Detachably connecting cap for a screw used in orthopaedic surgery

• US 6,102,914 A
• Filed: 09/30/1999
• Issued: 08/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Biomat B.V.
• Original Assignee: Biomat B.V.
• Inventors: Bulstra, Teake, Koole, Leo H., Bulstra, Sjoerd
• Primary Examiner(s): Buiz, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): REIP, DAVID OWEN
• Application Number:
  US09/230,274
• Time in Patent Office: 320 Days
• Field of Search: 606/60, 606/65, 606/72, 606/73, 606/76, 606/130, 600/426
• US Class Current: 606/306
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/685 Elements to be fitted on the end of screws or wires, e.g. protective caps
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/14 Cap nuts; Nut caps or bolt caps

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bone screw cap or stopper, comprising a shank (5) that fits closely to the outer contour of the head (2) of the screw and means (4) for detachably connecting the cap or stopper to the bone screw (1). Especially this stopper comprises an extended shank whose section is at least as large as the largest sectional part of the bone screw, and the length of the extended shank is preferably such that the end of the stopper remote from the bone screw extends to the subcutis.

Claims

1. A bone screw cap, comprising a shank that fits closely to an outer contour of a head of a bone screw, and means for detachably connecting the cap to the bone screw, which cap consists of an X-ray visible rubbery polymer.

2. A bone screw cap according to claim 1, comprising an extended shank whose section is at least as large as a largest sectional part of the bone screw.

3. A bone screw cap according to claim 1, wherein the shank is extended and the length of the extended shank is such that an end of the cap remote from the bone screw is adapted for extension to the subcutis.

4. A bone screw cap according to claim 1, wherein said means for detachably connecting the cap to the bone screw comprise a hexagon for engagement with a socket.

5. A bone screw cap according to claim 1, consisting of methacrylate units containing polymer having intrinsic X-ray visibility.