Abstract:
A surgical instrument provides rotational and axial variations of a working end relative to a handle of the surgical instrument for configuration flexibility of the working end. An internal configuration of the handle of the surgical instrument accepts a retention portion of the working end in several positions. The working end can be varied in axial length relative to a front end of the handle and in axial position relative to the extension of the working end from the front end of the handle. A retention mechanism interacts with the handle and the working end to fix a position of the working end in the handle. The working end may be shaped to provide a bayonet version wherein the working end extends from the front end of the handle offset from the handle&#39;s longitudinal center, and a non-bayonet version wherein the working end extends from the handle&#39;s longitudinal center.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/822,385 filed May 12, 2013, entitled “Modular Telescoping Surgical Instrument” the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical instruments for orthopedic surgery that provide configuration flexibility. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Tools or instruments that allow flexibility in configuration in order to accommodate individual preferences for use inherently have greater utility. This is true for all types of tools or instruments for all types of purposes. Even the simplest of tools can benefit from being able to provide flexibility in configuration. Surgical tools or instruments are no exception. Configurable surgical instruments also reduce the number of instruments required for a given surgical procedure. 
         [0006]    A surgical instrument that can accommodate a surgeon&#39;s individual preferences for use of the instrument or of use for a particular purpose would be an asset. However, many surgical instruments are static in configuration and thus do not provide configuration flexibility. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surgical instrument that provides configuration flexibility. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention comprises a modular telescoping surgical instrument. Several embodiments and mechanisms are disclosed that provide configuration flexibility and length adjustment of a working end of the modular telescoping surgical instrument relative to a handle of the modular telescoping surgical instrument. 
         [0009]    The length of a working end of the modular telescoping surgical instrument relative to a handle of the modular telescoping surgical instrument is varied through a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism includes a constrictor that holds a configured area of a rear portion of the working end radially in and relative to the handle via a threaded knob or cap and angled inner walls of a neck of the handle. The retention mechanism allows a user to easily but securely adjust length between the handle and a working tip of the working end of the modular telescoping surgical instrument. 
         [0010]    In one form, the modular telescoping surgical instrument is additionally convertible between a bayonet version wherein the working end extends from the handle offset from the handle center, and a non-bayonet version wherein the working end extends from the handle center. 
         [0011]    The working end of the bayonet/non-bayonet version of the present surgical instrument has a rear portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a front portion defining a second longitudinal axis, and a crook or bend between the rear portion and the front portion whereby the second longitudinal axis is axially offset from but parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The angle of the crook or bend determines the amount of axial offset between the first and second longitudinal axes (such as a center longitudinal axis and an off-center longitudinal axis). 
         [0012]    The constrictor may comprise a collet that radially surrounds the configured (e.g. grooved) area at a rear of the working end within a front portion or neck of the handle. The threaded knob is received on a threaded end of the neck of the handle and at the proximate end of the collet. As the threaded knob is received on the neck of the handle, the knob axially compresses the collet towards and into the internal angled walls of the neck of the front portion of the handle thereby causing axial flanges of the collet to radially compress around and against a portion of the working end to fix the working end relative to the handle. 
