阅读说明：本技术 可变形的动力化装置 (Deformable power device ) 是由 约翰·D·罗斯 米哈伊尔·L·山姆库克 亚历山大·M·切尔卡申 于 2018-10-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了动力化装置和使用方法。动力化装置(100)可以包括以基本上圆柱形的形状配合在一起的第一模块和第二模块(105、110)。第一模块和第二模块(105、110)的外表面连接到可变形环(115、120),当将纵向力施加到第一模块和第二模块(105、110)时,可变形环(115、120)可变形。环(115、120)的变形在装置(100)中产生纵向机械偏置,以使其返回其初始形状。根据应用的特定需要,可以调节动力化装置(100)的强度、弹性系数和尺寸。(A motorization apparatus and method of use are provided. The motorization device (100) may include first and second modules (105, 110) that fit together in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer surfaces of the first and second modules (105, 110) are connected to a deformable ring (115, 120), the deformable ring (115, 120) being deformable when a longitudinal force is applied to the first and second modules (105, 110). The deformation of the rings (115, 120) creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the device (100) to return it to its original shape. The strength, spring rate, and size of the motorized apparatus (100) may be adjusted according to the particular needs of the application.)

1. A motorized device having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising:

a first module having a first longitudinal axis, the first module comprising:

an outer wall of the outer wall,

a first cap positioned at a first end of the outer wall, the first cap including a central aperture,

an inner post at a second end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the second end,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis,

a second module having a second longitudinal axis, the second module comprising:

an outer wall of the outer wall,

a second cover at a first end of the second module, the cover including a central aperture,

an inner post at a first end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the first end aligned with a central aperture of the cap,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis,

wherein the first module and the second module are capable of mating together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between an inner post of the first module and an inner post of the second module;

a first set of deformable rings positioned at a first end of the mated first and second modules, wherein a portion of each of the first set of deformable rings is connected to the first and second modules; and

a second set of deformable rings positioned at a second end of the mated first and second modules, wherein a portion of each of the second set of deformable rings is connected to the first and second modules.

2. The motorization device according to claim 1, wherein:

the first set of deformable rings comprises:

a first deformable ring positioned at a first end of the apparatus and connected to a portion of an outer wall of the first module and to a portion of an outer wall of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the first deformable ring;

a second deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the second deformable ring;

a third deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the third deformable ring;

wherein the first, second, and third ring connectors are positioned at a first radial position, a second radial position, and a third radial position, respectively;

the second set of deformable rings comprises:

a fourth deformable ring positioned at the second end of the apparatus and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by a fourth ring connection positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fourth deformable ring;

a fifth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fourth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fifth deformable ring;

a sixth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by sixth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the sixth deformable ring; and

wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth ring connectors are positioned at a fourth radial position, a fifth radial position, and a sixth radial position, respectively.

3. The motorization device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the first module and the outer wall of the second module are substantially cylindrical.

4. The motorization device according to claim 3, wherein the internal uprights of the first and second modules are substantially cylindrical.

5. The motorized device of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second covers has a substantially semi-circular shape.

6. The motorized device of claim 1, wherein the second module further comprises a stop member projecting radially from the second end of the inner post.

7. The motorized device of claim 6, wherein the mated first and second modules form a second displacement gap between a second end of the second module and a stop member of the first module, and wherein the first and second displacement gaps have substantially similar longitudinal distances.

8. The motorization device according to claim 2, wherein the second radial position is substantially 45 degrees with respect to the first radial position and the third radial position is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first radial position, and wherein the fifth radial position is substantially 45 degrees with respect to the fourth radial position and the sixth radial position is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the fourth radial position.

9. The motorized device of claim 2, wherein each of the loop connectors is connected to one of the first module and the second module through an angular space of about 90 degrees.

10. The motorization device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first threaded rod adapted to be received within the first threaded bore; and

a second threaded rod adapted to be received within the second threaded bore.

11. The motorized apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising at least one threaded fastener that can be threaded onto one of the threaded rods to prevent longitudinal movement of the first and second modules relative to each other.

12. The motorization device according to claim 1, wherein the deformable ring comprises a material selected from ABS plastic, P L A, polyamide, glass-filled polyamide, epoxy, silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymer and polycarbonate.

13. The motorized device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS plastic, P L A, polyamide, glass filled polyamide, epoxy, silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymer, and polycarbonate.

14. The motorized device according to claim 1, wherein the device is manufactured by an additive printing process.

15. A method of applying a therapeutic motorization process to a bone fracture, the method comprising:

attaching an external fixator to the bone, wherein a proximal portion of the fixator is attached to a proximal side of the fracture and a distal portion of the fixator is attached to a distal side of the fracture;

attaching at least one motivator to the proximal and distal portions of the fixator, wherein the motivator comprises:

a first module having a first longitudinal axis, the first module comprising:

an outer wall of the outer wall,

a cap at a first end of the outer wall, the cap including a central aperture,

an inner post at a second end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the second end,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis,

a second module having a second longitudinal axis, the second module comprising:

an outer wall of the outer wall,

a cap at a first end of the outer wall, the cap including a central aperture,

an inner post at a first end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the first end aligned with a central aperture of the cap,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis,

wherein the first module and the second module are capable of mating together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between an inner post of the first module and an inner post of the second module;

a first set of deformable rings positioned at a first end of the mated first and second modules, the first set of deformable rings comprising at least:

a first deformable ring positioned at a first end of the apparatus and connected to a portion of an outer wall of the first module and to a portion of an outer wall of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the first deformable ring;

a second deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the second deformable ring;

a third deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the third deformable ring;

wherein the first, second, and third ring connectors are positioned at a first radial position, a second radial position, and a third radial position, respectively;

a second set of deformable rings positioned at a second end of the mated first and second modules, the second set of deformable rings comprising at least:

a fourth deformable ring positioned at the second end of the apparatus and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by a fourth ring connection positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fourth deformable ring;

a fifth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fourth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fifth deformable ring;

a sixth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by sixth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the sixth deformable ring; and is

Wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth ring connectors are positioned at a fourth radial position, a fifth radial position, and a sixth radial position, respectively;

wherein the at least one motorized device is attached to the proximal and distal portions of the fixator by a first threaded rod received within the first threaded hole and by a second threaded rod received within the second threaded hole such that a longitudinal axis of the device is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bone; and is

Wherein the at least one motorized device provides limited movement of the proximal and distal portions of the anchor relative to each other along the longitudinal axis.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one motorized device further comprises at least one threaded fastener attached to one of the threaded rods, the method further comprising:

placing the at least one threaded fastener adjacent the at least one motorized device to prevent longitudinal movement of the first module and the second module relative to each other; and

moving the at least one threaded fastener away from the motorized device to allow limited longitudinal movement of the first and second modules relative to each other.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of moving the at least one threaded fastener away from the motorized device further comprises:

withdrawing the at least one threaded fastener from the motorization device in a controlling step to apply an increased amount of motorization to the bone fracture.

18. A motorized device having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising:

a first module having a first longitudinal axis, the first module comprising:

having an outer wall that is substantially cylindrical in shape,

a semi-circular cover at a first end of the outer wall, the cover including a central aperture,

an inner post at a second end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the second end,

a stop member projecting radially from the second end of the inner post,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis,

a second module having a second longitudinal axis, the second module comprising:

having an outer wall that is substantially cylindrical in shape,

a semi-circular cover at a first end of the outer wall, the cover including a central aperture,

an inner post at a first end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded groove at the first end aligned with a central aperture of the semi-circular cap,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis,

wherein the first module and the second module are mateable together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module such that the first longitudinal axis is coaxial with the second longitudinal axis;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between an inner post of the first module and an inner post of the second module;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a second displacement gap between the second end of the second module and the stop member of the first module;

wherein the first displacement gap and the second displacement gap have substantially similar longitudinal distances;

a plurality of first deformable rings positioned at first ends of the mated first and second modules, comprising at least:

a first deformable ring positioned at a first end of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of an outer wall of the first module and to a portion of an outer wall of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the first deformable ring;

a second deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the second deformable ring;

a third deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the third deformable ring;

wherein the first, second, and third ring connectors are positioned at first, second, and third radial positions, respectively, about the longitudinal axis;

a plurality of second deformable rings positioned at second ends of the mated first and second modules, comprising at least:

a fourth deformable ring positioned at the second ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by the fourth ring connection being radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fourth deformable ring;

a fifth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fourth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fifth deformable ring;

a sixth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by sixth ring connections radially positioned relative to each other, thereby allowing the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the sixth deformable ring; and is

Wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth ring connectors are positioned at fourth, fifth, and sixth radial positions, respectively, about the longitudinal axis.

19. The motorization device according to claim 18, wherein the second radial position is substantially 45 degrees with respect to the first radial position and the third radial position is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first radial position, and wherein the fifth radial position is substantially 45 degrees with respect to the fourth radial position and the sixth radial position is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the fourth radial position.

20. The motorized device of claim 18, wherein each of the loop connectors is connected to one of the first module and the second module through an angular space of about 90 degrees.

21. A motorized device having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising:

a first module and a second module having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the first module and the second module are mated together by one or more deformable rings, each of the first module and the second module further comprising an inner post positioned within one or more outer rings;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between the inner posts of the first and second modules.

22. The motorization device of claim 21, wherein the first module and the second module are made of plastic, polymer, thermoplastic, metal alloy, composite, resin, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ABS plastic, P L A, polyamide, glass filled polyamide, epoxy, nylon, rayon, polyester, polyacrylate, wood, bamboo, bronze, titanium, steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, ceramic, wax, photopolymer, and polycarbonate.

23. The motorized device according to claim 22, wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer, a polyolefin, a polyester, a silicone polymer, a polyacrylonitrile resin, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinylidene chloride, a polyvinyl acetate, a fluoroplastic, a phenolic resin, a urea resin, a melamine, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyacrylate resin, a polyketone, a polyimide, a polysulfone, a polycarbonate, a polyacetal, a poly (hydroxynaphthoic acid), a conductive polymer, a poly (3-hexylthiophene), a poly (p-phenylene vinylene), a polyaniline, or a combination thereof.

24. A motorization apparatus comprising:

a first module and a second module fitted together in a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the outer surfaces of the first module and the second module are connected to one or more deformable rings, wherein one or more of the deformable rings deform when a longitudinal force is applied to the first module and the second module, and wherein the deformation of one or more of the deformable rings creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the motorization device to return it to its original shape, and wherein the strength, elastic modulus and dimensions of the motorization device can be adjusted according to the distance and bias required to optimize the motorization of the bone.

25. A motorized device having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising:

a first module comprising:

an outer wall of the outer wall,

a first cover at a first end of the first module, the cover including a central aperture,

an inner post at a first end of the first module, the inner post including a threaded groove at the first end aligned with a central aperture of the first cover,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, threaded bore, and the inner post of the first module are substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the device,

a second module comprising:

outer wall

A second cover at a second end of the second module, the cover including a central aperture,

an inner post at a second end of the second module, the inner post including a threaded groove at the second end,

wherein the outer wall, the central bore, threaded bore, and the inner post of the second module are substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis,

wherein the first module and the second module are mateable together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module;

wherein the mated first and second modules form a displacement gap between an inner post of the first module and an inner post of the second module;

a plurality of proximal deformable rings positioned at a first end of the mated first and second modules, wherein each of the proximal deformable rings is connected to a portion of the first module and a portion of the second module by ring connections positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the second module to be longitudinally displaced relative to the first module by deforming each of the proximal deformable rings;

a plurality of distal deformable rings positioned at a second end of the mated first and second modules, wherein each of the distal deformable rings is connected to a portion of the first module and a portion of the second module by ring connections positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the second module to be longitudinally displaced relative to the first module by deforming each of the distal deformable rings;

a proximal sub-post connected to a portion of an outer wall of the first module and a portion of one of the proximal deformable rings;

a proximal primary post connected to a portion of one of the outer wall of the second module and the proximal deformable ring, wherein the proximal primary post is positioned on a side of the device radially opposite the proximal secondary post;

a distal sub-post connected to a portion of an outer wall of the second module and a portion of one of the distal deformable rings;

a distal primary post connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and a portion of one of the distal deformable rings, wherein the distal primary post is positioned on a radially opposite side of the device from the distal secondary post.

