Patent Description:
When attaching pins and/or wires to a bone of a patient, medical professionals may need to perform drilling, tapping, and/or screwing steps. When performing these tasks, powered surgical instruments may be utilized for driving elongated pins and/or wires. Powered surgical instruments used for driving elongated pins and/or wires may typically comprise a hand piece that drives a cannulated shaft through which a pin or wire may be passed. A drive shaft of the powered surgical instrument receiving the pin and/or wire may rotate, which in-turn rotates the received pin and/or wire in order to advance the pin and/or wire extending from the drive shaft into a bone structure or other structure. While pins usually have larger diameters than wires, for purposes of this description, the term "pins" and "wires" may be considered interchangeable.

Examples of pin wire driver devices are described in <CIT> and <CIT>, and <CIT> which discloses surgical wire inserter apparatus.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include the desire to simplify the design of existing pin wire driver devices, such as by reducing the number of components in an attachment apparatus. Additionally, the present inventors have recognized that a problem to be solved can include reducing the potential for an attachment apparatus to become temporarily seized-up such that the surgeon or other personnel may need to perform corrective measures to release the attachment apparatus, such as by disassembling the device or subjecting the device to an impact.

The present subject matter can help provide a solution to various problems associated with attachment apparatuses for driver devices by providing a mobile shaft and a flexible collet that have an angled contact surface. More specifically, an attachment apparatus can comprise a mobile shaft having captured bearings that engage an angled surface of a pin wire collet.

In an example, the present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem, such as by providing an engagement mechanism for a driver instrument. The engagement mechanism comprises a mobile shaft, a collet, and an angled engagement interface. The mobile shaft extends along an axis and comprises a first shaft portion located at a proximal end of the mobile shaft, a driver portion located at a distal end of the mobile shaft, and an internal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The collet couples to a drive input of the driver instrument and comprises a second shaft portion disposed within the passageway at the first shaft portion, and flexible arms extending from the second shaft portion within the driver portion. The angled engagement interface is located between the driver portion and the flexible arms, and is configured to permit the driver portion to push the flexible arms radially inward when the first shaft portion is slid along the second shaft portion. The angled engagement interface comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces extending from distal ends of the flexible arms to form a frusto-conical shoulder; and a plurality of bearings mounted to the passageway at the driver portion; wherein the plurality of bearings can be advanced to engage the frusto-conical shoulder to deflect the flexible arms, and wherein the mobile shaft comprises channels extending into the driver portion within the passageway, the plurality of bearings being located in the channels.

In yet another non-claimed example, a method of advancing a pin wire using a pin wire driver can comprise: inserting a pin wire into a lumen of the pin wire driver; pulling a handle to actuate an engagement mechanism of the pin wire driver; advancing a mobile shaft within the engagement mechanism with the handle; pushing bearings mounted to the mobile shaft axially forward; engaging the bearings with shoulder portions of a pin wire collet; pushing flexible arms connected to the shoulder portions radially inward with the bearings to clamp onto the pin wire; and advancing the pin wire.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG> do not show all of the features of the present invention but are included as background reference for aiding the understanding of this disclosure.

Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

As used herein, the proximal end (e.g., trailing end) of an object is the end that is closest to the individual or instrument inserting the object during a medical procedure and the distal end (e.g., leading end) of an object is the end that is farthest from the individual or instrument inserting the object during a medical procedure.

As used herein, any numerical or other order designations of elements (e.g., first, second, third, a, b, c, etc.) are used for descriptive purposes to improve the clarity of the description of the disclosure and differentiate between similar disclosed features. These numerical indications, unless expressly indicated, are not used for any limiting purposes.

The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure.

In some cases, pin wire driver attachments may facilitate driving and/or removing pins and wires by medical professionals during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) procedures as well as other orthopedic or medical procedures and/or trauma. Some pin wire driver attachments may have variable grab points (e.g., grab points that may vary depending on pin or wire diameter), however, medical professionals appreciate a consistent grab point independent of wire size for consistency during procedures. Additionally, some pin wire driver attachments have a rotating outer nose, initial hold features set back a distance from the distal end of the pin wire driver attachment such that short pins (e.g., less than about <NUM>-<NUM>, or around <NUM> inches, may not receive an initial force applied thereto when received in the attachment), and manual adjustability to provide for various pin or wire diameters.

As disclosed herein a pin wire driver attachment <NUM> (e.g., and instrument) may have a nose that does not rotate and does not require manual adjustment for various pin or wire <NUM> diameters. The pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may provide one or more consistent grab points independent of wire diameter, for example, a passive hold feature may engage a received pin or wire <NUM> at <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc., at about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. and/or between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, etc., or other distance from a distal end of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>. In some instances, a first pin wire driver attachment may be configured for a first set of pins or wires <NUM> having a diameter within a first range (e.g., less than about <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or other similar range) and a second pin wire driver attachment may be configured for a second set of pins or wires <NUM> having a diameter within a second range (e.g., greater than about <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or other similar range). Other pin wire driver attachments <NUM> may be configured to facilitate use with pins or wires <NUM> having diameters falling in one or more other ranges that may overlap or may be entirely separate from than the specified ranges.

Turning to the Figures, <FIG> depict various views of an illustrative apparatus or pin wire driver attachment <NUM> for use with a hand piece <NUM> in a pin wire driver <NUM>, where the Figures are provided merely for the purpose of illustrating features disclosed herein. As discussed, medical professionals (e.g., surgeons, etc.) may use pin wire drivers <NUM> to drive and/or remove pins and/or wires <NUM> during TKA procedures, as well as during other orthopedic procedures and/or trauma situations, and/or during other medical procedures.

Referring to <FIG>, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> is depicted having a body <NUM>, a nose <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>. The attachment <NUM> may be removably couplable to the hand piece <NUM>. The handle <NUM>, by itself or in combination with one or more features, may be an actuator or actuator member, which when adjusted may actuate one or more features at least partially within the body <NUM>. The nose <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> in communication with a lumen <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) extending at least partially through the body <NUM>, where the opening <NUM> may extend through a distal end of the nose <NUM> to the lumen <NUM> extending at least partially through the body <NUM>. In some cases, the lumen <NUM> may extend entirely through the body <NUM>.

The hand piece <NUM> of the pin wire driver <NUM> may include one or more triggers <NUM> (e.g., universal hand piece triggers, attachment specific hand piece triggers, or any other type of hand piece trigger), as shown in <FIG>. For example, the hand piece <NUM> of the pin wire driver <NUM> may include one trigger <NUM>, two triggers <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), three triggers <NUM>, four triggers <NUM>, or more triggers <NUM>. In some instances, when there are two or more triggers <NUM>, actuating a first one of the triggers <NUM> may cause rotation of a received pin or wire <NUM> in the clockwise direction and actuation of the other of the triggers <NUM> may cause rotation of the received pin or wire in the counter-clockwise direction. Alternatively, or in addition, the various triggers <NUM> may control the speed of rotation of a received pin or wire <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include gearing <NUM> configured to engage mating gears in a hand piece <NUM> of a pin wire driver <NUM>. The gearing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, of the body <NUM> and/or the gearing of the hand piece <NUM> may be any type of gearing. In one example, the gearing <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the gearing of the hand piece <NUM> may be planetary gearing (e.g., two-stage planetary gearing or other planetary gearing) or any other type of gearing. Such gearing of the hand piece <NUM> may be caused to rotate in response to actuation of one or more of the triggers <NUM>, which may in tum cause rotation of one or more features at least partially within the body <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>.