         [0013]    The present invention will be more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular, telescoping surgical instrument, wherein a working end thereof is also convertible between a bayonet version and a non-bayonet version, the surgical instrument shown in the non-bayonet version; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrating its component parts; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a sectional side view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional side view of a circled portion of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 3  particularly showing the handle of the surgical instrument; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a sectional side view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 , the surgical instrument shown in the bayonet version; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional side view of the circled portion of  FIG. 5  particularly showing the handle of the surgical instrument; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular telescoping surgical instrument; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 7  illustrating its component parts; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a sectional side view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 7 , the working end shown in a near minimum length position relative to the handle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a sectional side view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 7 , the working end shown in a near maximum length position relative to the handle; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged sectional view of a front portion of the handle and a rear portion of the working end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 7 , particularly illustrating the manner in which the rear portion of the working end is received in the front portion of the handle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged side sectional view of the front portion of the handle and the rear end of the working end of  FIG. 11  particularly illustrating the manner in which the rear portion of the working end is received in the front portion of the handle; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of a length adjustable handle for the present modular telescoping surgical instrument, the length adjustable handle shown in a minimum length position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the length adjustable handle of  FIG. 13  with the length adjustable handle shown in a near maximum length position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of two components of the length adjustable handle of  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged isometric view of an adjustment pin of the length adjustable handle of  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
       [0031]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
         [0032]    A detailed description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of a modular, telescoping surgical instrument (surgical instrument)  20  fashioned in accordance with the principles presented. The surgical instrument  20  is used for various surgical procedures such as orthopedic procedures, but is not limited thereto. The surgical instrument  20  is made from surgical grade materials such as are known in the art unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0034]    The surgical instrument  20  has a handle  22 , a working end  24 , and a retention mechanism  21 . The working end  24  is length adjustable relative to the handle  22  and is fixable in position relative to the handle  22  via the retention mechanism  21 . For further configuration flexibility, the surgical instrument  20  also provides for the working end  24  to be convertible between a bayonet version and a non-bayonet version. In the non-bayonet version as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , a front portion  40  of the working end  24  extends outwardly from a central point of a proximate end of the handle  22 , in like manner to a typical screw driver, awl or the like. A longitudinal axis of the front portion  40  is thus co-axial with a central longitudinal axis of the handle  22 . In the bayonet version as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the front portion  40  of the working end  24  extends outwardly from an off-central (off-center) point of the proximate end of the handle  22 . The longitudinal axis of the front portion  40  thus being parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the handle  22 . 
         [0035]    The working end  24  comprises an elongated body or shaft  25  of a generally, but not necessarily, circular cross section since shafts of other cross sections may be used and are contemplated. The shaft defines a rear portion  38 , a middle portion  39 , and a front portion  40 . The rear portion  38  has an end  41  that is also the distal end of the shaft  25 , and a configured section  42  along a length of a proximate area of the rear portion  38  between the end  41  and the middle portion  39 . The configured section  42  is formed by a plurality of circular grooves  66  on the surface of the configured section  42  that are axially spaced apart from one another to form ridges  67  between the grooves  66 . As explained further below, the retention mechanism  21  interacts with a groove  66  and adjacent ridges  67  to fix the shaft  25  onto the handle  22  (when the surgical instrument is in the bayonet version). Of course, other configurations may be used for the configured section  42 . 
         [0036]    The middle portion  39  includes a crook, bend, curve or the like  43  that connects the rear portion  38  with the front portion  40 . The crook  43  is angled such that a central longitudinal axis of the front portion  40  is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the rear portion  38 . The crook  43  shown in the figures has an angle of approximately 45°. Angles can range between 0° and 90°. The angle of the crook or bend determines the amount of axial offset between the longitudinal axes of the front and rear portions. In addition to the configuration of the handle  22 , the configuration of the working end allows the surgical instrument  20  to convert between the bayonet/non-bayonet versions. 
         [0037]    The working end  24  further includes a configured section  44  along a length of the distal area of the front portion  40  between the middle portion  39  and a working tool or tip  47 . The configured section  44  is formed by a plurality of circular grooves  60  on the surface of the configured section  44  that are axially spaced apart from one another to form ridges  59  between the grooves  60 . As explained further below, the retention mechanism  21  interacts with a groove  60  and adjacent ridges  59  to fix the shaft  25  onto the handle  22  (when the surgical instrument is in the non-bayonet version). Of course, other configurations may be used for the configured section  42 . The front portion  40  has a proximate section  46  that tapers from the middle section  39  to a tool or tip  47 . The proximate section  46  however, may not taper if desired. The tool or tip  47  may be any type of surgical tool or tip. 
