Patent ID: 8444644

Claim:
A connecting rod for an external fixation device, the connecting rod defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: a telescopic housing comprising: a housing body having an axial bore defined therethrough; a first joint coupled to an end portion of the housing body; and a first rotating member received in the first joint, wherein the first rotating member is operable to rotate relative to the first joint about a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, and the first rotating member comprises a first connection mechanism operable to releasably couple the first rotating member to a first ring; an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the axial bore, the adjustment sleeve and the telescopic housing being releasably coupled by a fastener; and an externally threaded elongated member threadably coupled to the adjustment sleeve, the elongated member comprising: a threaded rod; a second joint coupled to an end portion of the threaded rod; a second rotating member received in the second joint, wherein the second rotating member is operable to rotate relative to the second joint about a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, and the second rotating member comprises a second connection mechanism operable to releasably couple the second rotating member to a second ring; wherein, the first and second connection mechanisms are operable to substantially limit the rotational movement of the first and second rotating members, respectively; and wherein at least one of the first and second joints comprise a socket, the socket comprises a plurality of recessed portions defined in a wall of the socket, the recessed portions comprise an opening toward an end portion of the connecting rod and away from a central portion of the connecting rod, the respective rotating member comprises a ball member, and the ball member is disposed in the socket.