Surgical Instrument Bolts

Abstract

A surgical instrument bolt (104) for use with an orthopedic prosthetic joint inserter (102) includes a bolt head (200) and a bolt shaft (202) extending away from the bolt head. The bolt shaft includes a threaded end (210) and a shank (212) located between the threaded end and the bolt head. The bolt shaft also includes an interior surface (222) that defines an axial passage (224) extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft. In some embodiments, the axial passage may extend completely through the bolt shaft and bolt head, or in other embodiments, may be embodied as a blind passage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to orthopaedic surgical instruments, and more particularly to a surgical instrument bolt for securing an orthopaedic surgical instrument to an orthopaedic prosthetic joint. [Background technology]

[0002] Joint arthroplasty is a well-known surgical procedure in which a diseased and / or damaged natural joint is replaced with an artificial joint, which may include one or more orthopedic prostheses. For example, in a hip arthroplasty surgical procedure, the socket joint of a patient's natural hip joint is partially or totally replaced with an artificial hip joint. Similarly, in a total knee arthroplasty surgical procedure, the patient's natural knee joint is partially or totally replaced with an artificial knee joint.

[0003] One type of orthopedic prosthesis that can be used to replace a patient's joint is known as a cementless orthopedic prosthesis. An orthopedic surgeon implants the prosthesis into the patient's bony anatomy by using an orthopedic prosthesis inserter to impact the prosthesis into the patient's corresponding bone. For example, a cementless acetabular prosthesis typically includes an acetabular cup shell configured to be implanted into the patient's acetabulum. To do so, the orthopedic surgeon may utilize an orthopedic prosthesis inserter to impact the shell into the patient's acetabulum until the shell is fully seated into the patient's surrounding bony anatomy. Furthermore, other types of cementless orthopedic prostheses may be implanted into the patient's bony anatomy in a similar manner using associated orthopedic surgical instruments.

[0004] Typically, orthopedic prostheses are secured to an orthopedic prosthesis inserter or other orthopedic surgical instrument prior to impaction. To do so, one or more surgical bolts may be used to temporarily attach the orthopedic prosthesis to the orthopedic prosthesis inserter. However, depending on the amount of bolt extension exhibited by the surgical instrument bolt(s), vibration may loosen the bolt(s) during impaction, which may require the orthopedic surgeon to repeatedly retighten the bolt(s). Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect, an orthopaedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopaedic prosthesis into a patient's bone includes an orthopaedic prosthesis inserter having a body and a bolt passage defined therethrough, and a surgical instrument bolt configured to be received within the bolt passage of the body of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter. The surgical instrument bolt includes a bolt head and a bolt shaft extending away from a bottom surface of the bolt head. The bolt shaft includes a threaded end extending out from a distal end of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter, a shank located between the bolt head and the threaded end, and an interior surface defining an axial passage extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft.

[0006] In some embodiments, the interior surface further defines a first opening in the top surface of the bolt head opposite the bottom surface and a second opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the axial passage extends from the first opening to the second opening such that the axial passage extends completely through the surgical instrument bolt.

[0007] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the interior surface further defines an opening at the upper end of the bolt head, and the axial passage is a blind passage extending from the opening through the bolt head to the shank of the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the blind passage may extend to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the interior surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, and the axial passage is a blind passage extending from the opening into the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the blind passage extends from the opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, through the threaded end, and into the shank of the bolt shaft without extending into the bolt head.

[0009] Additionally, in some embodiments, the axial passage is embodied as an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the bolt shaft, in which the internal chamber may not extend to the bolt head or to the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

[0010] According to another aspect, a fixation device for use with a surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument bolt having a bolt head and a bolt shaft extending away from a bottom surface of the bolt head. The bolt shaft includes a threaded end having a plurality of bolt threads defined thereon, a shank disposed between the bolt head and the threaded end, and an interior surface defining an axial passage extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the interior surface further defines a first opening in the top surface of the bolt head opposite the bottom surface and a second opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the axial passage extends from the first opening to the second opening such that the axial passage extends completely through the surgical instrument bolt.

[0012] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the interior surface further defines an opening at the upper end of the bolt head, and the axial passage is a blind passage extending from the opening through the bolt head to the shank of the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the blind passage may extend to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, the interior surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, and the axial passage is a blind passage extending from the opening into the bolt shaft. In such embodiments, the blind passage extends from the opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, through the threaded end, and into the shank of the bolt shaft without extending into the bolt head.