26. The motorization apparatus according to claim 25, wherein,

the plurality of proximal deformable rings comprises:

a first deformable ring positioned at a first end of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the first module and to a portion of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the first ring;

a second deformable ring longitudinally positioned away from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connections radially positioned relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the second ring;

a third deformable ring longitudinally positioned away from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the third ring;

a fourth deformable ring located longitudinally away from the third deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fourth ring connections located radially relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the fourth ring;

wherein the first, second, third, and fourth ring connections are positioned at first, second, third, and fourth radial positions with respect to the longitudinal axis;

at least two first outer posts connecting the first outer ring to the second outer ring, wherein one of the first outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the first outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the first outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the device;

at least two second outer posts connecting the second outer ring to the third outer ring, wherein one of the second outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the second outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the second outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus;

at least two third outer posts connecting the third outer ring to the fourth outer ring, wherein one of the third outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the third outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the third outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus;

and wherein the plurality of distal deformable rings comprises:

a fifth deformable ring positioned at the second ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the second module and to a portion of the first module by fifth ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the fifth ring;

a sixth deformable ring longitudinally positioned away from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the sixth ring;

a seventh deformable ring longitudinally positioned away from the sixth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by seventh ring connections radially positioned relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the seventh ring;

an eighth deformable ring longitudinally positioned away from the seventh deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by eighth ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow longitudinal displacement of the second module relative to the first module by deforming the eighth ring;

wherein the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ring connectors are located at fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth radial positions, respectively, relative to the longitudinal axis;

at least two fourth outer posts connecting the fifth outer ring to the sixth outer ring, wherein one of the fourth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the fourth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the fourth outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus;

at least two fifth outer posts connecting the sixth outer ring to the seventh outer ring, wherein one of the fifth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the fifth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the fifth outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus;

at least two sixth outer posts connecting the seventh outer ring to the eighth outer ring, wherein one of the sixth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the sixth outer posts is connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the sixth outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus.

27. The motorization apparatus according to claim 26,

wherein a distance between the proximal secondary upright and the eighth deformable ring is substantially equal to the displacement gap;

wherein a distance between the distal secondary upright and the fourth deformable ring is substantially equal to the displacement gap;

wherein the proximal main post is adjacent to the eighth deformable ring; and

wherein the distal main post is adjacent to the fourth deformable ring.

28. The motorization device according to claim 25, wherein the outer wall of the first module and the outer wall of the second module are substantially cylindrical.

29. The motorization device according to claim 28, wherein the inner uprights of the first and second modules are substantially cylindrical.

30. The motorized device of claim 29, wherein each of the first and second covers of the first and second modules has a substantially semi-circular shape.

31. The motorized device of claim 25, further comprising a first threaded rod adapted to be received within the first threaded bore and a second threaded rod adapted to be received within the second threaded bore.

32. The motorized machine of claim 31, further comprising at least one threaded fastener threadably onto one of said threaded rods to prevent longitudinal movement of said first and second modules relative to each other.

33. The motorization device according to claim 25, wherein the deformable ring comprises a material selected from ABS plastic, P L A, polyamide, glass-filled polyamide, epoxy, silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymer and polycarbonate.

34. The motorized device of claim 25, wherein the device comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS plastic, P L A, polyamide, glass filled polyamide, epoxy, silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymer, and polycarbonate.

35. The motorized device according to claim 25, wherein the device is manufactured by an additive printing process.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fixation devices used in the therapeutic treatment of bone fractures. More specifically, the device of the present disclosure may provide controlled axial instability (motorization) of the respective fixation device.

Background

Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, this background is described in connection with external fixation devices, and in particular, connecting struts and rods. Generally, external fixation devices are commonly used in a variety of surgical procedures, including limb lengthening, deformity correction, fracture reduction, and treatment of non-healing, poor healing, and bone defects. The process involves a rigid frame comprising one or more rings placed around the limb on the outside of the limb and attached to the bony segment using wires and half-pins inserted into the bony segment and connected to the relevant part of the outer rigid frame. The opposing rings of the rigid frame are directly interconnected by threaded or telescoping rods, or joined with single or multi-planar hinges, which allow the surgeon to rapidly (acutely) or gradually connect opposing rings that are not parallel to each other over a period of time after manipulation through the bone segments.

For example, in bone fracture reduction or nonunion treatments, wires and half-pins are inserted into each bone segment and attached to a ring of a rigid frame. A rigid frame may be used to drastically reduce displacement and restore alignment between bone segments. During realignment of the bone segments, the orientation of the opposing loops is generally not parallel. Those opposing rings of the rigid frame are connected together directly by threaded rods or telescopic rods, or by attached single or multi-planar hinges. This allows the opposing bone segments to be firmly secured until the bone fracture heals or bone consolidation is complete.

For various bone treatments, the introduction of controlled axial destabilization of the framework can accelerate bone healing and significantly increase the strength of fracture healing tissue or distraction bone regeneration. Increasing the load gradually is an important part of the bone healing process. To achieve this controlled destabilization, the external fixation device may be motorized. There are many ways to achieve motorization, including for example: for unilateral fixation, remove its rod, slide the rod further away from the bone, remove its pin, and/or release tension or compression from the system, for circular frames, remove its wire, release tension from the wire, remove the connecting rod between the rings, remove the rings from the ring mass, and/or release tension or compression from the system. These techniques are problematic because they typically result in large variations in instability and may not effectively limit the motorization to the desired direction of motion or axis of motion.

Disclosure of Invention

A motorization apparatus is described herein. According to one embodiment, the motivator has a longitudinal axis and may include a first module having a first longitudinal axis. The first module includes: an outer wall having a substantially cylindrical shape; a semicircular cover located at a first end of the outer wall; the cover includes a central aperture; an inner post at the second end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded recess at the second end, a stop member projecting radially from the second end of the inner post, wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the first longitudinal axis. The apparatus may further include a second module, which may have a second longitudinal axis and include an outer wall having a substantially cylindrical shape; a semicircular cap at the first end of the outer wall, the cap comprising a central aperture, an inner post at the first end of the outer wall, the inner post comprising a threaded recess at the first end aligned with the central aperture of the semicircular cap, wherein the outer wall, the central aperture, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis. The first module and the second module may be mated together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are coaxial. The mated first and second modules may form a first displacement gap between the inner posts of the first and second modules and a second displacement gap between the second end of the second module and the stop member of the first module, wherein the first and second displacement gaps have substantially similar longitudinal distances.

The apparatus may further include a plurality of first deformable rings positioned at the first ends of the mating first and second modules. The plurality of first deformable rings may include a first deformable ring positioned at the first ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the first deformable ring. The plurality of first deformable rings may further include a second deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the second deformable ring. The plurality of first deformable rings may further include a third deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the third deformable ring. The first, second and third ring connectors may be positioned at first, second and third radial positions, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis. The second radial position may be substantially 45 degrees relative to the first radial position, and the third radial position may be substantially 90 degrees relative to the first radial position.

The apparatus may further include a plurality of second deformable rings positioned at the second ends of the mated first and second modules. The plurality of second deformable rings may include a fourth deformable ring positioned at the second ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fourth ring connections positioned radially with respect to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced with respect to each other by deforming the fourth deformable ring. The plurality of second deformable rings may also include a fifth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fourth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fifth deformable ring. The plurality of second deformable rings may also include a sixth deformable ring longitudinally displaced from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by sixth ring connectors radially positioned relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the sixth deformable ring. The fourth, fifth and sixth ring connectors may be positioned at a fourth radial position, a fifth radial position and a sixth radial position, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis. The fifth radial position may be substantially 45 degrees relative to the fourth radial position, and the sixth radial position may be substantially 90 degrees relative to the fourth radial position. Each of the above-described ring connectors may be connected to one of the first module and the second module through an angular space of about 90 degrees.

According to one embodiment, the outer walls of the first and second modules may be substantially cylindrical, although other shapes may be used. The inner posts of the first and second modules may also be substantially cylindrical, but other shapes may be used.

According to another embodiment, a first threaded rod may be received within the first threaded hole of the first module and a second threaded rod may be received within the second threaded hole to attach the device to the fixture device. One or more threaded fasteners may be threaded onto one of the threaded rods to prevent longitudinal movement of the first and second modules relative to each other. By retracting the threaded fastener away from the device, the threaded fastener can be used to control the amount of motorized treatment applied to the bone fracture by the device.

The deformable ring, or even the entire device, may be composed of a material having suitable elasticity and shape memory, which may be selected from plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, metals, metal alloys, composites, resins, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ABS plastic, P L a, polyamides, fiberglass filled polyamides, epoxies, nylons, rayon, polyesters, polyacrylates, wood, bamboo, bronze, titanium, steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, ceramics, waxes, photosensitive polymers, and polycarbonates.

According to another embodiment, a motorized apparatus having a longitudinal axis may comprise: a first module having a substantially cylindrical outer wall, a semi-circular cover at a first end of the outer wall, the cover including a central aperture; an inner post at the second end of the outer wall, the inner post including a threaded recess at the second end, wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may further include a second module having a substantially cylindrical outer wall, a semicircular cap at a first end of the outer wall, the cap including a central bore, and an inner post at the first end of the outer wall, the inner post having a threaded recess at the first end aligned with the central bore of the semicircular cap, wherein the outer wall, the central bore, the threaded recess, and the inner post are substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis. The first module and the second module may be mated together such that the inner post of the first module is positioned within the outer wall of the second module and the inner post of the second module is positioned within the outer wall of the first module. The mated first and second modules may form a displacement gap between the inner post of the first module and the inner post of the second module. The device may also include a plurality of proximal deformable rings located at the first ends of the mated first and second modules and a plurality of distal deformable rings located at the second ends of the mated first and second modules.

The plurality of proximal deformable rings may include a first deformable ring positioned at the first ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by first ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the first deformable ring. The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further include a second deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by second ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the second ring. The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further include a third deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by third ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the third ring. The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further include a fourth deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the third deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fourth ring connections positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fourth ring. The first, second, third and fourth ring connectors may be positioned at first, second, third and fourth radial positions, respectively, about the longitudinal axis.

The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further comprise at least two first outer posts connecting the first outer ring to the second outer ring, wherein one of the first outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the first outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the first outer posts are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the device.

The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further comprise at least two second outer posts connecting the second outer ring to the third outer ring, wherein one of the second outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the second outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the second outer posts may be positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus.

The plurality of proximal deformable rings may further comprise at least two third outer posts connecting the third outer ring to the fourth outer ring, wherein one of the third outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the third outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the third outer posts may be positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the device.

A plurality of distal deformable rings may be positioned at the second ends of the mating first and second modules. The plurality of distal deformable rings may include a fifth deformable ring positioned at the second ends of the first and second modules and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the second module and to a portion of the outer wall of the first module by a fifth ring connector positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the fifth ring. The plurality of distal deformable rings may further include a sixth deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the fifth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by fifth ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first and second modules to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the sixth ring. The plurality of distal deformable rings may further include a seventh deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the sixth deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by seventh ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other to allow the first module and the second module to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other by deforming the seventh ring. The plurality of distal deformable rings may further include an eighth deformable ring positioned longitudinally away from the seventh deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and to a portion of the outer wall of the second module by eighth ring connectors positioned radially relative to each other, thereby allowing the first module and the second module to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ring connectors may be positioned at fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth radial positions, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The plurality of distal deformable rings may further comprise at least two fourth outer posts connecting the fifth outer ring to the sixth outer ring, wherein one of the fourth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the fourth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the fourth outer posts may be positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the device.

The plurality of distal deformable rings may further comprise at least two fifth outer posts connecting the sixth outer ring to the seventh outer ring, wherein one of the fifth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the fifth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the fifth outer posts may be positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the apparatus.

The plurality of distal deformable rings may further comprise at least two sixth outer posts connecting the seventh outer ring to the eighth outer ring, wherein one of the sixth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the first module and another of the sixth outer posts may be connected to the outer wall of the second module, and wherein the sixth outer posts may be positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the device.

