Adapter for surgical impact tools

Abstract

Various exemplary adapters for surgical impact tools and methods for using these adapters are provided. Generally, the adapters may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone. The adapters may be fixedly and non-releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, or configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. A surgical impact tool handpiece, such as an orthopedic impactor handpiece, is configured to drive the impact of the surgical instrument on bone. Each of the multiple surgical instruments configured to be attached to an adapter may differ from one or more of the others in one or more embodiments.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] (Cross-Reference to Related Application) This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 519,450, entitled "Adapters For Surgical Impacting Tools", filed on August 14, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present disclosure generally relates to adapters for surgical impacting tools. [[Background Art]]

[0003] In the field of orthopedics, a prosthesis such as an artificial joint is often embedded or seated within a cavity in a patient's bone. The cavity is typically formed during surgery, for example, before a physician or other medical professional seats or implants the prosthesis, and the physician or other medical professional removes and / or compresses existing bone to form the cavity. A prosthesis, which may also be referred to as a prosthetic, generally comprises a stem or other projection that is inserted into the cavity.

[0004] To form a cavity, a physician or other medical professional may use a broach, chisel, or other surgical instrument that conforms to the shape of the prosthesis stem. Generally, the surgical instrument is pushed into the implant area to form the cavity. One technique for pushing in the surgical instrument involves the physician or other medical professional manually striking the 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 to form the cavity, instead of using manual power provided by the physician or other medical professional. Another technique for forming a prosthesis cavity drives the surgical instrument pneumatically, for example, by compressed air. Another technique for forming a prosthesis cavity relies on a linear compressor, which compresses air on a single-stroke basis and then, after sufficient pressure is generated, releases the air through a valve onto a striker to push the surgical instrument forward. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Broaches, chisels, or other surgical instruments can be removably coupled to a surgical impact tool, for example, to help meet the needs of a particular patient, to allow surgical instruments of different sizes and / or shapes to be used with a surgical impact tool in different surgical procedures, to allow the replacement of worn, damaged, or otherwise undesirable surgical instruments without the need to replace the rest of the surgical impact tool, and / or to accommodate the surgeon's personal preference for surgical instruments. However, various techniques for pushing surgical instruments to form a prosthesis cavity, such as the four techniques discussed 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 unexpectedly separate from the surgical impact tool during the surgical procedure, potentially causing the instrument to vibrate in an unintended direction or otherwise move, 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.

[0006] Therefore, improved surgical impact tools are still needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Generally, adapters for surgical impact tools and methods for using adapters for surgical impact tools are provided.

[0008] In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided, which in one embodiment includes a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter is configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive impact to bone. The first adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece and includes a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a first mating element of a first surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The second adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece. Only one of the first and second adapters is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time. The second adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece and includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impact bone, the second mating mechanism being different from the first mating mechanism.

[0009] The surgical system can be modified in various ways. For example, the second mating mechanism may have a different geometric shape from the first mating mechanism.

[0010] In another example, the first mating mechanism may be configured in cooperation with the first mating element to prevent the first surgical instrument from rotating relative to the first adapter while the first surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the first adapter. In some embodiments, the first mating mechanism may include a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity. In some embodiments, the first mating mechanism may include a distally extending projection configured to seat in the proximal facing cavity of the first surgical instrument, the projection may have a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the proximal facing cavity may have a corresponding cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the projection may extend from a side of the first adapter that does not have an internally formed cavity, and / or the second mating mechanism may be configured to cooperate with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter, and the second mating mechanism may include a second distally extending projection configured to seat in a cavity facing the proximal side of the second surgical instrument, and the second projection may have a different cross-sectional shape from that of the projection of the first adapter. In some embodiments, the first mating mechanism may include a distally facing cavity configured to receive the proximally extending projection of the first surgical instrument, and the distally facing cavity may have a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the projection may have a corresponding cross-sectional shape.Furthermore, the distal cavity may be formed on a surface of the first adapter from which no projections extend distally, and the second fitting mechanism may be configured in cooperation with the second fitting element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter, and the second fitting mechanism may include a second distal cavity configured to receive therein a proximal projection of the second surgical instrument, and the second distal cavity may have a different cross-sectional shape from the distal cavity of the first adapter, and / or the second fitting mechanism may be configured in cooperation with the second fitting element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter.

[0011] In another example, the first fitting mechanism may be one of the following: a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity; a distally extending projection configured to seat within the proximal-facing cavity of the first surgical instrument and having a cross shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal; and a distally facing cavity configured to receive the proximal-extending projection of the first surgical instrument and having a cross shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0012] In yet another example, the first adapter may also include a first pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with a first surgical instrument releasably coupled to the first adapter, and the second adapter may also include a second pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with a second surgical instrument releasably coupled to the second adapter. Furthermore, the first pivotable arm may include one of (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument, and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument. The second pivotable arm may include one of (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter with respect to the second surgical instrument, and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter with respect to the second surgical instrument.

[0013] In yet another example, one of the first and second adapters may include a pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with a surgical instrument releasably coupled to one of the first and second adapters, and the second adapter may also include a second pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with a second surgical instrument releasably coupled to the second adapter. Furthermore, one of the first and second adapters may include one of the following: (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the surgical instrument to improve the retention of one of the first and second adapters on the surgical instrument; and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the surgical instrument to improve the retention of one of the first and second adapters on the surgical instrument.

[0014] In another example, the first mating mechanism may be formed integrally with the first adapter, and the second mating mechanism may be formed integrally with the second adapter or configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter.

[0015] In yet another example, the first mating mechanism may be configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter, and the second mating mechanism may be formed integrally with the second adapter or configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter.

[0016] In another example, the proximal portion of the first adapter or the proximal portion of the second adapter may be configured to be received within a surgical impact tool handpiece, the first fitting mechanism may be on the distal surface of the first adapter, and the second fitting mechanism may be on the distal surface of the second adapter.

[0017] In yet another example, the surgical system may include a surgical impact tool handpiece. Furthermore, the surgical system may include first and second surgical instruments and / or the surgical impact tool handpiece may include a distally facing cavity configured to receive inside a first portion of the first adapter or a second portion of the second adapter, the first fitting mechanism may be on the distally facing surface of the first adapter, and the second fitting mechanism may be on the distally facing surface of the second adapter.

[0018] In yet another example, the surgical system may include a third adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, and only one of the first, second, and third adapters may be configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time, the third adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and the third adapter may include a third mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a third mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the third mating mechanism may differ from the first and second mating mechanisms. Furthermore, the surgical system may include a surgical impact tool handpiece. Furthermore, the surgical system may include first, second, and third surgical instruments.

[0019] In another embodiment, the surgical system includes a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive impact to bone, and an adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter includes a mating mechanism configured to releasably couple to a mating element of the surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The mating mechanism is configured to cooperate with the mating element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the adapter. The fitting mechanism is one of the following: a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity; a distally extending projection configured to seat within the proximal cavity of a surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal; and a distally facing cavity configured to receive the proximal projection of a surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0020] The system can have many variations. For example, the mating mechanism may be configured in cooperation with the mating element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably attached to the adapter.

[0021] In another example, the mating mechanism may be formed integrally with the adapter.

[0022] In yet another example, the mating mechanism may be configured to be releasably attached to the adapter.

[0023] In yet another example, the proximal portion of the adapter may be configured to be received within a surgical impact tool handpiece, and the fitting mechanism may be on the distal surface of the first adapter.

[0024] In another example, a surgical system may include surgical instruments.

[0025] In yet another example, the adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. Further, the surgical system can include at least one additional adapter, each of the at least one additional adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, such that only one of the adapter and the at least one additional adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at one time, and each of the at least one additional adapter can include a second engagement mechanism configured to releasably couple to a second engagement element of a second surgical instrument configured to impact bone, wherein the second engagement mechanism may be configured to cooperate with the second engagement element to prevent rotation of the second surgical instrument relative to the additional adapter when the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter.

[0026] In another example, the adapter may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0027] In another embodiment, the surgical system includes a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter is configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive impact application to bone. The second adapter is configured to extend distally from the first adapter. The first adapter includes a first engagement mechanism configured to releasably couple to a second engagement element of the second adapter. The first engagement mechanism is one of: a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across a diameter of the cavity; a distally extending protrusion configured to seat within a proximally facing cavity of a surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal; and a distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximally extending protrusion of a surgical instrument therein and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0028] The system can have many variations. For example, the second adapter may be configured to be non-releasably coupled to a surgical instrument configured to apply an impact to bone.

[0029] In another example, the surgical system may include a surgical instrument configured to apply an impact to bone, and the second adapter may be configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument.