The pin wire driver attachment <NUM> when connected to the hand piece <NUM> and/or when separated from the hand piece <NUM> may be capable of applying one or more similar or different forces to a pin or wire <NUM> received in a lumen <NUM> of thereof. In some illustrative instances, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may be capable of applying a force to a received or inserted pin or wire <NUM> at or adjacent each of one or more holding features <NUM>.

In some cases, there may be more than two similar or dissimilar forces applied to the received or inserted pin or wire <NUM> at the two or more holding features <NUM> positioned along the lumen <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>, where two or more of the two or more forces may be applied simultaneously with one another or at different times. For example, a first force may be applied to a received or inserted pin or wire <NUM> at a first holding feature 32a, a second force may be applied to the received or inserted pin or wire <NUM> at a second holding feature 32b, and/or a third force may be applied to the received or inserted pin or wire <NUM> at a third holding feature 32c, where one or more of the first, second, and/or third forces may be applied to the received pin or wire <NUM> simultaneously with one another or at different times. Although a first holding feature 32a, a second holding feature 32b, and a third holding feature 32c are labeled as such in <FIG> and <FIG>, any holding feature <NUM> may be a first holding feature, a second holding feature, a third holding feature, and so on. The holding features <NUM> are further described below.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict interior components or features of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> when the handle <NUM> is in a relaxed, neutral, spring biased, and/or natural position (<FIG>) and when the handle <NUM> is in an engaged and/or actuated position (<FIG>). The inner members or features of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include, among other features, gearing <NUM>, a first shaft <NUM>, a second shaft <NUM>, one or more engaging features <NUM> (e.g., ball bearings, other types of bearings, inserts, and/or other engaging features), plunger <NUM>, a key <NUM>, one or more stabilizing mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., bearings), and/or one or more other interior components or features. In some instances, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may be configured such that substantially all rotating parts of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> are located within a body <NUM> thereof.

In some instances, the first shaft <NUM> may be a cannulated shaft with one or more at least partially rounded surfaces (e.g., at least partially rounded outer and/or inner surfaces). The lumen <NUM> may extend through the first shaft <NUM> and may be configured to receive the pin or wire <NUM> therethrough. The cannulated first shaft <NUM> may facilitate receiving any length pins or wires <NUM>, as the open ends of the first shaft <NUM> will not limit a length of the received pin or wire <NUM>.

Illustratively, the first shaft <NUM> may be at least partially positioned within the body <NUM> and may at least partially define the lumen <NUM> along longitudinal axis L-L. The first shaft <NUM> may be positioned substantially concentric about or around the longitudinal axis L-L and/or may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis L-L. In some cases, the first shaft <NUM> within the body <NUM> may be substantially stationary or stationary in the axial or longitudinal direction.

A distal end of the first shaft <NUM> may be positioned at or proximately proximal the opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. At or near the distal end of the first shaft <NUM>, one or more stabilizing mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., one or more bearings) may provide a spacer between the body <NUM> and the outer surface 34a of the distal end of the first shaft <NUM>. In one example, the stabilizing mechanism <NUM> may be a stabilizing bearing configured to support the first shaft <NUM> with respect to the body <NUM> and facilitate rotation of the first shaft <NUM> about the longitudinal axis L-L with respect to, relative to, or independent of the body <NUM>.

In some instances, the first shaft <NUM> may include one or more openings <NUM> each for receiving an engaging feature <NUM> such as a spherical bearing or other engaging feature <NUM>, where the one or more openings <NUM> may extend through the first shaft <NUM> from an outer surface 34a to an inner surface 34b of the first shaft <NUM>. The one or more openings <NUM> for receiving engaging features <NUM> may be spaced (e.g., equally or unequally spaced) around the circumference of the first shaft <NUM> at one or more axially spaced locations. For example, as <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first set of openings 50a are shown at a first axial position along the first shaft <NUM> and a second set of openings 50b are shown at a second axial position along the first shaft <NUM>, where the second axial position along the first shaft <NUM> may be axially spaced from the first axial position. In the example, the openings <NUM> of each set of openings 50a and 50b may be circumferentially spaced (e.g., equally spaced or spaced otherwise) about the first shaft <NUM> and/or may include one, two, three (as shown in <FIG>), four, or more openings <NUM>. Further, in the example, each opening <NUM> may receive a single engaging feature <NUM> (e.g., a ball bearing or other insert).

Illustratively, the engaging features <NUM> may be any feature having any size, where the engaging feature is capable of extending at least partially through an opening <NUM> in a wall of the first shaft <NUM> and into the lumen <NUM> and is capable of releasably engaging a received pin or wire <NUM> extending at least partially through the lumen <NUM>. For example, the engaging features <NUM> may be ball bearings or other inserts. The engaging features <NUM> may have a diameter less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or less than any other diameter such as, for example, a diameter of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and so on, as desired.

In some instances, the engaging features <NUM> received within the distal most set of openings <NUM> (e.g., the first set of openings 50a, as shown in Figures) may be biased and/or urged radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L-L in a passive manner with a biasing mechanism. In one example, the biasing mechanism may include a spring <NUM> and a ramped or an angled hold feature <NUM> (e.g., a ring member having an angled or ramped surface <NUM> or other hold feature) that may be positioned at least partially within the body <NUM> and/or about the first shaft <NUM>, such that the spring <NUM> may bias or urge the angled hold feature(s) <NUM> in an axial direction toward a set of openings <NUM> (e.g., a distal most set of openings, such as the first set of openings 50a) having engaging features <NUM> positioned therein to engage one or more of those engaging features <NUM> against the ramped surface <NUM> of the holding feature <NUM> and automatically apply a retention force against a pin or wire <NUM> received within or inserted into the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>. The angled hold feature(s) <NUM> may be configured to passively or automatically abut or engage engaging features <NUM> such that engaging features <NUM> may be biased radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L-L to automatically or passively engage a pin or wire <NUM> received within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>.

In one instance, an angled or ramped surface <NUM> of the angled hold feature <NUM> may be configured such that the angled or ramped surface <NUM> abuts the engaging feature <NUM> and urges the engaging feature <NUM> radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L-L of the first shaft <NUM>. Illustratively, the angled or ramped surface <NUM> of the angled hold feature <NUM> may be so configured such that the angled or ramped surface <NUM> may be at <NUM> degrees, at <NUM> degrees, at <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, or at or between other oblique angles with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L to urge the engaging features toward the longitudinal axis L-L.