[0014] Additionally, in some embodiments, the axial passage is embodied as an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the bolt shaft, in which case the internal chamber may not extend into the bolt head or into the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, an orthopaedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopaedic prosthesis into a patient's bone includes a handle having an impaction plate and a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft including a threaded end, a shank disposed between the handle and the threaded end, and an interior surface defining an axial passageway extending through at least a portion of the shaft.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interior surface further defines an opening at the bottom of the threaded end, and the axial passageway extends from the opening to the shaft. In such embodiments, the axial passageway may be embodied as a blind passageway. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the axial passageway may be embodied as an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The detailed description makes specific reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument including an orthopaedic prosthesis inserter and a surgical instrument bolt configured to secure an orthopaedic prosthesis to the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical instrument bolt of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a surgical instrument bolt of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the surgical instrument bolt of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the surgical instrument bolt of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter and surgical instrument bolt of the orthopedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 prior to securing the orthopedic prosthesis to the orthopedic prosthesis inserter. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter and surgical instrument bolt of the orthopedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1, with the orthopedic prosthesis secured to the orthopedic prosthesis inserter via the surgical instrument bolt. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another orthopaedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopaedic prosthesis into a patient's bone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not the intention of this disclosure to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but rather the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0019] Terms denoting anatomical references, such as anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior, inferior, etc., may be used throughout this specification with respect to the orthopedic surgical implants or prostheses and surgical instruments described herein, as well as with reference to the patient's living anatomy. Such terms have well-understood meanings both in the study of anatomy and in the field of orthopedic surgery. Use of such anatomical reference terms in the written description and claims is intended to be consistent with their well-understood meanings, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] References herein to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment being described may include a particular element, structure, or feature, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular element, structure, or feature. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular element, structure, or feature is described in connection with one embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to implement such element, structure, or feature in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly stated. Additionally, it will be understood that items in a list of the form "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, it will be understood that an item listed in the form "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0021] In the figures, some structural or method elements may be shown in a particular arrangement and / or order. However, it will be understood that such a particular arrangement and / or order may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such elements may be arranged in a different form and / or order than that shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method element in a particular figure does not imply that such element is required in all embodiments, and may not be included in some embodiments or may be combined with other elements.

[0022] 1 , an orthopaedic surgical instrument 100 includes an orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102 and a surgical instrument bolt 104. In use, as discussed in more detail below, the surgical instrument bolt 104 is useful for securing an orthopaedic prosthesis 106, such as an acetabular cup, to the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102 to facilitate implantation of the orthopaedic prosthesis 106 into a patient's bone. To do so, the surgical instrument bolt 104 is received through a bolt passage 120 of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102 and threaded into a threaded opening 108 in the orthopaedic prosthesis 106. Once so attached, the orthopaedic surgeon may align the orthopaedic prosthesis 106 with the patient's bony anatomy and impact the impaction plate 114 of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102 with a surgical mallet or similar tool, thereby impacting the orthopaedic prosthesis 106 into the patient's bone.

[0023] As discussed in more detail below, the surgical instrument bolt 104 includes an axial passage 224 defined therethrough to increase the amount of bolt extension exhibited by the surgical instrument bolt 104. Increasing the bolt extension reduces the tendency, frequency, or likelihood of the surgical instrument bolt 104 loosening during impaction. That is, increasing the bolt extension allows the surgical instrument bolt 104 to absorb vibration forces caused during impaction without loosening the threads of the surgical instrument bolt 104. It should be appreciated that the inclusion of the axial passage 224 increases the bolt extension of the surgical instrument bolt 104 without having to modify the diameter, length, or thread pitch of the surgical instrument bolt 104 relative to typical surgical instrument bolts used with the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 and orthopedic prosthesis 106. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be used with typical orthopedic prosthesis inserters and orthopedic prostheses without modification thereof. Of course, in other embodiments, the surgical instrument bolt 104 may also include a modified diameter, length, and / or thread pitch relative to a typical orthopedic surgical bolt used with the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102.

[0024] The orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 may be embodied as any type of orthopedic prosthesis inserter that secures an orthopedic prosthesis to the inserter using surgical instrument bolts. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 includes a curved body 110 having a distal end 112 to which an impaction plate 114 is integrally or separately attached. The impaction plate 114 is shaped and sized to provide an impact surface for receiving impaction from an orthopedic surgical mallet or similar tool during impaction of the orthopedic prosthesis 106. While the body 110 of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 is illustratively curved to allow positioning of the inserter 102 around the patient's anatomy, similar to the orthopedic surgical inserter 900 described below with respect to FIG. 9 , the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 may have a body that is substantially straight or otherwise non-curved.