[0030] In yet another example, the surgical system may include a surgical instrument configured to apply an impact to bone, and the first engagement mechanism of the first adapter may be configured to be releasably coupled to a selected one of the surgical instrument and the second adapter.

[0031] In yet another example, the first engagement mechanism may cooperate with the second engagement element to prevent the second adapter from rotating relative to the first adapter in a state where the first engagement mechanism is releasably coupled to the second engagement element.

[0032] In another example, the first engagement mechanism may be formed integrally with the first adapter, and the second engagement element may be formed integrally with the second adapter.

[0033] In yet another example, the first engagement mechanism may be configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter.

[0034] In yet another example, the proximal portion of the first adapter may be configured to be received within a surgical impact tool handpiece, and the first engagement mechanism may be located on a distally facing surface of the first adapter.

[0035] In yet another example, the first adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0036] In yet another example, the first adapter may be non-releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0037] In another example, a surgical system could include a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0038] In another embodiment, a surgical method is provided which includes releasably attaching one of a first adapter or a second adapter to a surgical instrument, and impacting bone with the surgical instrument while the first adapter or the second adapter is releasably attached to the surgical instrument. The first adapter is configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the impact on bone. The first adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece and includes a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a first mating element of a first surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The second adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece. Only one of the first and second adapters is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time. The second adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, and the second adapter includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the second mating mechanism being different from the first mating mechanism.

[0039] This method may have any number of variations. For example, the method may also include attaching one of the first or second adapters to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a releasable manner before impact with the surgical instrument.

[0040] In another embodiment, the surgical method includes releasably attaching an adapter to a surgical instrument and, with the adapter releasably attached to the surgical instrument, impacting bone with the surgical instrument. The adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter includes a mating mechanism configured to releasably couple to a mating element of the surgical instrument configured to impact bone. The mating mechanism is configured to cooperate with the mating element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter with respect to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably attached to the adapter. The fitting mechanism is one of the following: a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity; a distally extending projection configured to seat within the proximal cavity of a surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal; and a distally facing cavity configured to receive the proximal projection of a surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0041] This method can be modified in various ways. For example, this method may include attaching the adapter to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a releasable manner before impact with the surgical instrument.

[0042] In another example, the adapter may be permanently attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0043] In another embodiment, the surgical method includes releasably coupling a first mating mechanism of a first adapter to a second mating element of a second adapter. The method also includes applying impact to bone with a surgical instrument, with the first mating mechanism of the first adapter releasably coupled to the second mating element of the second adapter and the surgical instrument extending distally from the second adapter. The first adapter is configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the impact on the bone. The second adapter is configured to extend distally from the first adapter. The first fitting mechanism is one of the following: a distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity; a distally extending projection configured to seat within the proximal cavity of a surgical instrument and having a cross shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal; and a distally facing cavity configured to receive the proximal projection of a surgical instrument and having a cross shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0044] This method can be modified in any way. For example, the second adapter can be indestructibly coupled to a surgical instrument.

[0045] In another example, this method may include releasably coupling a second mating mechanism of a second adapter to a third mating element of a surgical instrument. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a side view of one embodiment of a surgical impact tool handpiece. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a top view of the handpiece. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front view of the handpiece. [Figure 4]This is a rear view of another embodiment of a surgical impact tool handpiece. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a front view of the handpiece, in which one embodiment of the adapter is removably attached to the handpiece. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a side view of the handpiece and adapter. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the handpiece and adapter. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is another perspective view of the handpiece and adapter. [Figure 9] This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the adapter. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter body. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter body. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adapter body. [Figure 13] This is an exploded view of another embodiment of the adapter. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adapter. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a side view of the adapter. [Figure 17] Figure 14 is another side view of the adapter. [Figure 18] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter. [Figure 19] Figure 14 is another perspective view of the adapter. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical instrument. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is another perspective view of the surgical instrument. [Figure 22] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the adapter and another embodiment of the adapter configured to be removably attached to the adapter of Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] To provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, manufacturing and use principles of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein, certain exemplary embodiments are described below. 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 illustrated 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 may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are included within the scope of the invention.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will recognize that dimensions equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can be easily determined for any geometric shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that even if the dimensions are not exact, they can be considered to be approximately that value (for example, within ±0.5% of the value) due to a number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring instruments. The size and shape of systems and devices, and their components, may depend, at a minimum, on the size and shape of the components in which the systems and devices are used.

[0049] Various exemplary adapters for surgical impact tools and methods for using adapters for surgical impact tools are provided. Generally, adapters may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone. Adapters may be fixedly and indispensably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, or may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. A surgical impact tool handpiece, such as an orthopedic impactor handpiece, is configured to drive the impact of the surgical instrument against bone. A surgical impact tool handpiece attached to an adapter is configured to provide force to the surgical instrument via the adapter to drive the impact of the surgical instrument. A surgical instrument configured to be attached to an adapter may be a broach, chisel, or other surgical instrument. Furthermore, each of several surgical instruments configured to be attached to an adapter may differ from one or more embodiments such as shape, size, etc., thereby allowing a particular surgical instrument to be selected by a surgeon (or other medical professional) for optimal desired impact in a particular surgical procedure being performed on the bone of a particular patient.

[0050] Different surgical instruments and different adapters may have different mating shapes. If the mating shapes of a surgical instrument and an adapter do not correspond to each other, the surgical instrument and the adapter cannot be coupled to each other. More specifically, different surgical instruments may have different mating elements configured to be releasably coupled to the mating mechanism of an adapter. Therefore, some surgical instruments may only be usable with a particular adapter and thus with a particular surgical impact tool handpiece. Different adapters having different mating mechanisms configured to be releasably coupled to surgical instruments allow a surgical impact tool handpiece to be releasably coupled to a variety of different surgical instruments having different mating elements.

[0051] Surgical impact tool handpieces are typically more expensive than surgical instruments, for example, due to their complex design and / or because they contain electronic components (e.g., motors, processors, etc.) while surgical instruments do not. Therefore, surgical impact tool handpieces that can be selectively attached to various different surgical instruments via adapters that are releasably or non-releasably attached to the handpiece can provide a cost-effective option for hospitals, healthcare professionals, and others. This is because, instead of purchasing multiple surgical impact tool handpieces, each limited to use with specific surgical instruments that have specific mating elements, a single, more expensive surgical impact tool handpiece can be purchased for use with a variety of less expensive surgical instruments.

[0052] Surgical instruments may be disposable items configured for use in only one surgical procedure performed on a single patient. In such a scenario, surgical impact tool handpieces that can be selectively attached to various different surgical instruments may allow more expensive surgical impact tool handpieces to be reused in different surgical procedures performed on different patients.

[0053] Surgical instruments, whether designed to be disposable or not, will wear down over time when impacting bone and may need to be disposed of as waste. In such scenarios, a surgical impact tool handpiece that can be selectively attached to various different surgical instruments may allow for the reuse of a more expensive surgical impact tool handpiece, even if the surgical instrument previously used with the handpiece has been disposed of as waste.

[0054] In some surgical procedures, a surgeon or other medical professional may decide that a second surgical instrument should be used on a particular patient instead of a first surgical instrument selected for use on that patient. The configuration of the first and second surgical instruments so that they are releasably coupled to the same surgical impact tool handpiece allows a single surgical impact tool handpiece to be available in the operating room (OR) and easily switched between being coupled to the first surgical instrument and being coupled to the second surgical instrument, thereby saving time during the surgical procedure and / or saving costs by requiring only one surgical impact tool handpiece in the OR.

[0055] As described above, adapters may be configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. Releasably attachable adapters to a surgical impact tool handpiece allow the surgical impact tool handpiece to be releasably attached to a variety of different adapters. Each adapter may differ from one or more embodiments, such as length and the fitting mechanism configured to be releasably attached to the surgical instrument, thereby allowing a particular adapter to be selected by the surgeon (or other medical professional) for optimal desired impact delivery in a particular surgical procedure being performed on the bone of a particular patient.

[0056] As described above, the adapter may be configured to be irremovably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In some embodiments, the irremovably attached adapter to the surgical impact tool handpiece may be configured to be removably attached to a variety of different intermediate adapters. Each of the intermediate adapters may be configured to be irremovably attached to a surgical instrument or to be removably attached to a surgical instrument. Each of the intermediate adapters may differ from one or more embodiments, such as length and the fitting mechanism configured to be removably attached to a surgical instrument, thereby allowing a particular intermediate adapter to be selected by the surgeon (or other medical professional) for optimal desired impact delivery in a particular surgical procedure being performed on the bone of a particular patient.

