Method of applying an active compressive force continuously across a fracture
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of repairing a bone fracture having at least two mating bone segments, comprising the steps of:
- providing an elastomeric cable having an original length and a predetermined elastic property;
storing mechanical energy in said elastomeric cable by pre-tensioning said elastomeric cable to a predetermined working tension while stretching said cable to a working length which is longer than said original length;
applying a compressive force across the fracture by fixing said stretched and pre-tensioned elastomeric cable across the mating bone segments with said working tension tending to compress the fracture; and
maintaining a continuous active compression across the fracture during bone healing while allowing normal bone resorption and bone motion, by delivering stored mechanical energy from said elastomeric cable to the bone.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of applying an active compressive force continuously across a fracture by wrapping fractured bone segments in an energy-inducing surgical cable having a predetermined elastic property that stretches about 30 to 100% of its original length. The cable is wrapped around the bone segments, applying an energy-inducing continuous compressive force to the bone segments by elongating while maintaining the bone segments in compression as the bone segments mend.
254 Citations
9 Claims
-
1. A method of repairing a bone fracture having at least two mating bone segments, comprising the steps of:
-
providing an elastomeric cable having an original length and a predetermined elastic property;
storing mechanical energy in said elastomeric cable by pre-tensioning said elastomeric cable to a predetermined working tension while stretching said cable to a working length which is longer than said original length;
applying a compressive force across the fracture by fixing said stretched and pre-tensioned elastomeric cable across the mating bone segments with said working tension tending to compress the fracture; and
maintaining a continuous active compression across the fracture during bone healing while allowing normal bone resorption and bone motion, by delivering stored mechanical energy from said elastomeric cable to the bone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
and wherein said pre-tensioned and stretched elastomeric cable is fixed by wrapping said cable around the fracture then securing the free ends with a cable locking device.
-
-
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said cable is comprised of a central core of a polymer material having a plurality of braided outer fibers surrounding said central core.
-
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said fibers are of a high strength, low stretch protective material.
Specification