 is configured to be releasably mounted. If the key element 122 does not seat within the key mechanism of the end effector, the front opposing surface 102f of the body cannot contact the rear opposing surface of the end effector, thereby indicating that the adapter 100 is not properly mounted to the end effector.

[0034] In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 100 is configured to be releasably mounted to a surgical impact tool, such as an orthopedic impactor, which is configured to drive the impact application of an end effector releasably mounted to the adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a connector 124 at the rear end of the body 102, the connector 124 is configured to be releasably mounted to the surgical impact tool. The connector 124 extends rearward from the body 102. The size and shape of the connector 124 generally depend on the size and shape of the surgical impact tool to which the adapter 100 is configured to be releasably mounted. As described above, in other embodiments, the adapter 100 may be non-releasably mounted to the surgical impact tool. In such embodiments, the connector 124 may be omitted from the adapter 100.

[0035] As in this illustrated embodiment, the connector 124 may include a key element 126 configured to be received by a corresponding key mechanism of a surgical impact tool. The key element 126 is configured to be received within the key mechanism of the surgical impact tool to help ensure that the adapter 100 is in a predetermined rotational alignment with the surgical impact tool. The size and shape of the key element 126 generally depend on the size and shape of the surgical impact tool to which the adapter 100 is configured to be releasably attached. If the key element 126 is not received by the key mechanism of the surgical impact tool, the rear-facing surface 102r of the body 102 cannot abut the front-facing surface of the surgical impact tool, thereby indicating that the adapter 100 is not properly attached to the surgical impact tool.

[0036] Button 112 is configured to be actuated by the user to cause movement of hook 110, and therefore lever 104. As will be discussed further below, the movement of hook 110 facilitates the attachment of adapter 100 to the end effector and the release of adapter 100 from the end effector after it has been attached to the end effector. In this illustrated embodiment, button 112 has a square cube shape, but it can have other shapes such as a sphere, hemisphere, or rectangular box.

[0037] As in this illustrated embodiment, the button 112 includes a gripping mechanism 128 configured to facilitate the user grasping the button 112 with their fingers. The gripping mechanism 128 in this illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of recesses formed on the bottom opposing surface 112b of the button 112, but may have other configurations such as a plurality of protrusions extending from the button 112, a textured surface, rubber or other material configured to provide friction, etc. The gripping mechanism 128 on the bottom opposing surface 112b of the button 112 reflects a typical hand position on the adapter 100 when the adapter 100 is releasably coupled to the end effector. In this typical hand position, the user's thumb may rest on the bottom opposing surface 112b of the button 112.

[0038] The spring 108 is configured to provide a biasing force to the lever 104. The spring 108 is configured to bias the hook 110 of the lever 104 in a first direction D1 and the button 112 of the lever 104 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is toward the cavity 118 of the body, which is toward the upper side of the adapter 100, since the cavity 118 is formed on the bottom side of the body 102. The force provided by the spring 108 to the hook 110 biases the hook 110 into the notch of the end effector. The force provided by the spring 108 to the button 112 biases the button 112 toward the body 102 of the adapter 100, helping to keep the button 112 accessible to the user of the adapter 100. As shown in Figure 4, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are vertical. The horizontal direction is defined by the longitudinal axis 130 of the adapter 100, which extends in the rearward / forward direction.

[0039] In this illustrated embodiment, spring 108 is a coil spring, but it may be another type of spring (e.g., a torsion spring, a compression spring, etc.), or another biasing element such as an elastic cable. In this illustrated embodiment, spring 108 is a single biasing element, but in other embodiments, it may include multiple biasing elements.

[0040] The spring 108 is located within the cavity 118 of the body 102 and is aligned with the button 112 of the lever 104. The position of the spring 108 relative to the lever 104 is such that activating the button 112, for example, by pushing the button 112 in a second direction D2, causes the spring 108 to move. The spring 108 is configured to move between an uncompressed configuration and a compressed configuration. The spring 108 is biased in the uncompressed configuration. In the uncompressed configuration, the spring 108 provides a biasing force to the lever 104 to bias the hook 110 in a first direction D1 and the button 112 in a second direction D2. The activation of the button 112 is configured to push the spring 108. The activated button 112 is configured to move the spring 108 from the uncompressed configuration to the compressed configuration, causing the lever 104 to pivot at a pivot point defined by the pin 106. This causes button 112 to move in the first direction D1 and hook 110 to move in the second direction D2. Releasing button 112 is configured to allow spring 108 to move from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration. This movement causes lever 104 to pivot at the pivot point, causing hook 110 to move in the first direction D1 and button 112 to move in the second direction D2.

