Patent ID: 6277124
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A ratcheting orthopedic adjustment system comprising:(a) a ratcheting assembly, having a system axis, for incremental relative movement in a first direction along the system axis but not in the opposite direction, the ratcheting assembly comprising a first ratchet piece for attachment to a first bone segment, and a second ratchet piece for attachment to a second bone segment; and(b) an elongated percutaneous adjustment assembly having a portion which is insertable through an opening in the patient's skin substantially smaller than the dimension of the ratcheting assembly and is releasably engageable with the ratcheting assembly, and a portion which remains outside the patient's body and is for manipulation;wherein after the ratcheting assembly is subcutaneously implanted, the adjustment assembly may be inserted through the opening, releasably engaged with the ratcheting assembly, manipulated to achieve an incremental relative movement of the first and second ratchet pieces in the first direction, disengaged from the ratcheting assembly and removed from the opening.