US 11,864,797 B2
Orthopedic spring hinge system and methods thereof
Mikhail L. Samchukov, Coppell, TX (US); John D. Ross, Ovilla, TX (US); and Alexander M. Cherkashin, Flower Mound, TX (US)
Assigned to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX (US)
Filed by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX (US)
Filed on Feb. 25, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/185,344.
Application 17/185,344 is a continuation of application No. 15/994,829, filed on May 31, 2018, granted, now 10,945,763.
Prior Publication US 2021/0177464 A1, Jun. 17, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 17/60 (2006.01); A61B 17/64 (2006.01); A61B 17/62 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/60 (2013.01) [A61B 17/62 (2013.01); A61B 17/6425 (2013.01); A61B 2017/606 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A spring hinge for an external fixation system, comprising:
a coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity extending along a central lengthwise axis, wherein the coil spring comprises a plurality of spirals having a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane in which the central lengthwise axis is disposed, the coil spring including a first end and a second end;
a first end cap configured to couple to the first end of the coil spring and including a first portion configured to mount the first end cap to the external fixation system; and
a second end cap configured to couple to the second end of the coil spring and including a second portion configured to mount the second end cap to the external fixation system;
the coil spring comprising a first surface extending along a length of the coil spring and facing a first direction and an opposing second surface extending along the length of the coil spring and facing a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein a portion of the first surface is configured to abut a portion of the second surface when the coil spring is in an unexpanded resting state;
wherein the first surface and the second surface are shaped to deter sheering movement between adjacent spirals of the plurality of spirals while permitting angular bending of the coil spring.