Patent ID: 7357804
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A drill-guide assembly, comprising: an alignment drill-barrel configured to receive and guide a drill-bit, the alignment drill-barrel having a proximal end and a distal end; a bushing configured to slidably receive the alignment drill-barrel, the bushing having a radially expandable forward-end and a proximal end, the forward-end configured to be insertable within a fastener hole in a bone plate; a release knob having serrations; and a movable ratchet gear mechanism having a first leg, a second leg and a tail, the first leg of the ratchet-gear mechanism connected to the alignment drill-barrel, the second leg of the ratchet-gear mechanism having pawls configured and adapted to engage the serrations to hold the alignment drill-barrel in position, the tail of the ratchet gear mechanism operable by a user to selectively move the ratchet-gear mechanism, wherein, movement of the ratchet-gear mechanism slides the alignment drill-barrel relative to the bushing to radially expand the forward end to releasably lock the bushing to the plate.