As the engaging features <NUM> of the distal most set of openings <NUM> may be biased toward the longitudinal axis L-L, these engaging features <NUM> may automatically and/or passively engage and/or hold a pin or wire <NUM> received within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft therein. The received pin or wire <NUM> may urge engaging features <NUM> away from the longitudinal axis L-L and the first spring <NUM> may counteract the force applied to the engaging features <NUM> by the pin or wire <NUM> to hold the pin or wire <NUM> within the body <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The first spring <NUM> may have a spring constant that allows for insertion of the pin or wire <NUM> within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>, but is also configured to apply force through the engaging features <NUM> to the received pin or wire <NUM> to passively hold the pin or wire <NUM> within the body <NUM>.

The second shaft <NUM> may have one or more rounded surfaces (e.g., one or more at least partially rounded exterior surface 36a and/or one or more at least partially rounded interior surface 36b) and may be at least partially positioned around the first shaft <NUM> and at least partially positioned within the body <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Illustratively, the second shaft <NUM> may be positioned concentrically or otherwise around the longitudinal axis L-L and/or the first shaft <NUM>. In some instances, the second shaft <NUM> may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis and/or may be axially movable and/or adjustable (e.g., axially movable and/or adjustable in the direction of arrows <NUM>-<NUM>). A key <NUM> may be positioned between the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> in opening <NUM> such that the first shaft <NUM> rotates with the second shaft <NUM>. Thus, the first shaft <NUM> may rotate as the second shaft <NUM> rotates and vice versa, while the second shaft is capable of axial or longitudinal movement independent of the first shaft <NUM>.

In one example, the handle <NUM> may be in operative communication with the second shaft <NUM> such that actuation of the handle <NUM> and/or release of the handle <NUM> may result in axial movement of the second shaft <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L-L relative to the first shaft <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The key <NUM>, configured to create a rotating connection between the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>, may be positioned and/or configured such that the second shaft <NUM> may rotate with the first shaft <NUM>, but may be movable in the axial direction independent of the first shaft <NUM>. For example, the key <NUM> may engage the second shaft <NUM> and may slidingly fit within an opening <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>, such that the second shaft <NUM> may move axially independent of movement of the first shaft <NUM> and may rotate with the first shaft <NUM>.

In some instances, the second shaft <NUM> may have one or more angled or ramped surfaces <NUM>. For example, the second shaft <NUM> have a first ramped surface 52a and a second ramped surface 52b, where the second ramped surface 52b may be axially spaced from the first ramped surface 52a. Although the second ramped surface 52b is depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> as being located proximal the first ramped surface 52a, either ramped surface <NUM> may be labeled first or second ramped surface 52a, 52b. The first ramped surface 52a and/or the second ramped surface 52b may extend at least partially around the interior surface 36b at one or more spaced locations, or the first ramped surface 52a and/or the second ramped surface 52b may extend entirely around the interior surface 36b of the second shaft <NUM>.

The interior surface 36b of the first ramped surface 52a and/or the interior surface 36b of the second ramped surface 52b may be configured to engage the one or more engaging features <NUM>. In one example, the first and/or second ramped surfaces 52a, 52b may engage one or more of the engaging features <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is actuated causing the second shaft <NUM> to move axially in a distal direction and/or at one or more other times.

The first ramped surface 52a may be configured to engage a first set of engaging features <NUM> at a desired time with respect to when the second ramped surface 52b engages a second set of engaging features <NUM> as the handle <NUM> is actuated to cause the second shaft <NUM> to move axially and engage the engaging features <NUM>. In one example, the first ramped surface 52a may engage a first set of engaging features <NUM> simultaneously with when the second ramped surface 52b engages a second set of engaging features <NUM> proximal the first set of engaging features <NUM> as the handle <NUM> is actuated. In another example, the first ramped surface 52a may engage a first set of engaging features <NUM> after the second ramped surface engages a second set of engaging features <NUM> proximal the first set of engaging features as the handle <NUM> is actuated.

When the interior surfaces 36b of the ramped surfaces <NUM> engage an engaging feature <NUM>, the engaging feature <NUM> may be urged radially inward within the openings <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM> toward the longitudinal axis L-L about which the first shaft <NUM> is positioned. When a pin or wire <NUM> is positioned within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>, the engaging features <NUM> may actively engage the pin or wire <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>, as the second shaft <NUM> is actuated distally.

The ramped surfaces <NUM> may be configured at any desired oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L. Illustratively, the ramped surface <NUM> may be arranged at an angle of <NUM> degrees, of <NUM> degrees, of <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, or at or between other oblique angles with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L to urge the engaging features toward the longitudinal axis L-L.

In some instances, the handle <NUM> may engage or interact with a plunger <NUM> that may be positioned about and/or in communication with the second shaft <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is actuated, the plunger <NUM> may be engaged and moved axially to actuate movement of the second shaft <NUM> in the axial direction.

In some cases, one or more bearings <NUM> may be positioned between the second shaft <NUM> and the plunger <NUM>. The bearings <NUM> may facilitate rotational movement of the second shaft <NUM> independent of the plunger <NUM>. Illustratively, one, two, or more bearings <NUM> may be utilized to facilitate rotational movement between the second shaft <NUM> and the plunger <NUM>, while allowing for axial movement of the second shaft <NUM> with axial movement of the plunger <NUM>.

The plunger <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> may be biased proximally in the axial direction by the second spring <NUM> to bias the angled or ramped surfaces <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> away from engagement with one or more engagement features <NUM>. In one example, the second spring <NUM> may extend between the body <NUM> or other feature in communication with the body <NUM> and the one or more features of the plunger <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the second shaft <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is actuated, the actuated handle <NUM> may interact with the plunger <NUM> to move the plunger <NUM> and/or the second shaft <NUM> axially in a distal direction against the bias of the second spring <NUM> to cause active engagement of the engaging features <NUM> with a received pin or wire <NUM>. Alternatively, and in some instances, the second shaft <NUM>, the plunger <NUM>, the second spring <NUM>, and/or the handle <NUM> may be configured such that the second shaft <NUM> may be biased in the distal direction and actuation of the handle <NUM> may cause proximal movement of the second shaft <NUM> with respect to the first shaft <NUM> and/or the body <NUM> to actively apply or to apply an active force to a pin or wire <NUM> received within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>.

The second spring <NUM> may have a spring constant that biases the plunger <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> axially in a proximal direction, where actuation of the handle <NUM> may overcome a force acting on the plunger <NUM> and/or the second shaft <NUM> to move the second shaft <NUM> in a proximal direction such that the second shaft <NUM> engages the engaging features <NUM> to apply an active force to a received pin or wire <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The spring constant of the second spring <NUM> may operate to move the plunger <NUM> and/or the second shaft <NUM> axially in a proximal direction when the handle <NUM> is released to remove an active force being applied to the pin or wire <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is actuated. In some instances, the active force applied to a received pin or wire <NUM> during the actuation of the handle <NUM> may be greater than the passive force applied to the received pin or wire <NUM>, where the passive force is substantially constantly applied to the received pin or wire <NUM> except when the active force is applied at the engaging features <NUM> in the set of openings <NUM> at which the passive force is applied to the received pin or wire <NUM>.

In one or more alternative instances, the active force may be applied to a received pin or wire <NUM> in one or more manners that differ from the application of the active force described above. For example, the second shaft <NUM>, the second spring <NUM>, the engaging features <NUM>, and/or other features may be configured to apply an active force to a received pin or wire <NUM> when in a natural, neutral, or relaxed position, and the handle <NUM> may be actuated to selectively remove the active force from the received pin or wire <NUM>.

As discussed above, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include holding features <NUM> to apply one or more passive and/or active forces to a pin or wire <NUM> received in the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>. Holding features <NUM> as discussed herein may include one or more features utilized to either actively or passively engage a pin or wire <NUM> that is received within the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>. In some instances, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include one or more holding features <NUM> that may apply a passive force to a received pin or wire <NUM> and one or more holding features <NUM> that may apply an active force to a received pin or wire <NUM>. There may be any number of holding features <NUM>, for example, there may be one holding feature, two holding features, three holding features, four holding features, or more holding features, if desired.

In one example, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include two holding features <NUM>. In such an instance a first holding feature 32a may be located a first position along the longitudinal axis L-L and/or may include a distal most set of engaging features <NUM> (e.g., one or more engaging features <NUM>), an angled hold feature <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and/or other features to constantly and/or passively (e.g., without actuation or releasing of a trigger, handle, or other mechanism) apply a force (e.g., a first force) to a pin or wire <NUM> received within the lumen <NUM> and extending to and/or beyond the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L. A second holding feature 32b may be located at a second position along the longitudinal axis L-L spaced proximally from the first position and/or at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L. The second holding feature 32b may include a set of engaging features <NUM> (e.g., one or more engaging features <NUM>) that are spaced proximally from the set of engaging features <NUM> of the first holding feature 32a or the engaging features <NUM> of the first holding feature <NUM>, the second spring <NUM>, and/or a ramped surface <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> that may engage the set of engaging features <NUM> at the second position or first position along the longitudinal axis L-L to apply an active force or to actively apply a force (e.g., a second force) to the received pin or wire <NUM> at the second position or first position along the longitudinal axis L-L in response to actuating the handle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may include three holding features <NUM>, where one holding feature may apply a passive force to a received pin or wire <NUM> and two holding features may apply an active force to the received pin or wire <NUM>. Illustratively, a first holding feature 32a may be located at a first position along the longitudinal axis L-L and/or may include a distal most set of engaging features <NUM>, an angled hold feature <NUM>, a first spring <NUM>, and/or other features to constantly and/or passively (e.g., without actuation of a trigger, handle, or other mechanism) apply a force (e.g., a first force) to a pin or wire <NUM> received within the lumen <NUM> and extending to and/or beyond the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L. A second holding feature 32b may be located at a second position along the longitudinal axis L-L and/or may include a set of engaging features <NUM> that are spaced proximally from the set of engaging features <NUM> of the first holding feature 32a, the second spring <NUM>, and/or a ramped surface <NUM> (e.g., a second ramped surface 52b) of the second shaft <NUM> that may engage the set of engaging features <NUM> at the second position along the longitudinal axis L-L to apply an active force or to actively apply a force (e.g., a second force) to the received pin or wire <NUM> at the second position along the longitudinal axis L-L in response to actuating the handle <NUM>. In some optional instances, a third holding feature 32c may be located at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L and/or may include the set of engaging features <NUM> that are located at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L, the second spring <NUM>, and/or a ramped surface <NUM> (e.g., a first ramped surface 52a) of the second shaft <NUM> that may engage the set of engaging features <NUM> at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L to apply an active force or to actively apply a force (e.g., a third force which many be equal to or different than the second force) to the received pin or wire <NUM> at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L in response to actuating the handle <NUM>.

In some instances, the first force, the second force, and the third force applied to a received pin or wire <NUM> may equal the same amount of force. Alternatively, one or more of the first force, the second force, and the third force may be different from at least one other of the first force, the second force, and the third force. In the example described above, the amount of force of the first force applied to the received pin or wire <NUM> may be less than the amount of force of each of the second force and the third force. In some instances, the amounts of the second force and the third force may be equal or may be different.

Any one of the holding features <NUM> may be numbered differently, for example, any holding feature <NUM> may be a first holding feature and any next holding feature <NUM> may be a second holding feature and any next holding feature <NUM> may be a third holding feature. The numbering of the holding features <NUM> and the numbering of any features herein described is done to distinguish between features and is not meant to be limiting in any way other than to indicate there is at least that many of those numbered features.

In some instances, a pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may be used in one or more methods. For example, the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may be utilized in a method <NUM> of maintaining an elongated member in the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>. The method <NUM> may include receiving a pin or wire <NUM> (e.g., an elongated member) in a lumen <NUM> of a rotatable first shaft <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>. Upon receiving the pin or wire <NUM> at and/or past a first position along a longitudinal axis L-L of the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM>, a first force may be automatically applied against the pin or wire <NUM> received in the lumen <NUM>. A second force may be selectively applied against the pin or wire <NUM> received in the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>. In some instances, the second force may be selectively applied against the received pin or wire <NUM> via axial movement of a rotatable second shaft <NUM> of the pin wire driver attachment.

In some instances, the method <NUM> may include selectively applying a third force against the pin or wire <NUM> received in the lumen <NUM> of the first shaft <NUM> with the axial movement of the second shaft <NUM> that may or may not be used to apply the second force to the pin or wire <NUM>. The first force and/or the second force may be applied to the pin or wire at the first position along the longitudinal axis L-L. The third force may be applied to the pin or wire <NUM> at a second position along the longitudinal axis L-L. Illustratively, the second position along the longitudinal L-L axis may be spaced a distance proximal from the first position along the longitudinal axis of the first shaft <NUM>. In some cases, the first position may be distal the second position so as to apply a passive force or automatic force to a received pin or wire <NUM> upon receiving only a portion of the pin or wire <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, to the relative locations of the first and second positions discussed herein, the first and second positions, or other positions, may be located at any position relative to one another along the longitudinal axis L-L, as desired.

The second force and/or the third force may be applied to a received pin or wire <NUM> through actuation of the handle <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is in its natural or neutral position (e.g., when the handle is not actuated or no force acting from exterior the body <NUM> is applied to the handle <NUM>), the plunger <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> may be biased in the proximal direction by the second spring <NUM> or other spring mechanism and there is no active force acting on any of the engaging features <NUM> by the second shaft <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is actuated (e.g., when the handle is squeezed and/or a force is applied to the handle <NUM>), the plunger <NUM> may be forced distally by the handle <NUM> against a biasing force of the second spring <NUM>. When the plunger <NUM> is forced distally, the plunger <NUM> may cause the second shaft <NUM> to move distally toward the distal end of the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> to engage the engaging features <NUM>. The more force that is applied to the handle <NUM> to actuate the handle, the greater the active force is that is applied to the received pin or wire <NUM> via the engagement of the engaging features <NUM> by the angled or ramped surfaces <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM>.

As the second shaft <NUM> moves distally, the angled or ramped surfaces <NUM> of the second shaft <NUM> may engage one or more of the engaging features <NUM> applying an inward and/or compression force onto the received pin or wire <NUM> through the engaging features. In some cases, the interaction between the engaging features <NUM> and the angled or ramped surfaces <NUM> may be such that each engaging feature <NUM> of each set of engaging features <NUM> (e.g., each set may include three engaging features <NUM> equally spaced circumferentially around the first shaft <NUM> and each set may be positioned at different positions along the longitudinal axis L-L) applies the same amount of force to the received pin or wire <NUM> as the other engaging features <NUM> of its set. After the handle <NUM> has been actuated and a suitable active force has been applied to the received pin or wire <NUM>, the triggers <NUM> of a hand piece <NUM> in communication with the pin wire driver attachment <NUM> may be actuated to rotate the pin or wire <NUM> that is securely held within the pin wire driver attachment <NUM>.

Although certain steps of the method of operation may be discussed herein in one or more particular orders, it is contemplated one or more methods of operation may follow these steps in other orders (including a plurality of steps being performed simultaneously), may include one or more further steps, or may include further steps in any order.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a driver instrument in the form of attachment apparatus <NUM> for use with an apparatus for driving wires, such as hand piece <NUM> in a pin wire driver <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Attachment apparatus <NUM> can comprise body <NUM>, nose <NUM>, and handle <NUM>. Opening <NUM> can be located in nose <NUM> and can provide access to lumen <NUM> extending through attachment apparatus <NUM>. Lumen <NUM> and attachment apparatus <NUM> can extend along longitudinal axis L - L. Body <NUM> can include gearing <NUM> that can be part of a drive input to rotate pin wires disposed in lumen <NUM>. Elements <NUM> - <NUM> are configured similarly and operate similarly to elements <NUM> - <NUM> descried previously with reference to <FIG>. Likewise, as discussed below, plunger <NUM>, spring <NUM>, bearings <NUM> and opening <NUM> are similar to plunger <NUM>, spring <NUM>, bearings <NUM> and opening <NUM>.

Attachment apparatus <NUM> can also comprise mobile shaft <NUM> and flexible collet <NUM>. Mobile shaft <NUM> can comprise contact surface <NUM>, driver portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM>. Flexible collet <NUM> can include shoulder <NUM>, flexible arms 132A - 132D (only arms 132A - 132C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) and shaft portion <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> can include tabs 136A - 136D (only tabs 136A - 136C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>).

Body <NUM> can be connected to nose <NUM> via handle housing <NUM> to form a hollow assembly through which lumen <NUM> can extend. Plunger <NUM> can be located in handle housing <NUM> to receive shaft portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> can be coupled via key <NUM>. Gearing <NUM> can be located in body <NUM> and can be configured to receive an input, such as a rotational drive shaft from hand piece <NUM> (<FIG>). Gearing <NUM> can also be configured to provide output to hub <NUM> via any suitable means. Hub <NUM> can be held in body <NUM> via bearings <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> can be held in plunger <NUM> via bearings 158A and 158B. Spring <NUM> can be positioned between nose <NUM> and plunger <NUM>.

Shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM> can be inserted into socket <NUM> within hub <NUM>. Hub <NUM> can be rotated via interaction with gearing <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> can be coupled to hub <NUM>, such as via a pin at bore <NUM>, so that shaft portion <NUM> can rotate with hub <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> can be concentrically positioned over shaft portion <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> can include opening <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> can include opening <NUM>. Openings <NUM> and <NUM> can comprise elongate slots that can align to receive key <NUM>. Openings <NUM> and <NUM> can be sized to have the approximately the same circumferential width as key <NUM> so that shaft portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> rotate together. Opening <NUM> can be longer than the axial length of key <NUM> so that mobile shaft <NUM> can be axially translated along shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM>. Opening <NUM> can be longer than the axial length of key <NUM> to facilitate assembly of key <NUM> to shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be inserted into bearings 158A and 158B within plunger <NUM>. Lock rings 173A and 173B can be positioned against bearings 158A and 158B, respectively, to assist in retaining bearings 158A and 158B within plunger <NUM>. Thus, shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM> can rotate within plunger <NUM> under rotational input from hub <NUM>. Mobile shaft <NUM> can be translated against shaft portion <NUM> via movement of plunger <NUM> under input from handle <NUM>. Handle <NUM> includes end <NUM> that can engage channel <NUM> in plunger <NUM>. As a bottom (with respect to the orientation and configuration of <FIG>) portion of handle <NUM> is pulled proximally, end <NUM> can rotate distally forward at pin <NUM> to push plunger <NUM> and bearings 158A and 158B along shaft portion <NUM>. Bearings 158B can be pushed against shoulder <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> to push mobile shaft <NUM> distally. Shoulder <NUM> can be located at the juncture of shaft portion <NUM> and driver portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of attachment apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> with pin wire <NUM> inserted into flexible collet <NUM>. Pin wire <NUM>, or a pin or wire, such as pin or wire <NUM> described above, can be inserted into lumen <NUM> such as at opening <NUM> (<FIG>) for advancement toward opening <NUM> via attachment apparatus <NUM>. Pin wire <NUM> can penetrate through tip passage <NUM> in shoulder <NUM> and out opening <NUM> for insertion into a medium, such as bone of a patient. Tip passage <NUM> can be formed between tabs 136A - 136D extending from flexible arms 132A - 132D, respectively. Thus, as pin wire <NUM> is inserted into shoulder <NUM> from within lumen <NUM>, flexible arms 132A - 132D can flex to permit pin wire <NUM> into tip passage <NUM>. Flexible arms 132A - 132D can flex over a range of deflections to accommodate pin wires of different sizes, e.g., different diameters. Driver portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> can have a larger outer diameter than shaft portion <NUM> so that internal passageway <NUM> extending through mobile shaft <NUM> can have a larger diameter within driver portion <NUM> than shaft portion <NUM> to, for example, permit flexible arms 132A - 132D to deflect outward. Outward deflection of flexible arms 132A - 132D via pin wire <NUM> can cause flexible arms 132A - 132D to apply pressure to pin wire <NUM> to retain pin wire <NUM> within lumen <NUM>. As such, pin wire <NUM> may not be removed from lumen <NUM> under its own weight. However, in order to retain pin wire <NUM> within lumen <NUM> so that pin wire <NUM> can be advanced and driven into a medium, such as bone, attachment apparatus <NUM> can be actuated by handle <NUM> to more firmly grasp pin wire <NUM>.

