U.S. patent application number 12/319823 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for external fixator assembly.
Invention is credited to Luis E. Marin.
Application Number | 20100179548 12/319823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42319582 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100179548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marin; Luis E. |
July 15, 2010 |
External fixator assembly
Abstract
A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly
including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle
area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization
portion. The support structure is similar in function but
distinguishable in structure from a "halo-ring" and comprises a
base having a substantially annular configuration and being
operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to
a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An
extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality
of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the
base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the
ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members
are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be
variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to
the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external
fixator assembly.
Inventors: |
Marin; Luis E.; (Sunrise,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S.W. Third Avenue, Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
42319582 |
Appl. No.: |
12/319823 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/59 ; 602/27;
606/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/62 20130101;
A61B 17/6425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/59 ; 602/27;
606/54 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A support structure for use in an external fixator assembly,
said support structure comprising: a base having a substantially
annular configuration and dimensioned for operative disposition in
at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area of an
individual, an extension assembly connected to said base and
extending outwardly therefrom, and said base and said extension
assembly structured for connection to at least one strut along a
length of said base and said extension assembly.
2. A support structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension
assembly comprises at least one extension member having an
elongated configuration.
3. A support structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said one
extension member is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to
said base.
4. A support structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension
assembly is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said
base.
5. A support structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension
assembly comprises a plurality of elongated extension members.
6. A support structure as recited in claim 5 wherein said base and
at least two of said plurality of extension members are each
structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition of
the one strut in interconnecting relation to a remainder of the
external fixator assembly.
7. A support structure as recited in claim 5 wherein said two
extension members extend outwardly from said base in a
substantially common direction.
8. A support structure as recited in claim 7 wherein said two
extension members and corresponding portions of said base are
collectively of sufficient length to extend along and its spaced
relation to at least a majority of a length of an ankle stabilizing
portion of said external fixator assembly.
9. A support structure as recited in claim 7 wherein each of said
two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to said base.
10. A support structure as recited in claim 7 wherein said two
extension members are disposed in substantially coplanar relation
to one another.
11. A support structure as recited in claim 10 wherein said two
extension members are disposed in parallel relation to one
another.
12. A support structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said
extension assembly comprises at least two elongated extension
members each connected to an opposite side of said base.
13. A support structure as recited in claim 12 wherein said two
extension members and corresponding portions of said base to which
said two extension members are connected are collectively of
sufficient length to extend along and in spaced relation to at
least a majority of a length of an ankle stabilizing portion of
said external fixator assembly.
14. A support structure as recited in claim 13 wherein said base
and said two extension members are each structured for connection
to at least one strut and disposition of the one strut in
interconnecting relation to a remainder of the external fixator
assembly.
15. A support structure as recited in claim 14 wherein each of said
two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to said base.
16. A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly
for an ankle area of the body, said support structure comprising: a
base configured for operative disposition in at least partially
surrounding relation to a correspondingly disposed leg area of the
body, an extension assembly including a plurality of elongated
extension members extending outwardly from said base in spaced
relation to and along a length of a remainder of the fixation
assembly, and said base and at least two of said plurality of
extension members each structured for connection to at least one
strut and disposition of this one strut in interconnecting relation
to an ankle stabilizing portion of the external fixator
assembly.
17. A support structure as recited in claim 16 wherein said two
extension members are each connected to a different, opposite side
of said base.
18. A support structure as recited in claim 17 wherein said base
and said two extension members include a plurality of apertures
extending along respective lengths thereof, said plurality of
apertures disposed and structured for connection to a plurality of
struts and disposition of the plurality of struts in
interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilizing portion of the
external fixator assembly.
19. A support structure as recited in claim 17 wherein each of said
two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to said base.
20. A support structure as recited in claim 19 wherein said two
extension members are disposed in parallel relation to one
another.
21. A support structure as recited in claim 20 wherein said two
extension members extend outwardly from said base in a
substantially common direction.
22. A support structure as recited in claim 17 further comprising a
brace assembly disposed in interconnecting relation between said
base and each of said two extension members.
23. A support structure as recited in claim 21 wherein said brace
assembly comprises at least two brace segments each connected in
interconnecting relation between said base and a different one of
said two extension members.