         [0038]    The handle  22  is defined by a generally longitudinally elongated, rectangular body  23  defining first and second elongated, rectangular sides  30   a ,  30   b,  and first and second elongated, slightly arched top and bottom sides  49   a ,  49   b,  it being appreciated that the nomenclature first and second, and top and bottom are arbitrary here and throughout unless otherwise indicated. A slot  32  is formed in the top side  49   a  that extends from proximate a distal end of the body  23  to a threaded neck  31  of the body  23 . As seen, the slot  32  extends through the threaded neck  31 . The slot  32  is configured to receive the rear portion  38  of the working end  24  when the surgical instrument  20  is in the non-bayonet version as depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 . The slot  32  is configured at a proximate end such that a slope  48  is defined which widens the end of the slot  32  at the proximate end of the body  23 . The slope  48  has an angle that approximates the angle of the crook  43  to act as a stop against rearward longitudinal travel of the rear portion  38  of the working end  24 . The length and configuration of the slot  32  is sized to allow the rear portion  38  sufficient room to longitudinally move therein in order to provide length adjustment of the working end  24  relative to the handle  22  when the surgical instrument  20  is in the non-bayonet version or mode. 
         [0039]    The handle body  23  further includes a bore  33  that extends from an opening in the slope  48  towards the distal end of the body  23  and parallel to the slot  32 . The bore  33  extends along a central or middle longitudinal axis of the body  23 . The bore  32  is dimensioned to allow longitudinal reception of the rear portion  38  of the working end  24  when the surgical instrument is in the bayonet version (see  FIGS. 5-6 ). The length and configuration of the slot  33  is sized to allow the rear portion  38  sufficient room to longitudinally move therein in order to provide length adjustment of the working end  24  relative to the handle  22  when the surgical instrument  20  is in the bayonet version or mode. 
         [0040]    The retention portion  21  that temporarily retains the working end  24  to the handle  22  comprises a constrictor in the form of a collet  26  and a threaded knob or cap  28 . Other types of retention mechanisms may be used and are contemplated. The collet  26  is defined by a generally barrel shaped body  27  having a central bore surrounded by a plurality of longitudinal arms  36  at a rear end thereof and a plurality of front prongs  37 . The collet  26  is dimensioned for reception in the tapered interior of the threaded neck  31  of the body  23 . The knob  28  is defined by an annular, knobby body  29  having a threaded bore  35 . The threaded bore  35  of the body  29  is sized for threaded reception onto the threaded neck  31 . The collet  26 , the neck  31  of the handle  22 , and the knob  28  interact to temporarily fix the longitudinal position of the working end  24  relative to the handle  22  and thus the length that the working end  32  extends from the handle  22 . 
         [0041]    As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the working end  24  is shown in a fixed position in and relative to the handle  22 . The working end  24  is in a nearly fully extended position. The collet  26  is situated in the neck  31  with a section of the working end  24  extending through the collet  26 , a remaining distal portion of the working end (e.g. the rear portion  38 ) received in the handle  22 . The knob  28  is received on the neck  31 . As the knob  28  is threadedly received onto the neck, an angled interior surface  63  of the knob  28  abuts and presses against angled outer surfaces  61  of the front prongs  37  of the collet  26 . This presses the collet  26  into the tapered interior of the neck  31 . As the longitudinal arms  36  of the collet  26  press against the tapered interior wall of the neck  31 , the longitudinal arms  36  are radially compressed against the respective portion of the working end  24 . Interior lips  62  of the front prongs  37  are received in a groove  60  of the configured section  44  with a ridge  59  on either side. These features temporarily fix the working end  24  to the handle  22 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the surgical instrument  20  is shown in the bayonet version. When in the bayonet version, the rear portion  38  of the working end  24  extends into the central bore  33 . The configured section  42  is received in and by the collet  26  in like manner as described above. The working end  24  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown in a nearly fully retracted position wherein the length of the working end  24  that extends from the handle  22  is at a near minimum. Extending the working end  24  from the handle  22  lengthens the length of the working end  24  that extends from the handle  22 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-12 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a modular, telescoping surgical instrument (surgical instrument)  120  fashioned in accordance with the principles presented. The surgical instrument  120  is used for various surgical procedures such as orthopedic procedures, but is not limited thereto. The surgical instrument  120  is made from surgical grade materials such as are known in the art unless otherwise indicated. The surgical instrument  120  is similar in form and function to the surgical instrument  20 , but provides length adjustment only of the working end  124  relative to the handle  122 . As such, where the components, features and the like of the surgical instrument  120  are the same or similar to the corresponding components, features and the like of the surgical instrument  20 , the components, features and the like of the surgical instrument  120  have been likewise numbered by adding  100  to the numbered components, features and the like of the surgical instrument  20 . 