[0025] The body 110 of the orthopaedic prosthetic joint inserter 102 also includes a proximal end 116 opposite the distal end 112, which includes an interior surface 118 that defines a bolt passage 120. The bolt passage 120 is sized to receive the surgical instrument bolt 104. In some embodiments, the interior surface 118 may be threaded, and the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be threaded into the interior surface 118. In such embodiments, the threads of the interior surface 118 are sized such that, when threaded through the interior surface 118, the threaded end of the surgical instrument bolt 104 extends from the distal end 112 and out of the bolt passage 120, and the surgical instrument bolt 104 rotates freely within the bolt passage 120 while being retained therein. However, in other embodiments, the bolt passage 120 may not be threaded.

[0026] 2 and 3 , the exemplary surgical instrument bolt 104 includes a bolt head 200 and a bolt shaft 202 extending away from a bottom surface 204 of the bolt head 200. The bolt head 200 also includes a top surface 206 having a tool opening 208 defined therein. The tool opening 208 is shaped to receive a corresponding bolt tool (e.g., an Allen wrench) to enable the surgical instrument bolt 104 to be threaded into the orthopedic prosthesis 106, as discussed in more detail below. Of course, in other embodiments, the surgical instrument bolt 104 may not include the tool opening 208; in such embodiments, the bolt head 200 may be shaped (e.g., hexagonally) to facilitate threading of the surgical instrument bolt 104 into the orthopedic prosthesis 106 using a corresponding tool, such as a bolt driver.

[0027] The bolt shaft 202 includes a threaded end 210 and a shank 212 located between the bolt head 200 and the threaded end 210. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , the shank 212 is not threaded, unlike the threaded end 210. However, in other embodiments, the shank 212 may be threaded (e.g., the entire bolt shaft 202 may be threaded), and in such embodiments, the shank 212 corresponds to a section of the bolt shaft 202 that does not engage with mating threads of the threaded opening 108 of the orthopedic prosthesis 106.

[0028] The bolt shaft 202 also includes an interior surface 222 that defines an axial passage 224 that extends through at least the shank 212 of the bolt shaft 202. It should be appreciated that the axial passage 224 extends through the shank 212 of the bolt shaft 202, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the shank 212, thereby increasing the bolt stretch of the surgical instrument bolt 104.

[0029] 2 and 3, the axial passageway 224 extends completely through the bolt shaft 202. That is, the interior surface 222 further defines a top opening 230 on the top surface 206 of the bolt head 200 (illustratively within the tool opening 208) and a bottom opening 232 on the bottom surface 234 of the threaded end 210. The axial passageway 224 extends from the top opening 230, through the shank 212 and the threaded end 210, to the bottom opening 232.

[0030] In other embodiments, the axial passage 224 may be embodied as a blind passage that does not extend completely through the bolt shaft 202. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the axial passage 224 extends from an upper opening 230 in the top surface 206 of the bolt head 200 through the shank 212 and terminates near the threaded end 210 without extending therethrough. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the axial passage 224 includes the upper opening 230 but does not include a bottom opening 232 in the bottom surface 234 of the threaded end 210.

[0031] 5, the axial passage 224 may be embodied as a blind passage that extends from a bottom opening 232 in a bottom surface 234 of the threaded end 210 through the threaded end 210 and the shank 212, terminating just below the bolt head 200 without extending therethrough. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the axial passage 224 includes the bottom opening 232 but does not include a top opening 230 in the top surface 206 of the bolt head 200.

[0032] 6, the axial passage 224 may be embodied as an internal chamber disposed within the shank 212 of the bolt shaft 202. In such embodiments, the axial passage 224 does not include a top opening 230 or a bottom opening 232. Rather, the axial passage 224 forms a sealed void within the shank 212.

[0033] 7 and 8, in use, an orthopaedic surgeon may secure an orthopaedic prosthesis 106 to an orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102 by inserting a surgical instrument bolt 104 into the bolt passage 120 of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102, as shown in FIG. 7. The surgical instrument bolt 104 is positioned within the bolt passage 120 such that the threaded end 210 of the surgical instrument bolt 104 extends out of the bolt passage 120. In embodiments in which the inner surface 118 is threaded, the surgical instrument bolt 104 is threaded into the bolt passage 120 until the shank 212 extends through the threaded inner surface 118 and the threaded end 210 of the surgical instrument bolt 104 extends out of the bolt passage 120. The orthopaedic surgeon then threads the surgical instrument bolt 104 into the threaded opening 108 of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter 102, as shown in FIG. 8, to insert the orthopaedic prosthesis. 106 may be secured onto the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102. Once so secured, the orthopedic surgeon can position the orthopedic prosthesis 106 in the patient's bony anatomy and impact the orthopedic prosthesis 106 into the patient's bone by repeatedly impacting the impaction plate 114 of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 until the orthopedic prosthesis 106 is properly seated.