[0041] The lever 104 is equipped with a hook 110 at its front end and a button 112 at its rear end. Figures 1 to 4 show the lever 104 as part of the adapter 100, Figure 5 shows the lever 104 as a standalone element, and Figure 6 shows the front portion of the lever 104.

[0042] The hook 110 has a front surface 132 that slopes rearward toward the tip 134 of the hook 110. The front surface 132 is inclined at an angle α with respect to a vertical axis 136 defined by the vertical front surface 138 of the hook 110. The inclined front surface 132 is configured to facilitate contact at a single contact point between the hook 110 and the end effector, as will be described later. The inclined front surface 132 is also configured to engage with the corresponding inclined surface of the end effector while the adapter 100 is being attached to the end effector, in order to facilitate the attachment of the adapter to the end effector, as will be described later. The angle α is approximately 40° in this illustrated embodiment, but other angles α are also possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the value may not be exactly equal to a certain value, but can still be considered approximately that value due to various factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of the measuring instrument.

[0043] The hook 110 has a rear surface 140 that is inclined forward. The rear surface 140 is inclined at an angle β with respect to a horizontal axis 142 that extends in contact with the hook tip 134. In exemplary embodiments, the angle β is greater than 90°, for example, greater than 90° and less than 135°, greater than 90° and less than 120°, greater than 90° and less than 100°, greater than 90° and less than 95°, greater than 90° and less than 93°, etc. In this illustrated embodiment, the angle β is about 92°, but other angles β are also possible. An angle β greater than 90° is configured to prevent non-vertical forces between the adapter and the surgical impact tool to which the adapter 100 is releasably attached, which may help prevent the adapter 100 from being accidentally released from the surgical impact tool during impact application, when the surgical impact tool provides a horizontal force. An angle β greater than 90° can also allow for clearance between the hook 110 and the surface of the notch in which the hook 110 sits, as will be discussed further later.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an adapter 100 releasably attached to one embodiment of an end effector 200. In this illustrated embodiment, the end effector 200 is a broach (specifically a femoral broach), but as described above, the adapter 100 may be releasably attached to other types of end effectors. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the end effector 200 includes a notch 202 formed therein, in which a hook 110 is seated. The end effector 200 also includes a cavity 204 formed at its rear end, in which a stabilizer 120 of the adapter 100 is seated. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, with the hook 110 seated in the notch 202 and the stabilizer 120 seated in the cavity 204, the front opposing surface 102f of the body 102 abuts against the rear opposing surface of the end effector 200, thereby indicating that the adapter 100 is properly attached to the end effector 200. Although not clearly visible in Figures 7 and 8, the key element 122 of the adapter 100 is seated within the key mechanism of the end effector 200.

