Abstract:
A universal modular external fixation system for immobilizing bone fragments in long bone fractures. The universal modular external fixation system includes a frame assembly comprising a plurality of pins designed to be coupled to various portions of a fractured bone. The external sections of the pins are fixated to a variety of different coupling devices designed to attach to a series of connecting bars along the length of the fractured bone. A plurality of connecting members interconnect the connecting bars thereby securing the pins and thus the bone sections to aid in proper healing of the fracture(s).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to external fixation systems and more particularly pertains to a new universal modular external fixation system for immobilizing bone fragments in long bone fractures. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of external fixation systems is known in the prior art. More specifically, external fixation systems heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
     Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,667; U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,161; U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,464; U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,116; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 303,577. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new universal modular external fixation system. The inventive device includes a frame assembly comprising a plurality of pins designed to be coupled to various portions of a fractured bone. The external sections of the pins are fixated to a variety of different coupling devices designed to attach to a series of connecting bars along the length of the fractured bone. A plurality of connecting members interconnect the connecting bars thereby securing the pins and thus the bone sections to aid in proper healing of the fracture(s). 
     In these respects, the universal modular external fixation system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of immobilizing bone fragments in long bone fractures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of external fixation systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new universal modular external fixation system construction wherein the same can be utilized for immobilizing bone fragments in long bone fractures. 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the external fixation systems mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new universal modular external fixation system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art external fixation systems, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a frame assembly comprising a plurality of pins designed to be coupled to various portions of a fractured bone. The external sections of the pins are fixated to a variety of different coupling devices designed to attach to a series of connecting bars along the length of the fractured bone. A plurality of connecting members interconnect the connecting bars thereby securing the pins and thus the bone sections to aid in proper healing of the fracture(s). 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new universal modular external fixation system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the external fixation systems mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new universal modular external fixation system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art external fixation systems, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new universal modular external fixation system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new universal modular external fixation system which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such universal modular external fixation system economically available to the buying public. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of~the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system for immobilizing bone fragments in long bone fractures. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system which includes a frame assembly comprising a plurality of pins designed to be coupled to various portions of a fractured bone. The external sections of the pins are fixated to a variety of different coupling devices designed to attach to a series of connecting bars along the length of the fractured bone. A plurality of connecting members interconnect the connecting bars thereby securing the pins and thus the bone sections to aid in proper healing of the fracture(s). 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system that can be utilized on a wide variety of bone fractures on various portions of the body. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new universal modular external fixation system that utilizes unique connecting bars, coupling devices, and pins to accomplish in one system what would normally require several devices or methods. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a new universal modular external fixation system according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention being utilized to immobilize the ankle and foot. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention utilizing offset connecting members. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention utilizing traction/distraction couplers. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a step down fixation pin of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a standard fixation pin of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a compression pin of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a compression pin of the present invention inserted into the bone. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view the guide wire of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view guide holder of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of different sized drill guides of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a trocar of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a multi-pin fixed coupler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view a single axis pivotal coupler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view a multi-axis pivotal coupler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view a traction/distraction coupler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of semi-circular connecting bars of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a standard connecting bar of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a threaded connecting bar of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a standard connecting member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an offset connector of the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view an angular connector of the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 22 thereof, a new universal modular external fixation system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 21, the universal modular external fixation system  10  generally comprises a frame assembly  1 . The frame assembly  1  has a plurality of pins  2 . The pins  2  comprise a plurality of fixation pins  3  and compression pins  4 . The pins  2  are designed for being threadably couplable to a bone  5  for the purpose of rendering the bone  5  immobile. 
     The frame assembly  1  includes a plurality of couplers  6 . The couplers  6  comprise a pin section  7  and a bar section  8 . The pin section  7  is selectively couplable to the pins  2  such that the pin section  7  is designed for holding the pins  2  in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly  1 . 
     The frame assembly  1  includes a plurality of connecting bars  9 . The connecting bars  9  comprise straight connecting bars  11  and semi-circular connecting bars  12 . The connecting bars  9  are slidable through the bar section  8  of the couplers  6 . The connecting bars  9  are designed for allowing a user to position the couplers  6  along the connecting bars  9  such that the couplers  6  are selectively couplable to the pins  2  when the pins  2  are positioned in the bones  5 . 
     The frame assembly  1  includes a plurality of connecting members  13 . The connecting members  13  are selectively couplable to the connecting bars  9 . The connecting members  13  are designed for rigidly securing a plurality of the connecting bars  9  together thereby completely immobilizing all of the pins  2  coupled to the bones  5  for the duration of the healing process. 
