Patent ID: 11864797
Assignee: TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  F | IPC A

Claim 20:
21. A method for treating an anatomical joint dysfunction comprising:
fixing a first and a second portion of a limb on opposite sides of an anatomical joint with a first and a second external fixator, such that the first and second external fixators are positioned on either side of the anatomical joint;
connecting the first and second external fixators with an orthopedic spring hinge, wherein the orthopedic spring hinge comprises:
a coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the coil spring comprises a plurality of spirals having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the coil spring including a first end and a second end;
a first end cap coupled to the first end of the coil spring and including a first portion configured to mount the first end cap to the first external fixator; and
a second end cap coupled to the second end of the coil spring and including a second portion configured to mount the second end cap to the second external fixator;
the coil spring comprising a first surface extending along a length of the coil spring and facing a first direction and an opposing second surface extending along the length of the coil spring and facing a second direction opposite the first direction;
wherein the first surface and the second surface are shaped to permit adjacent spirals of the plurality of spirals to nest and deter sheering movement between adjacent spirals of the plurality of spirals while permitting angular bending of the coil spring, wherein the external fixators are adjusted to treat the anatomical joint dysfunction.