24. A support structure as recited in claim 23 wherein each of said
brace segments is interconnected between a different one of said
two extension members and an outer periphery of said base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to a support structure similar in
function but distinguishable in structure to a halo-type support
ring adapted for use as an operative component of an external
fixation assembly for an ankle or other area of the patient's body.
The support structure includes an annular base dimensioned and
configured for disposition in surrounding relation to a leg area
associated with the ankle being stabilized. An extension assembly
comprising a plurality of extension members is connected to the
base, wherein the base and extension members are structured for
connection to one or more strut members disposed in interconnecting
relation to and between the support structure and the other
components of the external fixator assembly.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the medical treatment of pathologies including, but not
limited to, injuries, fractures, etc. to the bone and joints,
external fixator assemblies are commonly used to maintain segments
of the bone in an intended and/or required stabilized orientation.
By way of example, fixator assemblies of the type described may be
utilized to treat the fusion of bone tissue as well soft tissue
injuries, and situations involving a union of bones which otherwise
are difficult to heal. As such, known or conventional fixator
assemblies vary in structure, dimension and configuration and are
correspondingly adapted to be used with various portions of the
body to which they are attached.
[0005] Typical fixator structures include one or more connecting
bars or rods as well a plurality of clamps for adjustably securing
fixation pins, wires, etc. to the bone portions being affected.
Further, transfixion pins or wires of the types commonly utilized
may extend completely through the bony tissue or may be anchored
therein, such as when the long bones of the leg are involved
directly or indirectly with the treatment or healing procedure.
Further, the term "transfixion member" is generally recognized in
the medical field as including the describing of elongated pins
which extend completely or at least partially through the bony
tissue involved. In contrast, smaller, thicker "half pins" may be
utilized in substantially the same manner to stabilize affected
tissue but being of a length insufficient to extend completely
through the affected bone, joint, etc. This term may also be used
in a more generic sense in referring to stabilizing devices, other
than pins, such as wires, reduction wires, screws, clamps, etc.
[0006] In addition, known external fixator assemblies of the type
described may also include support rings which encircle a
corresponding body member, wherein such rings or like support
members serve as a supportive base to facilitate proper location of
the aforementioned transfixion members. Accordingly, it is commonly
understood in the medical profession that fixator assemblies are
used to maintain proper orientation of one or more of bones or bone
segments relative to one another to facilitate healing or
alignment.
[0007] However, the proper stabilization of tissue typically
associated with the joint areas of a patient's body such as, but
not limited to, the ankle joint as well as the wrist and other
smaller bones associated with the hand involves additional
considerations. In particular when dealing with the ankle area and
the associated tissue serving to interconnect the foot to the lower
portion of the leg, the fixator clamps or fixation clamps support
blocks are frequently connected to an encircling halo-ring or like
support member. These devices are mounted on the ring or other
support member to properly position a transfixion pin or like
member at a proper height or corresponding distance above the
supporting ring in order to engage and thereby properly orient the
affected bones of the ankle joint to the foot. In utilizing these
support blocks, transfixion clamps, etc., one commonly recognized
problem or disadvantage associated therewith is the possibility
these devices obscuring important or necessary portions of the
ankle joint when X-rayed. In addition, the proper placement of one
or more of such clamps, support blocks, etc. is time consuming for
medical personnel and may lack a certain versatility and/or
accuracy associated with the accurate placement of a transfixion
pin or like transfixion member in the fixed orientation or
otherwise support of the various bones of the ankle joint.
[0008] Accordingly there is a need in the medical profession for a
support assembly which is at least minimally similar in function,
but clearly distinguishable in structure, from a known halo-type
ring support structures. Such an improved support structure allows
greater versatility in the positioning of interconnecting struts
serving to interconnect and support various components of an
external fixator assembly in their intended operative position.
Further, the dimension, configuration and overall structure of such
a proposed support structure is such as to be usable with an
external fixator assembly of the type used to stabilize the ankle
area of the patient. As such, the support may be disposed in
interconnected, spaced relation to an ankle stabilization portion
of the external fixator assembly and in surrounding relation to an
adjacent leg area associated with the ankle being stabilized. The
proposed support assembly of the present invention is structured to
facilitate the support and connection of a plurality of
interconnecting struts. Further, the support structure is also
structured to have mounted thereon and/or connected thereto a
plurality of transfixion members which extend radially inward from
the proposed support structure into engaging relation to the
relatively long bones of the corresponding leg area.