     The plurality of fixation pins  3  of the frame assembly  1  comprises a standard fixation pin  14  and a step down fixation pin  15 . Each of the fixation pins  14 ,  15  has a threaded portion  16 . The threaded portion  16  of the fixation pins  14 ,  15  is located proximate a point end  17  of the fixation pins  3 . The threaded portion  16  is designed for being screwed into the bone  5 . 
     Each of the fixation pins  3  has a tool end. The tool end is designed for allowing the user to utilize a tool to turn the fixation pin for the purpose of inserting or extracting the fixation pin to and from the bone  5 . 
     Each of the fixation pins  3  has a coupling portion  19  and an insertion portion  20 . The coupling portions  19  of the fixation pins  3  have equal diameters. A diameter of the coupling portion  19  of the standard fixation pin  14  is equal to a diameter of the insertion portion  20  of the standard fixation pin  14 , whereas a diameter of the insertion portion  20  of the step down fixation pin  15  is less than a diameter of the coupling portion  19  of the step down fixation pin  15  thereby making fixation pins  14 ,  15  having different insertion diameters both selectively couplable to one of the couplers  6 . 
     The compression pin  4  of the frame assembly  1  is a substantially elongate tubular member  21 . The compression pin  4  has the threaded portion  16  and the coupling portion  19 . The compression pin  4  has a tool portion  22  positioned proximate a medial portion  23  of the compression pin  4 . The tool portion  22  is designed for allowing the user to utilize a tool to turn the compression pin  4  for the purpose of inserting or extracting the compression pin  4  from the bone  5 . 
     The compression pin  4  has a head portion  24 . The head portion  24  is located adjacent the tool portion  22 . The head portion  24  is designed for abutting an outer surface  25  of the fractured bone  27  when the threaded portion  16  of the compression pin  4  passes completely through a first part of a fractured bone  26  and is securely coupled to a second part of the fractured bone  27 . The compression pin  4  is designed for biasing the first and second parts of the bone  26 ,  28  together until properly healed. 
     The compression pin  4  includes a guide wire  29 . The guide wire  29  is insertable into the compression pin  4  such that the guide wire  29  protrudes outwardly from the point end  17  of the compression pin  4 . The guide wire  29  is positioned in the bone  5  prior to screwing in the compression pin  4  such that the guide wire  29  is designed for predetermining a desired angle and location of the compression pin  4  by viewing x-rays with the guide wire  29  inserted thereby assuring proper placement of the compression pin  4  in the fractured bone  27 . 
     A plurality of the compression pins  4  comprises a plurality of lengths of the insertion portions  20  for the purpose of matching a particular compression pin  4  to a specific fracture  40  requirement. 
     The frame assembly  1  includes a drill guide assembly  30 . The drill guide assembly  30  comprises a guide holder  31 , a plurality of drill guides  32 , and a trocar  33 . The trocar  33  is insertable into the guide holder  31  such that the trocar  33  protrudes outwardly from a bottom end  34  of the guide holder  31  thereby puncturing muscle covering the bone  5 . The trocar  33  is then removed and one of the plurality of drill guides  32  is inserted into the guide holder  31 . The drill guides  32  are designed for guiding various sized drill bits to ensure the uniformity of the hole being drilled into the bone  5  thereby assuring proper placement of the fixation pins  3 . 
     The plurality of the couplers  6  of the frame assembly  1  includes a multi-pin fixed coupler  35 . The bar section  8  of the multi-pin fixed coupler  35  has a plurality of securing members  36 . The securing members  36  are positioned on a bar end  37  of the multi-pin fixed coupler  35 . The securing members  36  are designed for contacting the connecting bar  9  thereby allowing a user to selectively fixate the multi-pin fixed coupler  35  onto the connecting bar  9  in a desired position. 
     The pin section  7  of the multi-pin fixed coupler  35  has a plurality of fixation pin apertures  38 . The apertures  38  are formed by mating sectional portions  39  of the pin section  7  of the multi-pin fixed coupler  35 . A diameter of the fixation pins  3  is greater than a diameter of the apertures  38  such that the fixation pins  3  are insertable into the apertures  38  when the sectional portions  39  are parted. 
     The apertures  38  are designed for securing the fixation pins  3  when a plurality of the securing members  36  of the pin section  7  are biased inwardly thus forcing the sectional portions  39  together. The diameter of the apertures  38  then decreases thereby securing the fixation pins  3  to the pin section  7  of the multi-pin fixed coupler  35 . 
