CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/768,299, filed on November 16, 2018 and entitled“Foot & Ankle - Hand & Wrist Drill Guide.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is directed generally to surgical tools and instruments and, more particularly, to a multi-axis drill guide assembly for precise drilling and guidewire placement.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] During orthopedic surgeries, holes are often drilled in bones. In some procedures, a drill guide is used to line-up the drill to ensure the drilled tunnel is in the appropriate location. Many bone surfaces to be drilled have severe contours that vary from patient to patient. Due to the contours, it can be difficult to properly seat the drill guide against the bone. This is particularly true when the drill guide is used to assist in drilling a tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction.

[0004] Many conventional drill guide assemblies are used in conjunction with a guide arm and a drill guide sleeve. Conventional drill guide assemblies also require a threaded mechanism to prevent the guide arm from falling out of the drill guide assembly. Further, many traditional drill guide sleeves have a fixed geometry. These sleeves are malleted into place into the bone, which can cause misalignment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a drill guide with more than one type of feature for fixing the drill guide in place relative to the bone and a drill guide arm that provides a wide range of angles for drill placement.

[0006] Description of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed above in this Description of the Related Art Section or elsewhere in this disclosure, these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the discussed patents/publications/products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents/publications/products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and/or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed above in this Description of the Related Art Section and/or throughout the application, the descriptions/disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multi-axis drill guide assembly for precise drilling and guidewire placement. According to one aspect, the drill guide assembly includes a guide arm having a first end and a second end with a curved slot extending from the first end toward the second end. The drill guide assembly also includes a curved guide extension arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the curved guide extension arm is slidable within the curved slot of the guide arm. The drill guide assembly additionally has a probe arm rotatably connected to the second end of the guide arm. The probe arm is rotatable to a position that is non-planar relative to the guide arm.

[0008] According to another aspect, the drill guide assembly includes a guide arm having a first end and a second end with a curved slot extending from the first end toward the second end. The drill guide assembly also includes a curved guide extension arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the curved guide extension arm is slidable within the curved slot of the guide arm. The drill guide assembly additionally has a drill guide attached to the second end of the curved guide extension arm. The drill guide extends along a first axis. The drill guide assembly also includes a probe arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the probe arm is rotatably connected to the second end of the guide arm. The probe arm is rotatable toward the curved guide extension arm. A probe is attached to the second end of the probe arm and the probe extends along a second axis. In a first configuration, the first axis is at a first angle relative to the second axis and in a second configuration, the first axis is at a second angle relative to the second axis. The first angle is different from the second angle.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, the drill guide assembly includes a guide arm having a first end and a second end with a curved slot extending from the first end toward the second end. The drill guide assembly also includes a curved guide extension arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the curved guide extension arm is slidable within the curved slot of the guide arm. The drill guide assembly additionally has a probe arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the probe arm is rotatably connected to the second end of the guide arm. A tapered probe is attached to the second end of the probe arm.

[0010] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] One or more aspects of the present invention are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view schematic representation of a drill guide assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematic representation of the probe of the probe assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view schematic representation of the pivot locking screw, according to an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide assembly in a first configuration, according to an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide assembly in a second configuration, according to an embodiment; and

[0018] FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or arrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0020] Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view schematic representation of a drill guide assembly 100, according to an embodiment. The drill guide assembly 100 comprises a curved or bent guide arm 200. The guide arm 200 has a first end 202 connected to a probe assembly 300 and a second end 204 connected to a drill guide sub-assembly 400. The probe assembly 300 comprises a probe 302 extending along a longitudinal first axis x - x. A drill guide 408 is connected to the drill guide sub-assembly 400 and extends along a second axis y - y, which is transverse relative to the first axis x - x in the depicted embodiment.

[0021] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view schematic representation of the probe 302 of the probe assembly 300, according to an embodiment. The probe 302 comprises an elongated shaft 304 with a first end 306 and a second end 308. In the depicted embodiment, the probe 302 is tapered, decreasing in diameter from the first end 306 to the second end 308. The first end 306 of the probe 302 comprises a knurled cylindrical cap 310 for maintaining positioning of the probe 302, as described in detail below. The second end 308 of the probe 302 is rounded. In the depicted embodiment, the second end 308 of the probe 302 is spherical. A rounded or spherical second end 308 of the probe 302 protects any articular surfaces while advancing to the desired location in the joint.

