Patent Description:
A surgical tool is typically connected to a handle that is used to manipulate the tool. The surgical tool is provided at a distal end of the handle and is commonly permanently or integrally attached to the handle. In other instances, the surgical tool is removably attached to the handle.

In either case, if the surgical tool is an extraction tool, e.g., one used to extract implants from bone or the like, the handle by itself may not be capable of enabling a user, e.g., a surgeon, to exert leverage suitable to extract an implant. <CIT> discloses an osteotome designed for implanting and extracting medical device implants. The osteotome includes a handle, a blade attachment assembly about a first end of the handle for receiving a blade, and a wing assembly about a second end of the handle opposite the first end. <CIT> discloses an impact tool useful for performing a number of different surgical and industrial functions. <CIT> discloses a handle for swiveling tools, aperture means within the handle for receiving the stock swiveling of the tool, and internal retaining means for retaining said tool within said handle. <CIT> discloses a modular impactor head includes a load transfer member, a base, and a locking assembly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment there is provided a handle assembly for a surgical tool comprising a handle having a distal end, and a first retaining mechanism attached to the distal end of the handle. The first retaining mechanism includes a first retaining housing having a first central cavity for receiving a surgical tool, and a first locking mechanism moveable between first and second positions relative to the housing, the first locking mechanism including a through hole for receiving the surgical tool. The first retaining mechanism further includes a pair of alignment tabs separate from and disposed about a opposite lateral sides of the first locking mechanism that limit movement of the first locking mechanism relative thereto. Optional features of the invention are as claimed in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Other features and advantages of the subject disclosure will be apparent from the following more detail description of the exemplary embodiments.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the subject application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. The term "distal" shall mean away from the center of a body. The term "proximal" shall mean closer towards the center of a body and/or away from the "distal" end. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element and designated parts thereof. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject application in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term "a," as used in the specification, means "at least one. " The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

"About" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, or ±<NUM> % from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

"Substantially" as used herein shall mean considerable in extent, largely but not wholly that which is specified, or an appropriate variation therefrom as is acceptable within the field of art.

Throughout the subject application, various aspects thereof can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, description of a range such as from <NUM> to <NUM> should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM> etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the subject disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular exemplary embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrate a handle assembly <NUM> for a surgical tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The handle assembly includes a handle <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The handle assembly further includes a first retaining mechanism <NUM> attached to the distal end of the handle.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first retaining mechanism <NUM> includes a first retaining housing <NUM> having a first central cavity <NUM> for receiving a surgical tool <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Representative surgical tools which can be received in the first central cavity may include, without limitation, a shoulder stem extractor, chisels, threaded extractors and the like. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first retaining mechanism further includes a first locking mechanism <NUM> moveable between first (<FIG>) and second (<FIG>) positions relative to the first retaining housing. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first retaining mechanism includes at least one biasing member <NUM> e.g., a first biasing member <NUM> engageable with at least one lateral shoulder <NUM> of the first locking mechanism for biasing the first locking mechanism into the first position. The first locking mechanism includes a through hole <NUM> for receiving the surgical tool. As illustrated, the first central cavity <NUM> and through hole <NUM> have an elongate or substantially oval shape, although they may assume other suitable shapes including, without limitation, circular. According to an aspect, the through hole of the first locking mechanism can be larger than the first central cavity.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the handle <NUM> is preferably relatively larger in a central region thereof, tapers from the central region towards the proximal and distal ends, and is enlarged at the proximal and distal ends. So constructed, the handle provides an ergonomically comfortable shape for the user's hand while having distal and proximal ends of sufficient size to respectively attach the first retaining mechanism <NUM> and a second retaining mechanism <NUM> (described below) to the handle.

Referring to <FIG>, the first retaining mechanism <NUM> further includes an alignment tab, e.g. an alignment dowel <NUM> about a lateral side of the first locking mechanism that limits movement of the first locking mechanism, as further described below. The alignment tab can alternatively be a square or rectangular rod, or a rod with an oval or triangular longitudinal cross-section.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show that the first retaining housing <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> adjacent the first central cavity <NUM> to receive the alignment tab <NUM>. According to the claimed invention, the first retaining housing includes a pair of bores <NUM> adjacent the first central cavity to receive a pair of alignment tabs <NUM>. The pair of bores are positioned about opposite lateral sides of the first locking mechanism <NUM>, and are distally facing e.g., the bore openings are distally facing.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the first retaining housing further includes an opening <NUM> for slidably receiving the first locking mechanism <NUM>. The opening <NUM> opens about a lateral side of the first retaining housing <NUM> and is positioned i.e., has a longitudinal extent that extends substantially perpendicular to and between the bores <NUM> e.g., the longitudinal axes of the bores.

