Inventors:
James B. Koeneman - Mesa AZ
Thomas M. Hansen - Phoenix AZ
Mark Phillips - Mesa AZ
Allan M. Weinstein - Paradise Valley AZ
Assignee:
Harrington Arthritis Research Center - Phoenix AZ
International Classification:
A61F 504
Abstract:
A unilateral external fixation device for closed reduction of simple or comminuted long bone fractures includes a frame formed of composite materials which mounts a proximal carriage at one end and a distal carriage at the other end. The proximal carriage is adapted to mount half pins inserted in the proximal segment, and is supported on the frame by support arms which are movable with respect to the frame for adjusting the position of the proximal segment. The distal carriage includes a clamping member adapted to mount half pins inserted in the distal segment, which is pivotal about the fracture to permit precise adjustment of the distal segment for alignment with the proximal segment. A fragment support, mounted to one of the side rails of the support arm for the proximal carriage, is adapted to clamp a half pin inserted within a central fragment positioned between the proximal and distal segments of a comminuted fracture.