Patent ID: 7799031
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for rod reduction, comprising: a first assembly having a slotted distal portion adapted to connect to an orthopedic implant head and an axle in a middle portion; a second assembly pivotably connected to said first assembly, said second assembly including a substantially U-shaped reducer portion having at least one hollow into which an orthopedic rod may be placed, a substantially U-shaped sleeve portion within which said reducer portion is slidable and having at least one hollow into which said axle may be placed, and an adjustment mechanism including a rotatable threaded shaft extending through said sleeve portion and connected to said reducer portion, whereby turning said threaded shaft causes said reducer portion to slide along said sleeve portion; and wherein said first assembly includes an inner piece and an outer piece and said slotted distal portion of said first assembly is positioned on said inner piece and includes a plurality of flat surfaces; wherein said outer piece of said first assembly includes a lumen therethrough and said outer piece is slideably placed around said inner piece, and wherein said outer piece includes a plurality of flat surfaces within said lumen that are complementary with said flat surfaces of said inner piece; and wherein sliding said outer piece toward said distal end of said inner piece causes said flat surfaces of said outer piece to contact said flat surfaces of said inner piece on that pressure is exerted on said flat surfaces of said inner piece, whereby said slotted distal end is forced together.