The first locking mechanism <NUM> is configured as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The first locking mechanism has an elongated shape with the through hole <NUM> situated generally centrally thereof. As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a lip <NUM> that partially occludes the first central cavity <NUM> when in the first position. The lip <NUM> is formed as part of the perimeter of the through hole <NUM>. More particularly, the lip <NUM> is that part of the perimeter of the through hole <NUM> that projects into the first central cavity by virtue of the first biasing member(s) <NUM> pushing against the lateral shoulders <NUM> whereby the first locking mechanism <NUM> assumes the first position.

At a first end <NUM> of the first locking mechanism there is provided a centrally located projection <NUM> that separates the lateral shoulders <NUM>. The projection <NUM> functions as a stop for the first locking mechanism within the first retaining housing when the first locking mechanism is in the second position (<FIG>) relative to the first retaining housing. The first locking mechanism includes a second end or button end <NUM> opposite the first end that is selectively depressed by a user to move the first locking mechanism from the first position (<FIG>) to the second position (<FIG>), as described in greater detail below.

The first biasing member(s) <NUM> bias the first locking mechanism <NUM> into the first position. That is, first ends of the biasing member(s) <NUM> abut a surface of the first retaining housing and second ends of the first biasing member(s) abut the lateral shoulders <NUM> whereby the first biasing member(s) urge the first locking mechanism <NUM> into the first position. The first biasing member(s) <NUM> can be e.g., compression springs, rubber or other elastomeric members capable of being compressed when a user depresses the second end <NUM> of the first locking mechanism to urge the first locking mechanism to the second position and capable of returning the first locking mechanism to the first position upon a user releasing the second end <NUM>.

<FIG> show that the first locking mechanism <NUM> further includes at least one indentation <NUM> about a lateral side thereof. <FIG>, <FIG> show that each alignment tab <NUM> directly engages an indentation <NUM>. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first retaining mechanism includes a pair of alignment tabs <NUM> about opposite lateral sides of the first locking mechanism directly engaging a corresponding pair of indentations <NUM> about opposite lateral sides of the first locking mechanism.

By way of illustration, but not limitation, one can first attach the surgical tool <NUM> to the first retaining housing <NUM> of the first retaining mechanism <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. To do so, the user depresses the button end <NUM> of the first locking mechanism <NUM> that projects outwardly from the first retaining housing <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) against the bias of the first biasing member(s) <NUM> until the lip <NUM> no longer partially occludes the first central cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> of the first locking mechanism is in substantial alignment with the first central cavity (<FIG>). The user then inserts a male connector <NUM> of the surgical tool <NUM> (<FIG>) through the first central cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> and releases the button end <NUM> of the first locking mechanism <NUM>. The first biasing member(s) <NUM> thus exert force against the lateral shoulders <NUM> thereby urging the lip <NUM> of the first locking mechanism to engage a reduced diameter neck <NUM> adjacent the male connector of the surgical tool and lock the surgical tool to the first retaining mechanism <NUM>.

As the lip <NUM> moves from the occluding first position to the non-occluding second position and back again, the indentations <NUM> of the first locking mechanism <NUM> move relative to the alignment tabs <NUM>. However, the opposite ends of the indentation(s) serve as stops to control the range of movement of the first locking mechanism <NUM> relative to the first retaining housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> further comprises the second retaining mechanism <NUM> attached to the proximal end <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the second retaining mechanism includes a second retaining housing <NUM> having a second central cavity <NUM> for receiving a handle extension <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Representative handle extensions that can be received in the second central cavity may include, without limitation, a T-handle, a hammer wing, an extended wing, a slap hammer, and the like.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second retaining mechanism <NUM> includes an alignment tab, e.g., an alignment dowel <NUM> about a lateral side of the second locking mechanism that limits movement of the second locking mechanism, as described below. The alignment tab can alternatively be a square or rectangular rod, or a rod with an oval or triangular longitudinal cross-section. Preferably, the second retaining mechanism <NUM> includes a pair of alignment dowels about opposite lateral sides of the second locking mechanism.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show that the second retaining housing <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> adjacent the second central cavity <NUM> to receive the alignment tab <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining housing includes a pair of bores <NUM> adjacent the second central cavity to receive a pair of the alignment tabs <NUM>. The second retaining housing further includes a plurality of fillets <NUM> about its periphery which, according to an aspect, circumscribe the second central cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the second retaining housing further includes an opening <NUM> for slidably receiving a second locking mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) moveable between a first position (<FIG>) and a second position relative to the second retaining housing. The opening <NUM> opens about a lateral side of the second retaining housing <NUM> and is positioned e.g., such that its longitudinal extent is substantially perpendicular to and between the bores <NUM>, e.g., a longitudinal axis of the bores.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second retaining mechanism includes at least one biasing member <NUM> that biases the second locking mechanism towards the first position. In the exemplary embodiment, the second retaining mechanism includes a pair of biasing members <NUM>. The biasing member directly engages the second locking mechanism, e.g., the biasing member is engageable with at least one lateral shoulder <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the second locking mechanism for biasing the second locking mechanism towards the first position. The second locking mechanism includes a through hole <NUM> for receiving the handle extension. As illustrated, the second central cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> have a circular shape, although they may assume other shapes including, without limitation, an elongate or substantially oval shape.

