MULTIPLE DRIVE INTERFERENCE SCREW SYSTEM AND DEVICE

Abstract

A multiple drive interference screw device with a head having multiple insertion features. The screw component has a tubular body with a first end and a closed second end, and the head is positioned at the first end and configured to engage with a driver to advance the screw into the bone A penetrating tip is positioned at the second end. The head of the screw component has at least three insertion features, such as a hex shaped insertion feature around the major diameter of the head and a hexalobe shaped insertion feature within the hex shaped insertion feature, and a sprocket shaped insertion feature positioned exterior to the hex shaped insertion feature.

Claims

1. A surgical screw system comprising; a screw having a body, a top end, a bottom end and an internal cavity; a penetrating tip positioned at the bottom end, the penetrating tip in communication with the internal cavity; the top end having a periphery and an inset area leading to the internal cavity; and at least one insertion tool engagement feature provided on the top end, the at least one engagement feature provided on the periphery of the top end.

2. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one tool engagement feature includes a series of detests disposed around the periphery.

3. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 2, wherein the series of detents form a hexalobal feature.

4. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 1 comprising at least three tool engagement features.

5. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least three tool engagement features include a hexalobe feature, an external hex feature, and an external sprocket feature.

6. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 5 further comprising a hook, wherein the internal cavity comprises a groove for receipt of the book as a means to remove the screw.

7. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 1, wherein the screw is manufactured from Ti 6 A14 V-ELI.

8. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 1, wherein the body of the screw comprises a threaded portion extending radially outwardly from the body.

9. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 8, wherein the threaded portion extends substantially along a length of the body and comes to terminus before the periphery of the top end of the screw.

10. The surgical screw system as recited in claim 9, wherein the threaded portion has a diameter which reduces as the threaded portion comes to the bottom end of the body.

11. A method for inserting a surgical fastener into a bone comprising the steps of: providing the surgical fastener having a body, a first end, a second end and a head, wherein the head comprises at least one engagement feature and the body comprises an internal cavity; engaging the at least one engagement features with a tool; using the tool to drive the surgical fastener into the bone such that the internal cavity removes a portion of the bone; and securing a muscle or ligament to the bone.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the internal cavity includes a groove.

13. The method as recited in claim 12 comprising a further step of removing the surgical fastener from the bone after the step of using.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of removing includes inserting an extraction tool into the internal cavity to connect with the groove.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the extraction tool is one of a hook, a grapple or a crook.

16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the step of using is performed by using one of a plurality of engagement features.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of engagement features comprises a hexalobe feature, an external hex feature and an external sprocket feature.

18. A multiple drive interference screw device comprising: a screw comprised of a body, a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are disposed at opposite ends of the body; a cavity within the body and extending between the first end and second end; a penetrating tip disposed at the second end of the screw; and at least three tool engagement features disposes at the first end of the screw.

19. The multiple drive interference screw device as recited in claim 18, wherein the at least three engagement features comprise a hexalobe feature, an external hex feature and an external sprocket feature.

20. The multiple drive interference screw device as recited in claim 18 further comprising a removal tool, wherein the cavity further comprises a groove for use with the removal tool and the removal tool is one of a hook, a grapple or a crook.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw or fastener device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, exhibiting an external hex feature, an internal hexalobe feature and an external sprocket feature;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw or fastener device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, exhibiting multiple different drive options;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw for fastener device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, in which the device has an internal hexalobe feature, an external hex feature and an external sprocket feature;

[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, in which the device has an internal groove for receipt of a hook or other shaped instrument to grab the device and pull it directly out;

[0019] FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, illustrating the hook referenced in FIG. 4A inserted in the internal groove; and

