External fixation device for osteosynthesis
An external fixation device having a frame comprising at least one rod which takes up the mechanical loads. Frame and bone are connected via connecting means known per se, in particular bone-retaining pins. These connecting means in turn are connected to the frame via clamping jaws. These clamping jaws permit detachable fixing and arbitrary arrangement and grouping on the frame. A module which can be mounted on the frame is provided. By means of the module, a movement of two bone fragments relative to one another can be effected. It has at least two components. The first of the at least two components can be connected to the frame. The second of the two components can be connected to at least one clamping jaw of a connecting means which is connected to a bone fragment.
1 . An external fixation device for osteosynthesis comprising:
a frame having at least one rod, the frame capable of connection to a bone via connecting members;
a plurality of clamping jaws, the plurality of clamping jaws connecting the connecting member to the frame; and
a module mounted on the frame, the module having a first component and a second component, the first component connected to the frame and the second component connected to at least one clamping jaw, and moving means to move the second component relative to the first component.
2 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame includes two rods arranged parallel to each other.
3 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein the moving means comprises a threaded spindle.
4 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first component and second component have at least one recess which can be mounted above one clamping jaw.
5 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first component and second component have bores for the passage of a fixing member.
6 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein the module is composed at least partly of a light metal.
7 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein the moving means comprises an electric drive.
8 . A fixation device according to claim 7 , wherein the electric drive has a timer and an incremental limiter such that the displacement movement can take place with automatic control.
9 . A fixation device according to claim 1 , wherein the means has a readable display for the displacement movement.
10 . A method of performing osteosynthesis comprising the steps of:
connecting a fixation device via connecting member to two bone fragments, the fixation device including a frame having at least one rod, a plurality of clamping jaws, the plurality of clamping jaws connecting the connecting member to the frame, and a module mounted on the frame, the module having a first component and a second component, the first component connected to the frame and the second component connected to at least one clamping jaw, and moving means comprising a hand wheel and threaded rod to move the second component relative to the first component; and
displacing a bone fragment relative to another by loosening the clamping jaws which hold the bone fragment to be transported such that the clamps can be displaced on the frame by turning the hand wheel to rotate the threaded rod, permitting a controlled displacement of the clamping jaws along the frame.
11 . A method according to claim 10 , wherein osteosynthesis is performing in alternating extension and static periods, the extension period lasting two minutes and the static period lasting six hours.
12 . A method according to claim 10 , further comprising the step of tightening all clamping jaws of the fixation device during a static period, wherein the module is ineffective and not under mechanical load.
13 . A fixation device comprising:
a frame having an elongated rod; and
a module having a first component and a second component mounted and guidable along the elongated rod,
wherein the module is clamped to and releasable from the elongated rod.