The apparatus may further comprise: a proximal secondary post connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module, and a portion of the fourth deformable ring, wherein a distance between the proximal secondary post and the eighth deformable ring may be substantially equal to the displacement gap. The apparatus may further comprise: a proximal main post connected to a portion of the outer wall of the second module and a portion of the fourth deformable ring, wherein the proximal main post may be adjacent to the eighth deformable ring, and wherein the proximal main post may be positioned on a side of the device radially opposite the proximal secondary post. The device may further include a distal sub-post connected to a portion of the outer wall of the second module and a portion of the eighth deformable ring, wherein a distance between the distal sub-post and the fourth deformable ring may be substantially equal to the displacement gap. The device may further include a distal primary post connected to a portion of the outer wall of the first module and a portion of the eighth deformable ring, wherein the distal primary post may be adjacent to the fourth deformable ring, wherein the distal primary post may be positioned on a radially opposite side of the device from the distal secondary post.

Drawings

Some embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by referring, in part, to the disclosure and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 1B illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a motorized device;

FIG. 1E illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorized device having a locking device;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 2D illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 2E illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 2F illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a deformable ring for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking device suitable for use with a motorized device;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 4B illustrates another angled perspective view of an embodiment of a motorized device;

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorized device having a locking device;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking device suitable for use with one embodiment of a motorized device;

FIG. 5D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorized device having a locking device;

FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 5E illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 5F illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 6B illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 7C illustrates another side view of an embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 8B illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 8D illustrates another perspective view of an embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 8E illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a motorization apparatus;

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an external fixation device including an exemplary motorization apparatus;

FIG. 9B shows a cross-section of a human bone having a fracture;

FIG. 9C illustrates an exemplary motorized device encircling a human bone having a fracture;

FIG. 9D illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary motorized device encircling a human bone having a fracture;

FIG. 9E illustrates an exemplary motorized device encircling a human bone having a fracture;

FIG. 9F illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary motorized device encircling a human bone having a fracture; and

fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary method for applying therapeutic motorization from a motorization apparatus to a bone fracture.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of external fixation rods and struts. More specifically, the motorization device of the present disclosure may provide a controlled axial destabilization (motorization) of the respective external fixation device. Embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously provide different degrees of compressive movement of a biasing member of a motorized device. Such a feature may advantageously provide different degrees or amounts of motorization in the respective external fixation devices, thereby increasing the axial micromotion of the bone segments. By controlling the amount of motorization applied to the device, a therapeutically appropriate amount of motorization can be applied at regular intervals during the fracture healing process or bone remodeling. Mechanical stimulation of the newly formed bone tissue by an anatomical axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone segment accelerates its ossification, resulting in the orientation of mineralized trabeculae also parallel to the bone axis. Thus, the healing process of the fracture and the remodeling of the reconstructed bone may be accelerated and improved.

One representative embodiment of a motorization apparatus is depicted in fig. 1A. In fig. 1A, the motorization apparatus 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape along a longitudinal axis a-a'. The motorization apparatus 100 comprises a first module 105 and a second module 110 fitted together such that the longitudinal axis of the first module 105 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second module 110 and with the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 100. A set of first deformable rings 115 is positioned at the first end 102 of the motorization apparatus 100. A set of second deformable rings 120 is positioned at the second end 104 of the motorized device 100. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 1A, the set of first deformable rings 115 may include a first deformable ring 116, a second deformable ring 117, and a third deformable ring 118. As few as one deformable ring per set may be used, and more than three deformable rings per set may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The set of second deformable rings 120 may similarly include a fourth deformable ring 121, a fifth deformable ring 122, and a sixth deformable ring 123. Each ring is connected to a portion of the first module 105 and the second module 110 by one or more ring connections. The first deformable ring 116 is depicted in fig. 1A as being connected to the first module 105 and the second module 110 with first ring connectors 131 and 132. The ring connectors (131, 132) may occupy radial positions and oppose each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Also shown in FIG. 1A is the sixth deformable ring 123 connected to the first module 105 and the second module 110 by sixth ring connections 141 and 142. The ring connectors (141, 142) may occupy radial positions and oppose each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Although two ring connectors are depicted in fig. 1A connecting the deformable ring to the first module 105 and the second module 110, multiple connectors may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also shown in fig. 1A is a threaded hole 125 at the first end 102 of the second module 110. The threaded hole may be used to attach a bolt, rod, or other connector to the first end 102 of the motorized device 100. The other threaded hole 127 at the second end 104 of the first module 105 is not shown in fig. 1A. The other threaded hole 127 may be used to attach a bolt, rod, or other connector to the second end 104 of the motorized device 100.

An alternative view of the motorized apparatus 100 is depicted in fig. 1B, wherein the deformable ring is shown in phantom lines to see more of the structure of the first module 105 and the second module 110. As shown in fig. 1B, the first and second module blocks 105, 110 have a substantially cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 100. Other shapes may be used as long as the outer longitudinal surfaces of the modules 105, 110 are smooth to allow longitudinal displacement of the first module 105 relative to the second module 110, and vice versa. The stop member 150 is depicted in fig. 1B as protruding radially from the second end 104 of the first module 105. As shown in fig. 1B, the stop member 150 may protrude radially from the second end of the first module 105 such that its outer edge 151 is generally aligned with the outer wall of the second module 110. The stop member 150 may also include one or more chord surfaces (chord surfaces) 152 that form a flat surface at the second end 104 of the first module 105. According to one embodiment, the chordal surfaces 152 may be paired, positioned radially relative to each other and may be used to hold the device 100 in place when attaching a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to the threaded bore 127 at the second end 104 of the device. According to another embodiment, the stop member 150 may be removed from the second end 104 of the first module 105. Also shown in fig. 1B is a longitudinal gap 155 extending along the length of the motorized device 100, wherein the first module 105 and the second module 110 are mated together.

An exploded view of the representative embodiment of FIG. 1A is depicted in FIG. 1C. In fig. 1C, the first module 105 has been unmated from the second module 110 to illustrate the internal components of these modules. The first module 105 includes a semicircular cover 160 at the first end 102. The semicircular cap 160 may include a central aperture 162 that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a'. According to one embodiment, the central bore 162 allows a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to pass through the semi-circular cap 160 to connect to the threaded bore 125 in the second module 110. The first module 105 also includes an outer wall 165, the outer wall 165 preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer wall 165 also includes a smooth inner surface 167 at the first end 102. Also shown in fig. 1C is an inner column 170 located at the second end 104 of the first module 105. Inner post 170 preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape, but other surfaces may be used as long as they have smooth longitudinal surfaces. The outer surface of inner post 170 preferably has substantially the same radial distance as inner surface 167. Inner post 170 may also include a threaded recess 127 at second end 104. The threaded recess 127 allows a bolt, rod, or other connector to be attached to the second end 104 of the motorized device 100. Fig. 1C also shows a stop member 150 projecting radially from the second end 104 of the first module 105. The stop member 150 may also include one or more chord surfaces 152 that form a flat surface at the second end 104 of the first module 105. According to one embodiment, the chord surfaces 152 may be pairs that are radially positioned relative to each other and may be used to hold the motorized device 100 in place when a threaded bolt, rod or other connector is attached to the threaded bore 127 at the second end 104 of the device. According to one embodiment, outer wall 165, central bore 162, threaded recess 127, and inner post 170 are substantially coaxial with longitudinal axis A-A' of motorized apparatus 100.

As shown in fig. 1C, the second module 110 includes a semicircular cover 175 at the first end 102 of the motorized device 100. The semicircular cap 175 may include a central aperture 177 coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a'. Also shown in fig. 1C is a threaded recess 125, which threaded recess 125 allows for the attachment of a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to the first end 102 of the device 100. The second module 110 also includes an outer wall 180, the outer wall 180 preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer wall 180 also includes a smooth inner surface 182 at the second end 104. The inner surface 182 of the outer wall 180 in the second module 110 is preferably arranged to cooperate with the outer surface of the inner upright 170 of the first module 105. Also shown in fig. 1C is an inner post 185 located at the first end 102 of the second module 110. The inner posts 185 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape, but other surfaces may be used as long as they have smooth longitudinal surfaces. The outer surface of the inner post 185 in the second module 110 is preferably arranged to mate with the inner surface 167 of the outer wall 165 of the first module 105. The outer surface of the inner post 185 preferably has substantially the same radial distance as the inner surface 182 of the outer wall 180. The inner post 185 may also include a threaded recess 125 at the first end 102 of the second module 110. The second end 104 of the second module 110 preferably does not include a stop member or a semicircular cover. Rather, it is preferred that the second end 104 of the second module 110 remain open. The first and second sets of deformable rings 115, 120 are shown in fig. 1C in phantom, but are used to connect to the first module 105 and the second module 110 as described below.

A side view of the representative device 100 of fig. 1A is depicted in fig. 1D. In fig. 1D, the device 100 is shown viewed from the side. First module 105 and second module 110 are mated together such that inner upright 170 of first module 105 mates with inner surface 182 of outer wall 180 of second module 110. Similarly, the inner post 185 of the second module 110 mates with the inner surface 167 of the outer wall 165 of the first module 105. Fig. 1D also shows that the displacement distance D is located between the inner upright 170 of the first module and the inner upright 185 of the second module. The displacement distance D is also found between the second end 104 of the second module 110 and the upper surface of the stop member 150. These displacement distances are preferably substantially the same and are preferably in the range of about 1-3mm, with a preferred maximum of about 3 mm. As a result, when first module 105 is compressed longitudinally toward second module 110, inner uprights 170, 185 and stop member 150 will stop being displaced at the same position. During this longitudinal compression, the ring (116) and 123) deform, creating a mechanical bias that returns the device 100 to its original position when the longitudinal force is removed. The device 100 is designed such that longitudinal dispersion (dispersion) is preferably not allowed. Specifically, the semicircular cover 160 at the first end 102 of the first module 105 prevents the inner upright 185 of the second module 110 from being longitudinally displaced away from the inner upright 170 of the first module 105. This limits the device 100 from providing longitudinal compression rather than longitudinal distraction.

Any of inner uprights 170, 185 and/or stop member 150 may be eliminated from the apparatus consistent with the spirit of the present invention. Also shown in FIG. 1D are deformable rings 115, 120 and a longitudinal gap 155. Also shown in fig. 1D is a stop member 150 that projects radially from the second end 104 of the first module 105. The stop member 150 may also include one or more chord surfaces 152 that form a flat surface at the second end 104 of the first module 105. According to one embodiment, the chordal surfaces 152 may be paired, positioned radially relative to each other and may be used to hold the device 100 in place when attaching a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to the threaded bore 127 at the second end 104 of the device. According to one embodiment, outer wall 165, central bore 162, threaded recess 127 and inner post 170 are substantially coaxial with longitudinal axis A-A' of device 100.

In embodiments where stop member 150 is removed from second end 104 of first module 105, longitudinal displacement of first module 105 relative to second module 110 stops when inner stud 170 of first module 105 is pressed against inner stud 185 of second member 110.

Another representative side view of the apparatus 100 is depicted in fig. 1E. In fig. 1E, the device 100 is again shown from the side, but the second module 110 is longitudinally displaced relative to the first module 105 towards the second end 104. As a result, the shift distance D is much smaller. As described above, the displacement distance D may be varied according to the need for longitudinal displacement, for example, when used for distraction of leg bones, the distance may be greater than that of arm bones. As a result, when first module 105 is longitudinally displaced relative to second module 110, inner posts 170, 185 will prevent any lateral displacement and stop member 150 will stop the longitudinal displacement at the same position. When the first module 105 is longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 110, the set of first deformable rings 115 are displaced relative to each other. As shown in fig. 1E (hatched), the first deformable ring 115 is held in contact with the first module 105 and the second module 110 by their respective ring connections as those modules are longitudinally displaced relative to each other. This deforms the shape of the first deformable ring 115, thereby applying a longitudinal mechanical bias between the first module 105 and the second module 110 to return the first deformable ring to its original position. Similarly, at the second end 104 of the device 100, the set of second deformable rings 120 are displaced relative to each other when the first module 105 is longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 110. As shown in fig. 1E (hatched), the second deformable ring 120 is held in contact with the first module 105 and the second module 110 by their respective ring connections as those modules are longitudinally displaced relative to each other. This deforms the shape of the second deformable ring 120, thereby applying a longitudinal mechanical bias between the first module 105 and the second module 110 to return the first deformable ring to its original position. These longitudinal mechanical biases return the device to its original position when longitudinal forces are removed from the device 100.