     The frame assembly  1  includes a plurality of the multi-pin fixed couplers  35 . Each of the multi-pin fixed couplers  35  has a different number of pin apertures  38 . The apertures  38  are aligned substantially parallel to the connecting bars  9  thereby allowing the user to space the fixation pins  3  as needed along the bone  5  for the purpose of immobilizing particular parts of the bone  5  for proper healing of the fracture  40 . 
     The plurality of the couplers  6  of the frame assembly  1  includes a single axis pivotal coupler  41 . The pin section  7  of the single axis pivotal coupler  41  has a pivotal pin member  42 . The pivotal pin member  42  has a bore  43  therethrough. The bore  43  is designed for receiving one of the fixation pins  3 . The pivotal pin member  42  is positioned within the pin section  7  of the single axis pivotal coupler  41 . 
     The pivotal pin member  42  is pivotable thirty degrees either side of a central axis of the coupler  41  in a plane parallel to a vertical plane of a longitudinal axis of the connecting bars  9 . The central axis is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler  41 . The central axis is substantially perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the connecting bar  9  thereby allowing the user to position the fixation pin  3  at various angles with respect to the connecting bar  9  as needed. 
     A clamping member  44  of the pin section  7  is biased inwardly contacting the pivotal pin member  42  thereby securing the pivotal pin member  42  in a fixed position. 
     The pivotal pin member  42  of the single axis pivotal coupler  41  is collapsible when the clamping member  44  secures the pivotal pin member  42 . A diameter of the bore  43  of the pivotal pin member  42  is decreased upon the securing of the pivotal pin member  42  by the clamping member  44  maintaining a position of one of the pins  2  in the bore  43 . 
     Upper and lower surfaces  45 ,  46  of the pin section  7  of the single axis pivotal coupler  41  have an inner edge portion  47 . The inner edge portion  47  is beveled outwardly from an exterior surface  48  of the pivotal pin member  42  thereby allowing the fixation pin to fully pivot the designated angular range of the pivotal pin member  42 . 
     The bar section  8  of the single axis pivotal coupler  41  has a securing member such that the bar section  8  is designed for being selectively couplable to one of the connecting bars  9 . 
     The plurality of the couplers  6  of the frame assembly  1  includes a multi-axis pivotal coupler  49 . The pin section  7  of the multi-axis pivotal coupler  49  has a multi-axis pin member  50 . The multi-axis pin member  50  has a bore  43  throughout. The bore  43  is designed for receiving one of the pins  2 . The multi-axis pin member  50  is positioned within the pin section  7  of the multi-axis pivotal coupler  49 . The multi-axis pin member  50  is pivotable thirty degrees about a central axis wherein the central axis is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler  49  thereby allowing the user to position the pins  2  at various angles with respect to the connecting bars  9  as required. 
     A clamping member  44  of the pin section  7  is biased inwardly contacting the multi-axis pin member  50  thereby securing the multi-axis pin member  50  in a fixed position. 
     The multi-axis pin member  50  of the multi-axis pivotal coupler  49  is collapsible when the clamping member  44  secures the pivotal pin member  42 . A diameter of the bore  43  of the multi-axis pin member  50  is decreased upon the securing of the multi-axis pin member  50  by the clamping member  44  thereby maintaining a position of one of the pins  2  in the bore  43 . 
     Upper and lower surfaces  45 ,  46  of the pin section  7  of the multi-axis pivotal coupler  49  have an inner edge portion  47 . The inner edge portion  47  is beveled outwardly from an exterior surface  48  of the multi-axis pin member  50  thereby allowing the fixation pin to fully pivot the designated angular range of the multi-axis pin member  50 . 
     The bar section  8  of the multi-axis pivotal coupler  49  is designed for receiving the semi-circular connecting bars  12 . The bar section  8  has a securing member  36  such that the bar section  8  is designed for being selectively couplable to one of the semicircular connecting bars  12 . 
     The plurality of the couplers  6  of the frame assembly  1  includes a traction/distraction coupler  51 . The pin section  7  of the traction/distraction coupler  51  has a plurality of pin receiving holes  52 . The pin receiving holes  52  are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the connecting bar  9 . 
     The pin section  7  has a plurality of securing members  36  such that the pins  2  are selectively couplable to the pin section  7  when the securing members  36  are biased inwardly towards the pins  2 . 