[0034] Although the orthopedic prosthesis 106 is illustratively shown as an acetabular cup prosthesis, it should be understood that the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be used with other types of prostheses to secure those prostheses to the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102 or other prosthesis inserters. Additionally, the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be used with surgical tools, such as an orthopedic broach, to secure the surgical tool to an associated orthopedic inserter, impactor, or other surgical instrument. Additionally, it should be understood that the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be used with other types of orthopedic surgical instruments other than the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 102. That is, the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be useful in any orthopedic surgical instrument to replace such bolts that may loosen due to vibration forces, to improve the bolt extension typically exhibited by typical bolts, thereby reducing the likelihood of loosening.

[0035] 9 , it should be understood that the inclusion of the axial passage 224 described above with respect to the surgical instrument bolt 104 may be applicable to other orthopedic surgical instruments that are exposed to impact or vibration forces during use to improve fixation of such orthopedic surgical instruments. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , another embodiment of an orthopedic prosthesis inserter 900 includes a handle 902 and a shaft 904 extending from a bottom surface 906 of the handle 902. The shaft 904 includes a threaded end 908 and a shank 910 disposed between the threaded end 908 and the handle 902. The threaded end 908 is configured to be threaded directly into a corresponding orthopedic prosthesis, such as the orthopedic prosthesis 106, without the use of a surgical instrument bolt. Thus, the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 900 may be attached to the orthopedic prosthesis by threading the threaded end 908 into a corresponding threaded opening in the orthopedic prosthesis. Once so attached, the orthopaedic surgeon may align the orthopaedic prosthesis with the patient's bony anatomy and impact the handle 902 to impact the orthopaedic prosthesis into the patient's bone.

[0036] To reduce the likelihood of loosening of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 900 and the orthopedic prosthesis during impaction, the shaft 904 of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter 900 includes an opening 914 on the end 916 of the threaded end 908 and an interior surface 912 that defines an axial passageway 918 that extends from the opening 914 into the shaft 904. Similar to the surgical instrument bolt 104 described above, the axial passageway 918 extends through the shank 910 of the shaft 904. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the shank 910 is reduced, increasing the bolt extension of the threaded end 908 and reducing the likelihood of the threaded end 908 loosening during impaction.

[0037] While the orthopaedic surgical instrument of Figure 9 is embodied as an orthopaedic prosthetic joint inserter, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the orthopaedic surgical instrument of Figure 9 may be embodied as other types of orthopaedic surgical instruments. That is, the exemplary axial passage 918 may be incorporated into any other orthopaedic surgical instrument having a threaded end to improve bolt extension of the threaded end and reduce the likelihood of the orthopaedic surgical instrument loosening during use.

[0038] While certain exemplary embodiments have been set forth in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, it is understood that such illustration and description are merely illustrative in nature and should not be regarded as restrictive, but rather that exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0039] The present disclosure has multiple advantages based on various features of the methods, apparatus, and systems described herein. It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the methods, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure may not include all of the described features, but still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to independently implement methods, apparatus, and systems that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0040] [Embodiment] (1) An orthopaedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopaedic prosthesis into a patient's bone, said orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising: an orthopedic prosthetic joint inserter having a body and a bolt passage defined therethrough; an orthopedic surgical instrument comprising: a surgical instrument bolt configured to be received within the bolt passage of the body of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter, the surgical instrument bolt comprising: a bolt head; and a bolt shaft extending away from a bottom surface of the bolt head, the bolt shaft comprising: (i) a threaded end extending out from a distal end of the orthopedic prosthesis inserter; (ii) a shank located between the bolt head and the threaded end; and (iii) an inner surface defining an axial passage extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft. (2) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines a first opening in a top surface of the bolt head opposite the bottom surface and a second opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, the axial passage extending from the first opening to the second opening such that the axial passage extends completely through the surgical instrument bolt. (3) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening at an upper end of the bolt head, and the axial passage comprises a blind passage extending from the opening through the bolt head to the shank of the bolt shaft. (4) The orthopaedic surgical instrument according to embodiment 3, wherein the blind passage extends to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the threaded end of the bolt shaft. (5) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, and the axial passage comprises a blind passage extending from the opening to the bolt shaft.