A threaded fastener 197 suitable for use with the apparatus 100 is depicted in fig. 1F. In fig. 1F, a threaded fastener 197 may be threaded onto a threaded rod 195 disposed at the first end 102 of the device 100. Preferably, threaded fastener 197 includes a flange 199, the radius of flange 199 being larger than the radius of fastener 197 to increase the surface area for contact with the semi-circular cover 160 of the first module 105. As described with reference to fig. 1C, the threaded rod 195 is attached to the threaded groove 125 in the second inner post 185 of the second module 110 and not to the semicircular cover 160 of the first module 105. In this manner, application of a compressive longitudinal force to the threaded rod 195 longitudinally displaces the second module 110 relative to the first module 105, as shown in FIG. 1E. When the threaded fasteners 197 are placed adjacent the first end 102 of the apparatus 100, the flange 199 prevents the first module 105 from being longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 110 because it remains in contact with the semicircular cover 160. This substantially prevents compressive longitudinal displacement of the device 100. According to one embodiment, an additional locking nut 198 may be threaded onto the threaded rod 195 to further ensure that the threaded fastener 197 is placed against the first end 102 of the device 100. A controlled amount of motorization may be imparted to the device 100 by withdrawing the threaded fastener 197 (and lock nut 198 if present) away from the first end 102. For example, if only a limited amount of motorization is required, such as at the beginning of a treatment protocol, the threaded fastener 197 may be withdrawn from the first end 102 of the motorization device 100 by a controlled amount (e.g., a quarter-turn, a half-turn, a full turn, etc.). In this manner, the surgeon or medical technician may gradually apply increased amounts of motorization to the device and patient according to the treatment regimen. An additional locking nut 198 may be tightened against the threaded fastener 197 to ensure that the amount of dynamism is fixed and constant during the course of treatment. It is contemplated that, consistent with this description, a variety of different threaded fasteners and locking nuts (e.g., nuts, flange nuts, plates, washers, etc.) may be used to control the amount of motorization provided by the device 100.

2A-2C, a top view of a representative first deformable ring 116 is shown, As previously described, first deformable ring 116 may be positioned at first ends 102 of first and second modules 105, 110 and connected to a portion of the outer wall of first module 160 and to a portion of the outer wall of second module 175 by first ring connectors 131, 132 positioned radially relative to each other, according to some embodiments, first ring connectors 131, 132 are connected to first and second modules 105, 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90, while leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 90, the unconnected portion of first deformable ring 116 deforms and flexes the ring as first and second modules 105, 110 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other.

In FIG. 2B, a top view of a representative second deformable ring 117 is shown, as previously described, the second deformable ring 117 is longitudinally displaceable from the first deformable ring and connected to a portion of the outer wall 165 of the first module 105 and to a portion of the outer wall 180 of the second module 110 by second ring connectors 133, 134 positioned radially relative to each other, according to some embodiments, the second ring connectors 133, 134 are connected to the first and second modules 105, 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90, leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 90, the unconnected portion of the second deformable ring 117 may deform and flex when the first and second modules 105, 110 are displaced longitudinally relative to each other, further, when the first and second modules are displaced, the deformable ring is connected to the first and second modules to the degree (e.g., 120, 130, 60, 45, which may affect the strength of the device and the desired spring rate to be provided by the device, further, the material forming the various components may also be displaced longitudinally by the amount of the second ring connectors 133, 90, leaving the second ring connectors to be displaced longitudinally by the amount of the device, the radial connectors 132, the radial connectors, and the radial connectors of the device to be displaced by about 90, the degree of the radial connectors, and the radial connectors of the device to be provided by the radial connectors 131, the radial connectors, and the radial connectors, of the radial connectors, and connectors.

Non-limiting examples of materials from which the device may be made include, but are not limited to, for example, materials having suitable elasticity and shape memory that may be selected from plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, metals, metal alloys, composites, resins, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ABS plastic, P L a, polyamides, glass-filled polyamides, epoxies, nylons, rayon, polyesters, polyacrylates, wood, bamboo, bronze, titanium, steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, ceramics, waxes, photosensitive polymers, and polycarbonates in some non-limiting examples, the polymers may be thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins, polyesters, silicone polymers, polyacrylonitrile resins, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, fluoroplastics, phenolic resins, urea resins, melamine, epoxy resins, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyacrylate resins, polyketones, polyimides, polysulfones, polycarbonates, polyacetals, poly (hydroxynaphthoic acid), conductive polymers, poly (3-hexylthiophene), poly (phenylene-vinylene) (e) and other suitable printing processes may be used, such as a biocompatible printing process.

In fig. 2C, a top view of a representative third deformable ring 118 is shown, as previously described, third deformable ring 118 may be longitudinally displaced from the second deformable ring and connected to a portion of outer wall 165 of first module 105 and to a portion of outer wall 180 of second module 110 by third connectors 135, 136 positioned radially relative to each other, according to some embodiments, third ring connectors 135, 136 are connected to first module 105 and second module 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90 °, leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 90 °, according to some embodiments, unconnected portions of proximal deformable ring 118 may be deformed and flexed when first module 105 and second module 110 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, further, when first module and second module are displaced, the deformable ring is connected to first module and second module by a number of degrees (e.g., 120 °, 130 °, 60 °, 45 °, greater ° may affect the strength of the device and the desired elastic coefficient to be provided by the device, the radial connectors may be offset by a number of degrees (γ) when the radial connectors 135, 35, or 35.

In fig. 2D-2F, a representative embodiment of the second deformable ring 120 is found, in fig. 2D, a top view of a representative fourth deformable ring 121 is shown, the fourth deformable ring 121 may be positioned at the second end 104 of the first and second modules 105, 110 and connected to a portion of the outer wall 165 of the first module 105 by a fourth ring connection 141 the fourth deformable ring 121 may also be connected to a portion of the outer wall 180 of the second module 110 by a fourth ring connection 142 preferably the fourth ring connections 141, 142 are positioned radially relative to each other according to some embodiments the fourth ring connections 141, 142 are connected to the first and second modules 105, 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90 ° while leaving an angular space (β) of about 90 ° unconnected, the unconnected portion of the fourth deformable ring 121 allowing the ring to deform and flex when the first and second modules 105, 110 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other.

In FIG. 2E, a top view of a representative fifth deformable ring 122 is shown, as previously described, fifth deformable ring 122 is longitudinally displaceable from fourth deformable ring 121 and is connected to a portion of outer wall 165 of first module 105 and to a portion of outer wall 180 of second module 110 by fifth ring connectors 143, 144 positioned radially relative to each other, according to some embodiments, fifth ring connectors 143, 144 are connected to the outer walls of first module 105 and second module 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90, leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 90, the unconnected portion of fifth deformable ring 122 may deform and flex when first module 105 and second module 110 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, further, when first module and second module are longitudinally displaced, the degree to which the deformable ring is connected to first module and second module (e.g., 120, 130, 60, 45) may affect the strength of the device and the desired elastic coefficient to be provided by the device is changed by the radial coefficient of connection of the radial connectors 142, the radial connectors may be displaced by about 90, the number of radial connectors of the device to be provided by the radial connectors of the device, the radial connectors, and the radial connectors of the device may be displaced by about 90, by the radial connectors of the device 141, of the radial connectors, 142, of the device to be provided by the radial connectors, and the device to be provided by the radial connectors of the radial connectors, by the radial connectors of the device to be provided by the.

In fig. 2F, a top view of a representative sixth deformable ring 123 is shown, as previously described, sixth deformable ring 123 is longitudinally displaceable from fifth deformable ring 122 and connected to a portion of outer wall 165 of first module 105 and to a portion of outer wall 180 of second module 110 by sixth ring connectors 145, 146 positioned radially relative to each other, according to some embodiments, sixth ring connectors 145, 146 are connected to first module 105 and second module 110 by an angular space (α) of about 90 ° leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 90 °, according to some embodiments, unconnected portions of sixth deformable ring 123 may deform and flex when first module 105 and second module 110 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, further, the degrees (e.g., 120 °, 130 °, 60 °, 45 °) of the degree of the connection of the deformable ring to the first module and second module, which may affect the strength of the device and the desired spring rate to be provided by the device, when the first module and second module are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, the radial ring connectors 145, 120 °, 35 °, 120 °, 35 °, and optionally, 35 °, may be offset by a desired amount of radial angular position of the radial distance of the radial ring connectors, thus providing a uniform mechanical load.

A representative locking device 300 is depicted in fig. 3. In fig. 3, the locking device 300 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a'. The size of the locking device should preferably be larger than the size of the outer edges of the deformable rings of the motorized device 100 so that each deformable ring can be received in a respective bracket 310. Each bracket 310 is separated by an adjoining wall 315. By placing the locking device 300 on the motorization apparatus, the first and second modules are prevented from being longitudinally displaced relative to each other, thereby eliminating the motorization feature of the motorization apparatus 100 of fig. 1A to 1F and 2A to 2F, in which the first and second deformable rings 115, 120 are located. According to one embodiment, by placing the locking device 300 on the motorized apparatus 100, only one locking device 300 is required to lock the motorized apparatus 100. The locking device 300 may be secured to the motorized device 100 by any method known in the art, such as screws, latches, fasteners, or other mechanical locks. According to another embodiment, two or more locking devices 300 are connected to the motorized device 100 to fully enclose the device 100, thereby preventing the first module 105 and the second module 110 from being longitudinally displaced relative to each other.

An alternative embodiment of the locking device 300 shown in fig. 3 may be a nut or other similar threaded fastener that may be placed on a bolt, rod or connector near one end of the motorized device 100. The threaded fastener should have a sufficient width to cover the outer walls of the first module 105 and the second module 110 such that the first module 105 and the second module 110 cannot be longitudinally displaced relative to each other when the threaded fastener is placed adjacent to one end of the motorization apparatus 100. Another benefit of using a threaded fastener as the locking device 300 is that it may allow a controlled amount of motorization to be imparted to the device 100. For example, if only a limited amount of motorization is required, such as at the beginning of a treatment regimen, the threaded fastener may be withdrawn from one end of the motorization device 100 by a controlled amount (e.g., a quarter turn, a half turn, or a full turn). One skilled in the art will recognize that the lead and pitch of the threads of the screw may be varied to adjust the length of elongation along the longitudinal axis, and may be varied relative to the number of turns on the threads. In this manner, the surgeon or medical technician may gradually apply increasing amounts of motorization to the device, and thus to the patient, according to the treatment regimen. It is contemplated that, consistent with this description, a variety of different devices may be used to control the amount of power provided by device 100.

Another representative embodiment of a motorization apparatus 400 is depicted in fig. 4A. In fig. 4A, the motorization apparatus 400 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a'. The motorization apparatus 400 comprises a first module 405 and a second module 410 that are mated together such that the longitudinal axis of the first module 405 and the longitudinal axis of the second module 410 are coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 400. A set of first deformable rings 415 are positioned at the first end 402 of the motorization apparatus 400. A set of second deformable rings 420 is positioned at the second end 404 of the motorization apparatus 400. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A, the set of deformable rings 115 may include a first deformable ring 416, a second deformable ring 417, and a third deformable ring 418. As few as one deformable ring per set may be used, and more than three deformable rings per set may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The set of second deformable rings 420 may similarly include a fourth deformable ring 421, a fifth deformable ring 422, and a sixth deformable ring 423. Each ring is connected to a portion of the first module 405 and the second module 410 by one or more ring connectors. The connection of first deformable ring 416 to first module 405 and second module 410 via first ring connections 431 and 432 is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (431, 432) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. The connection of the second deformable ring 417 to the first module 405 and the second module 410 via the second ring connectors 433 and 434 is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (433, 434) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Additionally, the connection of the third deformable ring 418 to the first module 405 and the second module 410 via third ring connections 435 and 436 (not shown) is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (435, 436) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Although two ring connectors are depicted in fig. 4A to connect the deformable ring to the first and second modules, multiple connectors may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also shown in fig. 4A is a threaded hole 425 at the first end 402 of the second module 510. The threaded bore 425 may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the first end 402 of the motorized device 400. The other threaded hole (427) at the second end 404 of the first module 405 is not shown in fig. 4A. The other threaded hole (427) may be used to attach a bolt, rod or other connector to the second end 404 of the motorized device 400.