[0045] With the hook 110 seated within the notch 202, the tip of the hook 134 defines a single contact point between the hook 110 and the end effector 200, as shown in Figure 8. The single contact point is such that the hook 110 and the end effector 200 are above / below each other in the vertical direction. As described herein, the horizontal force from the surgical impact tool for driving bone impact application to the end effector does not bias the vertical movement of the adapter 100 or the end effector 200, so the single contact point between the hook 110 and the end effector 200 can help maintain a secure attachment between the adapter 100 and the end effector 200 during impact application. The inclined rear surface 140 of the hook 110 provides clearance for the hook 110 from the front surface 208 of the notch 202, facilitating the hook 110 to have a single contact point with the notch 202.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 100 is releasably mounted to the end effector 200 by the end effector 200 moving horizontally backward toward the adapter 100 and / or by the adapter 100 moving horizontally forward toward the end effector 200. The automatic contact between the adapter 100 and the end effector 200 causes the lever 104 to move, for example, to pivot at a pivot point, thereby causing the hook 110 to releasably seat within the notch 202. As the adapter 100 and / or the end effector 200 are moved horizontally, the stabilizer 120 slides horizontally within the cavity 204 of the end effector. The horizontal movement of the adapter 100 and / or the end effector 200 causes the front surface 132 of the hook 100 to contact the rear surface 206 of the end effector 200. The rear surface 206 of the end effector is inclined forward at an angle corresponding to the angle α of the front surface 132 of the hook. The engagement between the front surface 132 of the hook and the rear surface 206 of the end effector biases the hook 110 to move perpendicular to the second direction D2. As a result, the spring 108 is compressed and the button 112 moves perpendicular to the first direction D1. As the tip 134 of the hook 110 passes the rear surface 206 of the end effector, the biasing force of the spring causes the hook 110 to move perpendicular to the first direction D1, which is the direction into the notch 202. As a result, the spring 108 is released and the button 112 moves perpendicular to the second direction D2. The biasing force provided to the lever 104 by the spring 108 continuously biases the hook 110 into the notch 202 until the button 112 is activated. The action of button 112, as described above, moves the hook 110 vertically in the second direction D2, thereby allowing the end effector 200 to move horizontally forward away from the adapter 100 and / or the adapter 100 to move horizontally backward away from the end effector 200, thereby freeing the adapter 100 from the end effector 200. When the adapter 100 and / or the end effector 200 are moved horizontally to free the adapter 100 from the end effector 200, the stabilizer 120 slides horizontally out of the cavity 204 of the end effector.

[0047] In some embodiments, the button 112 is not activated during the mounting of the adapter 100 and the end effector 200, and therefore the hook 110 can automatically seat in the notch of the end effector by the front surface 132 of the hook sliding along the rear surface 206 of the end effector, as described herein. In other embodiments, the button 112 is activated during the mounting of the adapter 100 and the end effector 200. In such embodiments, the front opposing surface 102f of the body that abuts against the rear opposing surface of the end effector indicates that the hook 110 is properly aligned with the notch 202, and therefore the button 112 can be released to move the hook 110 into the notch 202.

[0048] With the adapter 100 and the end effector 200 releasably mounted to each other, the adapter 100 may be releasably mounted to a surgical impact tool as described herein. Alternatively, the adapter 100 may be releasably mounted to the surgical impact tool before being releasably mounted to the end effector 200.

[0049] Figure 9 shows an adapter 100 releasably attached to one embodiment of a surgical impact tool 300. In this illustrated embodiment, the surgical impact tool 300 is an orthopedic impactor, but as described above, the adapter 100 may be releasably attached to other types of surgical impact tools.

[0050] The surgical impact tool 300 has a cavity 302 at its front end, configured to receive the connector 124 of the adapter 100. The surgical impact tool 300 also includes a key mechanism 304, configured to receive the key element 126 of the adapter 100. The key mechanism 304 and the key element 126 each have a plurality of corresponding spokes extending radially outward. Each of the radial spokes of the key mechanism is configured to receive one of the radial spokes of the key element. If the radial spokes of the key element are not properly aligned with the radial spokes of the key mechanism, the connector 124 cannot be positioned within the cavity 302 of the surgical impact tool 300, and the rear opposing surface 102r of the body 102 cannot contact the front opposing surface of the surgical impact tool 300. To ensure that the adapter 100 can be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool 300 in only one rotational position relative to the surgical impact tool 300, at least one of the radial spokes of the key mechanism 304 and key element 126 may have a different size and / or shape from the other radial spokes. Thus, the adapter 100 can be in a predictable orientation relative to the surgical impact tool 300 during impact application.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 100 is releasably attached to the surgical impact tool 300 by the surgical impact tool 300 moving horizontally forward toward the adapter 100 and / or by the adapter 100 moving horizontally backward toward the surgical impact tool 300. Figure 9 shows the adapter 100 being attached to the surgical impact tool 300 by moving horizontally backward toward the surgical impact tool 300 (arrow R).