     The bar section  8  of the traction/distraction coupler  51  has a traction/distraction member  53 . The traction/distraction member  53  is positioned proximate a middle section  54  of the traction/distraction coupler  51 . The traction/distraction member  53  is threadably couplable to a threaded connecting bar  55 . The traction/distraction member  53  is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the threaded connecting bar  55  such that rotation of the traction/distraction member  53  biases the traction/distraction coupler  51  longitudinally along the threaded connecting bar  55 . 
     The bar section  8  of the traction/distraction coupler  51  has a securing member  36 . The securing member  36  is designed for contacting the threaded connecting bar  55  for the purpose of preventing rotation with respect to the traction/distraction coupler  51  when a pair of traction/distraction couplers  51  are coupled to the threaded rod and are utilized to bias bones  5  on either side of the fracture  40  as required. 
     A first of the traction/distraction couplers  56  is secured to the threaded connecting bar  55 . A second of the traction/distraction couplers  57  is biased along the threaded connecting bar  55  by rotation of the traction/distraction member  53  when the pins  2  are secured to either side of the fracture  40 . 
     All of the couplers  6  have smooth surfaces  58  and beveled edges  59  thereby allowing a user to grasp the couplers  6  when the user is wearing latex gloves and has a substantial amount of blood and fluid on the gloves making them slippery. 
     The straight connecting bars  11  of the connecting bars  9  includes standard connecting bars  60  and the threaded connecting bars  55 . The standard connecting bars  60  comprise smooth tubular members  62  of various predetermined lengths. The standard connecting bars  60  are designed for receiving all of the couplers  6  except the traction/distraction couplers  51 . 
     The threaded connecting bars  55  comprise threaded tubular members  63  of various predetermined lengths. The threaded connecting bars  55  are designed for receiving a plurality of traction/distraction couplers  51 . 
     The semi-circular connecting bars  12  comprise a straight portion  64  and a curved portion  65 . The portions are fixedly coupled such that a plane in which the curved portion  65  lies is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the straight portion  64 . 
     The semi-circular connecting bars  12  have a plurality of different length straight portions  64  in conjunction with a plurality of curved portions  65  having different radii. 
     The curved portions  65  of the semi-circular connecting bars  12  are designed for receiving the multi-axis pivotal couplers  49  such that the multi-axis pivotal couplers  49  are positioned about a distal end  66  of a bone  5 . 
     The plurality of connecting members  13  includes a standard connector  67 . The standard connector  67  comprises two connecting portions  68 . Each of the connecting portions  68  is designed for receiving the connecting bars  9 . The connecting portions  68  are pivotally coupled and have a securing member  36 . The securing member  36  is designed for selectively coupling the connecting bars  9  to the connecting portions  68  such that the standard connector  67  is designed for selectively coupling two connecting bars  9  for the purpose of forming the frame assembly  1 . 
     The plurality of connecting members  13  includes an offset connector  69 . The offset connector  69  comprises two end members  70  and a plurality of inner members  71 . All of the inner members  71  are pivotally coupled together thereby forming a chainlike design such that the inner members  71  are designed for allowing the end members  70  to be offset. 
     The end members  70  are selectively couplable to ends  72  of two different connecting bars  9 . The offset connector  69  is designed for allowing two connecting bars  9  to be selectively coupled along a common longitudinal axis but with an offset perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as required when forming the frame assembly  1 . 
     Each of the end members  70  has a plurality of securing members  36 . The securing members  36  are positioned on opposing side surfaces  73  of the end members  70 . The securing members  36  are designed for selectively coupling the end members  70  to ends  72  of the connecting bars  9 . 
     The plurality of connecting members  13  includes an angular connector  74 . The angular connector  74  includes a main bracket member  75 . The main bracket member  75  comprises two outer portions  76  and a central portion  77 . Each of the outer portions  76  is deflected equilaterally from a longitudinal axis of the central portion  77  of the angular connector  74 . 
     Each of the portions  76 ,  77  includes a coupling member  78 . The coupling member  78  comprises a shaft section  79 . The shaft sections  79  are pivotally coupled to the portions  76 ,  77  of the angular connector  74 . Each of the portions  76 ,  77  includes a securing member  36  such that the angular connector  74  is designed for selectively coupling a plurality of the connecting bars  9  along a longitudinal axis of the connecting bars  9  in the formation of the frame assembly  1 . 
     The plurality of connecting members  13  includes a semi-circular connector  61 . The semi-circular connector  61  is designed to be simultaneously coupled to a connecting bar  9  and a semi-circular connecting bar  12 . 
     All of said components comprise an aluminum titanium steel alloy material. 
     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.