According to some embodiments, first ring connectors 431, 432 are connected to first and second modules 405, 410 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° while leaving an angular space (β) of about 120 ° unconnected, the unconnected portion of distal deformable ring 416 allows first deformable ring 416 to deform and flex when first and second modules 405, 410 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, similarly, second ring connectors 433, 434 are connected to first and second modules 405, 410 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° while leaving an angular space (β) of about 120 ° unconnected, the unconnected portion of second deformable ring 417 allows the ring to deform and flex when first and second modules 405, 410 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, in addition, third ring connectors 435, 436 are connected to first and second modules 405, 410 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° while leaving an angular space (β) of about 120 ° unconnected, the first and second ring connectors 418 allow the first and second modules 405, 418 to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other.

As described above, the set of second deformable rings 420 may include the fourth, fifth and sixth deformable rings 421, 422 and 423. The connection of the fourth deformable ring 421 to the first and second modules 405, 410 via fourth ring connectors 441 and 442 is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (441, 442) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. The connection of the fifth deformable ring 422 to the first module 405 and the second module 410 through the fifth ring connections 443 and 444 is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (443, 444) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Additionally, the connection of the sixth deformable ring 423 with the first module 405 and the second module 410 through sixth ring connectors 445 and 446 is depicted in fig. 4A. The ring connectors (445, 446) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'.

Like the first set of deformable rings 415, the second set of deformable rings 420 may include ring connectors connected to the first and second modules at various angles, the fourth ring connectors 441, 442 of the second deformable ring 420 are connected to the first and second modules 405, 410 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 120 °, the unconnected portion of the fourth deformable ring 421 allows the rings to deform and flex when the first and second modules 405, 410 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, similarly, the fifth ring connectors 443, 444 are connected to the first and second modules 405, 410 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 120 °, the unconnected portion of the fifth deformable ring 422 allows the rings to deform and flex when the first and second modules 405, 410 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, in addition, the sixth ring connectors, 446 are connected to the first and second modules 405, 423 by an angular space (α) of about 60 ° leaving the unconnected deformable ring connectors, 423 connected to the first and second modules 405, 410, and the unconnected angular spaces β.

Another view of the motorization apparatus 400 of fig. 4A is depicted in fig. 4B. In fig. 4B, the motorization apparatus 400 has been rotated by 90 ° to show the same perspective view of the other side of the apparatus 400. Both the first and second deformable rings (415, 420) are visible in fig. 4B, but the first module 405 has been rotated to be visible, and the outer wall of the second module 410 is not visible in this figure. Also shown in this view are ring connectors (431, 432, 433, 435 and 441, 443, 445, 446) for each of the deformable rings 415, 420, respectively. Referring to first deformable ring 415, first deformable ring 416 is connected to first module 405 and second module 410 by first ring connections 431 and 432, respectively. The second deformable ring 417 is connected to the first module 405 and the second module 410 by second ring connectors 433 and 434 (not shown), respectively. The third deformable ring 418 is connected to the first module 405 and the second module 410 by third ring connections 435 and 436 (not shown), respectively. Referring to the second set of deformable rings 420, the fourth deformable ring 421 is connected to the first module 405 and the second module 410 by fourth ring connectors 441 and 442 (not shown), respectively. The fifth deformable ring 422 is connected to the first module 405 and the second module 410 by fifth ring connectors 443 and 444 (not shown), respectively. The sixth deformable ring 423 is connected to the first module 405 and the second module 410 by sixth ring connectors 445 and 446, respectively.

A cross-sectional view of the representative embodiment of fig. 4A is depicted in fig. 4C. In fig. 4C, the motorization apparatus 400 is shown with the first module 405 on the right side and the second module 410 on the left side. The first module 405 is depicted as having an outer wall 465 and an inner post 470. The second module 410 is depicted as having an outer wall 480 and an inner post 485. The first module 405 and the second module 410 may be mated together in the same manner as the embodiment of fig. 1A-1E. Similarly, by longitudinally displacing the first module 405 relative to the second module 410, the unconnected portions of the deformable rings (415, 420) will deform to apply a longitudinal mechanical bias to the device 400 to return it to its original position. Also depicted in fig. 4C are threaded holes 425 and 427 that may receive threaded bolts, rods, or other connectors at respective ends of the motorized device 400.

A cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of fig. 4A is depicted in fig. 4D. In fig. 4D, the motorization apparatus 400 is shown with the first module 405 on the right side and the second module 410 on the left side. Much like fig. 4C, the first module 405 is depicted as having an outer wall 465 and an inner post 470. The second module 410 is depicted as having an outer wall 480 and an inner post 485. The first and second modules may be mated together in the same manner as the embodiment of fig. 1A-1E. Similarly, by longitudinally displacing the first module 405 relative to the second module 410, the unconnected portions of the deformable rings (415, 420) will deform, thereby applying a longitudinal mechanical bias to the device 400 to return it to its original position. The threaded holes 425 and 427 may receive threaded bolts, rods, or other connectors at the respective ends of the motorized device 400. Also shown in fig. 4D is a stop member 450 protruding from an end of the outer wall 465 of the first module 405. The stop member 450 is depicted as an inwardly projecting edge 453, the inwardly projecting edge 453 including an inner surface 454. The inner surface 454 must be of sufficient size to allow a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to be attached to the threaded bore 425 at the first end 402 of the motorized device 400. The inwardly projecting edges 453 prevent the second module 410 from being longitudinally displaced away from the first module 405 to impart an undesirable distraction motion rather than a desired compression motion. Although not shown in fig. 4D, a second stop member may be placed at the other end of the device 400 to provide further protection against unwanted distracting movement.

A threaded fastener 497 suitable for use with the device 400 is shown in fig. 4E. In fig. 4E, a threaded fastener 497 may be threaded onto a threaded rod 495 disposed at first end 402 of device 400. As described with reference to fig. 4C, threaded rod 495 is attached to threaded groove 425 in second inner post 485 of second module 410. In this manner, a compressive longitudinal force is applied to threaded rod 495 to cause second module 410 to be longitudinally displaced relative to first module 105. Preferably, the threaded fastener 497 includes a flange 499, the flange 499 having a radius large enough to cover an upper surface 487 of the second inner post 485 and an upper surface 467 of the first outer wall 465, as shown in FIG. 4E. When the threaded fastener 497 is placed near the first end 402 of the device 400, the flange 499 prevents the first module 405 from being longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 410 because it remains in contact with the upper surface 467 of the first outer wall 465. This substantially prevents longitudinal compressive movement of the device 400. According to one embodiment, an additional locking nut 498 may be threaded onto threaded rod 495 to further secure placement of threaded fastener 497 against first end 402 of device 400. A controlled amount of motorization may be imparted to the device 400 by withdrawing the threaded fastener 497 (and lock nut 498, if present) away from the first end 402. For example, if only a limited amount of motorization is required, such as at the beginning of a treatment regimen, the threaded fastener 497 may be withdrawn from the first end 402 of the powerization apparatus 400 by a controlled amount (e.g., a quarter turn, a half turn, a full turn, etc.). In this manner, the surgeon or medical technician may gradually apply increased amounts of motorization to the device and patient according to the treatment regimen. An additional locking nut 498 may be tightened against the threaded fastener 497 to ensure that the amount of dynamism is fixed and constant during the course of treatment. It is contemplated that, consistent with this description, various threaded fasteners and locking nuts (e.g., nuts, flange nuts, plates, washers, etc.) may be used to control the amount of motorization provided by the device 400.

An alternative embodiment of the dynamic means is shown in fig. 5A. in fig. 5A, the dynamic means 500 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a 'the dynamic means 500 comprises a series of deformable rings coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a' of the dynamic means 500. in this embodiment the number of deformable rings available can be as few as two, six (as shown in fig. 5A) or more, depending on the strength, size and degree of mechanical bias to be applied during the dynamic process, as shown in fig. 5A, six deformable rings are shown in two sets, a first set of deformable rings 515, more specifically shown as rings 516, 517 and 518, and a second set of deformable rings 520, more specifically shown as rings 521, 522 and 523, all rings are depicted in fig. 5A as being connected to each other by a first outer post 505 and a second outer post 510, when the first outer post 502 and a second outer post 500 are connected to each other by a first inner post 505 and a second outer post 505, a threaded connector 533, a first set of a first outer post 500, a threaded connector 533, a first set of a threaded connector 500, a first outer post 120, a connector 500, a first set of a connector, a threaded connector, a second threaded connector, a connector.

In FIG. 5B, a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A is shown, in FIG. 5B, the motorizing device 500 includes a series of deformable rings (516, 517, 518, 521, 522, 523) coaxial with the longitudinal axis A-A' of the deformable device 500, all of which are connected to a first outer post 505 and a second outer post 510, a first inner post 530 positioned at the first end 502 of the device 500 and a second inner post 535 positioned at the second end 504 of the device 500 are also shown, in FIG. 5B, a first protrusion 540 extending longitudinally from the first end 502 of the device 500 is also shown, the first protrusion may include a chordal surface 552, in FIG. 5B, a displacement gap D between the first inner post 530 and the second inner post 535 is further shown, as the deformable rings (516, 517, 518, 522, 521, 523) bend and decrease during displacement, the displacement gap D may increase or decrease, the size of the displacement gap D, the size of the connection, and the extent of the connection space for the device 500 and the range of angular movement (α) allowed to be influenced by the range of the device 500 and the elastic movement allowed thereby.

A suitable locking device similar to locking device 300 depicted in FIG. 3 may be used with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B to eliminate or provide motorized movement additionally, a nut or other similar threaded fastener may be placed on a threaded bolt, rod or connector near one end of the motorized device 500 in lieu of locking device 300 depicted in FIG. 3. in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a threaded fastener should have a sufficient width to cover portions of both the second inner post 535 and the deformable ring 521 at the second end 504 of the device 500. suitable embodiments include a disc having an outer diameter of the same outer diameter as the motorized device or locking device 590 depicted in FIG. 5C, with a sufficient length L to cover portions of both the second inner post 535 and the deformable ring 521. an additional benefit of using a threaded fastener as a locking device is that it may allow a controlled amount of motorized movement to be imparted to the motorized device 500. for example, if only a limited amount of motorized movement is required, such as when a treatment regimen begins, the threaded fastener may be applied in a controlled amount from one full turn, such as may be applied by a surgeon, and the amount of the motorized device 500 may be controlled by a single or a four-turn, and the amount of the power device 500 may be applied in accordance with a controlled by a controlled manner (e.g., a single-by a single-one-or four-turn medical practitioner).

In fig. 5D is shown a perspective view of a locking device 590 adjacent to the motorizing device 500. in fig. 5D, locking device 590 has been screwed onto a threaded rod 595 located at the second end 504 of the motorizing device 500. if locking device 590 is screwed until it is adjacent to the second end 504 of the motorizing device 500, this prevents compressive longitudinal movement of the second inner post 535 relative to the deformable ring 521. this prevents compressive movement of the motorizing device 500. as mentioned above, locking device 590 must have sufficient length L to cover portions of both the second inner post 535 and the deformable ring 521. according to one embodiment, additional locking nuts (7, 598) may be screwed onto one end of the threaded rod 595 to further ensure placement of the locking device against the second end 504 of the device 500. preferably, these additional locking nuts are provided in pairs such that when they are screwed against each other, they may control the placement of the locking device 590 away from the second end 504 of the motorizing device 500 a distance D. by way that they may control the placement of the outer locking device 590 away from the second end 504 of the motorizing device 500 by a greater distance D, thus providing greater lateral load in the outer shape of the outer post 500, and the outer ring 500, the outer ring 500 may be more easily deformed by way that the outer ring 500, the outer ring 500 may provide greater lateral load in a, the greater amount of the greater than the outer ring 500, and the outer ring 500, the thickness of the outer ring 500, the thickness of which may be more easily deformed by way of the greater weight of.

Fig. 5F shows a top view of the embodiment of fig. 5E. In fig. 5F, a powerplant 500 is shown having first and second outer uprights (505, 510) and a first inner upright (530). Fig. 5F also shows a top view of first deformable ring 516, first protrusion 540, and second deformable ring 525. The first outer upright 505 is connected to the first inner upright 505 by a loop connector 531. Another ring connector 543 is shown but connects second inner post 535 (not shown) to second outer post 510. The substantially elliptical shape of the motorization apparatus 500 is evident in the plan view of this structure. It is contemplated that other shapes may be provided for the outer columns depending on the particular mechanical load, degree of motorization, structural factors, or other needs of the motorization apparatus 500. Any of the locking devices described above with reference to fig. 1F, 3, 4E, 5C, and 5D may be used with the motorized device 500 shown in fig. 5E and 5F.