[0009] Accordingly there is a need in the medical profession for an
a support structure component useable as part of an external
fixator assembly which more efficiently stabilizes the hard tissue
associated with the foot and ankle areas and/or the associated
bones of the lower leg.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a support structure for
use with or as part of an external fixator assembly of the type
specifically, but not exclusively, intended for the stabilization
of an ankle area of the body. As such, the various embodiments of
the support structure of the present invention are operatively
disposed to function somewhat similarly to the known halo-type
support ring, as generally set forth above. However, the structural
features of the support ring structure of the present invention are
clearly distinguishable from known or conventional halo-type rings,
as set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
[0011] As referred to herein, the term "ankle area" refers to and
is intended to describe the ankle joint, as well as bones and
associated tissue of the foot and lower portions of the leg bones
including the fibula and tibia. Further, in properly describing the
intended position and orientation of the various preferred
embodiments of the support structure of the present invention and
the remainder of the external fixator assembly associated
therewith, terminology including "length of the ankle area" and/or
"height of the ankle area" may be utilized synonymously. These
terms are meant to refer to the general distance between the bottom
of the foot and an area of the lower part of the leg above the
ankle joint. Further the ankle area, as used herein, is meant to be
descriptive of the bones and other tissue associated with the foot,
ankle joint and lower leg which serve to facilitate the functioning
of the ankle joint and intended, relative movements of the
corresponding foot and leg connected to the ankle joint.
[0012] Accordingly, the support structure of the present is used
independently of or in combination with an external fixator
assembly which may further comprise an ankle stabilization portion.
The ankle stabilization portion is disposed adjacent the ankle area
and foot and is structured to support at least one transfixion pin
or like transfixion member in operative engagement with the bones
or other associated tissue associated with the ankle area.
Moreover, the support structure of the present invention comprises
a base preferably having a continuous, annular configuration or be
otherwise configured and dimensioned to at least partially, but in
most applications completely surround the leg area of a patient's
body which is substantially adjacent to the ankle area being
stabilized.
[0013] Further, the support structure of the present invention
includes an extension assembly comprising at least one but more
practically a plurality of extension members or arms extending
outwardly from the base. Each of the arms is elongated to a
sufficient degree that, when combined with the corresponding
dimensions of the base, extend along at least a portion and/or a
majority of the length of corresponding, spaced apart portions of
the ankle stabilization portion of the external fixator assembly.
In addition, a plurality of apertures or through holes are disposed
about the continuous length of the base and also along the length
of the extension members. These apertures will serve as connecting
sites for at least one, but more practically, a plurality of
elongated studs. As described herein, the one or more studs serve
to interconnect the support structure of the present invention with
the ankle stabilization portion as well as any additional
conventional halo-type rings and/or additional support
structures.
[0014] Therefore, the interconnecting struts serve to place both
the ankle stabilization portion and/or other, conventional
halo-type rings in spaced relation to the support structure as
these various components extend along the length of the ankle area
or leg upwardly from the position of the ankle stabilization
portion adjacent the ankle area being stabilized. Further, the
plurality of apertures defining the connecting sites for the struts
are disposed such that the plurality of struts may be disposed at a
variety of different locations in order to provide greater
versatility to the medical personnel when placing the struts and
the various components of the external fixator assembly in order to
eliminate the possibility of interference with X-rays views, which
are typically required.
[0015] Other features associated with the support assembly of the
present invention include the plurality of preferably two extension
members extending outwardly from the base in a common direction and
in spaced relation to one another. In at least one preferred
embodiment, the two extension members or arms may also be disposed
in parallel relation to one another and may be further disposed in
substantially coplanar relation to one another and/or to the base.
In order to provide sufficient structural integrity to the two
extension members, at least one embodiment of the support structure
includes a brace assembly. The brace assembly preferably comprises
at least two brace segments each disposed in interconnecting,
reinforcing relation between an exterior periphery of the base and
a corresponding peripheral edge or other appropriate portion of a
different one of the extension members or arms.