[0052] Figure 10 shows an adapter 100 that is releasably attached to a surgical impact tool 300. The connector 124 is seated in the cavity 302, and the rear opposing surface 102r of the body 102 abuts against the front opposing surface of the surgical impact tool 300.

[0053] Figure 10 also shows an adapter 100 attached to another embodiment of the end effector 400 (attached to the surgical impact tool 300). In this illustrated embodiment, the end effector 400 is a broach (specifically a tibial broach), but as described above, the adapter 100 may be releasably attachable to other types of end effectors. Similarly, as described above, the adapter 100 may be releasably attached to the end effector 400 before being releasably attached to the surgical impact tool 300. The end effector 400 includes a notch 404 (see Figure 13) configured to seat the hook 110 therein, similar to the notch 202 of the end effector 200 in which the hook 110 is seated therein. The end effector 400 also includes a cavity 406 (see Figure 13) configured to seat the stabilizer 120 therein, similar to the cavity 204 of the end effector 200 in which the stabilizer 120 is seated therein. The end effector 400 also includes a key mechanism 408 (see Figure 13) configured to receive the key element 122 of the adapter 100, similar to those described above. In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 100 is mounted to the end effector 400 with the end effector 400 moved horizontally backward toward the adapter 100 (arrow R), however, as described above, the adapter 100 may, alternatively or additionally, be moved horizontally forward toward the end effector 400. As described above with respect to the end effector 200, the button 112 may or may not be activated while the adapter 100 is mounted to the end effector 400.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an adapter 100 that is releasably attached to a surgical impact tool 300 and also releasably attached to an end effector 400. Figures 11 to 13 show one embodiment of a method of using an end effector 400 that is releasably attached to an adapter 100 which is releasably attached to a surgical impact tool 300.

[0055] The surgical impact tool 300 is activated to press the end effector 400 into the patient's tibia 500. In this illustrated embodiment, the surgical impact tool 300 is activated by pulling the trigger 306 on the handpiece 308 of the surgical impact tool 300 (see Figures 9 and 10), although other surgical impact tools can be activated in other ways. Figure 11 shows the end effector 400 pressed into the tibia 500. In an exemplary embodiment, the end effector 400 is pressed into the tibia 500 until the posterior surface 402 of the end effector 400 is positioned on the planned proximal tibial resection surface, as shown in Figure 12.

[0056] If the end effector 400 is unstable within the tibia 500 or does not fill the bone defect 502, the end effector 400 can be removed from the tibia 500, and the adapter 100 can be released from the end effector 400, for example, by activating button 112. The adapter 100 can then be releasably attached to another end effector to properly fit into the defect 502, for example, by attaching an end effector of a different size to the adapter 100. Any number of end effectors can be sequentially releasably attached to the adapter 100 until the desired fit is achieved. In this illustrated embodiment, the end effector 400 fits desirablely into the defect 502, as shown in Figure 12.

[0057] With the end effector 400 (or another end effector) desirablely fitted into the defect 502, the adapter 100 is released from the end effector 400 as shown in Figure 13. As described above, by activating the button 112 on the adapter 100, the hook 110 of the adapter 100 can be released from the notch 404 of the end effector, and then the adapter 100 can be moved horizontally in the posterior direction (arrow R) together with the surgical impact tool 300, leaving the end effector 400 in the tibia 500 and removing the connector 120 from the cavity 406 of the end effector.

[0058] Figures 14–19 show another embodiment of the method of using the adapter 100 and the surgical impact tool 300. The method in Figures 14–19 includes another embodiment of the end effector 600, specifically the use of a femoral broach.

[0059] To help ensure that a femoral broach, such as an end effector 600, is desirablely positioned within the femur 602, a broach stop can be used with an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a broach stop connector mechanism 144 configured to be releasably attached to the broach stop. The broach stop connector mechanism 144 in this illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of grooves. The broach stop connector mechanism 144 in this illustrated embodiment includes three grooves, but a different number of grooves, e.g., one, two, four, etc., is possible. Having a plurality of grooves allows each groove to correspond to a broach stop size. The adapter 100 may include a broach stop size guide 146 to indicate which broach stop size corresponds to each groove, as in this illustrated embodiment. In this illustrated embodiment, the front grooves of the plurality of grooves correspond to a first size group (1-3), the rear grooves of the plurality of grooves correspond to a second size group (8-10), and the intermediate grooves between the front grooves and the rear grooves correspond to a third size group (4-7). The broach stop connector mechanism 144 may have other configurations, such as including a plurality of protrusions positioned similarly to the plurality of grooves.

