Importance

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Abstract

A fixation pin and methods for attaching an immobilizing device or frame to a bone or to the skull of a patient with a skeletal injury are provided. A preferred embodiment of the pin comprises an externally threaded cylindrical body having on its leading end a shoulder and a smaller diameter coaxial cylindrical post with a rotary cutting tip on its face. The post fits snugly into a hole drilled into the bone by the cutting tip without the need for a high axial force to insert and hold the post in place. Drilling the hole with a rotary cutting tip on the face of the post minimizes lateral damage to the bone. The minimal lateral bone damage and the low axial force provide for a low incidence of pin loosening and side effects such as infections secondary to loosening and headaches. The shoulder limits the depth of penetration of the cutting tip into the bone. A crescent shaped halo utilizing the fixation pin is also provided.

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First Claim