Patent ID: 6565573
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An orthopedic screw for use in a surgical procedure comprising:(a) a head; (b) a body comprising: a distal tip; a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end, wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and (c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired, wherein the screw further comprises a major diameter defined by the substantially continuous thread, wherein the trailing end has a first major diameter and the intermediate section has a second major diameter, wherein the leading end has a third major diameter, and wherein the shank is tapered at the leading end, such that the third diameter decreases along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip, and the third major diameter remains substantially constant and is substantially equal to the second major diameter, such that the combination of the decreasing third shank diameter and constant third major diameter result in an increasing thread height of the thread along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip.