Patent ID: 6245071
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for fixation of a bone fracture comprising:at least one distal pin having a mounting end for insertion into the bone on a distal side of the fracture;at least one proximal pin having a mounting end for insertion into the bone on a proximal side of the fracture;a distal member attached to the at least one distal pin;a proximal member attached to the at least one proximal pin and slidably connected to the distal member for reducing or distracting the bone fracture;a distraction assembly having an active configuration and an inactive configuration, and operatively associated with the distal and proximal members in both the active and inactive configurations, with the active configuration allowing incremental geared relative movement between the proximal and distal members and the inactive configuration allowing a continuum of free relative sliding movement between the proximal and distal members; anda removable engagement element operatively engaging the distraction assembly in the inactive configuration, wherein removal of the engagement element places the distraction assembly in the active configuration.