Wire tensioner tip
A wire tensioner tip includes a body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot. An engagement body is disposed within the ring receiving slot. The engagement body includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring receiving slot. A coupling element extends from the body and is configured to couple the body to a wire tensioner.
1. A wire tensioner tip, comprising:
a body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot;
an engagement body disposed within the ring slot, wherein the engagement body is fixed in offset relation to a radius of the body and includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring slot; and
a coupling element extending from the body and configured to couple the body to a wire tensioner.
2. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the engagement body is configured to pivot with respect to the body.
3. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the one or more projections comprise a plurality of teeth extending from a surface of the engagement body.
4. The wire tensioner tip of claim 3 , wherein the engagement body has a substantially rectangular shape.
5. The wire tensioner tip of claim 3 , wherein the engagement body includes a central projection extending from a center of the engagement body.
6. The wire tensioner tip of claim 3 , wherein the engagement body includes a first side projection extending from a first end of the engagement body and a second side projection extending from a second end of the engagement body.
7. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the body and the coupling element define a wire receiving channel extending therethrough.
8. The wire tensioner tip of claim 7 , wherein the wire receiving channel is aligned with a horizontal axis of the body.
9. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the first extension defines a slot extending from a first end into the first extension.
10. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the first extension has a first length and the second extension has a second length less than the first length.
11. The wire tensioner tip of claim 1 , wherein the coupling element comprises a boss.
12. A wire tensioner, comprising:
a tensioning body comprising a handle portion and a tensioner, wherein the handle portion includes a first handle and a second handle configured to actuate the tensioner, and wherein the tensioner is configured to apply a force to a wire inserted into the tensioner; and
a tensioner tip coupled to the tensioning body, comprising:
a tip body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot;
an engagement body disposed within the ring slot, wherein the engagement body is fixed in offset relation to a radius of the body and includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring slot.
13. The wire tensioner of claim 12 , wherein the tensioner tip is removable from the tensioner.
14. The wire tensioner of claim 12 , wherein the engagement body is configured to pivot with respect to the tip body.
15. The wire tensioner of claim 12 , wherein the tensioner tip and the tensioner define a channel sized and configured to receive a wire therethrough.
16. A system, comprising:
a circular fixator comprising at least one ring defining a slot;
a wire fixation element sized and configured to be positioned within the slot of the circular fixator; and
a wire tensioner comprising:
a tensioning body comprising a handle portion and a tensioner, wherein the handle portion includes a first handle and a second handle configured to actuate the tensioner, and wherein the tensioner is configured to apply a force to a wire inserted into the tensioner; and
a tensioner tip coupled to the tensioning body, comprising:
a tip body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot sized and configured to receive the at least one ring;
an engagement body disposed within the ring slot, wherein the engagement body is fixed in offset relation to a radius of the body and includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring slot.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the tensioner tip is removable from the tensioning body.
18. A method, comprising:
coupling a wire to a first fastener and a second fastener, wherein the wire extends through at least a first bone, and wherein each of the first fastener and the second fastener are coupled to a ring of a circular fixator;
tightening the first fastener to lock a first end of the wire in a fixed position;
coupling a wire tensioner to a second end of the wire, wherein the wire tensioner comprises:
a tensioning body including a tensioner defining a channel sized and configured to receive the wire therethrough; and
a tensioner tip coupled to the tensioning body, comprising:
a tip body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot sized and configured to receive the ring therein;
an engagement body disposed within the ring slot, wherein the engagement body is fixed in offset relation to a radius of the body and includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring slot;
tensioning the wire, wherein the tensioner is configured to apply a tensioning force to the wire; and
tightening the second fastener to lock the second end of the wire in a fixed position.