[0041] (6) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the blind passage extends from the opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, through the threaded end, and into the shank of the bolt shaft without extending into the bolt head. (7) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the axial passage comprises an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the bolt shaft. (8) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of embodiment 7, wherein the internal chamber does not extend into the bolt head or into the threaded end of the bolt shaft. (9) A fixation device for use with a surgical instrument, said fixation device comprising: a surgical instrument bolt having a bolt head and a bolt shaft extending away from a bottom surface of the bolt head; a bolt shaft comprising: (i) a threaded end having a plurality of bolt threads defined thereon; (ii) a shank disposed between the bolt head and the threaded end; and (iii) an interior surface defining an axial passage extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft. (10) The fixation device of embodiment 9, wherein the interior surface further defines a first opening in a top surface of the bolt head opposite the bottom surface and a second opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, the axial passage extending from the first opening to the second opening such that the axial passage extends completely through the surgical instrument bolt.

[0042] (11) The fastening device of claim 9, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening at an upper end of the bolt head, and the axial passage comprises a blind passage extending from the opening through the bolt head to the shank of the bolt shaft. (12) The fastening device of claim 11, wherein the blind passage extends to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the threaded end of the bolt shaft. (13) The fastening device of claim 9, wherein the inner surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, and the axial passage comprises a blind passage extending from the opening to the bolt shaft. (14) The fastening device of claim 13, wherein the blind passage extends from the opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, through the threaded end, and into the shank of the bolt shaft without extending into the bolt head. (15) The fastening device of claim 9, wherein the axial passage comprises an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the bolt shaft.

[0043] (16) The fastening device of claim 15, wherein the internal chamber does not extend into the bolt head or into the threaded end of the bolt shaft. (17) An orthopedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopedic prosthesis into a patient's bone, said orthopedic surgical instrument comprising: a handle having an inset plate; an orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft including a threaded end, a shank disposed between the handle and the threaded end, and an interior surface defining an axial passageway extending through at least a portion of the shaft. 18. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end, the axial passage extending from the opening to the shaft. 19. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 18, wherein the axial passage comprises a blind passage. 20. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the axial passage comprises an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the shaft.

Claims

1. 1. An orthopaedic surgical instrument for inserting an orthopaedic prosthesis into a patient's bone, said orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising: an orthopedic prosthetic joint inserter having a body; a surgical instrument bolt comprising: a bolt head; and a bolt shaft extending away from a bottom surface of the bolt head, the bolt shaft comprising: (i) a threaded end; (ii) a shank located between the bolt head and the threaded end; and (iii) an interior surface defining an axial passage extending through at least a portion of the bolt shaft; the orthopaedic prosthetic joint inserter is characterized by having a bolt passage defined through the body and an interior surface of the bolt passage having a thread; the surgical instrument bolt is configured to be received within the bolt passage of the body of the orthopaedic prosthesis inserter, the surgical instrument bolt being threaded onto the interior surface of the bolt passage; the threaded end of the surgical instrument bolt is sized to extend beyond the distal end of the orthopaedic prosthetic joint inserter, and the surgical instrument bolt is free to rotate while being retained internally within the bolt passage.

2. 10. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic prosthesis has an opening with inwardly facing threads, the interior surface of the bolt passage has inwardly facing threads, and the threaded end of the surgical instrument bolt has outwardly facing threads.

3. 3. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the outward facing threads of the threaded end are configured to mate with the inward facing threads of the orthopaedic prosthesis at a distal portion and the inward facing threads of the bolt passage at a proximal portion.

4. 2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines a first opening in a top surface of the bolt head opposite the bottom surface and a second opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, the axial passage extending from the first opening to the second opening such that the axial passage extends completely through the surgical instrument bolt.

5. 2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening at an upper end of the bolt head, the axial passage comprising a blind passage extending from the opening through the bolt head to the shank of the bolt shaft.

6. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 5 , wherein the blind passage extends to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

7. 2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the interior surface further defines an opening in a bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, the axial passage comprising a blind passage extending from the opening into the bolt shaft.

8. 8. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein the blind passage extends from the opening in the bottom surface of the threaded end of the bolt shaft, through the threaded end, to the shank of the bolt shaft without extending to the bolt head.

9. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the axial passage comprises an internal chamber disposed within the shank of the bolt shaft.

10. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 9 , wherein the internal chamber does not extend into the bolt head or into the threaded end of the bolt shaft.

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