The present invention is directed to a vertical column connector comprising a first inner vertical column 500, a second inner vertical column 500, a third inner vertical column 500, a fourth outer vertical column 500, a third inner vertical column 500, a fourth outer vertical column 500, a fourth inner vertical column 500, a third inner vertical column 500, a fourth outer vertical column 500, a fourth inner vertical column 500, a fourth outer vertical column 500, a third inner vertical column 510, a third inner vertical column 535, a fourth outer vertical column 510, a fourth inner vertical column 535, a third inner vertical column 535, a fourth outer vertical column 535, a third outer vertical column 500, a third inner vertical column 510, a third inner vertical column 500, a fifth outer vertical column 500, a fifth inner vertical column 500, a fifth outer vertical column 500, a fifth inner vertical column 500, a fifth outer vertical column 500, a fifth, fifth inner vertical column 500, a fifth, fifth outer vertical column 500, a fifth inner vertical column 500, a fifth inner vertical column 500, fifth, a fifth, fifth outer vertical column 500, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, seventh, sixth, a, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, seventh, sixth, a, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, seventh, sixth, a fifth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, sixth, a fifth, a fifth.

Further illustrated in FIG. 5G is a displacement gap D between the first inner post 530 and the second inner post 535. when the first end 502 of the device 500 is longitudinally displaced relative to the second end 504, the displacement gap D may increase or decrease as the deformable rings (515, 516, 517, 518) bend and flex during displacement. the range of size, shape, connection, and angular space for connection (α) may affect the spring rate of the motorization device 500, allowing for a range of motion and mechanical bias to be provided by the motorization device 500.

A suitable locking device similar to the locking device 300 depicted in fig. 3 may be used with the embodiment of fig. 5G to eliminate or provide motorized movement. Additionally, as an alternative to the locking device 300 depicted in fig. 3, a nut or other similar threaded fastener may be placed on the threaded bolt, rod or connector near one end of the motorized device 500. The threaded fastener should have sufficient width to cover portions of the inner post (530, 535) and deformable ring (515, 518) at the ends of the device (502, 504). Suitable embodiments include a disk having the same outer diameter as the motorized device, the disk having an annular edge that allows the disk to simultaneously contact the outer surface of the protrusions (e.g., 540, 545) and the deformable ring (515, 518). Another benefit of using a threaded fastener as a locking device is that it may allow a controlled amount of motorization to be imparted to the device 500. For example, if only a limited amount of motorization is required, such as at the beginning of a treatment regimen, the threaded fastener may be withdrawn from one end of the powerplant 500 by a controlled amount (e.g., a quarter turn, a half turn, or a full turn), again depending on the lead and pitch of the threads. In this manner, the surgeon or medical technician may gradually apply increasing amounts of motorization to the device as well as the patient according to the treatment regimen. It is contemplated that, consistent with this description, a variety of different devices may be used to control the amount of power provided by device 500.

Another representative embodiment of a motorization apparatus 600 is depicted in fig. 6A. In fig. 6A, the motorization apparatus 600 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a'. The motorized device 600 includes a first module 605 and a second module 610 that are mated together such that a longitudinal axis of the first module 605 is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the second module 610 and a longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorized device 600. A set of deformable rings (615) 621 are positioned along the length of the device 600. Each of these rings is connected to a portion of the first module 605 and the second module 610 by one or more ring connections. The connection of the first deformable ring 615 to the first module 605 and the second module 610 is depicted in FIG. 6A by first ring connectors 631 and 632. The first ring connectors (631, 632) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. The first deformable ring 615 and the second deformable ring 616 are also connected to each other by a first outer post 622. Second deformable ring 616, third deformable ring 617 and fourth deformable ring 618 are also connected to each other by second outer post 623. Fourth deformable ring 618, fifth deformable ring 619, and sixth deformable ring 620 are also connected to each other by third outer stud 624. In addition, the sixth and seventh deformable rings 620 and 621 are connected to each other by the fourth outer post 622. A similar set of external uprights (not shown) are located on opposite sides of the motorization 600. As shown in fig. 6A, the second deformable ring 616 is connected to the inner module 610 by a second ring connection 633. The fourth deformable ring 618 is also connected to the inner module 610 by a fourth ring connection 634. Further, the sixth deformable ring 620 is connected to the inner block 610 by a sixth ring connector 635. A similar set of loop connectors are located on the opposite side of the motorized apparatus 600. In addition to these ring connectors (631 and 635), the first, second, third and fourth outer columns (622, 623, 624, 625) are directly connected to the inner module 610 by column connectors 641, 642, 643 and 644, respectively.

According to some embodiments, first ring connectors 631, 632 are connected to first and second modules 605, 610 through an angular space (α) of about 60 ° leaving an unconnected angular space (β) of about 120 °, unconnected portions of distal deformable ring 615 allow the ring to deform and flex as first and second modules 605, 610 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, second deformable ring 616 is connected to second module 610 through second ring connector 633, second ring connector 633 passes through sufficient angular space (α) to overlap first and second outer posts (622, 623), fourth ring connector 634 is also shown in fig. 6A, fourth ring connector 634 passes through sufficient angular space (α) to overlap second and third outer posts (623, 624), in addition, sixth deformable ring 620 is connected to second inner module 610 through sixth ring connector 635, sixth ring connector α passes through sufficient angular space (635) to overlap third and fourth outer posts (624, 625).

Also shown in fig. 6A is a first tab 640 extending longitudinally from the second end 604 of the device 600. The first protrusion 640 includes a threaded hole 627 (not shown) that a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector may be attached to the second end 604 of the motorized device 600. Also shown in fig. 6A is a threaded bore 625 positioned on the first end 602 of the motorized device 600. The threaded bore 625 may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the first end 602 of the motorized device 600. The further threaded hole (627) at the second end 604 of the device is not shown in fig. 6A. The other threaded hole (627) may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the second end 604 of the motorized device 600.

In fig. 6B, an alternative view of the motorized apparatus 600 of fig. 6A is shown, the apparatus being rotated 90 degrees clockwise about its longitudinal axis a-a'. Similar to FIG. 6A, a set of deformable rings (615 and 621) are positioned along the length of the motorized device 600. Each of these rings is connected to a portion of the first module 605 and the second module 610 by one or more ring connections. The first deformable ring 615 is depicted in FIG. 6B as being connected to the first module 605 and the second module 610 by first ring connectors 631 and 632. The first ring connectors (631, 632) may occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. In fig. 6B, a fifth outer post 626 is depicted connecting the first deformable ring 615 and the second deformable ring 616. The fifth outer column 626 is directly connected to the first module 605 by a column connection 645. Second deformable ring 616, third deformable ring 617 and fourth deformable ring 618 are also connected to each other by second outer post 623, which is directly connected to second module 610 by post connection 642. The fourth, fifth, and sixth deformable rings 618, 619, 620 are also connected to one another by a sixth outer post 627. The sixth outer column 627 is directly connected to the first module 605 by a column connector 646. In addition, the sixth and seventh deformable rings 620 and 621 are connected to each other by the fourth outer post 625.

In fig. 6B, the second deformable ring 616 is connected to the inner module 610 by a second ring connection 633. The third deformable ring 617 is also connected to the inner module 610 by a third ring connection 636. The fifth deforming ring 619 is also connected to the inner block 605 by a fifth ring connector 637. The deformable ring 621 is also connected to the inner module 610 by a seventh ring connection 638.

A first tab 640 is shown in fig. 6B extending longitudinally from the second end 604 of the powerplant 600. The first boss 640 includes a threaded bore 627 (not shown) to which a threaded bolt, rod or other connector may be attached at the second end 604 of the motorized device 600. Also shown in fig. 6B is a chord surface 652, the chord surface 652 forming a flat surface at the second end 604 of the motorization 600. According to one embodiment, matching chordal surfaces are found on the other side of the first protrusion 640, forming pairs that are radially positioned relative to each other, which may be used as threaded bolts, rods, or other connectors of the motorization 600 to hold the motorization 600 in place.

A cross-sectional view of the representative embodiment of fig. 6B is shown in fig. 6C. In fig. 6C, the powerplant 600 is shown with the first module 605 on the right and the second module 610 on the left. The first module 605 is depicted as having an outer wall 665 and an inner stud 670. The second module 610 is depicted as having an outer wall 680 and an inner post 685. The first module 605 and the second module 610 may be mated together in the same manner as the embodiment of fig. 1A-1E. Similarly, by longitudinally displacing the first module 605 relative to the second module 610, the unconnected portion of the deformable ring (615) and 621) will deform to apply a longitudinal mechanical bias to the motorized device 600 to return it to its original position. Also depicted in fig. 6C are threaded holes 625 and 627, which may receive threaded bolts, rods, or other connectors at respective ends of the motorized device 600. Also depicted in fig. 6D is a stop member 650 protruding from an end of the outer wall 665 of the first module 605. Stop member 650 is depicted as an inwardly projecting rim that includes an inner surface 654. The inner surface 654 must be of sufficient size to allow a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to be attached to the threaded bore 625 at the first end 602 of the motorized device 600. The inwardly projecting edges prevent the second module 610 from being longitudinally displaced away from the first module 605 to impart an unwanted distraction motion rather than a desired compression motion. Although not shown in fig. 6C, a second stop member may be placed at the other end of the device 600 to provide further protection against unwanted distracting movement. Also shown in fig. 6C is a first tab 640 extending longitudinally from the second end 604 of the powerplant 600. The first boss 640 includes a threaded hole 627, and a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector may be attached to the first inner post 670 at the second end 604 of the powerplant 600. Any of the locking devices described above with reference to fig. 1F, 3, 4E, 5C, and 5D may be used with the motorized apparatus 600 shown in fig. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

Another representative embodiment of a motorization apparatus 700 is depicted in fig. 7A. In fig. 7A, the motorization device 700 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a'. The motorization apparatus 700 comprises a first module 705 and a second module 710 fitted together such that the longitudinal axis of the first module 705 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second module 710 and the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 700. The first and second modules (705, 710) are connected to a pair of deformable rings 715, 720 located at the first and second ends 702, 704, respectively, of the motorized device 700. The first loop 715 is connected to the first module 705 by a first post 770 extending from the first end 702 of the device to the second end 704 of the device, where it is connected to the second loop 720. The second ring 720 is also connected to the second module 710, where it is connected to the first ring 715, by a second post 785 extending from the second end 704 of the device to the first end 702 of the device. Although only two rings 715, 720 are shown in fig. 7A, more deformable rings may be added to this embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention. Fig. 7A also shows that the shift distance D is located between the first module 705 and the second module 710. The displacement distance is preferably in the range of about 1-3mm, with a preferred maximum value of about 3 mm. As a result, when the first module 705 is compressed longitudinally towards the second module 710, the compressive displacement of the device will stop when the first module 705 comes into contact with the second module 710. During this longitudinal compression, the rings (715, 720) deform, creating a mechanical bias that returns the motorized device 700 to its original position when the longitudinal compression force is removed.

Also shown in fig. 7A is a threaded bore 725 at the first end 702 of the device. The threaded bore 725 may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the first end 702 of the motorized device 700. Another threaded hole at the second end 704 of the device is not shown in fig. 7A. The further threaded hole may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to the second end 704 of the motorization apparatus 700.

A side view of the representative motorization apparatus 700 of fig. 7A is depicted in fig. 7B. In fig. 7B, the motorized apparatus 700 is shown from a side view, with the first module 705 connected to the first upright 770 and the second module 710 connected to the second upright 785. A shift distance D is depicted between the first module 705 and the second module 710. A side view of the first and second deformable rings 715 and 720 is also depicted in fig. 7B.

