Internal fixation device for bone fractures

• US 4,364,382 A
• Filed: 08/19/1980
• Issued: 12/21/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ulrich Mennen
• Original Assignee: Ulrich Mennen
• Inventors: Mennen, Ulrich
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Kyle L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shedd, C. W.
• Application Number:
  US06/179,521
• Time in Patent Office: 854 Days
• Field of Search: 128/92 D, 128/92 B, 128/92 G, 128/92 BC
• US Class Current: 606/283
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8076 for the ribs or the sternum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8085 with pliable or malleable elements or having a mesh-like structure, e.g. small strips A61B17/8071, A61B17/8076 take precedence

Abstract

This invention provides an internal fixation device for a bone fracture, the device comprising a metallic plate having edge fastening formations formed on at least two edges of the plate which is adapted to be secured to a bone fracture site by deforming the plate and engaging the fastening formations directly to the bone by penetration into the bone, thereby bridging a bone fracture.

Claims

1. An internal fixation device for bone fractures comprising a unitary metallic member including:

an elongated central portion having upper and lower surfaces which are respectively convex and concave;

a plurality of arcuate finger portions extending integrally from the opposite sides of said central portion and extending generally downwardly and outwardly from said central portion in an opposed relation to define a generally channel shaped structure;

wherein said finger portions are generally arranged transverse to the longitude of said elongated central portion;

each finger portion terminating in an inwardly extending fastening means having a sharpened edge constructed and arranged for penetration into said bone;

said central portion having an elongated stiffening corrugation extending longitudinally for a majority of its length and being elevated from said upper surface, said central portion and said stiffening corrugation being constructed and arranged so that said device flexes at said stiffening formation;

whereby, when said member is deformed by forcing said finger portions toward each other inwardly for penetration of said fastening means into said bone, the central portion and said stiffening portion will arch away from said bone to minimize damage thereto.

2. The fixation device set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening means are generally wedge-shaped and are formed by inwardly bending the ends of said finger portions.

3. An internal fixation device for a bone fracture as claimed in claim 1, being made of surgical stainless steel or other suitable alloy, the stiffening structure comprising an elongate groove-like depression pressed in the metal.