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

Claim 21:
22. 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; and
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 extending along a central lengthwise axis, wherein the coil spring comprises a plurality of spirals having a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane in which the central lengthwise axis is disposed;
wherein the coil spring comprises a non-circular cross-sectional shape including 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, the coil spring being configured such that the first surface contacts the second surface when the coil spring is in a resting state;
wherein the first surface and the second surface are configured to deter sheering movement between adjacent spirals of the plurality of spirals while permitting angular bending of the coil spring.