Another representative side view of the motorized apparatus 700 is depicted in fig. 7C. In fig. 7C, the motorization device 700 is again shown from the side, but the first module 705 has been displaced longitudinally towards the second module 710. As a result, the displacement distance D is reduced until the first module 705 contacts the second module 710. In this case, the first and second deformable rings 715 and 720 are displaced relative to each other. As shown in fig. 7C (hatched), the deformable rings 715, 720 remain in contact with the first 770 and second 785 posts as the modules 705, 710 are longitudinally displaced relative to each other. This deforms the shape of the rings 715, 720, thereby applying a longitudinal mechanical bias between the first module 705 and the second module 710 to return the deformable rings to their original positions. These longitudinal mechanical biases return the motorized apparatus 700 to its original position when the longitudinal force is removed. Any of the locking devices described above with reference to fig. 1F, 3, 4E, 5C, and 5D may be used with the motorized device 700 depicted in fig. 7A-7C. Another exemplary locking device may be inserted into the gap between the first module 705 and the second module 710, thereby preventing those modules from being longitudinally displaced toward each other.

Another representative embodiment of a motorization apparatus is shown in fig. 8A. In fig. 8A, the motorization apparatus 800 has a substantially cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis a-a'. The motorization apparatus 800 comprises a first module 805 and a second module 810 that are mated together such that the longitudinal axis of the first module 805 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second module 810 and the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 800. A set of first deformable rings 815 are positioned at the first end 802 of the device 800. A set of second deformable rings 820 is positioned at the second end 804 of the device 800. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 8A, the set of first deformable rings 815 may include a first deformable ring 816, a second deformable ring 817, a third deformable ring 818, and a fourth deformable ring 819. As few as one deformable ring may be used, but typically two to four sets of deformable rings may be used, however, more than four deformable rings may be used for each set of deformable rings without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The set of second deformable rings 820 may similarly include a fifth deformable ring 821, a sixth deformable ring 822, a seventh deformable ring 823, and an eighth deformable ring 824. Each ring is connected to a portion of the first module 805 and the second module 810 by one or more ring connectors. The first deformable ring 816 is depicted in fig. 8A as being connected to the first module 805 and the second module 810 by first ring connectors 831 and 832. The ring connectors (831, 832) can occupy radial positions relative to each other about the longitudinal axis a-a'. Although two ring connectors 831, 832 are depicted in fig. 8A to connect the deformable rings to the first module 805 and the second module 810, multiple connectors may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also shown in fig. 8A is a second deformable ring 817 connected to the second module 810 by a second ring connection 833. A similar ring connection connecting the second deformable ring 817 to the first module 805 is located radially opposite the second ring connection 833, but is not shown in fig. 8A. The fourth deformable ring 819 is connected to the first module 805 by a fourth ring connection 834. A similar ring connection connecting the fourth deformable ring 819 to the second module 810 is located radially opposite the fourth ring connection 834, but is not shown in fig. 8A. The fifth deformable ring 821 is connected to the first module 805 by a fifth ring connection 835. A similar ring connection connecting the fifth deformable ring 819 to the second module 810 is located radially opposite the fifth ring connection 835, but is not shown in fig. 8A. The eighth deformable ring 824 is connected to the second module 810 by an eighth ring connector 836. Similar hoop connectors connecting the eighth deformable hoop 824 to the first module 805 are radially positioned relative to the eighth hoop connector 836, but are not shown in FIG. 8A.

The first and second deformable rings 816, 817 are also connected to each other by a pair of first outer posts 840, 841. The first outer post 840 is directly connected to the outer wall of the second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the first and second deformable rings 816, 817 to the second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the motorization 800, a first outer upright 841 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the first deformable ring 816 and the second deformable ring 817 to the first module 805. The first outer posts (840, 841) have a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the powerplant 800. Second deformable ring 817 and third deformable ring 818 are also connected to each other by a pair of second outer posts 842, 843. Second outer post 842 is directly connected to the outer wall of second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting second deformable ring 817 and third deformable ring 818 to second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the motorization 800, a second outer column 843 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the second and third deformable rings 817, 818 to the first module 805. The second outer posts (842, 843) have a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. The second outer columns 842, 843 are radially displaced from the placement of the first outer columns 840, 841 by about 30-60 degrees (preferably 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorization apparatus 800. In a preferred embodiment, there is no overlap between the radial edge of the first outer post and the radial edge of the second outer post. Third deformable ring 818 and fourth deformable ring 819 are also connected to each other by a pair of third outer posts 844, 845. Third outer post 844 is directly connected to the outer wall of second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting third deformable ring 818 and fourth deformable ring 819 to second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the motorization apparatus 800, a third outer upright 845 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the third 818 and fourth 819 deformable rings to the first module 805. The third outer post (844, 845) has a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. The third outer columns 844, 845 are radially displaced from the placement of the second outer columns 842, 843 by about 30-60 degrees (preferably 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the motorized device 800. In a preferred embodiment, there is no overlap between the radial edge of the second outer post and the radial edge of the third outer post. The placement of the first, second, and third outer columns along different radial positions of the first set of deformable rings 815 creates additional strength and stability for the device 800, and helps to ensure that any displacement and movement of the device occurs only along the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorized device 800.

The fifth and sixth deformable rings 821, 822 are also connected to each other by a pair of fourth outer posts 846, 847. Fourth outer post 846 is directly connected to the outer wall of second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting fifth and sixth deformable rings 821, 822 to second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the motorization 800, a fourth outer upright 847 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the fifth 821 and sixth 822 deformable rings to the first module 805. The fourth outer posts (846, 847) have a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. The sixth and seventh deformable rings 822, 823 are also connected to each other by a pair of fifth outer posts 848, 849. The fifth outer post 848 is directly connected to the outer wall of the second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the sixth and seventh deformable rings 822, 823 to the second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the motorization apparatus 800, a fifth outer upright 849 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the sixth and seventh deformable rings 822, 823 to the first module 805. The fifth outer posts (848, 849) have a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the motorized device 800. The fifth outer posts (848, 849) are radially displaced from the placement of the fourth outer posts 846, 847 by about 30-60 degrees (preferably 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. In a preferred embodiment, there is no overlap between the radial edge of the fourth outer post and the radial edge of the fifth outer post. Seventh deformable ring 823 and eighth deformable ring 834 are also connected to each other by a pair of sixth outer posts 856, 857. Sixth outer stud 856 is directly connected to the outer wall of second module 810 to form a rigid support structure for connecting seventh deformable ring 823 and eighth deformable ring 834 to second module 810. On the radially opposite side of the device 800, a sixth outer post 857 is directly connected to the outer wall of the first module 805 to form a rigid support structure for connecting the seventh and eighth deformable rings 823, 824 to the first module 805. The sixth outer post (856, 857) has a radial width of about 5-10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. The sixth outer columns 856, 857 are radially displaced from the placement of the fifth outer columns 848, 849 by about 30-60 degrees (preferably 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the motorized device 800. In this embodiment, there is no overlap between the radial edge of the fifth outer stud and the radial edge of the sixth outer stud. The placement of the fourth, fifth, and sixth outer columns along different radial positions of the second set of deformable rings 820 creates additional strength and stability for the device 800, and helps ensure that any displacement and movement of the device occurs only along the longitudinal axis a-a' of the motorized device 800.

Also shown in fig. 8A are secondary uprights 858 and 859, which are attached to eighth deformable ring 824 and fourth deformable ring 819, respectively. Secondary upright 858 forms a rigid connection between eighth deformable ring 824 and second module 810 and traverses a radial distance of about 60 degrees. Secondary post 859 forms a rigid connection between fourth deformable ring 819 and first module 805 and traverses a radial distance of about 60 degrees. When the powerplant 800 is in a deformed or displaced arrangement, the secondary uprights 858 and 859 act as a stop mechanism to prevent further compression and damage of the powerplant 800. More specifically, when the first module 805 is longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 810 (as shown in fig. 8C), the secondary uprights 858, 859 will prevent excessive longitudinal displacement. This occurs when the upper surface of secondary upright 858 abuts the lower surface of fourth deformable ring 819 and when the lower surface of secondary upright 859 abuts the upper surface of eighth deformable ring 824.

Further shown in fig. 8A are threaded holes 825 located at the first end 802 of the first module 805. The threaded bore 825 may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the first end 802 of the motorized device 800. Another threaded hole 827 at the second end 804 of the motorized device 800 is not shown in fig. 8A. The other threaded hole 827 may be used to connect a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to the second end 804 of the motorized device 800.

In fig. 8B, another view of the motorized apparatus 800 of fig. 8A is shown, wherein the apparatus is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis a-a'. Similar to FIG. 8A, a set of deformable rings (816) and 824) are positioned along the length of the motorized apparatus 800. Each of these rings is connected to a portion of the first module 805 and the second module 810 by one or more ring connections. In fig. 8B, the first deformable ring 816 is shown connected to the first module 805 and the second module 810 by ring connectors 831 and 832. The ring connectors (831, 832) can occupy radial positions relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis a-a'. In fig. 8B, the placement of the first outer post (840, 841), the second outer post (842, 843), the third outer post (844, 845), the fourth outer post (846, 847), the fifth outer post (848, 849), and the sixth outer post (850, 851) can be seen to be rotated 180 degrees. The ring connection 837 is also depicted as connecting the second deformable ring 817 to the first module 805. A ring connection 838 is also depicted as connecting the fourth deformable ring 819 to the second module 810. Also shown is a ring connector 839 that connects the fifth deformable ring 821 to the second module 810.

In fig. 8B primary uprights 863 and 864 are depicted as being attached to eighth and fourth deformable rings 824, 819, respectively, primary upright 863 forms a rigid connection between eighth deformable ring 824 and first module 805 and traverses a radial distance of about 60 degrees main upright 863 forms a rigid connection between fourth deformable ring 819 and second module 810 and traverses a radial distance of about 60 degrees for substantially the entire longitudinal distance L between eighth and fourth deformable rings 824, 819, thereby providing additional strength and support for the entire structure of powerplant 800. primary upright 864 is connected to second module 810 for substantially the entire longitudinal distance L between fourth and eighth deformable rings 819, thereby providing additional strength and support for the entire structure of powerplant 800 and serving as a stop mechanism to prevent longitudinal distraction of the plant, which would not coincide with a treatment regimen and may cause damage to first and fourth deformable rings 819 when the primary uprights 863, and 863 abut against the upper surface of the first deformable ring 819 (when the primary uprights are displaced upward, correspondingly, or when the primary uprights are displaced upward by a relatively small distance 863, generally equal to the upper surface 633, 863, generally adjacent to the upper surface of the first deformable ring 819, 863, and the lower surface of the second deformable ring 824, which, therefore, when the primary uprights 863, the upper surface of the upper deformable rings, 863, and the upper surface of the upper deformable rings, and the upper surface of the lower deformable rings (shown in the lower surface of the lower deformable rings) of the lower deformable rings, which may cause damage to be substantially equal to be displaced by the lower surface of the upper surface of the lower deformable rings (e) of the lower deformable rings (e.

In use, as shown in the opposite views shown in fig. 8C and 8D, when the first module 805 is longitudinally displaced relative to the second module 810, the inner posts (865, 880) and stop members (if used) will stop the longitudinal displacement of the powerplant 800. The deformable rings (816) and 824) are displaced relative to each other when the first module 805 is displaced longitudinally relative to the second module 810. This deforms the shape of the rings 816, 817, 818, 819, 821, 822, 823, 824, thereby causing a longitudinal mechanical bias to be applied between the first 805 and second 810 modules to return the first deformable ring to its original position.

A representative schematic of the deformation of the ring when the first module 805 is displaced relative to the second module 810 is found in fig. 8C. Fig. 8C corresponds to the same view as the device 800 of fig. 8A, but with the modules displaced longitudinally. As can be seen in fig. 8C, the secondary uprights 858, 859 translate across each other along their longitudinal axes. The deformation of the portions of the deformable ring that are not attached to the first module 805 and the second module 810 is also evident.

Also found in fig. 8D is a representative schematic of the deformation of the ring when the first module 805 is displaced relative to the second module 810. Fig. 8D corresponds to the same view of the motorized device 800 as fig. 8B, but with the module longitudinally displaced. As can be seen in fig. 8D, main columns 864, 863 translate away from each other along their longitudinal axes, thereby creating more space between main column 865 and eighth deformable ring 824, and more space between main column 863 and fourth deformable ring 819. The deformation of the portion of the deformable ring not attached to the module is also evident. In fig. 8D, the displacement of the first module 805 past the second end 804 of the motorization 800 is also evident. Similarly, the displacement of the second module past the first end 802 of the motorization 800 is evident. Any of the locking devices described above with reference to fig. 1F, 3, 4E, 5C, and 5D may be used with the motorized device 800 depicted in fig. 8A-8D.