[0057] In some embodiments, the kit includes a surgical impact tool handpiece and a plurality of adapters, each configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and each containing a different mating mechanism. Thus, the surgical impact tool handpiece may be configured to be releasably coupled to a variety of different surgical instruments having different mating elements. Furthermore, the kit may include a plurality of surgical instruments, each having different mating elements corresponding to the different mating mechanisms of the adapters. Thus, the resulting tool assembly, which can be assembled on demand at the user's discretion, may include a three-component chain comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece, one of the plurality of adapters, and one of the plurality of surgical instruments.

[0058] In some embodiments, the kit includes one surgical impact tool handpiece and a plurality of adapters. One or more of the plurality of adapters (a first number of the plurality of adapters) are configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical impact tool handpiece. The remaining adapters (a second number of the plurality of adapters) are configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the first number of adapters, each including a different mating mechanism. The first and second numbers of the plurality of adapters may be the same as each other, for example, the first and second numbers may each be greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 5. Alternatively, the first and second numbers of the plurality of adapters may be different from each other, for example, the first number may be 1 and the second number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5; the first number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5 and the second number may be 1; or the first number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5 and the second number may be different from the first number among 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5. Furthermore, the kit may include multiple surgical instruments, each having different mating elements corresponding to different mating mechanisms of a second number of adapters. Thus, the resulting tool assembly, which can be assembled on demand at the user's discretion, may include a four-component chain comprising a surgical impact tool handpiece, one of the first number of adapters, one of the second number of adapters, and one of the multiple surgical instruments.

[0059] In some embodiments, the kit includes one surgical impact tool handpiece and a plurality of adapters. One or more of the plurality of adapters (a first number of the plurality of adapters) are configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical impact tool handpiece, each including a different mating mechanism. The remaining of the plurality of adapters (a second number of the plurality of adapters) are configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the first number of adapters, each having a different mating element corresponding to the different mating mechanisms of the first number of adapters, and each being irreleasably attached to the surgical instrument. The first and second numbers of the plurality of adapters may be the same as each other, for example, the first and second numbers may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 5, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second numbers of the multiple adapters may be different from each other, for example, the first number may be 1 and the second number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5; the first number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5 and the second number may be 1; or the first number may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5 and the second number may be different from the first number among 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than 5. Thus, the resulting tool assembly, which can be assembled on demand at the user's discretion, may include a three-component chain comprising a surgical impact tool handpiece, one of the first number of multiple adapters, and one of the second number of multiple adapters (having an integrated surgical instrument).

[0060] In some embodiments, the kit includes a surgical impact tool handpiece with a non-removably attached adapter. The kit also includes a plurality of surgical instruments, each configured to be releasably attached to the adapter. Each surgical instrument has a mating element corresponding to the mating mechanism of the adapter to allow the surgical instrument to be selectively coupled to the adapter. Thus, the surgical impact tool handpiece can be configured to be releasably coupled to a variety of different surgical instruments. Thus, the resulting tool assembly, which can be assembled on demand at the user's choice, may include a two-component chain comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece (with an integrated adapter) and one of the plurality of surgical instruments.

[0061] In some embodiments, the kit includes a surgical impact tool handpiece having a non-removably attached adapter. The kit also includes a plurality of intermediate adapters and a plurality of surgical instruments, each configured to be releasably attached to at least one of the plurality of intermediate adapters. Each surgical instrument has a mating element corresponding to a mating mechanism of at least one of the plurality of intermediate adapters, allowing the surgical instrument to be selectively coupled to the adapter via the intermediate adapter. Thus, the surgical impact tool handpiece can be configured to be releasably coupled to a variety of different surgical instruments. Thus, the resulting tool assembly, which can be assembled on demand at the user's discretion, may include a three-component chain comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece (having an integrated adapter), one of the plurality of intermediate adapters, and one of the plurality of surgical instruments.

[0062] In some embodiments, the tool assembly may include three or more actuators. For example, the tool assembly may include a surgical impact tool handpiece, at least three adapters, and a chain of four or more components, including surgical instruments that are releasably or non-releasably attached to at least three adapters, for example, the most distal of the at least three adapters.

[0063] Figures 1 to 3 show one embodiment of a surgical impacting tool handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, the handpiece is a handpiece for an orthopedic impactor, but as described above, a surgical impacting tool may be a different type of surgical impacting tool. The handpiece 100 includes a locking assembly configured to be releasably attached to an adapter. The locking assembly is located at the anterior or distal end 102 of the surgical impacting tool handpiece 100, and a distally facing cavity 114 is formed therein. Various exemplary embodiments of the locking assembly are further described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0361934, published November 17, 2022, titled “Surgical Impacting Tool Interfaces,” and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0156503, published May 16, 2024, titled “Surgical Impacting Tool Couplings,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The embodiments of the adapter will be described further below.

[0064] In this illustrated embodiment, the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 is configured to be releasably attached to the adapter. In other embodiments, the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 may be non-releasably attached to the adapter.

[0065] The adapter may be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece 100, or not releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece 100, and may be configured to be releasably directly coupled to the surgical instrument, or to be releasably indirectly coupled to the surgical instrument via one or more intermediate adapters.

[0066] The surgical impact tool handpiece 100 includes an actuator 104 configured to actuate a surgical instrument mounted on an adapter that is releasably attached to the handpiece 100 via a locking assembly. In this illustrated embodiment, the actuator 104 includes a trigger on the handle 106 of the handpiece 100, but other surgical impact tools can be actuated in other ways. In an exemplary embodiment, the handpiece 100 is configured to provide forward impact and backward impact, where the handpiece 100 provides a forward force to impart impact in the forward direction, and the handpiece 100 provides a backward force to impart impact in the backward direction. The forward and backward impacts may be periodic, and the forward and backward impacts may be repeated continuously. In some embodiments, the handpiece 100 may be configured to provide only one of the forward and backward impacts.

[0067] The power supply 108 is configured to be removably attached to the handle 106 of the handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, the power supply 108 is a battery, but other power sources are also possible. In other embodiments, the handpiece 100 may be removably attached to a power source by another method, such as by being plugged into the power source. In yet another embodiment, the power supply may be irremovably attached to the handpiece 100, for example, by a battery that is irremovably placed inside the handle 106.

[0068] The handpiece 100 includes an energy selector 110 on the handle 106 of the handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, the energy selector 110 includes a rotary dial, but may have other configurations such as a lever or a button. The energy selector 110 is configured to allow selection of an energy level, for example, high energy or low energy.

[0069] The handpiece 100 includes a frequency control unit 112 on the handle 106 of the handpiece 100. In this illustrated embodiment, the frequency control unit 112 includes a button, but may have other configurations such as a lever or a rotary dial. The frequency control unit 112 is configured to allow the frequency of the impact to be selected by the user, for example, a slow impact or a fast impact.

[0070] The handpiece 100 may have additional or alternative features. Various exemplary embodiments of surgical impact tool handpieces, including additional or alternative features, include, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0361934, entitled "Surgical Impacting Tool Interfaces," published November 17, 2022; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0161050, entitled "Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting," published June 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 10,912,597, entitled "Orthopedic Adapter For An Electric Impacting Tool," issued February 9, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 11,083,512, entitled "Orthopedic Impacting Device Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable Impact," issued August 10, 2021; and "Orthopedic Impacting Device Having A Launched Mass Delivering A Controlled, Repeatable & Further details are provided in U.S. Patent No. 11,134,962 entitled “Reversible Impacting Force”, U.S. Patent No. 8,393,409 entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting” issued on 12 March 2013, U.S. Patent No. 8,936,105 entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting” issued on 20 January 2015, and U.S. Patent No. 8,695,726 entitled “Electric Motor Driven Tool For Orthopedic Impacting” issued on 15 April 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference as a whole.

[0071] Figures 4–8 show another embodiment of a surgical impact tool handpiece 200 configured to be releasably attached to an adapter 300. Figures 4–8 show the adapter 300 with its proximal portion releasably attached to the handpiece 200 via a locking assembly located in a distally facing cavity formed in the handpiece 200 (hidden in Figures 4–8). Embodiments of the adapter 300 are described further below. The handpiece 200 is an orthopedic impactor handpiece in this illustrated embodiment, but as described above, a surgical impact tool may be a different type of surgical impact tool. The handpiece 200 is generally configured and used similarly to the handpiece 100 in Figure 1. The handpiece 200 includes, for example, a locking assembly at the anterior or distal end 202 of the handpiece 200, an actuator 204, a handle 206, an energy selector 210 (which is a lever in this illustrated embodiment), and a frequency control 212 (which is a dial in this illustrated embodiment). In this illustrated embodiment, the handpiece 200 is configured to be detachably attached to the power supply at its bottom end 208, similar to how the handpiece 100 is detachably attached to the power supply 108 as discussed above.