[0016] As represented hereinafter in greater detail, the external
fixator assembly, including the support structure of the present
invention, is structured to connect one or more transfixion pins or
like transfixion members so as to extend transversely inward and
into stabilizing engagement with the leg bone(s) or other tissue
associated with the ankle area at various points along the height
or length of the leg and/or ankle area. Further, each of the one or
more transfixion pins can be connected to a plurality of different
locations along the length thereof. Therefore the disposition of
the base and extension assembly of the support structure as well as
the structure of at least some of the remainder of the external
fixation assembly provides significant versatility in positioning
each of the one or more transfixion pins or members at any one of a
plurality of different locations relative to the leg and associated
ankle area being stabilized.
[0017] Therefore, the positioning of the transfixion pin(s) or
member(s) into stabilizing engagement with intended tissue of the
leg and ankle area, in the manner described herein, eliminates or
significantly reduces the need for conventional support blocks or
clamps to connect the transfixion pin(s). As set forth above, the
use of such known devices and procedures for orienting of the
transfixion pins relative to a predetermined body part is time
consuming and has a tendency to obscure X-rays or other viewing
facilities of the body part. Therefore the use of the various
preferred embodiments of the present invention eliminate or
significantly reduce such known and well recognized
disadvantages.
[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as
the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support structure of the
present invention as represented in the embodiment of FIG. 1
incorporated within and at least partially defining an external
fixator assembly of the type adapted for use in the stabilization
of an ankle area.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in
at least partially schematic form.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view in partial cutaway and schematic form
of an external fixator assembly modified from that of FIGS. 2 and 3
operatively positioned relative to an ankle area of a patient.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view in partial cutaway and schematic form
of the fixator assembly of FIG. 5 operatively positioned relative
to the foot or lower leg portion of an ankle area of a patient.
[0026] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] As represented in the accompanying Figures, the support
assembly of the present invention is generally indicated as 100 and
is structurally distinguishable from the conventional halo support
ring generally indicated as 102 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4.
Moreover, each of a plurality of preferred embodiments of the
support structure ring 100 of the present invention is adaptable
for use in combination with an external fixation assembly generally
indicated as 104 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4. Further, as will
also be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the external
fixator assembly 104 is structured to be operatively positioned and
used in a location substantially adjacent to an ankle area
generally indicated as 12 in FIG. 5 of a patient. As set forth
above, the ankle area 12 is meant to be descriptive of
substantially the entire area represented in FIG. 5, which includes
the ankle joint, foot, corresponding portions of the leg bones,
including the fibula and tibia, as well as the associated
components and tissue. In addition, the terms "height" and "length"
of the ankle area 12 are used synonymously herein and refer to the
distance from substantially the bottom of the foot, as at 14, to at
least a portion the long bones of the leg, as at 16, 16'.
[0028] Therefore, with primary reference to FIGS. 1, the support
assembly 100 of the present invention includes a base generally
indicated as 106 preferably having an annular configuration and an
open interior 108. The open interior 108, as well as the
circumferential dimension of the base 106, are sufficient to
dispose the base 106 in substantially surrounding relation to the
leg portion associated with the leg bones 16, 16' adjacent the
ankle portion 12 being stabilized, as schematically represented in
FIG. 5. In addition the support structure 100 also includes an
extension assembly generally indicated as 110 comprising at least
one but preferably a plurality of two extension members or
extension legs 112 and 114. Each of the extension members 112 and
114 is integrally or otherwise fixedly connected to and extends
outwardly from a different, opposite end or side of the base 106
preferably, but not necessarily, in a substantially common
direction. As such, the common directional orientation of the
extension members 112 and 114 serves to dispose these members in
spaced relation to one another. Moreover, in at least one
embodiment the extension members 112 and 114 may be disposed in
substantially parallel relation to one another.
[0029] Further, the structure of the extension assembly 110 may be
defined by the extension members 112 and 114 being disposed in
substantially coplanar relation to the base 106 and/or in coplanar
relation to one another. However, the intended operability and
versatility relative to a position by the support structure 100
allows the extension members 112 and 114 to be disposed in
non-coplanar relation to the base 106 and/or in non-coplanar
relation to one another. Accordingly, the extension members 112 and
114 may be disposed in coplanar relation to one another but out of
coplanar relation to the base 106. Also the parallel, spaced apart
relation of the extension members 112 and 114 may vary from that
represented in FIG. 1 to a substantially non-coplanar, parallel
relation there between.
