Importance

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Abstract

A bone clamp and method of use is described for clamping damaged or fractured bones. The clamp comprises a hooked or barbed pin which is inserted through a hole in the bones to be clamped. The hook springs out to rest against the far side of the bone. The shaft of the pin protrudes from the near side of the bone and has conical shaped protrusions whose larger ends face toward the hook. A unitary clamping button having a central bore smaller than the larger ends of the conical protrusions is slipped over the exposed shaft and forced over the protrusions. The protrusions and/or the button deform to allow passage of the button. Once the button is past a protrusion the deformed parts spring back to their original shape and the button cannot be retracted. An automatically locking ratchet-type clamping action is obtained and installation of the button may be made with one hand.

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First Claim