Patent ID: 6652524
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An external fixator for a bone fracture immediately adjacent a joint between a long bone and a second bone, the external fixator comprising:a main body adapted for external fixation to the long bone, the main body extending along a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the long bone; an outrigger connected to the main body for extending over the joint between the long bone and the second bone and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body, the outrigger being adjustable in at least two dimensions relative to the main body, the outrigger being securable to the main body in a selected position by a dual rail structure, the dual rail structure comprising: a first rail extending from a first rail support plate in a first dimension and slidably received in a mating first recess, the first recess being defined in a first recess plate, wherein the first rail support plate abuts the first recess plate on both opposing sides of the first rail such that the abutting first rail support plate and first recess plate stabilize the outrigger relative to the main body; and a second rail extending from a second rail support plate in a second dimension and slidably received in a mating second recess, the second recess being defined in a second recess plate, wherein the second rail support plate abuts the second recess plate on both opposing sides of the second rail such that the abutting second rail support plate and second recess plate stabilize the outrigger relative to the main body.