[0060] Figure 14 shows one embodiment of a broach stop 604 configured to be releasably attached to an adapter 100 via a broach stop connector mechanism 144. The broach stop 604 includes an adapter connector mechanism 606 configured to releasably engage with the broach stop connector mechanism 144 of the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the broach stop 604 is located in an intermediate size group (4-7) and is therefore releasably attached to an intermediate groove among the grooves of the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter connector mechanism 606 includes a projection extending along the surface of the broach stop 606, which has a size and shape corresponding to the broach stop connector mechanism 144 and allows the projection to seat in a selected groove among the grooves. The projection is only partially visible in Figure 14. The adapter connector mechanism 606 may have other configurations, such as including a groove configured to seat on one of a plurality of projections extending from the adapter.

[0061] In this illustrated embodiment, the broach stop 604 is a right broach stop for use in surgical procedures involving the patient's right femur. A left broach stop for use in surgical procedures involving the patient's left femur can similarly be used with the adapter 100.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 100 is releasably mounted to the broach stop 604 by the broach stop 604 moving perpendicularly toward the adapter 100 and / or the adapter 100 moving perpendicularly toward the broach stop 604. Figure 14 shows the broach stop 604 moving perpendicularly toward the adapter 100 (arrow V) and being mounted to the adapter 100. The broach stop 604 includes a window 608 formed inside, which is configured to allow one of the sizes of the broach stop size guide 146 corresponding to the groove into which the broach stop 604 is mounted to be visible through the window 608. Thus, the correct mounting of the broach stop to the adapter 100 can be visually confirmed by the user.

[0063] Figure 15 shows a broach stop 604 releasably mounted on adapter 100. A group of intermediate-sized broach stop 608 can be seen through the window 608 of the broach stop. Figure 15 also shows an end effector 600 releasably mounted on adapter 100. The end effector 600 is mountable to adapter 100 in the same way as described above with respect to the tibial broach 400. Figure 15 also shows a surgical impact tool 300 releasably mounted on adapter 100. As described above, adapter 100 can be releasably mounted to the surgical impact tool 300 before or after the end effector 600 is releasably mounted to adapter 100. Similarly, the broach stop 604 can be mounted to adapter 100 before or after the end effector 600 is releasably mounted to adapter 100.

[0064] The surgical impact tool 300 is activated to press the end effector 600 into the patient's femur 602. In this illustrated embodiment, the surgical impact tool 300 is activated by pulling the trigger 306, as described above. Figure 15 shows the end effector 600 pressed into the femur 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the end effector 600 is pressed into the femur 602 until the anterior surface 610 of the broach stop 604 contacts the femur 602, for example, the most protruding surface of the posterior end of the femur 602, as shown in Figure 16.

[0065] If the end effector 600 is unstable within the femur 602 or fails to fill the bone defect 612, the end effector 600 can be removed from the femur 602, and the adapter 100 can be released from the end effector 600, for example, by activating button 112. The adapter 100 can then be releasably attached to another end effector, for example, by attaching a larger end effector to the adapter 100, so that it can be properly fitted into the defect 612. Any number of end effectors can be sequentially releasably attached to the adapter 100 until the desired fit is achieved. In this illustrated embodiment, the end effector 600 is desirablely fitted into the defect 612, as shown in Figure 16.

[0066] As shown in Figure 17, the femur 602 can be cleaned up with the end effector 600 (or other end effector) preferably fitted into the defect 612. The posterior surface of the femur 602 can be resected using the anterior surface 610 of the broach stop 604 or the broach shim 614.