[0030] Additional structural features of the support structure 100,
including both the base 106 and each of the plurality of preferably
two extension members or arms 112 and 114 including a plurality of
apertures or open, through holes 40. The apertures 40 define a
plurality of connection sites and structures which facilitate the
attachment and/or mounting of a plurality of supporting studs 115
in a variety of operative positions relative to the support
structure 100 and the remaining components of the external fixation
assembly 104, including the ankle stabilization portion 18 and the
substantially conventional halo-support ring 102. Further, the
plurality of apertures 40 defining the aforementioned connection
sites are also adaptable to facilitate connection, mounting and
support of a plurality of transfixion members 36, as represented in
FIGS. 5 and 6. As such, when applied or mounted on the support
structure 100, including the base 106 and the extension members 112
and 114, the transfixion members 36 may extend radially inward into
an engagement with the leg bone 16, 16', surrounded by the base
106. As such, the support structure 100 will serve to support,
securely position and thereby stabilize the external fixator
assembly 104, as well as the various components thereof, including
the ankle stabilization portion 18 and the conventional halo-type
support ring 104.
[0031] Other structural features of the support structure 100
include the provision of a brace assembly generally indicated as
120. The brace assembly 120 includes a plurality of brace segments
122 equal in number to that of the plurality of preferably two
extension members 112 and 114. As such, the brace segments 122 are
disposed in interconnecting, supporting and reinforcing relation
between the exterior periphery of the base 106, as at 124, and a
corresponding inner peripheral side or edge 126 of different ones
of the extension members 112 and 114. As represented, each of the
brace segments 122 may be integrally or otherwise fixedly connected
to the base 106 and the corresponding extension member 112 and 114
in their respective reinforcing positions.
[0032] For purposes of clarity the various operative and/or
structural components of one type of external fixator assembly are
represented in appropriate detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Accordingly,
the external fixator assembly 104 may comprise an ankle
stabilization portion 18 and possibly a conventional halo-type
support ring 102. As will be apparent in the description of the
fixator assembly 104 hereinafter provided, the ankle stabilization
portion 18 may include one or more contoured segments 22 and 22'
operatively positioned relative to the ankle area 12. Further, the
one or more contoured segments utilized may be selected from a
larger plurality of contoured segments 22, 22', etc., which may
differ from one another at least in dimension and configuration, as
represented in the structural modifications of the external fixator
assembly 18 represented in FIGS. 2 through 4. With primary
reference to FIG. 5, the base segment 20, defining at least a
portion of the ankle stabilization portion 18, preferably includes
a curvilinear configuration which may be more specifically defined
by an arcuate or semicircular shape. As such, the base segment 20
terminates in oppositely disposed free ends 23 and 23'. Further, a
plurality of apertures or other appropriate structure 25 are
positioned substantially along the length of the base segment 20
and are provided to facilitate the connection of one or more struts
115 to the base segment 20 preferably using fixation bolts, which
are not shown for purposes of clarity. Such struts 115 and
interconnecting fixation bolts are well-known in the medical
profession and are used to support and/or dispose the ankle
stabilization portion 18 in a stabilized position relative to the
ankle area 12. As set forth above and represented in the various
Figures, the struts 115 serve to interconnect the components of the
external fixator assembly 104, including the conventional halo-type
ring 102 and the support structure 100 located above the ankle area
12, along the length of the leg and in surrounding relation to the
bones 16 and 16'.
[0033] Accordingly, as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base
segment 20 is disposed in at least partially surrounding, spaced
relation to a portion of the ankle area 12, such as in the vicinity
of the heel 12'. For purposes of clarity, the plurality of
apertures or like connecting facilities 25 are not pictured in FIG.
5 but are in FIG. 2 and are intended to be present therein during
the actual practical application or use of the fixator assembly
104. With further reference to both FIGS. 5 and 6, operative
placement and use of the fixator assembly 104 comprises the
supported disposition of at least one contoured segment 22 or 22'
adjacent to an appropriate side of the ankle area 12. More
specifically, contoured segment 22', having the smaller or lesser
protruding contoured portion 30 is normally placed adjacent the
lateral side of the foot and/or ankle area 12. In cooperation
therewith, the contoured segment 22, having the larger or greater
outwardly protruding portion 30 is normally, but not exclusively,
appropriately positioned adjacent the medial side of the foot
and/or ankle area 12.
