초록 ▼

A unique method of using an external fixation device to reposition a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment is claimed herein. The unique method of using the external fixation device of the current invention includes attaching said first base member to said first bone segment, attachin

A unique method of using an external fixation device to reposition a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment is claimed herein. The unique method of using the external fixation device of the current invention includes attaching said first base member to said first bone segment, attaching said second base member to said second bone segment, and adjusting the effective length of at least one of the struts, thereby repositioning said first bone segment relative to said second bone segment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of using an external fixation device to reposition a first tissue segment from an deformed position to a target position relative to a second tissue segment, whereby the fixation device includes a first base member, a second base member, and a plurality of adjustable-lengt

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of using an external fixation device to reposition a first tissue segment from an deformed position to a target position relative to a second tissue segment, whereby the fixation device includes a first base member, a second base member, and a plurality of adjustable-length struts interconnecting said first and second base members, wherein the method comprises the steps of:selecting a cartesian coordinate system with three orthogonal axes, wherein the first axis of the coordinate system is substantially parallel to the centerline of the second tissue segment, and the second and third axes are orthogonal to each other and the first axis;mathematically correlating the deformed position relative to the target position, wherein the correlation characterizes the deformation in terms of a translational vector and projected rotational angles about the coordinate axes;attaching the second base member to the second tissue segment and characterizing the location of the second base member;establishing a neutral length of each strut and characterizing an initial location of the first base member;calculating an intermediary position for the first base member, wherein the intermediary position bears the same rotational and translational variations relative the initial position as the deformed position of the first tissue bears relative to the target position;calculating the new effective length of each strut required to orient the first base member at the intermediary position and adjusting the effective lengths of the struts to the new effective lengths, thereby causing the fixation device to mimic the relative positions of the tissue segments;attaching the first base member to the first tissue segment; and,adjusting the effective lengths of the struts to the neutral lengths, thereby repositioning the first tissue segment to the target position;wherein the calculation of the intermediary position for the first base member includes the following steps, mathematically performed in the sequence set forth:a) mimicking the angular displacement of the first tissue segment about the first axis;b) mimicking the angular displacement of the first tissue segment about the second and third axes; and,c) mimicking the translational displacement of the first tissue segment.