Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method of securing fractured bones in place without the use of wires is disclosed. An absorbable bone pin is inserted in place by a cannulated applicator which is used to help drill a hole for the bone pin and accurately measure its depth. The applicator has a scaled recess in the handle which is used to measure the progress (depth) of the wire-type drill as it forms the hole. The drill has a marking or similar means on it for registration with the applicator scale. The bone pin is selected or cut to an appropriate length based on the depth of the hole and inserted in place by a push rod through the applicator guide tube. The applicator can have one or two guide tubes, and the tubes can be parallel or at angles to one another, depending on the usage desired. With a two-tube applicator, it is possible to better maintain the bone's pieces in place under compression until a bone pin is installed.

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First Claim