[0072] In this illustrated embodiment, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 is configured to be releasably coupled to the adapter 300. In other embodiments, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 may be non-releasably mounted to the adapter 300.

[0073] The adapter 300 can be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece 200, or not releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece 200, and can be configured to be releasably directly coupled to a surgical instrument, or to be releasably indirectly coupled to a surgical instrument via one or more intermediate adapters.

[0074] The adapter 300, and other embodiments of the adapter described herein, may be formed from a rigid biocompatible material such as stainless steel, titanium, or other materials. A rigid biocompatible material may allow the adapter to withstand repeated impacts without deformation or breakage during use with one or more surgical impact tool handpieces in the performance of one or more surgical procedures.

[0075] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the adapter 400, which is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 shown in Figures 1-3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 shown in Figures 4-8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter 400 may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0076] The adapter 400 may be configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, or not releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and may be configured to be releasably directly coupled to the surgical instrument, or to be releasably indirectly coupled to the surgical instrument via one or more intermediate adapters. Figures 20 and 21 show one embodiment of the surgical instrument 1000, which will be described further below, configured to be releasably attached to the adapter 400 of Figure 9. Figure 22 shows one embodiment of the intermediate adapter 1100, which will be described further below, configured to be releasably attached to the adapter 400 of Figure 9.

[0077] The adapter 400 includes a proximal portion 400p, a distal portion 400d, and an intermediate portion 400i located between the proximal portion 400p and the distal portion 400d. The distal portion 400d of the adapter 400 is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument, or to another adapter configured to be releasably attached (directly or indirectly) to a surgical instrument. The proximal portion 400p of the adapter 400 is configured to be releasably attached to (or fixedly attached to) a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0078] The proximal portion 400p of the adapter 400 in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape may not be exact, for example, not exactly cylindrical or exactly circular (e.g., within ±0.5% of the diameter of a cylinder and a circle), but may be considered substantially that shape due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of measuring instruments. The substantially cylindrical shape and substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion 400p may reduce the angular play of the adapter 400 with respect to the surgical impact tool handpiece in which the proximal portion 400p is at least partially located (e.g., located in a distally facing cavity formed within the handpiece). Less angular play between the adapter and the surgical impact tool handpiece in which the adapter is partially located may allow for a more secure fit between the adapter and the handpiece and / or may facilitate more accurate impact application along the longitudinal axis of the adapter, thus reducing the angular movement of the adapter relative to the longitudinal axis and providing a more predictably directed impact to the bone. In other embodiments, the proximal portion 400p of the adapter 400 may have different shapes and cross-sectional shapes. Similarly, a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion 400p can reduce the angular play of the adapter 400 with respect to the intermediate adapter in which the proximal portion 400p is at least partially located (for example, in a distally facing cavity formed within the intermediate adapter).

[0079] In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 400 includes a main body 402, a proximal pivotable arm 404, and a distal pivotable arm 406. In some embodiments, the proximal pivotable arm 404 and / or the distal pivotable arm 406 may be omitted.

[0080] A first pivot pin 408 pivotably connects a proximal pivotable arm 404 to the main body 402. The proximal pivotable arm 404 is configured to pivot relative to the main body 402 at the first pivot pin 408. The proximal pivotable arm 404 is configured to pivot dynamically relative to the main body 402 during the connection of the adapter 400 to the surgical impact tool handpiece, for example, while inserting the proximal portion 400p into the surgical impact tool handpiece. The surface 404a of the proximal pivotable arm 404 is configured to contact the surface of the surgical impact tool handpiece to help stabilize the adapter 400 relative to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0081] The second pivot pin 410 pivotably connects the distal pivotable arm 406 to the main body 402. The distal pivotable arm 406 includes an elongated portion 406a and a catch component 406b pivotably connected to the elongated portion 406a using a third pivot pin 412. The distal pivotable arm 406 is configured to pivot relative to the main body 402 at the second pivot pin 410. The catch component 406b of the distal pivotable arm 406 is configured to pivot relative to the elongated portion 406a of the distal pivotable arm 406 at the third pivot pin 412. The elongated portion 406a of the distal pivotable arm 406 is configured to pivot dynamically relative to the main body 402, and the catch component 406b of the distal pivotable arm 406 is configured to pivot dynamically relative to the elongated portion 406a of the distal pivotable arm 406 while the adapter 400 is connected to a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter. The surface 406c of the catch component 406b is configured to contact the surface of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter to help stabilize the adapter 400 relative to the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter.

[0082] The surface 406c of the catch component may include a retaining mechanism configured to improve the retention of surgical instruments on the adapter 400. Various retaining mechanisms are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include a textured surface, such as raised bumps or cross-hatching. As another example, in other embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include at least one magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the surgical instrument.

[0083] The catch components of other embodiments of the adapters discussed herein, including catch components, may include a retaining mechanism.

[0084] As described above, the distal portion 400d of the adapter 400 is configured to be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument or an intermediate adapter. Therefore, the adapter 400 can be coupled (directly or indirectly) to any of a variety of surgical instruments, thereby increasing the versatility of the adapter 400.

[0085] In this illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 400d of the adapter 400 has a rectangular dome cross-sectional shape and a shape similar to a conventional mailbox. In other embodiments, the distal portion 400d of the adapter 400 may have a different shape and cross-sectional shape.

[0086] In this illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 400d of the adapter 400 is an integral part of the body 402. In other embodiments, the distal portion 400d may be a separate component configured to be releasably attached to the rest of the body 402. The releasably attachable distal portion 400d may enable the adapter 400 to be used with existing surgical impact tool handpieces that would ordinarily not be usable with surgical instruments having mating elements configured to releasably mate with the mating mechanism of the distal portion.

[0087] Other embodiments of the adapters discussed herein may include distal portions that are either inseparable from the main body or configured to be releasably coupled to the main body.

[0088] The adapter 400 includes a mating mechanism in its distal portion 400d, configured to mate with a mating element of a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter. The mating mechanism is located on the distal surface of the adapter 400 and is therefore distally facing. The mating mechanism in this illustrated embodiment includes a cavity 414a formed within the adapter 400 (its body 402) and a projection (also referred to herein as a “boss”) 414b formed on the adapter 400 (its body 402) and extending distally. The cavity 414a in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape may not be exact, for example, not exactly cylindrical or exactly circular (e.g., within ±0.5% of the diameter of a cylinder and a circle), but may be considered substantially that shape due to any number of factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of the measuring instrument. Other shapes of the cavity 414a are possible, such as box-shaped, pyramidal, or hemispherical. The projection 414b in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Other shapes of the projection 414b are possible, such as box-shaped, pyramidal, or hemispherical.

[0089] The mating mechanism is configured to mate with mating elements of surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the mating mechanism. In this way, only surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape of mating elements corresponding to the geometric shape of the adapter's mating mechanism can be mated to the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 414a is configured to receive a corresponding proximal projection of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter, i.e., a projection having a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-section, and the mating mechanism boss 414b is configured to be received in a corresponding distal-facing cavity of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter, i.e., a cavity having a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-section.

[0090] As in this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism of the adapter 400 may be configured as a rotation prevention mechanism configured to prevent the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter from rotating relative to the adapter 400 when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is mated to the adapter 400. Preventing the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter 400 can provide a stable and predictable impact. In this illustrated embodiment, when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is mated to both the mating mechanism cavity 414a and the mating mechanism projection 414b, the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter cannot rotate relative to the adapter 400, so the mating mechanism cavity 414a and the mating mechanism projection 414b are configured to cooperate in preventing the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter 400.

[0091] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 of Figures 1-3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 of Figures 4-8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter of Figure 10 is configured and used in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figure 9, and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, a body 502, a proximal pivotable arm (not shown), and a distal pivotable arm (not shown). In some embodiments, the proximal pivotable arm and / or the distal pivotable arm may be omitted.

[0092] The adapter body 502 in Figure 10 is configured and used in the same manner as described above with respect to the adapter body 402 in Figure 9, except for the mating mechanism. The mating mechanism in Figure 10 is located on the distal surface of the adapter and is therefore distally facing, but in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 10, the mating mechanism includes a cavity 514a formed within the adapter (its body 502) and has a cross pin 514b extending across the diameter of the cavity 514a. The cavity 514a in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes are also possible. The cross pin 514b in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes are also possible.