Mobile shaft (<NUM>) and collet (<NUM>) form an angled engagement interface between the driver portion (<NUM>) and the flexible arms (232A-232D), configured to permit the driver portion (<NUM>) to push the flexible arms (232A-232D) radially inward when the first shaft portion (<NUM>) is slid along the second shaft portion (<NUM>). Mobile shaft <NUM> can be advanced distally to push driver portion <NUM> into contact with shoulder <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM>. In particular, contact surface <NUM> can be pushed to engage edges 182A - 182D (only edges 182A - 182C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) of tabs 136A - 136D. After initial contact, additional advancement of mobile shaft <NUM> can cause tabs 136A - 136D to tend to deflect radially inward due to the angled nature of contact surface <NUM>. In examples, contact surface <NUM> can have frusto-conical shape that increases in diameter in the proximal-to-distal direction. As such, the further mobile shaft <NUM> is advanced, the smaller the diameter of passageway <NUM> (at contact surface <NUM>) becomes that is engaged with edges 182A - 182D. Tabs 136A - 136D and contact surface <NUM>, therefore, form an engagement mechanism that allows flexible arms 132A - 132D to push down on pin wire <NUM> with sufficient force to immobilize pin wire <NUM> when subject to axial loading, such as from a surgeon pushing pin wire <NUM> into bone. Angling or ramping of contact surface <NUM> can permit a variable amount of force from driver portion <NUM> to be applied to pin wires of different sizes depending on the degree to which handle <NUM> is moved. Shoulder <NUM> can be shaped to beneficially transfer force from contact surface <NUM> to pin wire <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, tabs 136A - 136D have a rectilinear shape with outer surfaces 184A - 184D (only outer surfaces 184A - 184C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) and side surfaces 186A - 186D (only side surfaces 184A - 184C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) forming edges 182C - 182D. Edges 182A - 182D can have a radius to distribute forces at the engagement with contact surface <NUM>.

Distal advancement of plunger <NUM> from handle <NUM> can compress spring <NUM>. Ends of spring <NUM> can be positioned to engage plunger <NUM>, such as at bearings 158B, and nose <NUM>, such as at shoulder <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, pin wire driver <NUM> can include collar <NUM> that engages shoulder <NUM>. Collar <NUM> can provide a surface for spring <NUM> to push against and can prevent spring <NUM> from becoming caught between nose <NUM> and mobile shaft <NUM>. Collar <NUM> can also act as a bearing to guide mobile shaft <NUM> through nose <NUM>. Spring <NUM> can bias plunger <NUM> to a retracted state where contact surface <NUM> is disengaged from edges 182A - 182D so that pin wire <NUM> is only being held by the force of flexible arms 132A - 132D. Additionally, the bottom of handle <NUM> can be pushed forward so that end <NUM> can push plunger <NUM> proximally toward hub <NUM> and pull contact surface <NUM> away from shoulder <NUM>.

In other examples, various engagement mechanisms can include contoured surfaces or other features and components to facilitate disengagement of driver portion <NUM> from flexible collet <NUM>. In other examples of engagement mechanisms, edges 182A - 182D can be replaced with chamfers between surfaces 184A - 184D and surfaces 186A - 186D, respectively, to increase the contact surface area with contact surface <NUM>. Increasing the contact surface area between contact surface <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> can reduce the likelihood of contact surface <NUM> becoming stuck to or bound to shoulder <NUM>, such as from galling. In other examples, the geometry of contact surface <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> can be reversed, such that shoulder <NUM> forms a frusto-conical surface and contact surface forms a point contact or segment contact area for the frusto-conical surface. In yet other examples, contact surface <NUM> can include bearings to facilitate engagement and disengagement between driver portion <NUM> and flexible collet <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a driver instrument in the form of attachment apparatus <NUM> for use with an apparatus for driving wires, such as hand piece <NUM> in a pin wire driver <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Attachment apparatus <NUM> can comprise mobile shaft <NUM> and flexible collet <NUM>. Mobile shaft <NUM> can comprise bearings 224A - 224D (only bearings 224A and 224C are visible in <FIG>), driver portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM>. Flexible collet <NUM> can include shoulder <NUM>, flexible arms 232A - 232D (only flexible arms 232A - 232C are visible in <FIG>) and shaft portion <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> can include tabs 236A - 236D (only tabs 236A - 236C are visible in <FIG> is shown with flexible collet <NUM> having contained therein pin wire 275A having diameter DA.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of attachment apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> with flexible collet <NUM> having contained therein pin wire 275B having diameter DB. Pin wire 275B is larger than pin wire 275A such that diameter DB is larger than diameter DA and flexible arms 232A - 232D in <FIG> are flexed. Other than pin wires 275A and 275B, <FIG> and <FIG> include the same reference numbers and are discussed concurrently to explain the operation of mobile shaft <NUM> and flexible collet <NUM>. Plunger <NUM> operates in the same manner as discussed with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> to push mobile shaft <NUM> distally to engage flexible collet <NUM> and immobilize pin wires 275A and 275B.

Shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM> can include openings <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), respectively, similar to openings <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>), so shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be linked together using key <NUM> (<FIG>). Shaft portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be inserted into hub <NUM> to rotate mobile shaft <NUM> and flexible collet <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> can also include bore <NUM> (<FIG>), similar to bore <NUM> (<FIG>), to link flexible collet <NUM> with hub <NUM>. Hub <NUM> can be advanced to push mobile shaft <NUM> along shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM> via engagement of bearings 158B with shoulder <NUM>. Application of force to handle <NUM> (<FIG>) can cause hub <NUM> and mobile shaft <NUM> to move along shaft portion <NUM> and overcome force from spring <NUM>. Driver portion <NUM> can thereby engage shoulder <NUM> to deflect flexible arms 232A - 232D radially inward, as discussed in greater detail below.

Pin wire 275A or 275B can be inserted into lumen <NUM> such as at opening <NUM> (<FIG>) for advancement toward opening <NUM> via attachment apparatus <NUM>. Pin wire 275A or 275B can penetrate through tip <NUM> in shoulder <NUM> and out opening <NUM> for insertion into a medium, such as bone of a patient. Tip <NUM> can be formed between tabs 236A - 236D extending from flexible arms 232A - 232D, respectively. Thus, as pin wire 275A or 275B is inserted into shoulder <NUM> from within lumen <NUM>, flexible arms 232A - 232D can flex to permit pin wire 275A or 275B to enter tip <NUM>. Flexible arms 232A - 232D can flex over a range of deflections to accommodate pin wires of different sizes, e.g., different diameters.

Driver portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> can have a larger outer diameter than shaft portion <NUM> so that internal passageway <NUM> extending through mobile shaft <NUM> can have a larger diameter within driver portion <NUM> than shaft portion <NUM> to, for example, permit flexible arms 232A - 232D to deflect outward. Outward deflection of flexible arms 232A - 232D via pin wire 275A or 275B can cause flexible arms 232A - 232D to apply pressure to pin wire 275A or 275B to retain pin wire 275A or 275B within lumen <NUM>. However, in order to retain pin wire 275A or 275B within lumen <NUM> so that the pin wire can be advanced and driven into a medium, such as bone, attachment apparatus <NUM> can be actuated by handle <NUM> to more firmly grasp the pin wire.

