Modular implant assembly tool
View Patent ↗This invention provides for a tool that produces, and directly and accurately measures, an axial force used to assemble two members of a modular implant, specifically, a modular hip implant.
1. An instrument for measuring an applied axial load, the instrument comprising:
first and second handles disposed side by side in parallel;
a shaft extending from a distal end of said first handle;
a housing mounted on said shaft, said shaft being axially slidable in said housing;
a spring body disposed in said housing and positioned between said shaft and a portion of said housing;
an indicator mounted on said housing and adapted to indicate applied axial load;
said second handle being pivotally mounted on said shaft and being pivotally attached to said housing and operative to activate said indicator.
2. The instrument in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said indicator comprises a piezoelectric element positioned between said shaft and at least a portion of said housing; and
a device for converting piezoelectric voltage into a signal indicating force being applied to said piezoelectric element.
3. The instrument in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicator comprises a scale mechanism adapted to indicate when a predetermined axial load occurs in the spring body.
4. An instrument for measuring an applied axial load, the instrument comprising:
first and second handles disposed side by side in parallel;
a shaft extending from a distal end of said first handle;
a housing mounted on said shaft, said shaft being axially slidable in said housing;
a spring body disposed in said housing and positioned between said shaft and a portion of said housing;
an indicator mounted on said housing and adapted to indicate applied axial load;
said second handle being pivotally mounted on said shaft and being pivotally attached to said housing and operative to activate said indicator;
wherein said spring body comprises at least one coil spring.
5. An instrument for measuring an applied axial load, the instrument comprising:
first and second handles disposed side by side in parallel;
a shaft extending from a distal end of said first handle;
a housing mounted on said shaft, said shaft being axially slidable in said housing;
a spring body disposed in said housing and positioned between said shaft and a portion of said housing;
an indicator mounted on said housing and adapted to indicate applied axial load;
said second handle being pivotally mounted on said shaft and being pivotally attached to said housing and operative to activate said indicator;
wherein said indicator comprises a button indicator.