[0022] Still referring to FIG. 2, the rounded or spherical second end 308 comprises an outer surface 312 with a circumference. A spike 314 extends from the outer surface 312 of the rounded or spherical second end 308. As shown in FIG. 2, the spike 314 extends to a point 316. The spike 314 extends at angle relative to the first axis x - x (through the probe 302). In the depicted embodiment, the spike 314 is approximately or equal to 90 degrees (i.e., substantially perpendicular) relative to the first axis x - x. The spike 314 is used to grip the bone while also providing a target for a drill pin location, as discussed below. In an embodiment, the probe 302 is cannulated such that the first end 306 and the second end 308 are open, allowing a first guidewire 318 (FIG. 1) to pass through the probe 302 to further secure the position of the drill guide 408.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown atop perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide assembly 100, according to an embodiment. The probe 302 is connected to the guide arm 200 via a probe arm 320. In the depicted embodiment, the probe arm 320 is curved or bent in a fashion similar to the guide arm 200. The probe arm 320 comprises a first end 322 and a second end 324. The first end 322 connects to the guide arm 200, as described in detail below. The second end 324 connects to the probe 302.

[0024] The second end 324 of the probe arm 320 comprises a channel 326 extending therethrough along the first axis x - x. The channel 326 is sized and configured to accommodate movement of the probe 302 in and out of the channel 326. The cap 310 of the probe 302 functions as a stop and prevents the probe 302 from sliding entirely through the channel 326. In the depicted embodiment, the second end 324 of the probe arm 320 is cubic or otherwise rectangular. Although the second end 324 may have other geometries, the cubic or rectangular shape of the second end 324 accommodates a locking mechanism 328.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the locking mechanism 328 is a locking screw. When the probe 302 is in the desired position (i.e., at a particular depth within the channel 326), the locking screw 328 is extended into the channel 326 in the second end 324. In the depicted embodiment, the locking screw 328 is transverse to the first axis x - x. Specifically, the locking screw 328 extends in a direction or along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis x - x. To secure the probe 302 in place within the channel 326, the locking screw 328 is tightened against the probe 302 within the channel 326.

[0026] As mentioned above, the first end 322 of the probe arm 320 is connected to the guide arm 200. In particular, the first end 322 of the probe arm 320 is rotatably attached to the guide arm 200 via a pivotable connector 206. The pivotable connector 206 is a pivot locking screw in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The pivot locking screw 206 extends into the first end 202 of the guide arm 200, as shown in FIG. 1. The probe arm 320 is preferably rotatable up to a total of 240 degrees about the pivot locking screw 206. However, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, probe arm 320 is rotatable more than a total of 240 degrees about the pivot locking screw 206 (e.g., up to and beyond 360 degrees in certain embodiments), as should be understood by a person of ordinaiy skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side perspective view schematic representation of the pivot locking screw 206, according to an embodiment. The pivot locking screw 206 comprises a first cylindrical portion 208 (with a first diameter) connected to threads 210, with one or more additional cylindrical portions 212A, 212B attached therebetween. In the depicted embodiment, the pivot locking screw 206 has the first cylindrical portion 208 with a first diameter connected to a second cylindrical portion 212A with a second diameter, the second cylindrical portion 212A connected to a third cylindrical portion 212B with a third diameter, and the third cylindrical portion 212B connected to the threads 210. In an embodiment, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, the second diameter is larger than the third diameter, and the threads 210 have a diameter that is smaller than the third diameter.

[0028] In use, the first end 322 of the probe arm 320 extends around at least one of the additional cylindrical portions 212A, 212B, while the threads 210 are screwed into the guide arm 200 and a portion of the guide arm 200 extends around the first cylindrical portions 208 (FIG. 1). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the pivot locking screw 206 is cannulated, providing a channel 214 extending through the pivot locking screw 206, through the first cylindrical portion 308, additional cylindrical portions 212A, 212B, and the threads 210 for placement of a second guidewire 216 (FIGs. 1 and 3). The second guidewire 216 extends along a third axis z - z, which is different than the first axis x - x and second axis y - y.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 4, the pivot locking screw 206 is used to join the probe arm 320 and the guide arm 200. The pivot locking screw 206 can also be used to lock the probe arm 320 in position after the desired angle has been achieved. As stated above, the pivot locking screw 206 is passed through the first end 202 of the guide arm 200 and then through the probe arm 320. The pivot locking screw 206 is secured by screwing the threads 210 into the first end 202 of the drill guide arm 200. The locking action is achieved by tightening the pivot locking screw 206 in a clockwise direction, causing the guide arm 200 to compress the probe arm 320.

[0030] FIGs. 5 and 6 show side perspective views schematic representations of the drill guide assembly 100 in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The guide arm 200 comprises a curved or bent slot 218 extending along the length of the guide arm 200. In particular, the slot 218 begins at the second end 204 of the guide arm 200 and extends toward the first end 202 of the guide arm 200. The curved or bent slot 218 is sized and configured to slidably receive a drill guide extension arm 402 of the drill guide sub-assembly 400. Accordingly, the drill guide extension arm 402 is curved or bent to fit within the slot 218 in the drill guide arm 200. At its first end 404, the drill guide extension arm 402 is free to slide within the slot 218 in the drill guide arm 200, while its second end 406 is connected to the drill guide 408.