[0093] The mating mechanism is configured to mate with mating elements of surgical instruments (e.g., surgical instrument 1000 in Figures 20 and 21 or other surgical instruments) or intermediate adapters (e.g., intermediate adapter 1100 in Figure 22 or other adapters) having a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the mating mechanism. In this way, only surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape of mating elements corresponding to the geometric shape of the adapter's mating mechanism can be mated to the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 514a is configured to receive therein a corresponding proximal projection of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter. The proximal projection may include a pair of projections configured to be received within the cavity 514a, the first projection of which is received on the first side of the cross pin 514b in the first half of the cavity 514a, and the second projection of which is received on the second side of the cross pin 514b in the second half of the cavity 514a.

[0094] The adapter fitting mechanism in Figure 10 is configured as a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter from rotating relative to the adapter when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into the adapter. Because the fitting mechanism cavity 514a is cylindrical, it cannot prevent the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter by itself. When the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into both the fitting mechanism cavity 514a and the fitting mechanism cross pin 514b, the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter cannot rotate relative to the adapter, so the fitting mechanism cross pin 514b is configured to prevent the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter.

[0095] In this illustrated embodiment, the distally facing surface of the adapter on which the mating mechanism cavity 514a is formed does not include any projections extending distally therefrom, nor any other cavities formed therein. Thus, the mating mechanism of Figure 10 is a single mating mechanism, which may simplify manufacturing and / or simplify the releaseable coupling of surgical instruments or intermediate adapters to the adapter compared to mating mechanisms having multiple elements on the distally facing surface, such as the mating mechanism of Figure 9, which includes a cavity 414a formed on the distally facing surface and a projection 414b extending from the distally facing surface.

[0096] In this exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 10, the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0097] Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 of Figures 1-3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 of Figures 4-8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter of Figure 11 is configured and used in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figure 9, and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, a body 602, a proximal pivotable arm (not shown), and a distal pivotable arm (not shown). In some embodiments, the proximal pivotable arm and / or the distal pivotable arm may be omitted.

[0098] The adapter body 602 in Figure 11 is configured and used in the same manner as described above with respect to the adapter body 402 in Figure 9, except for the mating mechanism. The mating mechanism 614 in Figure 11 is located on the distal surface of the adapter and is therefore distally facing, but in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 11, the mating mechanism 614 includes a cavity formed within the adapter (its body 602). The cavity 614 in this illustrated embodiment has a substantially hexagonal shape and a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0099] The mating mechanism is configured to mate with mating elements of surgical instruments (e.g., surgical instrument 1000 in Figures 20 and 21 or other surgical instruments) or intermediate adapters (e.g., intermediate adapter 1100 in Figure 22 or other adapters) having a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the mating mechanism. In this way, only surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape of mating elements corresponding to the geometric shape of the adapter's mating mechanism can be mated to the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 614 is configured to receive therein a corresponding proximal projection of a surgical instrument or an intermediate adapter having a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0100] The adapter fitting mechanism 614 in Figure 11 is configured as a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter from rotating relative to the adapter when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into the adapter. Unlike the fitting mechanism cavities 414a and 514a in Figures 9 and 10, the fitting mechanism cavity 614 has a hexagonal shape and is configured to prevent the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter on its own.

[0101] In this illustrated embodiment, the distal-facing surface of the adapter on which the mating mechanism cavity 614 is formed does not include any projections extending distally therefrom, nor any other cavities formed therein. Thus, the mating mechanism 614 of Figure 11 is a single mating mechanism, which may simplify manufacturing and / or simplify the releaseable coupling of surgical instruments or intermediate adapters to the adapter compared to mating mechanisms having multiple elements on the distal-facing surface, such as the mating mechanism of Figure 9, which includes a cavity 414a formed on the distal-facing surface and a projection 414b extending from the distal-facing surface.

[0102] The adapter in Figure 11 is configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter in a number of predetermined angular directions. A surgical instrument or intermediate adapter coupled to the adapter and thus operably coupled to a surgical impact tool handpiece via the adapter can therefore be attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a number of predetermined angular directions relative to the surgical impact tool handpiece. Depending on one or more factors such as the surgeon's preference, which hand (left or right) the user is holding the surgical impact tool, which bone of the patient the surgical instrument is impacting, and the patient's position relative to the user of the surgical impact tool, one angular direction of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter may be preferable to another angular direction of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter.

[0103] Several aspects defining the shape of the mating mechanism cavity 614, particularly its planar surface, define several predetermined angular directions. Thus, the adapter in the illustrated embodiment is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter in six predetermined angular directions relative to the handpiece, namely, at approximately 0°, 60°, 120°, 180°, and 240°. Therefore, in this illustrated embodiment, each of the predetermined angular directions is separated from one another by approximately 60°.

[0104] Other examples of the shape of the fitting mechanism cavity 614, which is configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defines some of a plurality of predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, include N-gons (where N is an integer of 2 or more), such as equilateral triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, octagons, star shapes, Z-shapes, D-shapes, hourglass shapes, etc. Another example of the shape of the fitting mechanism cavity 614, which is configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defines some of a plurality of predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, is an ellipse defining two predetermined angular directions.

[0105] In some embodiments, instead of a mating mechanism cavity 614 defining multiple predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, the mating mechanism cavity 614 may define a single predetermined angular direction into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter. Examples of shapes for the mating mechanism cavity 614 configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defining a single predetermined angular direction into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter include isosceles triangles, irregular polygonal shapes (e.g., pear-shaped, non-convex pentagon, etc.), and the like.

[0106] In this exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11, the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0107] Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 of Figures 1-3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 of Figures 4-8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter of Figure 12 is configured and used in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figure 9, and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, a body 702, and a proximal pivotable arm (not shown) and a distal pivotable arm (not shown). In some embodiments, the proximal pivotable arm and / or the distal pivotable arm may be omitted.

[0108] The adapter body 702 in Figure 12 is configured and used in the same manner as described above with respect to the adapter body 402 in Figure 9, except for the mating mechanism. The mating mechanism 714 in Figure 12 is located on the distal surface of the adapter and therefore faces distally, but in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 12, the mating mechanism 714 includes a boss formed on the adapter (its body 702). The boss 714 in this exemplary embodiment has a substantially triangular prism shape and a substantially equilateral triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0109] The mating mechanism is configured to mate with mating elements of surgical instruments (e.g., surgical instrument 1000 in Figures 20 and 21 or other surgical instruments) or intermediate adapters (e.g., intermediate adapter 1100 in Figure 22 or other adapters) having a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the mating mechanism. In this way, only surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape of mating elements corresponding to the geometric shape of the adapter's mating mechanism can be mated to the adapter. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism projection 714 is configured to be received within the corresponding cavity of a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter having a substantially triangular prism shape and a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0110] The adapter fitting mechanism 714 in Figure 12 is configured as a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter from rotating relative to the adapter when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into the adapter. Unlike the fitting mechanism projection 414b in Figure 9, the fitting mechanism projection 714 has a triangular shape and is configured to prevent the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the adapter on its own.

[0111] In this illustrated embodiment, the distal surface of the adapter on which the mating mechanism projection 714 is formed does not include any other projections extending distally therefrom, nor does it include any cavities formed therein. Therefore, the mating mechanism 714 in Figure 12 is a single mating mechanism.

[0112] The adapter in Figure 12 is configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter in a plurality of predetermined angular directions. The surgical instrument or intermediate adapter coupled to the adapter and thus operably coupled to the surgical impact tool handpiece via the adapter can therefore be attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a plurality of predetermined angular directions relative to the surgical impact tool handpiece. Several sides defining the shape of the mating mechanism projection 714, in particular its plane, define several predetermined angular directions. Thus, the adapter in the illustrated embodiment is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument in three predetermined angular directions relative to the handpiece, namely, about 0°, about 120°, and about 240°. Thus, in this illustrated embodiment, each of the predetermined angular directions is about 120 degrees apart from one another.

[0113] Another example of the shape of the fitting mechanism projection 714, which is configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defines some of a plurality of predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument can be releasably coupled to the adapter, is an N-sided polygon (where N is an integer of 2 or more), such as a square, rectangle, pentagon, octagon, star, Z-shape, D-shape, hourglass shape, etc. Another example of the shape of the fitting mechanism projection 714, which is configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defines some of a plurality of predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, is an ellipse defining two predetermined angular directions.

[0114] In some embodiments, instead of a fitting mechanism projection 714 defining multiple predetermined angular directions into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, the fitting mechanism projection 714 may define a single predetermined angular direction into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter. Examples of the shape of the fitting mechanism projection 714, which is configured as an anti-rotation mechanism and defines a single predetermined angular direction into which a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter can be releasably coupled to the adapter, include isosceles triangles, irregular polygonal shapes (e.g., pear-shaped, non-convex pentagon, etc.).