[0034] As represented in FIG. 5, operative disposition and use of
the fixator assembly 10 may comprise utilization of two of the
contoured segments 22 and 22', wherein each is connected to
correspondingly disposed ends 23 and 23' of the base segment 20. It
is noted that the interconnection of the one or more contoured
segments 22 and 22' to the base segment 20 may be removably
connected, in a stable manner, through the use of appropriate
connectors as at 29.
[0035] It is emphasized that common structural features do exist
between each of a plurality of contoured segments 22, 22', etc.
However, each of a possible larger number of contoured segments 22,
22', etc. may vary in dimension and configuration to accommodate
accurate placement of a plurality of transfixion wires or members
36 relative to different portions of the ankle area 12.
[0036] Accordingly, each of the contoured segments 22, 22', etc.
includes a contoured portion generally indicated as 30 disposed in
spaced relation to at least one end 32 thereof, but more
practically in spaced relation to opposite ends 32 and 32' thereof.
As such, the contoured segment 30, in at least one preferred
embodiment of the fixator assembly 10, is disposed intermediate the
opposite ends 32 and 32'. Also, one of these opposite ends, such as
at 32, is fixedly or removably connected to a correspondingly
disposed end 23 of the base segment 20. Further, each of the
contoured segments 22, 22', etc. comprise the contoured portion 30
having a substantially angular configuration as it protrudes
transversely outward from a remainder of the length of the
corresponding contoured segment 22, 22', etc. Moreover, each of the
contoured portions 30 terminates at what may be generally referred
to as an apex or upper portion of the contoured segment 30, as at
32. Therefore, when one or more of the contoured segments 22, 22',
etc. are operatively positioned, a contoured portion 30 of each of
the one or more contoured segments 22, 22', etc. extends
transversely outward from a remainder of the corresponding
contoured segment 22 or 22' along the height or length of the ankle
area 12 as best demonstrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly, each of the
contoured segments 22, 22', etc. are structured to be connected to
and support one or more of a plurality of transfixion members or
transfixion wires 36, as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6. As such,
each of the one or more transfixion wires or pins 36 extend
transversely inward, toward the appropriate portion of the ankle
area 12, from any one of a plurality of possible locations on the
contoured segment 22, 22', etc. including, but not limited to,
being connected to the contoured portion 30 or other portions of
the length of the corresponding contoured segment.
[0037] As such, the contoured portions 30 of each of the contoured
segments 22 and 22' will be located adjacent and in operative
relation to an at least minimally different portion of the various
bones or other tissue of the ankle area 12. This in turn will
facilitate and enhance the versatility of accurately and
efficiently placing one or more transfixion wires, pins or like
members 36 into engaging, stabilizing relation to the intended
bones or other tissue of the ankle area 12. More specifically, as
each of the contoured portions 30 of each contoured segment 22,
22', etc. extend transversely outward from the remainder of the
length of the corresponding contoured segments 22, 22', etc., the
transversely inward ability to position one or more of the
transfixion members 36 into engaging relation with appropriate
tissue of the ankle area 12.
[0038] Additional structural details of each of the plurality of
contoured segments 22, 22', etc. include the provision of a
plurality of apertures 40, or other appropriately structured
connecting sites, along the length of the contoured portion 30 as
well as the remainder of the length of the corresponding contoured
segment 22, 22' etc. These apertures *40 facilitate the
interconnection of the one or more transfixion members 36 thereto,
such that the one or more transfixion members 36 may be located at
any one of a plurality of locations along the contoured portion 30
as well as the remainder of the length of the contoured segment 22,
22', etc. This further adds in the versatility and accurate
placement of the transfixion member 36 along the entire length of
the corresponding contoured segments 22, 22', etc. Also, when each
of the contoured segments 22, 22', etc. are fixedly but removably
connected to the appropriate ends as at 23 and 23' of the base
segment 20, additional apertures or other appropriate structures
may be provided to facilitate placement of an appropriate connector
29, as represented in FIG. 5. It is further emphasized that when
two contoured segments are used, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5,
they may comprise different or substantially equivalent dimensions
and configurations, dependent on the medical requirements in the
stabilization or other treatment of the ankle area 12.
[0039] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0040] Now that the invention has been described,
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