[0067] As shown in Figure 18, with the end effector 600 (or other end effector) preferably fitted into the defect 612 and any necessary excision performed, the adapter 100 is released from the end effector 600, as shown in Figure 19. As described above, by activating the button 112 on the adapter 100, the hook 110 of the adapter 100 can be released from the notch of the end effector, and then the adapter 100 can be moved horizontally backward (arrow R) together with the surgical impact tool 300, leaving the end effector 600 in the femur 602 and removing the connector 120 from the cavity of the end effector.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand the further features and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods based on the embodiments described above. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0069] This disclosure is described above for illustrative purposes only, within the context of the entire disclosure provided herein. It will be understood that modifications may be made to the intent and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure.

[0070] [Implementation Method] (1) A surgical system, An end effector configured to deliver an impact to a bone, wherein a notch is formed within the end effector, It is an adapter, A rear end configured to releasably engage with an orthopedic impactor, A surgical system comprising an adapter, which includes a spring-loaded lever having a hook at its front end configured to be releasably seated within the notch of the end effector, wherein the hook has an inclined front surface. (2) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the rearward horizontal movement of the end effector and the forward horizontal movement of the adapter is configured to bring the adapter and the end effector into contact, thereby automatically causing the movement of the spring lever to cause the hook to be releasably seated in the notch. (3) The adapter further includes a release mechanism including a spring, The system according to Embodiment 2, wherein, with the hook seated in a releasably accessible position within the notch, the operation of the release mechanism is configured to cause vertical movement of the hook so that the hook is released from the notch. (4) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein a single contact point exists between the hook and the end effector, with the notch seating the hook therein in a releasable manner. (5) The hook has an inclined rear surface that is inclined in the forward direction, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the inclined front surface is inclined in the rearward direction.

[0071] (6) further comprising one or more additional end effectors, each of which has a notch formed inside, The hook is configured to be releasably seated in one of the notches at a time, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein each of the end effector and the one or more additional end effectors are different from each other. (7) Further comprising the orthopedic impactor, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter is releasably engaged with the orthopedic impactor and the hook is releasably seated in the notch, and the orthopedic impactor is configured to drive the end effector to repeatedly impact the bone. (8) The orthopedic impactor is configured to drive the end effector in the horizontal direction, The system according to embodiment 7, wherein the hook is configured to be released from the notch only by moving vertically. (9) A surgical system, Includes an adapter, and the adapter is A rear end configured to releasably engage with an orthopedic impactor, spring and, A surgical system comprising a lever biased by the spring, the lever having a hook at its anterior end configured to releasably engage with an end effector configured to impact bone, the hook having an inclined anterior surface. (10) The adapter defines a first longitudinal axis extending between the rear end of the adapter and the front end of the adapter, The system according to embodiment 9, wherein the inclined front surface is inclined at a lateral angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis.

[0072] (11) further including the end effector, The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis extending between the rear end of the end effector and the front end of the end effector, The system according to embodiment 10, wherein the hook is configured to be released from the end effector only by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. (12) The system according to Embodiment 10, wherein the spring is configured to move between a non-compression configuration in which the spring biases the lever downward and the hook is configured to engage releasably with the end effector and a compression configuration in which the hook is configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis to be released from the end effector. (13) The hook has an inclined rear surface that is inclined in the forward direction, The system according to embodiment 9, wherein the inclined front surface is inclined in the rearward direction. (14) further including the end effector, The system according to embodiment 9, wherein a notch is formed within the end effector and is configured to releasably seat the hook therein. (15) The system according to embodiment 14, wherein a single contact point exists between the hook and the end effector, with the notch seating the hook therein in a releasably manner.

[0073] (16) The adapter further includes a release mechanism operably coupled to the spring, The system according to embodiment 9, wherein, with the hook releasably engaged with the end effector, the operation of the release mechanism is configured to compress the spring, thereby causing the lever to move so that the hook is released from the end effector. (17) further including the end effector, The end effector defines a longitudinal axis extending between the rear end of the end effector and the front end of the end effector, The system according to embodiment 16, wherein the movement of the lever is lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis. (18) further comprising the orthopedic impactor, The system according to embodiment 9, wherein the adapter is releasably engaged with the orthopedic impactor and the lever is releasably engaged with the end effector, and the orthopedic impactor is configured to drive the end effector to repeatedly impact the bone. (19) Surgical methods, At least one of the following is performed: moving the end effector horizontally backward and moving the adapter forward, so that the adapter and the end effector come into contact; thereby causing the spring lever of the adapter to move, so that the hook of the lever is releasably seated within the notch of the end effector, and so that a single point of contact exists between the lever and the end effector. A method comprising: the adapter being coupled to an orthopedic impactor and the hook being releasably seated within the notch, causing the orthopedic impactor to drive the end effector horizontally to deliver an impact to bone. (20) The method according to embodiment 19, wherein the hook has an inclined front surface and an inclined rear surface.