Mobile shaft <NUM> can be advanced distally to push driver portion <NUM> into contact with shoulder <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM>. In particular bearings 224A - 224D can be pushed to engage contact surfaces 282A - 282D (only contact surfaces 282A and 282C are visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) of tabs 236A - 236D. After initial contact, additional advancement of mobile shaft <NUM> can cause tabs 236A - 236D to deflect radially inward due to the angled nature of contact surfaces 282A - 282D. In examples, contact surfaces 282A - 282D are ramped surfaces and have frusto-conical shapes that increase in diameter in the proximal-to-distal direction. As such, the further mobile shaft <NUM> is advanced, the smaller the diameter of passageway <NUM> (at contact surfaces 282A - 282D) becomes that is engaged with bearings 224A - 224D. However, the presence of pin wire 275A or 275B can resist inward flexion of flexible arms 232A - 232D. Contact surfaces 282A - 282D of tabs 236A - 236D and bearings 224A - 224D, therefore, form an engagement mechanism that allows flexible arms 232A - 232D to push down on pin wire 275A or 275B with sufficient force to immobilize pin wire 275A or 275B when subject to axial loading, such as from a surgeon pushing the pin wire into bone. Angling or ramping of contact surfaces 282A - 282D can permit a variable amount of force from driver portion <NUM> to be applied to pin wires of different sizes depending on the degree to which handle <NUM> is moved. Shoulder <NUM> can be shaped to beneficially transfer force from bearings 224A - 224D to the pin wire. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, tabs 236A - 236D have frusto-conical shapes for contact surfaces 282A - 282D. Bearings 224A - 224D have a radius to distribute forces at the engagement with contact surfaces 282A - 282D.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of mobile shaft <NUM> of attachment apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> showing bearings 224A - 224D (only bearings 224A - 224C are visible in <FIG>), retainer ring <NUM> and channels 286A - 286D (only channels 286A - 286C are visible in <FIG>). Mobile shaft <NUM> can extend from proximal end <NUM> to distal end <NUM> and internal passageway <NUM> can extend therethrough. Shaft portion <NUM> can extend from proximal end <NUM> to shoulder <NUM>. Driver portion <NUM> can extend from shoulder <NUM> to distal end <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> can have an inner diameter configured to receive shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM> (<FIG>), and an outer diameter configured to be inserted into bearings 258A and 258B (<FIG>). Shaft portion <NUM> can include groove <NUM> for receiving lock ring 173A (<FIG>), which may comprise a split-ring, that can couple bearings 258A to plunger <NUM> (<FIG>). Shaft portion <NUM> can include lands 294A and 294B upon which bearings 258A and 258B can be mounted, respectively. Shaft portion <NUM> can also include opening <NUM>, which can comprise an elongate slot for receiving key <NUM> (<FIG>).

Driver portion <NUM> can have an outer diameter configured be inserted into nose <NUM> (<FIG>), and an inner diameter configured to receive flexible arms 232A - 232D of flexible collet <NUM> (<FIG>). The inner diameter of driver portion <NUM> can be larger than the largest diameter of flexible arms 232A - 232B when flexible arms 232A - 232B are expanded to receive pin wires. Thus, internal passageway <NUM> provides clearance for the expansion of flexible arms 232A - 232D within driver portion <NUM>, but internal passageway <NUM> has a smaller diameter in shaft portion <NUM> so that shaft portion <NUM> can slide co-axially along shaft portion <NUM> of flexible collet <NUM>.

Internal passage <NUM> also includes channels 286A - 286D near distal end <NUM>. Channels 286A - 286D are constructed similarly as constricted bores that penetrate into driver portion <NUM> at shelf <NUM>. Only the construction of channel 286A is described herein. Channel 286A can be formed into land <NUM> in internal passageway <NUM>. Land <NUM> can orient passageway <NUM> to be approximately parallel to contact surfaces 282A - 282D of shoulder <NUM> (<FIG>). Channel 286A can be configured to be approximately perpendicular to the surface of land <NUM> at internal passageway <NUM> so that bearing 224A can be configured to move within channel 286A perpendicularly to contact surfaces 282A. Channel 286A can include flanges 298A and 298B at passageway <NUM> to retain bearing 224A within channel 286A. Flanges 298A and 298B can restrict channel 286A at passageway <NUM>. Flanges 298A and 298B can each have an axially extending portion so that each at least partially overhangs channel 286A to prevent bearing 224A from passing through channel 286A. Flanges 298A and 298B provide a radially inner limiter for movement of bearing 224A within channel 286A. As shown in <FIG>, flanges 298A and 298B can comprise opposing portions of a ring-shaped flange. Retainer ring <NUM> can couple to driver portion <NUM> to provide a radially outer limiter for movement of bearing 224A within channel 286A. Driver portion <NUM> can include shelf <NUM> and flange <NUM> at distal end <NUM> to receive retainer ring <NUM>. Shelf <NUM> provides a portion of mobile shaft <NUM> that can form an interference fit with retainer ring <NUM>. Flange <NUM> can prevent retainer ring <NUM> from sliding along mobile shaft <NUM> toward proximal end <NUM>. Land <NUM> can have a thickness such that flanges 298A and 298B and retainer ring <NUM> can allow bearing 224A to have some play between flanges 298A and 298B and retainer ring <NUM>. In an example, there is approximately <NUM> inch (~<NUM>) radial tolerance for bearing 224A within channel 286A to permit radial displacement of bearing 224A. In other examples, larger tolerances can be used to permit bearing 224A to have a larger displacement. Thus, bearing 224A is free within channels 286A to roll along contact surface 282A (<FIG>) as mobile shaft <NUM> advances toward shoulder <NUM>. Likewise, bearing 224A can retract away from contact surface 282A to facilitate withdrawal of mobile shaft <NUM> from shoulder <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of flexible collet <NUM> of attachment apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> showing contact surfaces 282A - 282D (only contact surfaces 282A and 282D are shown in <FIG>) connected to flexible arms 232A - 232D (only flexible arms 232A and 232D are shown in <FIG>).

Flexible collet <NUM> can extend from proximal end <NUM> to distal end <NUM> and internal passageway <NUM> can extend therethrough. Shaft portion <NUM> can extend from proximal end <NUM> to the base of slots 306A - 306D. Flexible arms 232A - 232D can extend from the base of slots 306A - 306D to distal end <NUM>. Shaft portion <NUM> can have an inner diameter configured to receive pin wires of various sizes, e.g., diameters, and an outer diameter configured to be inserted into shaft portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> (<FIG>). Shaft portion <NUM> can include bore <NUM> to receive a pin for coupling to hub <NUM> (<FIG>). Shaft portion <NUM> can also include opening <NUM>, which can comprise an elongate slot for receiving key <NUM> (<FIG>).

Flexible arms 232A - 232D can have an outer diameter configured be inserted into passageway <NUM> within driver portion <NUM> of mobile shaft <NUM> (<FIG>), and an inner diameter configured to receive pin wires of various sizes, e.g., diameters. Flexible arms 232A - 232D can be biased radially inward so that flexible arms 232A - 232D can deflect against the smallest sized pin wired configured to be used with attachment apparatus <NUM>.

