Patent ID: 7468063
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A frame assembly for an external fixation device for a bone having a longitudinal axis, the frame assembly comprising: a first arc segment defining a plurality of teeth; a second arc segment rotatably coupled to the first arc segment for controlled relative rotation about a rotation axis defined by the first and second arc segments, the first and second arc segments couplable to the bone for at least partially circumscribing the bone, such that the rotation axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone, wherein the first and second arc segments of the frame assembly are concentrically coupled and define an arcuate opening at the rotation axis for receiving the bone, wherein the first arc segment includes an extension slidably received in a cooperative recess of the second arc segment, wherein the extension and recess are generally T-shaped, and wherein the teeth are defined on an outer periphery of the T-shaped extension and extend along the entire length of the first arc segment; and a drive unit attached to the second arc segment, the drive unit for rotatably driving the second arc segment relative to the first arc segment about the rotation axis, the drive unit including a worm gear meshingly engaging the plurality of teeth wherein the worm gear is received in an outer peripheral groove of the second arc segment.