The second locking mechanism <NUM> is best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second locking mechanism has an elongated shape with the through hole <NUM> situated generally centrally thereof. According to an aspect, the through hole <NUM> of the second locking mechanism can be larger than the second central cavity <NUM> of the second retaining housing. As best shown in <FIG>, the second locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a lip <NUM> that partially occludes the second central cavity when in the first position. The lip <NUM> is formed as part of the perimeter of the through hole <NUM>. More particularly, the lip <NUM> is that part of the perimeter of the through hole <NUM> that projects into the second central cavity by virtue of the second biasing member(s) <NUM> pushing against the lateral shoulders <NUM> whereby the second locking mechanism <NUM> assumes the first position.

At a first end <NUM> of the first locking mechanism there is provided a centrally located projection <NUM> that separates the lateral shoulders <NUM>. The projection <NUM> functions as a stop for the second locking mechanism within the second retaining housing when the first locking mechanism is in the second position relative to the second retaining housing. The first locking mechanism includes a second end or button end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM> that is selectively depressed by a user to move the second locking mechanism from the first position (<FIG>) i.e., a locking position to the second position i.e., an unlocking or retracted position, as described in greater detail below. As noted above, the second biasing member(s) <NUM> bias the second locking mechanism <NUM> into the first position. That is, first ends of the biasing member(s) <NUM> abut a surface of the second retaining housing and second ends of the first biasing member(s) abut the lateral shoulders <NUM> whereby the second biasing member(s) urge the second locking mechanism <NUM> into the first position thereby locking a handle extension thereto.

As shown in <FIG>, the alignment tab <NUM> directly engages an indentation <NUM> about a lateral side of the second locking mechanism. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second retaining mechanism includes a pair of alignment tabs about opposite lateral sides of the second locking mechanism directly engaging a corresponding pair of indentations about opposite lateral sides of the second locking mechanism.

As best shown in <FIG>, the first central cavity <NUM> of the first retaining mechanism <NUM> and the second central cavity <NUM> of the second retaining mechanism <NUM> are substantially aligned with a central axis "A".

A process for attaching the handle extension <NUM> to the second retaining housing <NUM> of the second retaining mechanism <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is as follows. First, the user depresses the button end <NUM> of the second locking mechanism <NUM> that projects outwardly from the second retaining housing <NUM> (<FIG>) until the lip <NUM> no longer partially occludes the second central cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> of the second locking mechanism is in substantial alignment with the second central cavity. The user then inserts a male connector <NUM> (<FIG>) of the handle extension <NUM> through the second central cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> and releases the button end <NUM> of the second locking mechanism <NUM>. The biasing member(s) <NUM> then urge the lip <NUM> of the second locking mechanism to engage a reduced diameter neck <NUM> adjacent the male connector of the handle extension and lock the handle extension to the second retaining mechanism <NUM>.

As the lip <NUM> moves from the occluding first position to the non-occluding second position and back again, the indentation(s) <NUM> of the second locking mechanism <NUM> move relative to the alignment tab(s) <NUM>. However, the opposite ends of the indentation(s) serve as stops to control the range of movement of the second locking mechanism <NUM> relative to the second retaining housing <NUM>.

In order to remove either the surgical tool <NUM> or the handle extension <NUM> from the handle assembly <NUM>, the user depresses the button ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second locking mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> until the lips <NUM>, <NUM> no longer engage the reduced diameter necks <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical tool and the handle extension whereby the surgical tool and the handle extension may be withdrawn from the handle assembly.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, there is provided a universal handle assembly for a surgical tool to which a surgical tool and a handle extension may be easily attached and detached. Further, although not limited thereto, the handle assembly according to the subject disclosure finds beneficial use with implant extraction surgical tools.

Claim 1:
A handle assembly (<NUM>) for a surgical tool (<NUM>) comprising a handle (<NUM>) having a distal end (<NUM>) and
a first retaining mechanism (<NUM>) attached to the distal end of the handle, the first retaining mechanism including:
a first retaining housing (<NUM>) having a first central cavity (<NUM>) for receiving a surgical tool (<NUM>), and
a first locking mechanism (<NUM>) moveable between first and second positions relative to the housing, the first locking mechanism including a through hole (<NUM>) for receiving the surgical tool
characterised in that
the first retaining mechanism further includes
a pair of alignment tabs (<NUM>) separate from and
disposed about opposite lateral sides of the first locking mechanism that limit movement of the first locking mechanism relative thereto.