Flexible arms 232A - 232D can include tapers 308A - 308D (only tapers 308A and 308D are visible in <FIG>) that form valley <NUM> proximate shoulder <NUM>. The inner diameter of shaft portion <NUM> and flexible arms 232A - 232D can be the same from proximal end <NUM> up to valley <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> can extend from valley <NUM> at an outward angle to form frusto-conical contact surfaces 282A - 282D. Valley <NUM> forms a reduction in the outer diameter of flexible arms 232A - 232D that permits bearings 224A - 224D to be freely disengaged from flexible collet <NUM> when mobile shaft <NUM> is in a fully retracted position. Frusto-conical contact surfaces 282A - 282D allow bearings 224A - 224D to gradually engage shoulder <NUM> for a variety of sized pin wires. As discussed herein, engagement of bearings 224A - 224D with frusto-conical contact surfaces 282A - 282D can prevent galling between flexible collet <NUM> and mobile shaft <NUM> that can arise, particularly in embodiments where mobile shaft <NUM> can be left to freely rotate about flexible collet <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic flow diagram of method <NUM> of using attachment apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> for driving pin wires according to aspects of the disclosure. At step <NUM>, a pin wire, such as pin wire 275B of <FIG>, can be inserted into lumen <NUM> of pin wire driver <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, pin wire 275B can be inserted into opening <NUM> in body <NUM>.

At step <NUM> flexible arms 232A - 232D can be deflected to receive pin wire 275B. For example, pin wire 275B can be advanced into the inner diameter portion of flexible collet <NUM>, through body <NUM> and housing <NUM>, to enter tip passage <NUM> in shoulder <NUM>. Pin wire 275B can push tabs 236A - 236D radially outward to deflect flexible arms 232A - 232D. Thus, flexible arms 232A - 232D can retain pin wire 275B.

At step <NUM>, handle <NUM> can be pulled to actuate attachment apparatus <NUM>. As discussed, handle <NUM> can advance plunger <NUM> to actuate the engagement mechanism formed by bearings 224A - 224D and contact surfaces 282A - 282D.

At step <NUM>, mobile shaft <NUM> can be advanced into engagement with flexible collet <NUM> at the engagement mechanism.

At step <NUM>, ball bearings 224A - 224D that are mounted to mobile shaft <NUM> can be pushed forward toward contact surfaces 282A - 282D.

At step <NUM>, ball bearings 224A - 224D can be advanced to engage contact surfaces 282A -282D of shoulder <NUM> on flexible collet <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, ball bearings 224A - 224D can be rolled along contact surfaces 282A - 282D. Because ball bearings 224A - 224D are free within channels 286A - 286D, bearings 224A - 224D can roll over a short distance as contact surfaces 282A - 282D become engaged with bearings 224A - 224D.

At step <NUM>, ball bearings 224A - 224D can be pushed radially outward in channels 286A - 286D by contact surfaces 282A - 282D.

At step <NUM>, ball bearings 224A - 224D can be retained within channels 286A - 286D by retainer ring <NUM>. Thus, ball bearings 224A - 224D can be pushed into engagement with retainer ring <NUM> as contact surfaces 282A - 282D become engaged with bearings 224A - 224D. Likewise, flanges 298A and 298B can prevent bearings 224A - 224D from passing through channels 286A - 286D.

At step <NUM>, as contact surfaces 282A - 282D become fully engaged with bearings 224A - 224D, bearings 224A - 224D can push radially inward toward pin wire 275B against flexible arms 232A - 232D. In particular, tabs 236A - 236D at shoulder <NUM> can push against pin wire 275B, with can resist radially inward deflection of flexible arms 232A - 232D.

At step <NUM>, pin wire 275B can be advanced into a medium, such as bone. With handle <NUM> being held in a retracted position, such as by a surgeon, pin wire driver <NUM> can be pushed into the medium. Because the engagement mechanism of attachment apparatus <NUM> can immobilize pin wire 275B within lumen <NUM>, pin wire 275B will also be advanced in the direction pin wire driver <NUM> is pushed by frictional engagement of retention ring <NUM> with bearings 224A - 224D, frictional engagement of bearings 224A -224D with tabs 236A - 236D, and frictional engagement of tabs 236A - 236D with pin wire 275A.

At step <NUM>, handle <NUM> can be released to remove the frictional engagement of bearings 224A - 224D with tabs 236A - 236D. As this occurs, because ball bearings 224A - 224D are free within channels 286A - 286D, bearings 224A - 224D can roll down contact surfaces 282A - 282D. Likewise, ball bearings 224A - 224D can move radially outward in channels 286A - 286D. This rolling motion and radial movement of bearings 224A - 224D can help in preventing bearings 224A - 224D from becoming stuck against contact surfaces 282A - 282D, such as from galling. As mobile shaft <NUM> moves away from shoulder <NUM>, flanges 298A and 298B can prevent bearings 224A - 224D from passing through channels 286A - 286D.

At step <NUM>, pin wire driver <NUM> can be pulled proximally away from the medium into which pin wire 275B is inserted to index the engagement mechanism. The frictional engagement between pin wire 275B and the medium can hold pin wire 275B while movement of pin wire driver <NUM> from a surgeon can pull pin wire 275B distally through lumen <NUM>. Thus, a different segment of pin wire 725B can be positioned against bearings 224A - 224D and contact surfaces 282A - 282D of the engagement mechanism. Thus, the process can be repeated again by returning to step <NUM> to advance pin wire 275B further into the medium.

The attachment apparatuses, engagement mechanisms, mobile shafts, collets, bearings, shoulders, flexible collets and other features described herein can facilitate improved engagement and disengagement of a pin wire driver from a pin wire. The present disclosure provides engagement mechanisms that can include angled contact surfaces that can allow various surfaces within an attachment apparatus to gradually engage and disengage from each other and that can distribute forces within the attachment apparatus. The engagement mechanisms can comprise bearings that engage the angled contact surface. Such engagement mechanisms can prevent attachment apparatuses of pin wire drivers from seizing-up or binding from various causes, such as from galling.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with <NUM> C. §<NUM>(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.

Claim 1:
An engagement mechanism for a driver instrument (<NUM>), the engagement mechanism comprising:
a mobile shaft (<NUM>) extending along an axis, the mobile shaft comprising:
a first shaft portion (<NUM>) located at a proximal end of the mobile shaft;
a driver portion (<NUM>) located at a distal end of the mobile shaft; and
an internal passageway (<NUM>) extending from the proximal end to the distal end;
a collet (<NUM>) for coupling to a drive input (<NUM>) of the driver instrument, the collet
comprising:
a second shaft portion (<NUM>) disposed within the passageway at the first shaft portion; and
flexible arms (232A-232D) extending from the second shaft portion within the driver portion; and
an angled engagement interface between the driver portion and the flexible arms configured to permit the driver portion to push the flexible arms radially inward when the first shaft portion is slid along the second shaft portion;
wherein the angled engagement interface comprises:
a plurality of ramped surfaces (282A-282D) extending from distal ends of the flexible arms to form a frusto-conical shoulder (<NUM>); and
a plurality of bearings (224A-224D) mounted to the passageway at the driver portion;
wherein the plurality of bearings can be advanced to engage the frusto-conical shoulder to deflect the flexible arms, and
wherein the mobile shaft comprises channels (286A-286D) extending into the driver portion within the passageway, the plurality of bearings being located in the channels.