Patent ID: 6129729
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for installing a number of distal screws into an intramedullary nail implanted in a patient, said apparatus comprising:a foundation unit adapted to be fixedly coupled to said patient;a targeting/guiding unit having at least one locking device and adapted to be attached to said foundation unit and adaptable for targeting and guiding a device or devices used in installing a respective distal screw into a distal hole in said intramedullary nail, said targeting/guiding unit being movable throughout a plurality of degrees of freedom when attached to said foundation unit and being lockable in a respective location upon activating the at least one locking device; anda handle unit having a single activating device and being attachable to said targeting/guiding unit for facilitating the movement of said targeting/guiding unit about the plurality of degrees of freedom by an operator to a desired location so as to be aligned with the respective distal screw hole and for enabling the at least one locking device to be activated by use of the single activating device such that said targeting/guiding unit is locked simultaneously about each of the plurality of degrees of freedom at the desired location.