Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A cement plug for sealing the medullary canal of a bone to restrict the flow of cement, debris, etc. beyond a predetermined point in the canal. The cement plug, which is executed in a biocompatible plastic, comprises (1) a tubular body that is a slit axially at three or more locations to define resilient fingers, (2) an obturator plate located at the upper end of the body, (3) a tapered conical plug that can be advanced through the lower end of the body and intot he interior thereof, and (4) a threaded bolt that extends through the tubular body and into the conical plug. Locator holes are formed in the obtrator plate, and sharpe edges, teeth, or locator tab(s) are formed on the outer surface of the conical plug so that said plug does not rotate relative to the tubular body of the plug. An insertion tool, including an inner tube and an outer tube, is engaged within the locator by depending plins. The lower end of the inner tube engages the upper end of the threaded bolt. By rotating a handle so that the tubes move relative to one another, a torquing force is imparted to the head of the bolt. The bolt draws the plug upwardly into the interior of the plug body. Such upward movement of the tapered conical plug forces the resilient fingers outwardly into secure engagement with the wall defining the medullary canal. Cement, under pressure, is then forced down the medullary canal. The obturator plate, which is situated perpendicular to the body of the plug at the upper end thereof, serves as a barrier to the flow of cement. The obturator plate extends transversely across the medullary canal and may even bow slightly under such pressure; however, the plug will not slip and the cement will now flow, leak or migrate past the plate and adversely impact upon the resilient fingers. The obturator plate may even serve as a secondary gripping member. The plug thus forms a stable platform atop which a prosthesis may be accurately positioned.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim