Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
STAPLER PIN

APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and manner in which it is to be performed:

FILED OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a bone stapler pin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Various orthopedic surgeries such as fractures, bone grafting and fusion, arthrodesis, osteotomies, tendon or ligament repair, osteochondral defects or lesions can be treated by a bone stapler. The bone stapler includes one or more inserts known as bone stapler pins or pins. These pins are made from a biocompatible material.
[003] The bone stapler is used to drive a bone stapler pin in to a bone surface at the desired location. The bone stapler pin penetrates bone tissues including the bone cortex (outer layer) and may extend into the cancellous (spongy) bone beneath. The bone stapler pin includes an anchoring shape which may or may not deforms during placement for gripping the bone tissues.
[004] Conventional bone stapler pins(pins) offer limited anchoring support due to their design. This could lead to medical complications as the bone alignment could be affected without proper anchoring. Also, conventional bone stapler pins design lacks feature that would facilitate stable stacking inside the stapler.
[005] Therefore, arises a need for an improved bone stapler pinto overcome the problems associated with a conventional bone staple.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[007] The present disclosure relates to a stapler pin for orthopedic fixation including a plurality of arms. The plurality of arms includes a first arm, a second arm, a third arm. Each arm includes plurality faces. The plurality of faces includes a first face, a second face, a third face, a fourth face and a fifth face. The second face and the third face extend from the edges of the fourth face and the fifth face respectively to meet at a vertex ‘V’. At least a portion of the first face includes a textured surface. A portion of one or more of the second face and the third face include one or more grooves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The summary above and the detailed description of descriptive embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For illustration of the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[009] Figs. 1a depicts a front view of a stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Fig. 1b depicts a bottom perspective view of the stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Fig. 2 depicts an isometric view of the stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Fig. 2a depicts a lattice structure 109 on a side of the stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 2b depicts an enlarged view of a groove 110 on internal surface of the stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Fig. 3 depicts a detailed side view of the stapler pin 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Fig. 3a depicts a detailed side view of the groove 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Fig. 3b depicts a stack of the stapler pins 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] Prior to describing the disclosure in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0018] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0019] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0020] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0021] The present disclosure relates to a stapler pin for orthopedic implantation. The stapler pin includes a combination of angularly coupled arms. At least a portion of the surface of one of the arms includes lattice, grooves etc. for grip and bone ingrowth. The stapler pin provides improved anchoring support and better stacking properties. The stapler pin can be made from biocompatible materials such as stainless steel, nitinol, nickel alloys, tungsten, etc. or bioabsorbable materials. The described stapler pin is made from Titanium.
[0022] The stapler pin disclosed herein is in the pretext of an orthopedic implant.
[0023] Now referring to the figures, Fig. 1 depicts a stapler pin 100 defined by a plurality of arms. The plurality of arms includes a first arm 101, a second arm 102 and a third arm 103. The first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 form an integral structure. Alternately, the first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 could be separate fragments and coupled together using coupling mechanisms such as welding, adhesive bonding, brazing, riveting, snap-fit etc. In an embodiment, the first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 form an integral structure.
[0024] In an embodiment, the first arm 101 includes curved ends. Alternately, the first arm 101 includes straight ends. The second arm 102 and the third arm 103 extend from the curved ends of the first arm 101. Together, the first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 forming the stapler pin 100 depict a shape such as but not limited to U-shape, C-shape, T-shape, V-shape, coiled etc. In an embodiment, the stapler pin 100 includes a U-shape where the base of the U-shape is defined by the first arm 101 and the extending portions are defined by the second arm 102 and the third arm 103.
[0025] The first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 of the stapler pin 100 may include a cross-sectional shape including, without limitation, circular, rectangular, square, triangular, rhombus, kite, polygon, semi-circular, D shape, etc. In an embodiment, the first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 of the stapler pin 100 have a polygonal cross-section (Fig. 1b).
