Elastic Element Produced From Radiolucent Material For A Medical Device
An elastic element which consists of a radiolucent material and is provided for a medical device. Said elastic element is produced from an unreinforced plastic material.
1 - 22 . (canceled)
23 . A medical device comprising:
a clamp comprised of a reinforced radiolucent material; and
an elastic element comprised of a non-reinforced radiolucent material and disposed in the clamp;
wherein the clamp is configured to releasably engage a longitudinal component.
24 . The medical device of claim 23 , wherein the non-reinforced radiolucent material is plastic.
25 . The medical device of claim 24 , wherein the plastic has a modulus of elasticity between about 2500 MPa to about 3500 MPa.
26 . The medical device of claim 23 , wherein the elastic element is a helical spring.
27 . The medical device of claim 23 , wherein the elastic element is a disc spring.
28 . The medical device of claim 23 , wherein the reinforced radiolucent material is polyamide.
29 . A bone fixation system comprising:
a first clamp having a first engaging surface, having a first elastic element disposed therein, wherein the first clamp is releasably engaged to a first longitudinal component; and
a second clamp having a second engaging surface, having a second elastic element disposed therein, wherein the second clamp is releasably engaged to a second longitudinal component;
wherein the first engaging surface engages the second engaging surface such that the first and second clamps are axially aligned;
wherein the first and second clamps are comprised of a reinforced radiolucent material; and
wherein the first and second elastic elements are comprised of a non-reinforced radiolucent material.
30 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , wherein the first longitudinal component extends in a different direction than the second longitudinal component.
31 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , wherein the first clamp has at least two jaws for receiving the first longitudinal component therebetween.
32 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , wherein the first and second clamps are mounted on a shaft.
33 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , further comprising a nut for preventing rotation of the first clamp relative to the second clamp.
34 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , wherein the first and second elastic elements are helical springs.
35 . The bone fixation system of claim 29 , further comprising a third elastic element.
36 . The bone fixation system of claim 35 , wherein the first and second elastic elements are helical springs, and wherein the third elastic element is a disc spring.
37 . The bone fixation system of claim 36 , wherein the disc spring is disposed between the helical springs.