         [0044]    The handle body  123  differs from the handle  22  by having only a single, central bore  133 . The retention mechanism  121  may be, and is shown as, the same type of mechanism as the retention mechanism  121  of the surgical instrument  20 . The working end  24  differs slightly since the middle portion  139  is straight between the rear portion  138  and the front portion  140  of the working end  124 . As such, the longitudinal axis of the front portion  140  is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the rear portion  138 . This is a non-bayonet version. The working end includes only a single configured section (i.e. configured section  142 ) at the rear portion  138 . The front portion  140  has a proximate section  146  that tapers from the middle section  139  to a tool or tip  147 . The proximate section  146  however, may not taper if desired. The tool or tip  147  may be any type of surgical tool or tip. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the working end  124  of the surgical instrument  120 , like the working end  24  of the surgical instrument  20 , is adjustable in length relative to the handle  122 .  FIG. 9  depicts a near fully retracted working end  124  relative to the handle  122  wherein the length L1 represents the length of the working end  124  that extends beyond the handle  122 , while length D1 represents the length of the working end  124  that extends into the handle  122 , the total length L1+D1=the longitudinal length of the working end  124 .  FIG. 10  depicts a near fully extended working end  124  relative to the handle  122  wherein the length L2 represents the length of the working end  124  that extends beyond the handle  122 , while length D2 represents the length of the working end  124  that extends into the handle  122 , the total length L2+D2=the longitudinal length of the working end  124 . The working end  24  of the surgical instrument  20  is length adjustable in the same manner. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 13-16 , an alternate version of a handle  222  that can used with the surgical instruments  20 ,  120  is shown. The handle  222  is, of itself, also length adjustable. While not seen, a retention mechanism as described herein is situated at the proximate end  253  of the handle  222 , the knob  229  of which is shown. The configured section  244  of the working end  224  is shown extending from the handle  222 . The handle  222  includes a shaft  252  having an interior that accommodates the working end and retention mechanism as described herein. A double-headed catch pin  254  is situated in a near distal end of the shaft  252 . As seen in the enlargement of  FIG. 16 , the catch pin  254  has a cylindrical body  255  having a first ball bearing  256  in one end of the cylindrical body  255 , and a second ball bearing  257  in another end of the cylindrical body  255 . The first and second ball bearings  256 ,  257  are spring-loaded, or otherwise, such as is known in the art. 
         [0047]    The handle  222  further includes a sleeve  230  having an opening  258  in an end thereof. The opening  258  of the sleeve  230  is sized for reception on the shaft  252 . The sleeve  230  has a plurality of holes on both sides thereof that have tapered openings  251 , the openings sized such that a ball bearing ( 256 ,  257 ) may extend through but be caught thereby. The tapered openings allow easy access to bias the ball bearings  256 ,  257  inward to slide the sleeve  230  along the shaft  252  in order to change the overall length of the handle  222 . Of course, a single ball bearing/detent structure may be used. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  shows the handle  222  in a minimum length position. The ball bearing  256  extends into the distal-most hole  250  of the handle.  FIG. 14  shows the handle  222  in a near maximum length position. The ball bearing  256  extends in into the near proximate-most hole  250  of the handle  222 . 
         [0049]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.