[0115] In this exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12, the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter may be non-releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0116] Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of the adapter 800, which is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 shown in Figures 1-3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 shown in Figures 4-8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter 800 in Figure 13 is configured and used in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the adapter 400 in Figure 9, and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, a body 802, a proximal pivotable arm 804 (partially shown in Figure 13) pivotably connected to the body 802 by a first pivot pin 808, a distal pivotable arm (including an elongated portion 806a and a catch component 806b pivotably coupled to the elongated portion 806a by a third pivot pin 812) pivotably connected to the body 802 by a second pivot pin 810, and a fitting mechanism including a cavity 814a formed within the adapter 800 (its body 802) and a projection 814b formed on the adapter 800 (its body 802) and extending distally. In some embodiments, the proximal pivotable arm and / or the distal pivotable arm may be omitted.

[0117] The adapter 800 in Figure 12 is configured and used in the same manner as described above with respect to the adapter 400 in Figure 9, except for the distal pivotable arm. In this illustrated embodiment, the catch component 806b of the distal pivotable arm 806 is not configured to pivot dynamically relative to the elongated portion 806a of the distal pivotable arm 806 during the connection of the adapter 800 to a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter, or at any other time. Instead, the pivot of the catch component 806b of the distal pivotable arm 806 relative to the elongated portion 806a of the distal pivotable arm 806 is configured to be manually controlled. The manual controllability of the pivot of the catch component may allow for more secure retention of the surgical instrument coupled to the adapter 800.

[0118] The adapter 800 includes a drive mechanism 816 configured to drive the manual pivot of the catch component 806b. In this illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism 816 includes a threaded rod fixedly mounted to the catch component 806b and screw-fitted to the threads of the body 802. Manual rotation of the drive mechanism 816, either directly by hand or indirectly by using a separate tool, is configured to translate the drive mechanism 816 longitudinally, either proximal or distal, as indicated by arrow A. Whether the drive mechanism 816 moves proximal or distal depends on the direction of rotation of the drive mechanism relative to the body 802. The longitudinal translation of the drive mechanism 816 is configured to pivot the catch component 806b relative to the elongated portion 806a of the distally pivotable arm 806, pivoting distally away from the elongated portion 806a in response to the drive mechanism 816 moving distally, and pivoting proximally toward the elongated portion 806a in response to the drive mechanism 816 moving proximal.

[0119] The catch components of other embodiments of the adapters discussed herein, including catch components, may be configured to be manually controlled, for example, using a drive mechanism, instead of being configured to pivot dynamically.

[0120] In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 800 is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter 800 may be non-releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0121] Figures 14 to 19 illustrate another embodiment of the adapter 900, which is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece, such as the surgical impact tool handpiece 100 of Figures 1 to 3, the surgical impact tool handpiece 200 of Figures 4 to 8, or another surgical impact tool handpiece. The adapter 900 of Figures 14 to 19 is configured and used in the same manner as described above with respect to the adapter 400 of Figure 9, and includes, for example, a fitting mechanism including a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, a body 902, a cavity 914a formed within the adapter 900 (its body 902), and a projection 914b formed on the adapter 902 (its body 914) and extending distally. However, adapter 900 differs from adapter 400 in Figure 9 in that adapter 900 does not include a proximal or distal pivotable arm, and the distal portion is enlarged, with a curved portion included at the distal end of adapter 900. Adapter 900 is configured for use when applying impact to the pelvis. The curved portion of adapter 900 can assist in accessing the pelvis by surgical instruments releasably (directly or indirectly) coupled to the distal end of adapter 900.

[0122] Other embodiments of the adapter discussed herein may include an enlarged distal portion and, similar to adapter 900, include a curved portion at the distal end of the adapter.

[0123] In this illustrated embodiment, the adapter 900 is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece. In other embodiments, the adapter 900 may be non-releasably attached to a surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0124] As described above, various surgical instruments such as chisels and broaches may be configured to be releasably attached to adapters such as adapter 300 in Figures 3 and 5-8, adapter 400 in Figure 9, adapter 1100 in Figure 22, adapter in Figure 10, adapter in Figure 11, adapter in Figure 12, adapter 800 in Figure 13, adapter 900 in Figures 14-19, or other adapters. Figures 20 and 21 show one embodiment of a surgical instrument 1000 configured to be releasably attached to an adapter. The surgical instrument 1000 in this illustrated embodiment is a hip broach configured to impart impact to the pelvis. The surgical instrument 1000 includes a mating element configured to releasably mat with the mating mechanism of the adapter. The mating element in this illustrated embodiment includes a projection 1002a and a cavity 1002b. The projection 1002a extends proximal and is configured to be received within the corresponding mating mechanism cavity of the adapter. The projection 1002a has a cross-sectional shape that varies along its length, but other shapes similar to those described above with respect to the fitting mechanism are also possible. The cavity 1002b is formed on the proximal surface of the surgical instrument 1000 and is configured to receive the corresponding fitting mechanism projection of the adapter therein. The cavity 1002b has a U-shaped cross-section, but other shapes similar to those described above with respect to the fitting mechanism are also possible.

[0125] As described above, instead of surgical instruments being releasably attached to adapters such as adapter 300 in Figures 3 and 5-8, adapter 400 in Figure 9, adapter 1100 in Figure 22, adapter 10, adapter 11, adapter 12, adapter 800 in Figure 13, adapter 900 in Figures 14-19, or other adapters by releasably fitting to an adapter fitting mechanism extending distally from the adapter, a second adapter may be releasably attached to an adapter by releasably fitting to an adapter fitting mechanism extending distally from the adapter. The second adapter can increase the versatility of the adapter to which the second adapter is coupled. Also, as described above, a chain of coupled adapters may include two adapters, or three or more adapters, for example, three or four.

[0126] Figure 22 shows one embodiment of a second adapter 1100 configured to be releasably attached to another adapter, which for the sake of clarity will be referred to herein as the “first adapter”. The adapter 1100 in Figure 22 is configured and used in a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to the adapter 400 in Figure 9, and includes, for example, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions. The adapter 1100 in Figure 22 does not include a proximal pivotable arm or a distal pivotable arm. However, in other embodiments, the second adapter may include a proximal pivotable arm and / or a distal pivotable arm.

[0127] The second adapter 1100 includes a mating element configured to releasably mate with the mating mechanism of the first adapter. Figure 22 shows the second adapter 1100 configured to releasably mount to the adapter 400 of Figure 9 as the first adapter. However, other second adapters may be configured and used similarly to the second adapter 1100 for releasably mounting to other embodiments of the adapters described herein, for example, by having a suitable mating element for coupling with the mating mechanism of a particular adapter. In addition, the second adapter 1100 may be releasably mounted to the first adapter other than the adapter 400 of Figure 9.

[0128] The mating element of the second adapter 1100 in this illustrated embodiment includes a projection 1102 and a cavity (hidden in Figure 22). The projection 1102 extends proximal and is configured to be received within a corresponding mating mechanism cavity of the adapter, which in this exemplary embodiment is the cavity 414a of the first adapter 400. The cavity is formed on the proximal surface of the second adapter 1100 and is configured to receive the corresponding mating mechanism projection of the adapter therein. The mating mechanism projection in this illustrated embodiment is the projection 414b of the first adapter 400. The mating element projection 1102 of the second adapter 1100 in this illustrated embodiment therefore has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes and cross-sectional shapes are also possible as described herein. The mating element cavity of the second adapter 1100 in this illustrated embodiment therefore has a substantially cylindrical shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes and cross-sectional shapes are also possible as described herein.

[0129] The second adapter 1100 includes a mating mechanism configured to releasably mate with a mating element of a surgical instrument or a mating element of another (third) adapter. The mating mechanism of the second adapter 1100 is located on the distal surface of the second adapter 1100 and is therefore distally facing. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 22, the mating mechanism includes a cavity 1104a formed within the second adapter 1100 (its body) and a projection 1104b extending distally from the distal surface of the second adapter 1100. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 1104a has a substantially rectangular shape and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes and cross-sectional shapes are also possible as discussed herein. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism projection 1104b has a substantially rectangular shape and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, but other shapes and cross-sectional shapes are also possible as discussed herein. In addition, although the mating mechanism cavity 1104a is located above the mating mechanism projection 1104b in this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 1104a and the mating mechanism projection 1104b may be arranged in other ways.