The motorization apparatus 800 of fig. 8A-8D may include internal components similar to those shown in fig. 8E. That is, the first module 805 may include a semi-circular cover 860 at the first end 802. The semi-circular cap 860 may include a central bore 862 coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a'. According to one embodiment, the central hole 862 allows a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to pass through the semi-circular shaped cover 860 to connect to the threaded hole 825 in the first module 805. The first module 805 also includes an outer wall 865, which preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape. Outer wall 865 also includes a smooth inner surface 867 at second end 804. The first module may also include an inner post 870 located at the first end 802 of the first module 805. Inner posts 870 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape, but other surfaces may be used as long as they have smooth longitudinal surfaces. The outer surface of inner post 870 preferably has substantially the same radial distance as inner surface 867. As shown in fig. 8E, the apparatus 800 further includes a second module 810, the second module 810 including a semicircular cover 875 positioned at the first end 802. The semi-circular lid 875 may include a central aperture 863 coaxial with the longitudinal axis a-a'. According to one embodiment, a central hole 863 allows a threaded bolt, rod or other connector to pass through the semi-circular lid 875 to connect to the threaded hole 825 in the first module 805. The second module 810 also includes an outer wall 880, the outer wall 880 preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer wall 880 also includes a smooth inner surface 882 at the first end of the device 802. The second module 810 may also include an inner post 885 located at the second end 804 of the second module 810. The inner posts 885 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape, but other surfaces may be used as long as they have smooth longitudinal surfaces. The outer surface of inner post 885 preferably has substantially the same radial distance as inner surface 882. The inner post 885 may also include a threaded recess 827 at the second end 804 of the device. The threaded recess 827 allows a threaded bolt, rod, or other connector to be attached to the second end 804 of the motorized device 800.

Fig. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an example external fixation device 900 including an external fixation strut 905 according to certain example embodiments of this disclosure. Each of the retaining struts 905 is connected to one end of the motorized device 920, which itself may be connected to the outer retaining ring 910. The motorization 920 provides a limited amount of longitudinal motion to the fixation struts, allowing a therapeutic amount of motorization to be applied to the patient. As previously described, the degree of motorization may be controlled by the motorization 920, for example, loosening and tightening screws and other devices on the motorization 920.

The use of the outer fixation struts 905 may provide a number of advantages, such as, for example, elongation and adjustment of the distance between the first outer fixation ring 910 and the second outer fixation ring 915; a quick or gradual length adjustment between the first outer securing ring 910 and the second outer securing ring 915; other manipulations of the orientation of the first outer retaining ring 910, the second outer retaining ring 915, and the various outer securing devices secured thereto. The outer fixation strut 905 may be secured at one end to one of the first outer fixation ring 910 or the second outer fixation ring 915. As depicted, four outer fixation struts 905 may be used; however, the number of outer fixation struts 905 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the External Fixation device 900 may include eight External Fixation struts 905 having a hexapod arrangement as described in U.S. patent No.8,574,232 (entitled "External Fixation Connection Rod for Rapid and Gradual Adjustment," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The use of the outer fixation connection struts described therein as the outer fixation struts 905 may advantageously provide greater length between the first outer fixation ring 910 and the second outer fixation ring 915. Further, the use of the external fixation connection struts described therein as the external fixation struts 905 may provide greater convenience in adjusting the external fixation device when assembling or securing the external fixation device to a patient, etc.

The use of the disclosure in U.S. patent No.8,574,232 as the outer fixation strut 905 is provided by way of example only. Persons of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that the outer fixation struts 905 may include more or less features than those disclosed in U.S. patent No.8,574,232. For example, in some embodiments, providing various rotational members or articulable joints in the outer fixation strut 905 may advantageously allow for greater manipulation and/or adjustment of the outer fixation device 900 and components therein. In other embodiments, the parallel orientation of the first and second outer retaining rings 910, 915 may be advantageously maintained using outer retaining struts 905 with fewer hingeable joints or rotational members. Further, the direction or axis of the motorization provided by the motorization apparatus may be advantageously stabilized or maintained by the outer fixed post 905 having fewer hingeable joints or outer members.

Fig. 9B shows a cross-section of a human bone with a fracture 930. The bone may be a femur, tibia or fibula, or any bone of sufficient length to be stabilized by the fixator apparatus. According to one embodiment, the bone may have one or more fractures. In an exemplary embodiment, the fracture may be a medial tibial fracture that requires treatment and healing. In other embodiments, the bone may belong to other parts of the human body.

Fig. 9C shows the external fixation device 900 surrounding a human bone with a fracture 930. As shown in this figure, four motorization devices 920 are attached to the outer fixed rings 910 and 920. In this embodiment, no external fixation struts are used. The motorization device 920 allows for a therapeutic amount of motorization to be applied to the external fixation device 900 during the fracture healing process.

Fig. 9D shows a close-up view of the external fixation device 900 surrounding a human bone with a fracture 930. As depicted, a plurality of motorized devices 920 may be mounted or secured to first and second outer fixation rings 910, 915 surrounding a bone. The motorization apparatus 920 shown in fig. 9C and 9D may be the same as any of the embodiments disclosed and described above, or may be the same as any of the embodiments depicted in fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C, and/or 8D. The bone shown may be a femur, tibia or fibula, or any other long bone for which treatment is performed. In other embodiments, the bone may belong to other parts of the human body. Since the bones shown in fig. 9B and 9C may represent various bones of a human body, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the bones may not be to scale with reference to these exemplary figures. In one embodiment, a pin (not shown) attached to the external fixation device 900 is connected to the bone (e.g., human tibia) in the vicinity of the fracture that needs to heal. Pins (not shown) may be drilled or pierced into a person's skin and bone to install the external fixation device 900. Attaching the external fixation device 900 to the bone may include: attachment elements (e.g., wires, pins, screws and/or rods) are placed, particularly through the skin and into, through and/or around the selected bone.

In some embodiments, the motorization devices 900 may advantageously be positioned parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second outer securing rings 910, 915 may be positioned parallel to each other, and the motivating device 920 may advantageously be orthogonal to the plane of the first and second outer securing rings 910, 915. Such an arrangement may advantageously provide controlled motorization along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the motorization device 920.

Fig. 9E illustrates another example embodiment of an external fixation device 900 surrounding a human bone having a fracture 930. Fig. 9F shows a close-up view of the external fixation device 900 surrounding a human bone with a fracture 930. In addition to the components depicted in fig. 9C and 9D, the example embodiment of fig. 9E and 9F may also include a plurality of outer fixation struts 905, where each outer fixation strut 905 is secured at one end to the motorized device 920 and at the other end to one of the first or second outer fixation rings 910, 915. As described above, the outer fixed post 905 may be the outer fixed post of the outer fixed connecting Rod described in U.S. patent No.8,574,232 (entitled "External fire Connection Rod for Rapid and Gradual Adjustment," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The use of the outer fixation connection struts described therein as the outer fixation struts 905 may advantageously provide greater length between the first outer fixation ring 910 and the second outer fixation ring 915. In addition, the external fixation connection post described therein as the external fixation post 905 can provide greater convenience in adjusting the external fixation device when assembling or fixing the external fixation device to a patient, and the like.

As mentioned above, the use of the disclosure in U.S. patent No.8,574,232 as the outer fixation strut 905 is provided by way of example only. Persons of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that the outer fixation struts 905 may include more or less features than those disclosed in U.S. patent No.8,574,232. For example, in some embodiments, providing various rotational members or articulable joints in the outer fixation strut 905 may advantageously allow for greater manipulation and/or adjustment of the outer fixation device 900 and components therein. In other embodiments, the parallel orientation of the first and second outer retaining rings 910, 915 may be advantageously maintained using outer retaining struts 905 with fewer hingeable joints or rotational members. Further, the direction or axis of the motorization provided by the motorization 920 may be advantageously stabilized or maintained with the outer fixed post 905 having fewer articulatable joints or outer members.

A representative process of applying therapeutic motorization to a bone fracture from a motorization device is found in fig. 10 (1000). In fig. 10, the method begins by connecting a fixture to a bone having a fracture, wherein a proximal end portion of the fixture is attached to a proximal side of the fracture and a distal end portion of the fixture is attached to a distal side of the fracture (1005). At least one motorizing device is attached to the proximal and distal portions of the fixator such that a longitudinal axis of the motorizing device is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bone (1010). Optionally, a locking device may be placed adjacent to the motorization device to prevent longitudinal movement (1015) of the first and second modules relative to each other. This prevents any motorization or longitudinal movement of the fixator apparatus, which may be useful early in the healing process of the fracture. Once it is determined that the fracture has healed sufficiently to apply motorization, the locking device may (optionally) be removed from the motorization device in controlled steps to apply an increased amount of motorization to the bone fracture (1020). Finally, when directed by a surgeon or other qualified physician, a therapeutic amount of longitudinal motorization should be applied to the bone fracture to improve the ossification and healing process (1025).

As can be seen from the above description, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of a motorization apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for compression of a biasing member disposed within a motorized device. Compression of the biasing member may occur without a corresponding change in position or movement of the shaft and/or sleeve. Thus, the overall length of the strut may not change during adjustment. However, only the possible range of biasing force and motion variation may be adjusted. The range of motion of the outer fixed strut may be affected by the biasing force, but may be mechanically limited by the position of the bushing or rotatable feature. Thus, the biasing member may be compressed without a corresponding change in the overall length of the strut. However, any change in the length of the strut may occur due to external compression forces acting thereon.

The disclosed motorization devices may be manufactured using a variety of techniques including additives or 3D printing processes employing, for example, plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, metals, metal alloys, composites, resins, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ABS plastic, P L a, polyamides, glass-filled polyamides, epoxies, nylons, rayon, polyesters, polyacrylates, wood, bamboo, bronze, titanium, steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, ceramics, waxes, photosensitive polymers, and polycarbonates.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC;

polyether sulfone or PES;

polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE;

polyethylene (PE-UHMW or PE-L D & HD);

polyurethane or PU;

polyetherimide, PEI;

polycarbonate or PC;

polysulfone or PS;

polyetheretherketone or PEEK; or

Polypropylene or PP.

Suitable materials include the medical grade and biocompatible plastics described above, or biocompatible metals such as titanium, stainless steel, 316L stainless steel, cobalt chromium and alloys thereof.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, other equivalent or alternative compositions, devices, methods, and systems for external fixation struts are contemplated without departing from the description contained herein. Accordingly, the manner of practicing the disclosure as shown and described is to be construed as illustrative only.

Various changes in the shape, size, number and/or arrangement of parts may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the size of the devices and/or systems may be scaled up (e.g., for adult subjects) or down (e.g., for juvenile subjects) to suit the needs and/or desires of the practitioner. According to some embodiments, each disclosed method and method step may be performed in any order in association with any other disclosed method or method step. The verb "may" when it appears is intended to convey optional and/or permissible conditions, but its use is not intended to imply any lack of operability unless otherwise specified. Various changes may be made by those skilled in the art in methods of making and using the devices and/or systems of the present disclosure.

Also, where ranges have been provided, the disclosed endpoints may be considered precise and/or approximate as desired or required for the particular embodiment. In the case of end point approximation, the degree of elasticity may vary in proportion to the magnitude order of the range. For example, in one aspect, the end point of the range of about 50 in the range of about 5 to about 50 can include 50.5 but not 52.5 or 55, and in another aspect, the end point of the range of about 50 in the range of about 0.5 to about 50 can include 55 but not 60 or 75. Further, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to mix and match the range endpoints.

All or a portion of the devices and/or systems for therapeutic motorization may be configured and arranged to be disposable, serviceable, interchangeable, and/or replaceable. Such equivalents and alternatives, as well as obvious variations and modifications, are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.

To assist the patent office and any reader of any patent issued in accordance with this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants desire to note that, unless the word "means for … …" or "step for … …" is explicitly used in a particular claim, they do not wish any appended claims to recite clause 6 of U.S. code 35 § 112, which existed prior to the date of this application.

For each claim, each dependent claim may depend on both the independent claim and each previously dependent claim of each claim, provided that the previous claims provide a suitable basis for reference to claim terms or elements.

The title, abstract, background, and categories may be identified as legal and/or convenient to the reader. They do not include an admission as to the scope or content of the prior art nor do they include limitations that apply to all of the disclosed embodiments.