[0031] The guide arm 200 comprises a connector 205 (e.g., a lock screw) to secure or fix the drill guide extension arm 402 in a position within the slot 218. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 3, the connector 205 extends into the second end 204 of the guide arm 200. The connector 205 locks the drill guide 408 at an angle relative to the second guidewire 216. In other words, the connector 205 locks the first axis x - x at an angle relative to the third axis z - z.

[0032] Turning briefly to FIG. 7, there is shown a close-up perspective view schematic representation of the drill guide 408, according to an embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the second end 406 of the drill guide extension arm 402 is cubic or otherwise rectangular to accommodate a connector 410. In the depicted embodiment, the connector 410 is a lock screw that extends into the second end 406 of the drill guide extension arm 402 at an angle relative to the second axis y - y. Specifically, the lock screw 410 extends in a direction or along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second axis y - y.

[0033] Still referring to FIG. 7, the drill guide 408 has a tapered elongated shaft 412 connected to a cylindrical cap 414. In an embodiment, the drill guide 408 is cannulated such that a drill pin 416 can be inserted through a channel 418 in the cap 414 and the elongated shaft 412. In one example embodiment, the drill guide 408 is cannulated to accept a .072 diameter drill pin 416 (but other sized drill pins can be used, as should be understood and appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). The cap 414 has an external diameter larger than an internal diameter of the channel 418 such that the cap 414 prevents the drill guide 408 from sliding entirely through the channel 418 and into the surgical site.

[0034] As also shown in FIG. 7, the elongated shaft 412 of the drill guide 408 comprises a crown 420 at a free end 422. Generally, the crown 420 is one or more jagged or otherwise sharp edges at the free end 422 of the drill guide 408. In use, the probe 302 is first placed in the desired location and then the drill guide 408 is advanced until the crown 420 has made contact with the bone. Thereafter, the lock screw 410 is then tightened to secure the drill guide 408 in place.

[0035] Referring back to FIG. 5, in the first configuration, the drill guide extension arm 402 is at a first position within the slot 218 in the guide arm 200. When the drill guide extension arm 402 is in the first position, the drill guide 408 is at a first angle relative to the probe 302 Stated differently, the first axis x - x is at a first angle relative to the second axis y - y. To move to the second configuration, shown in FIG. 6, the drill guide extension arm 402 is moved (at least partially) within the slot 218 to a second position. In the second position, the drill guide 408 is at a second angle relative to the probe 302. As follows, the first axis x - x is at a second angle relative to the second axis y - y . The first angle is different than the second angle. In the depicted embodiment, the second angle is greater than the first angle. In some instances, the first axis x - x is transverse with respect to the second axis y - y, although it is possible that the first axis x - x and the second axis y - y are the same axis.

[0036] Still referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, in both the first and second configurations, the probe 302 and the drill guide 408 meet at or extend toward a drill space 102. In the depicted embodiment, the second guidewire 216 extends through the pivot locking screw 206 and also meets at or extends toward the drill space 102. The first guidewire 318 extending through the probe 302 also meets at or extends toward the drill space 102. The first and second guidewires 216, 318 are optionally used to further secure the position of the drill guide 408. The movement described above with reference to FIGs. 5 and 6 is movement of the drill guide 408 within one plane to achieve a first configuration and second configuration. A third configuration can be achieved by rotating the probe arm 320 about the pivot locking screw 206 toward the drill guide sub-assembly 400, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] In FIGs. 5 and 6, the drill guide assembly 100 is substantially planar, meaning that the drill guide arm 200 extends within approximately the same plane as the drill guide 408 (and drill guide extension arm 402) and the probe 302 (and the probe arm 320). In the third configuration, the probe arm 320 is rotated about the pivot locking screw 206 and the third axis z - z such that the probe 302 and the probe arm 320 are no longer substantially planar with the drill guide arm 200 and the drill guide 408 (and drill guide extension arm 402), as shown in FIG. 3. However, despite rotating the probe 302 and probe arm 320 into another plane, the probe 302 still meets at or extends to the drill space 102 with the drill guide 408. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the second guidewire 318 extends through the pivot locking screw 206 and also meets at or extends to the drill space 102 with the probe 302 and the drill guide 408. Thus, in the first, second, and third configurations, the probe 302 (and the first guidewire 318) and the drill guide 408 (and the drill pin 416), and in some instances, the second guidewire 216, all converge at the drill space 102.

[0038] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0039] While various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as“comprises” and“comprising”),“have” (and any form of have, such as,“has” and“having”),“include” (and any form of include, such as“includes” and “including”), and“contain” (any form of contain, such as“contains” and“containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that“comprises”,‘¾as”,“includes” or“contains” one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of method or an element of a device that“comprises”,“has”,“includes” or“contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0041] The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure, material or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the pnnciples of one or more aspects of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects of the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.