[0130] The mating mechanism of the second adapter 1100 is configured to mate with mating elements of surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the mating mechanism. In this way, only surgical instruments or intermediate adapters having a mating element geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the adapter's mating mechanism can be mated to the second adapter 1100. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating mechanism cavity 1104a is configured to receive therein a corresponding proximal projection of a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the mating mechanism projection 1104b is configured to be received in the corresponding proximal cavity of a surgical instrument or intermediate adapter having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0131] The fitting mechanism of the second adapter 1100 in Figure 22 is configured as a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter from rotating relative to the second adapter 1100 when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into the second adapter 1100. In this illustrated embodiment, the fitting mechanism cavity 1104a and the fitting mechanism projection 1104b are configured to cooperate in preventing the rotation of the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter relative to the second adapter 1100, since the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter cannot rotate relative to the second adapter 1100 when the surgical instrument or intermediate adapter is fitted into both the fitting mechanism cavity 1104a and the fitting mechanism projection 1104b.

[0132] In this illustrated embodiment of Figure 22, the second adapter 1100 is configured to be releasably attached to a surgical instrument or another intermediate adapter. In other embodiments, the second adapter 1100 may be non-releasably attached to a surgical instrument. In such embodiments, the second adapter 1100 cannot be releasably attached to another intermediate adapter.

[0133] The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be discarded after a single use or to be designed for multiple uses. However, in either case, the devices may be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Refurbishment may include any combination of disassembly of the device, subsequent cleaning or replacement of specific components, and subsequent reassembly. Specifically, the device may be disassembled, and any number of specific components or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either in a refurbishment facility or by a surgical team immediately before a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly are available for the refurbishment of the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting refurbished devices are all within the scope of this application.

[0134] The devices described herein can be processed before use. First, new or used instruments are obtained and cleaned if necessary. Then, the instruments can be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instruments are placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. Next, the container and instruments are placed in a field of radiation or toxic gas that can penetrate the container, such as ethylene oxide, gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instruments or inside the container. After this, the sterilized instruments can be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instruments sterile until opened in a medical facility.

[0135] Sterilization can be carried out by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art, such as beta-ray or gamma-ray emission, ethylene oxide, steam, and liquid baths (e.g., cryogenic immersion).

[0136] Those skilled in the art will understand the further features and advantages of the devices, 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 for all purposes.

[0137] This disclosure is described above for illustrative purposes only, within the context of the entire disclosure provided herein. It will be understood that modifications can be made to the intent and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure.

[0138] [Implementation Method] (1) A surgical system, A first adapter configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, the first adapter comprising a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece and releasably coupled to a first mating element of a first surgical instrument configured to apply impact to bone, A surgical system comprising: a second adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, wherein only one of the first adapter and the second adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time, the second adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and the second adapter includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the second mating mechanism being different from the first mating mechanism. (2) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism has a different geometric shape from the first fitting mechanism. (3) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the first mating element to prevent the first surgical instrument from rotating relative to the first adapter while the first surgical instrument is releasably attached to the first adapter. (4) The system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the first fitting mechanism includes a distally facing cavity, the cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity. (5) The first fitting mechanism includes a distally extending projection configured to seat in a cavity facing the proximal side of the first surgical instrument, The system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the protruding portion has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the cavity facing the proximal portion has a corresponding cross-sectional shape.

[0139] (6) The system according to Embodiment 5, wherein the projection extends from a surface of the first adapter that does not have any cavities formed therein. (7) The second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter, The second fitting mechanism includes a second distally extending projection configured to seat in a cavity facing the proximal side of the second surgical instrument. The system according to embodiment 5, wherein the second protrusion has a cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of the first adapter. (8) The first fitting mechanism includes a distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the first surgical instrument, The system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the distal cavity has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the protrusion has a corresponding cross-sectional shape. (9) The system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the distal cavity is formed on a surface of the first adapter that does not have any protrusions extending distal therefrom. (10) The second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter, The second fitting mechanism includes a second distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the second surgical instrument, The system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second distal cavity has a different cross-sectional shape from the cross-sectional shape of the distal cavity of the first adapter.

[0140] (11) The system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter. (12) The first fitting mechanism is A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the first surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein one of the distally facing cavities is configured to receive a proximal projection of the first surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal. (13) The first adapter also includes a first pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with the first surgical instrument which is releasably coupled to the first adapter, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second adapter also includes a second pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with the second surgical instrument, which is releasably coupled to the second adapter. (14) The first pivotable arm includes one of the following: (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument; and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument. The system according to Embodiment 13, wherein the second pivotable arm includes one of the following: (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter relative to the second surgical instrument; and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter relative to the second surgical instrument. (15) The first fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the first adapter, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second mating mechanism is formed integrally with the second adapter or is configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter.

[0141] (16) The first mating mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second mating mechanism is formed integrally with the second adapter or is configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter. (17) The proximal portion of the first adapter or the proximal portion of the second adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece, The first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the second adapter. (18) The system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece. (19) The system according to embodiment 18, further comprising the first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument. (20) The surgical impact tool handpiece includes a distally facing cavity configured to receive inside the first portion of the first adapter or the second portion of the second adapter, The first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter, The system according to embodiment 18, wherein the second fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the second adapter.

[0142] (21) The system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a third adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, wherein only one of the first adapter, the second adapter, and the third adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time, the third adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and the third adapter includes a third mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a third mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, wherein the third mating mechanism is different from the first and second mating mechanisms. (22) The system according to embodiment 21, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece. (23) The system according to embodiment 22, further comprising the first surgical instrument, the second surgical instrument, and the third surgical instrument. (24) Instead of the first surgical instrument being releasably coupled to the first mating mechanism, the device further comprises a third adapter configured to be releasably attached to the first mating mechanism of the first adapter, The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the third adapter includes a third mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a third mating element of a third surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone. (25) Surgical methods, The first adapter described in Embodiment 1 or the second adapter described in Embodiment 1 is releasably attached to the surgical instrument, A method comprising applying impact to a bone with the surgical instrument while one of the first adapter or the second adapter described in Embodiment 1 is releasably attached to the surgical instrument.

[0143] (26) The method according to Embodiment 25, further comprising attaching one of the first adapter or the second adapter described in Embodiment 1 to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a releasable manner before the impact is applied to the surgical instrument. (27) A surgical system, A surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, An adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, the adapter includes a mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a mating element of a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the mating mechanism being configured to cooperate with the mating element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the adapter, the mating mechanism is configured A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of the following: D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and A system comprising: an adapter, which is one of a distally facing cavity, configured to receive a protruding portion of the surgical instrument extending proximally, and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal. (28) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the fitting mechanism is configured to cooperate with the fitting element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably attached to the adapter. (29) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the fitting mechanism is integrally formed with the adapter. (30) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the mating mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the adapter.

[0144] (31) The proximal portion of the adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece, The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter. (32) The system according to embodiment 27, further comprising the surgical instruments. (33) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece. (34) further comprising at least one additional adapter, Each of the at least one additional adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece such that only the adapter and one of the at least one additional adapters extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at any given time. The system according to embodiment 33, wherein each of the at least one additional adapters includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the second mating mechanism being configured to cooperate with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the additional adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter. (35) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the adapter is indestructibly attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

[0145] (36) The fitting mechanism of the adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the fitting element of the second adapter, instead of the fitting element of the surgical instrument configured to impart impact to the bone, The fitting mechanism of the adapter is configured to cooperate with the fitting element to prevent the second adapter from rotating relative to the adapter while the second adapter is releasably attached to the adapter, The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the second adapter is configured to be irremovably coupled to a surgical instrument or to be removably coupled to a surgical instrument. (37) The system according to embodiment 36, further comprising the second adapter. (38) The system according to embodiment 27, further comprising a second adapter configured to be releasably attached to the mating mechanism of the adapter, instead of the surgical instrument being releasably coupled to the mating mechanism. (39) The second adapter includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to embodiment 38, wherein the second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter. (40) The system according to embodiment 38, wherein the second adapter is irremovably coupled to the second surgical instrument.

[0146] (41) Surgical methods, The adapter described in Embodiment 27 is removably attached to the surgical instrument, A method comprising: applying impact to a bone with the surgical instrument while the adapter is releasably attached to the surgical instrument. (42) The method according to embodiment 41, further comprising attaching the adapter to the surgical impact tool handpiece in a releasable manner before the impact is applied to the surgical instrument. (43) The method according to embodiment 41, wherein the adapter is indestructibly attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece. (44) A surgical system, A first adapter configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, The device comprises a second adapter configured to extend distally from the first adapter, The first adapter includes a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of the second adapter, The first fitting mechanism is, A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of the following: D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and A system comprising one distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal. (45) The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the second adapter is irremovably coupled to a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to a bone.