[0074] (21) The method according to embodiment 19, wherein the hook can be released from the notch only by moving perpendicular to the end effector. (22) The method according to embodiment 19, further comprising activating the release mechanism of the adapter, thereby releasing the hook from the notch. (23) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the hook moves vertically and is released from the notch by the operation of the release mechanism. (24) The spring of the actuator is released in response to the hook seating in the notch, The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the spring is compressed by the operation of the release mechanism.

Claims

1. A surgical system, An end effector configured to deliver an impact to a bone, wherein a notch is formed within the end effector, It is an adapter, A rear end configured to releasably engage with an orthopedic impactor, An adapter comprising a spring-loaded lever having a hook at its front end configured to be releasably seated within the notch of the end effector, wherein the hook has an inclined front surface, A surgical system in which the spring-loaded lever is configured such that, with the notch seating the hook therein in a releasable manner, clearance is provided between the front surface of the notch and the hook, and a single contact point exists between the hook and the end effector.

2. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the rearward movement of the end effector and the forward movement of the adapter is configured to bring the adapter and the end effector into contact, thereby automatically causing the movement of the spring lever to cause the hook to be releasably seated in the notch.

3. The adapter further includes a release mechanism including a spring, The surgical system according to claim 2, wherein, with the hook releasably seated within the notch, the operation of the release mechanism is configured to cause vertical movement of the hook so that the hook is released from the notch.

4. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the hook has a hook tip and an inclined rear surface that is inclined at a first angle with respect to an axis that is in contact with the hook tip and extends rearward, and the first angle is greater than 90°.

5. The surgical system according to claim 4, wherein the inclined front surface extends forward from the tip of the hook.

6. The surgical system according to claim 5, wherein the first angle is greater than 90° and less than 135°.

7. It further includes one or more additional end effectors, each of which has a notch formed inside, The hook is configured to be releasably seated in one of the notches at a time, The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein each of the end effector and the one or more additional end effectors are different from each other.

8. The orthopedic impactor further comprises, The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is releasably engaged with the orthopedic impactor and the hook is releasably seated in the notch, and the orthopedic impactor is configured to drive the end effector to repeatedly impact the bone.

9. The orthopedic impactor is configured to drive the end effector in the front-rear direction, The surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the hook is configured to be released from the notch only by moving in a vertical direction.

10. The adapter defines a first longitudinal axis extending between the rear end and the front end of the adapter, The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the inclined front surface is inclined at an angle in a direction that crosses the first longitudinal axis.

11. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis extending between the rear end of the end effector and the front end of the end effector, The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein the hook is configured to be released from the end effector only by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.

12. The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein the adapter includes a spring, the spring being configured to move between a non-compression configuration configured such that the spring biases the spring-loaded lever downward and the hook is releasably engaged with the end effector, and a compression configuration configured such that the hook moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis to be released from the end effector.

13. The adapter further includes a release mechanism including a spring, The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein, with the hook releasably engaged with the end effector, the operation of the release mechanism is configured to compress the spring, thereby causing the spring-loaded lever to move so that the hook is released from the end effector.

14. The end effector defines a longitudinal axis extending between the rear end of the end effector and the front end of the end effector, The surgical system according to claim 13, wherein the movement of the spring-loaded lever is in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

15. The end effector includes a rear surface and a plane extending rearward from the notch toward the rear surface. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded lever is configured such that clearance is provided between the rear surface and the plane and the spring-loaded lever, with the notch seating the hook therein in a releasable manner.

16. The surgical system according to claim 4, wherein the single contact point is defined between the hook tip and the notch.

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