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing an exemplary method of using one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0022] Generally stated, and in one embodiment thereof, the present invention discloses a multiple drive interference screw or surgical fastening device comprising a screw or fastener component with a head having multiple insertion or securement features. The screw component includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end wherein the head is positioned at the first end and configured to engage with a driver or insertion tool to advance the screw in to the bone, and a penetrating tip is positioned at the second end. The head of the screw or fastener component further comprises at least three insertion features, such as an internal he feature, an external hex feature and an external sprocket feature. Therefore, the interference screw component can be advanced or removed via a driver or tool component that mates with the hex shaped, sprocket-shaped or hexalobe-shaped feature.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may comprise various configurations of the screw head. For example, the screw head can comprise a hexalobe insertion feature within a hex-shaped insertion feature, along with a sprocket feature that is exterior to the hex-shaped feature. Thus, the screw head has a hex-shaped feature around the major diameter of the head and a hexalobe-shaped feature within the hex-shaped feature and, a further sprocket shaped feature exterior to the hex-shaped feature, or the screw or the fastener head can comprise any such configuration as is known in the art based on the preferences of the user or requirements of the surgery. Further, the screw head also includes an internal groove that would allow for the insertion of a hook, grapple, crook, or similar shaped instrument to grab the implant and pull it directly out of a patient's bone.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw or fastener device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, exhibiting an external hex feature, an internal hexalobe feature and an external sprocket feature. More specifically, the drive interference screw device 100 comprises a screw or fastener component 102 with a head 104 comprising multiple insertion features 124. Both the screw component 102 and the head 104 may be manufactured using typical machining techniques as are known. in the art and constructed as one part. Notwithstanding, the screw or fastener component 102 and head 104 are preferably manufactured from titanium, specifically Ti 6 Al 4 V-ELI, though the same can be manufactured froth any other suitable medical grade material as is known in the art. For example, the screw component 102 and head 104 could also be additively manufactured from PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) or other suitable materials.

[0025] Additionally, the multiple drive interference screw device 100 and its components can be of any suitable size, shape and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the multiple drive interference screw or surgical fastening device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 is for illustrative purposes only, and many other shapes and sizes of the multiple drive interference screw device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the multiple drive interference screw device 100 (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the multiple drive interference screw or surgical fastening device 100 may be of any shape, size or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-4B, the screw or fastener component 102 of the multiple drive interference screw device 100 comprises a tubular body 106 having a first end 108 and a closed second end 110. The tubular body 106 has a tubular wall 112 defining an interior cavity 114 in which the thickness of the wall 112 in a radial direction is smaller than an inner radius 116 of the cavity 114. The tubular body 106 farther includes an exterior thread 118 on an exterior tubular surface portion 120 of the tubular wall 112, extending radially outwardly from the body. The threads extend substantially the length of the body and come to terminus before the periphery of the head. The diameter of the threaded portion reduces as the threads approach the bottom end of the screw or fastener. A head 104 is disposed at the first end 108 and is configured to engage with a driver (not shown) to advance (or, when need be, withdraw) the interference screw component 102 into the bone, and a penetrating tip 122 at the second end 110. The tubular body 106, the head 104 and the penetrating tip 122 are formed as a single piece. The penetrating tip and interior cavity work together to remove a portion of the bone as the screw or fastener is inserted in to the bone.

[0027] Additionally, the head 104 of the interference screw component 102 further comprises at least three insertion features or drives 124, though more than three insertion features 124 can be utilized depending on the requirements or preferences of a user. The insertion features 124 are a series of indentations or detents located across the diameter of the head 104 for receipt of a portion of a driver or insertion device as described more fully below. The series of detents or indentations form a hexalobal pattern. The insertion features 124 are preferably any combination of hexagon, hexalobe or sprocket to ensure a secure fit with. a portion of the driver, though other geometric shapes may also be used, provided that they correspond to the shape and size of the end of the driver. Additionally, the insertion features 124 can comprise multiple shapes layered within each other, such as having a hexalobe on the inside of the head 104 and a hex around the major diameter of the head, or the opposite orientation as well.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-4B, the interference screw head 104 preferably comprises a hex-shaped insertion feature 126 around the major diameter of the head 104 and a hexalobe-shaped insertion feature 128 within the hex-shaped insertion feature 126. The insertion feature 128 is provided at an end of the cavity. Further, a sprocket-shaped insertion feature 130 is positioned exterior to the hex-shaped insertion feature 126. Therefore, the interference screw component 102 can be advanced or removed via a driver component that mates with the hex-shape 126, or a mating hexalobe-shaped 128 driver component, or a mating sprocket-shaped 130 driver component.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the present invention may comprise an interference screw or fastener component 400 with a body 402 having an internal groove 404 that would allow for the insertion of a hook, grapple, crook or similarly-shaped instrument 411 (see FIG. 4B) to grab the implant and pull it directly oat of the patient's bone. The internal groove 404 would be positioned around the internal diameter of the screw body 402 and would be dove-tailed in shape. To remove the hook, grapple, crook or similarly-shaped tool 411 is inserted into the cavity and engages the groove 404.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing an exemplary method of using one potential embodiment of the multiple drive interference screw device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The method includes the steps of initially providing a surgical screw or fastener at step 500. Next, at least one of the driving elements is engaged by a driver at step 510, and the surgical. screw or fastener device 100 is driven into the bone at step 520. Muscle or tendon is secured to the bone at step 530 with the fastener or screw device 540, and, when required, at step 540 the screw or fastener 100 may be removed from the patient's bone.

[0031] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function.

[0032] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.