[0147] (46) Further comprising a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the second adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument. (47) Further comprising a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first mating mechanism of the first adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to a selected one of the surgical instrument and the second adapter. (48) The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second adapter from rotating relative to the first adapter while the first mating mechanism is releasably coupled to the second mating element. (49) The first fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the first adapter, The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the second mating element is integrally formed with the second adapter. (50) The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter.

[0148] (51) The proximal portion of the first adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece, The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter. (52) The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece. (53) The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first adapter is indestructibly attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece. (54) The system according to embodiment 44, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece. (55) Surgical methods, The first mating mechanism of the first adapter described in Embodiment 44 is releasably coupled to the second mating element of the second adapter described in Embodiment 44, A method comprising applying impact to bone with a surgical instrument, wherein the first mating mechanism of the first adapter is releasably coupled to the second mating element of the second adapter, and the surgical instrument extends distally from the second adapter.

[0149] (56) The method according to embodiment 55, wherein the second adapter is irremovably coupled to the surgical instrument. (57) The method according to embodiment 55, further comprising releasably coupling the second mating mechanism of the second adapter to the third mating element of the surgical instrument.

Claims

1. A surgical system, A first adapter configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, the first adapter comprising a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece and releasably coupled to a first mating element of a first surgical instrument configured to apply impact to bone, A surgical system comprising: a second adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, wherein only one of the first adapter and the second adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time, the second adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and the second adapter includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the second mating mechanism being different from the first mating mechanism.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism has a different geometric shape from the first fitting mechanism.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the first mating element to prevent the first surgical instrument from rotating relative to the first adapter while the first surgical instrument is releasably attached to the first adapter.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first fitting mechanism includes a distally facing cavity, the cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity.

5. The first fitting mechanism includes a distally extending projection configured to seat in a cavity facing the proximal end of the first surgical instrument. The system according to claim 3, wherein the protruding portion has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the cavity facing the proximal portion has the corresponding cross-sectional shape.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the projection extends from a surface of the first adapter that does not have any cavities formed therein.

7. The second fitting mechanism is configured to cooperate with the second fitting element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter. The second fitting mechanism includes a second distally extending projection configured to seat in a cavity facing the proximal side of the second surgical instrument. The system according to claim 5, wherein the second protrusion has a cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of the first adapter.

8. The first fitting mechanism includes a distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the first surgical instrument, The system according to claim 3, wherein the distal cavity has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and the protrusion has a corresponding cross-sectional shape.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the distal cavity is formed on a surface of the first adapter that does not have any protrusions extending distally therefrom.

10. The second fitting mechanism is configured to cooperate with the second fitting element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter. The second fitting mechanism includes a second distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the second surgical instrument, The system according to claim 8, wherein the second distal cavity has a cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the distal cavity of the first adapter.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter.

12. The first fitting mechanism is, A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the first surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the distally facing cavities is configured to receive a protruding portion of the first surgical instrument proximal to it and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

13. The first adapter also includes a first pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with the first surgical instrument, which is releasably coupled to the first adapter. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second adapter also includes a second pivotable arm configured to pivot and engage with the second surgical instrument which is releasably coupled to the second adapter.

14. The first pivotable arm includes one of the following: (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument; and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the first surgical instrument to improve the retention of the first adapter with respect to the first surgical instrument. The system according to claim 13, wherein the second pivotable arm includes one of the following: (1) a textured surface configured to engage with the surface of the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter with respect to the second surgical instrument; and (2) a magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to the second surgical instrument to improve the retention of the second adapter with respect to the second surgical instrument.

15. The first fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the first adapter, The system according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the second adapter or is configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter.

16. The first fitting mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter, The system according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the second adapter or is configured to be releasably attached to the second adapter.

17. The proximal portion of the first adapter or the proximal portion of the second adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece. The first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter, The system according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the second adapter.

18. The system according to claim 1, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece.

19. The system according to claim 18, further comprising the first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument.

20. The surgical impact tool handpiece includes a distally facing cavity configured to receive inside the first portion of the first adapter or the second portion of the second adapter, The first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter, The system according to claim 18, wherein the second fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the second adapter.

21. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a third adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, wherein only one of the first adapter, the second adapter, and the third adapter is configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at a time, the third adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece, and the third adapter includes a third mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a third mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the third mating mechanism being different from the first mating mechanism and the second mating mechanism.

22. The system according to claim 21, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece.

23. The system according to claim 22, further comprising the first surgical instrument, the second surgical instrument, and the third surgical instrument.

24. Instead of the first surgical instrument being releasably coupled to the first fitting mechanism, the system further comprises a third adapter configured to be releasably attached to the first fitting mechanism of the first adapter, The system according to claim 1, wherein the third adapter includes a third mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a third mating element of a third surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone.

25. A surgical system, A surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, An adapter configured to extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece, the adapter includes a mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a mating element of a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the mating mechanism being configured to cooperate with the mating element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the adapter, the mating mechanism is configured A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of the following: D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and A system comprising: an adapter, which is one of a distally facing cavity, configured to receive a protruding portion extending proximally of the surgical instrument, and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the fitting mechanism is configured in cooperation with the fitting element to prevent the surgical instrument from rotating relative to the adapter while the surgical instrument is releasably attached to the adapter.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the fitting mechanism is integrally formed with the adapter.

28. The system according to claim 25, wherein the fitting mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the adapter.

29. The proximal portion of the adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece. The system according to claim 25, wherein the fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter.

30. The system according to claim 25, further comprising the surgical instruments.

31. The system according to claim 25, wherein the adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

32. It also has at least one additional adapter, Each of the at least one additional adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece such that only the adapter and one of the at least one additional adapters extend distally from the surgical impact tool handpiece at any given time. The system according to claim 31, wherein each of the at least one additional adapters includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, the second mating mechanism being configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the additional adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably mounted to the second adapter.

33. The system according to claim 25, wherein the adapter is irremovably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

34. The fitting mechanism of the adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the fitting element of the second adapter, instead of the fitting element of the surgical instrument configured to impart impact to the bone. The fitting mechanism of the adapter is configured to cooperate with the fitting element to prevent the second adapter from rotating relative to the adapter while the second adapter is releasably attached to the adapter. The system according to claim 25, wherein the second adapter is configured to be irremovably coupled to a surgical instrument or to be removably coupled to a surgical instrument.

35. The system according to claim 34, further comprising the second adapter.

36. The system according to claim 25, further comprising a second adapter configured to be releasably attached to the mating mechanism of the adapter, instead of the surgical instrument being releasably coupled to the mating mechanism.

37. The second adapter includes a second mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of a second surgical instrument configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to claim 36, wherein the second mating mechanism is configured in cooperation with the second mating element to prevent the second surgical instrument from rotating relative to the second adapter while the second surgical instrument is releasably attached to the second adapter.

38. The system according to claim 36, wherein the second adapter is irremovably coupled to the second surgical instrument.

39. A surgical system, A first adapter configured to extend distally from a surgical impact tool handpiece configured to drive the application of impact to bone, The system comprises a second adapter configured to extend distally from the first adapter, The first adapter includes a first mating mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to a second mating element of the second adapter, The first fitting mechanism is, A distally facing cavity having a cross pin extending across the diameter of the cavity, A distally extending projection is configured to seat within a cavity facing the proximal end of the surgical instrument and has a cross-sectional shape that is one of the following: D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, and A system comprising one distally facing cavity configured to receive a proximal projection of the surgical instrument and having a cross-sectional shape that is one of D-shaped, oval, Z-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal.

40. The system according to claim 39, wherein the second adapter is irremovably coupled to a surgical instrument configured to impart impact to a bone.

41. Further equipped with surgical instruments configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to claim 39, wherein the second adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument.

42. Further equipped with surgical instruments configured to impart impact to bone, The system according to claim 39, wherein the first fitting mechanism of the first adapter is configured to be releasably coupled to a selected one of the surgical instrument and the second adapter.

43. The system according to claim 39, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured to cooperate with the second mating element to prevent the second adapter from rotating relative to the first adapter while the first mating mechanism is releasably coupled to the second mating element.

44. The first fitting mechanism is formed integrally with the first adapter, The system according to claim 39, wherein the second mating element is integrally formed with the second adapter.

45. The system according to claim 39, wherein the first mating mechanism is configured to be releasably attached to the first adapter.

46. The proximal portion of the first adapter is configured to be received within the surgical impact tool handpiece. The system according to claim 39, wherein the first fitting mechanism is located on the distal surface of the first adapter.

47. The system according to claim 39, wherein the first adapter is configured to be releasably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

48. The system according to claim 39, wherein the first adapter is irremovably attached to the surgical impact tool handpiece.

49. The system according to claim 39, further comprising the surgical impact tool handpiece.

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