Patent ID: 8777960
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: A61B,B25B

Abstract:
1. A locking screwdriver configured to drive a bone anchor into bone, the locking screwdriver comprising: a shaft that defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along a first direction, the distal end configured to be received by a driving opening of the bone anchor, the shaft defining a first guide member that extends from the distal end toward the proximal end along the first direction, the shaft including a plurality of ramps disposed at the distal end, each ramp defining a sloped surface that is angularly offset relative to the first direction, wherein the ramps are spaced apart from each other along a second direction that extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a sliding member that includes a second guide member configured to engage the first guide member so as to direct the sliding member to translate along the shaft and onto each of the plurality of ramps to a releasably locked position, wherein the locking screwdriver is releasably locked to the bone anchor when the sliding member and the distal end of the shaft are disposed in the driving opening and the sliding member is in the releasably locked position; and an actuator configured to apply a force that biases the sliding member to translate along the shaft to the releasably locked position.