Patent ID: 8221433

Claim:
A handheld tool for stabilizing a fractured bone, the handheld tool having a proximal end and a distal end, the handheld tool including: a housing; at least one bone pin configured to be driven into the fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone; a cartridge supported by the housing and including at least one passageway that receives the bone pin, the passageway sized to accommodate axial movement of the bone pin through the passageway while limiting radial movement of the bone pin in the passageway; a piston that translates axially relative to the housing, the piston including a head arranged toward the proximal end of the handheld tool and a needle arranged toward the distal end of the handheld tool, the needle sized for receipt within the passageway of the cartridge, the needle applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin axially from the cartridge and into the fractured bone; a pressurized gas source supported by the housing for supplying a pneumatic force to the head of the piston to axially translate the piston relative to the housing, wherein the piston translates from a rest position to a fired position under the pneumatic force, the housing defining a vent located between the head of the piston in the rest position and the head of the piston in the fired position, the vent directing pressurized gas downwardly through a handle of the handheld tool; and a dial for rotating the cartridge to selectively align the at least one passageway with the needle, wherein the dial includes a head arranged toward the proximal end of the handheld tool and a shaft arranged toward the distal end of the handheld tool to communicate with the cartridge, and wherein the piston is cannulated, the shaft of the dial extending through the cannulated piston to reach the cartridge.