[0026] The polygonal cross-section of an arm (101, 102 or 103) of the stapler pin 100 is defined by a plurality of faces. In an embodiment, each arm 101, 102 and 103 of the stapler pin 100 includes five faces/sides. The five faces are a first face 104, a second face 105, a third face 106, a fourth face 107, and a fifth face 108. The first face 104 corresponds to the outer surface of the first arm 101, the second arm 102, and the third arm 103 of the stapler pin 100. In an embodiment, the first face 104 includes an textured surface extending at least partially along the length or width of the first face 104. The textured surface helps in promoting osseointegration/bone ingrowth resulting in improving anchoring of the stapler pin 100 post deployment. In an embodiment, the textured surface of the first face 104 is a lattice structure 109. The lattice structure 109 (fig. 2) can adapt any lattice configuration such as but not limited to triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, auxetic, honeycomb, octet truss, kagome, biomimetic etc. In an embodiment, the lattice structure 109 includes a hexagonal lattice structure. The lattice structure 109 covers at least a portion of the width and length of the first face 104 of at least one of over the first arm 101, the second arm 102 and/or the second arm 102 (fig.2a).
[0027] In an alternate embodiment, one or more faces of the one or more first arm 101, the second arm 102 and the third arm 103 include a lattice structure 109.
[0028] The second face 105 and the third face 106 define the internal surface of the first arm 101, the second arm 102, and the third arm 103 of the U-shaped staple. The second face 105 and the third face 106 extend internally from the edges of the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 respectively, to meet at a point or vertex ‘V’. The second face 105 and the third face 106 may extend at angle ranging from 1 to 180 degrees with respect to the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 respectively, and are thus coupled inclinedly forming the vertex.
[0029] Further, at least a portion of the second face 105 and/or the third face 106 may include a plurality of grooves 110 (fig. 2b). Each groove 110 extends at least partially along the width of the second face 105 and/or the third face 106. In an embodiment, the grooves 110 extend across the entire width of the second face 105 and the third face 106.
[0030] The grooves 110 of the second face 105 and the third face 106 may meet at the vertex V. In an alternate embodiment, the grooves 110 of the second face 105 and the third face 106 may not meet at the vertex V.
[0031] The grooves 110 may be formed on the respective faces by way of etching, etc. In an embodiment, the grooves 110 are etched at least partially along the width of the respective face. The grooves 110 can include any profile such as curved, flat, spiral, cleated, wobbly, steep angled etc.
[0032] In the depicted embodiment of Figs. 3, 3a, the grooves 110 include a steep angular profile. Steep angular profile of the grooves 110 promotes fixation and resistance against loosening when introduced within the bones. The grooves 110 are etched by a suitable mechanism such as laser etching forming a slope 110a inside. The slope 110a of the grooves 110 can include an angle ranging from 1 to 90 (fig. 3a) with respect to the faces 107 and 108. The groove 110 includes a carved-out extending portion 110b on its outer edge. The carved-out extending portion 110b engages with the bone tissues providing anchoring support to the bones.
[0033] In addition, the grooves 110 can be symmetrical or unsymmetrical in nature and may or may not extend fully along the width of the two faces, namely, the second face 105 and the third face 106.
[0034] It is to be noted that various embodiments of the grooves 110 can be envisaged. For example, rather than horizontal, the grooves 110 may be inclined on a face of an arm. The grooves 110 may be provided in random or organized manner on a face of the arm. It is likely that at least one arm, namely, the first arm 101, second arm 102 and third arm 103 may include the grooves 110. For example, only the first arm 101 may include the grooves 110 while the other two, may not. Alternately, all the three arms may include the grooves 110 on the respective faces. All such variations are covered within the scope of the teachings of the present invention. In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the fourth face 107 and/or the fifth face 108 include one or more grooves 110. The grooves 110 may extend along at least a portion of width of the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108.
[0035] Similarly, various embodiments of the lattice structure can also be envisaged. For example, rather than on the first face 104, the lattice structure can be provided at least partially on the surface of the fourth face 107 and fifth face 108.
[0036] The fourth face 107 and fifth face 108 define the lateral surfaces of the first arm 101, the second arm 102, and the third arm 103 of the stapler pin 100. The fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 may extend from the two edges of the first face 104.The fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 can include a smooth or textured surface. In an embodiment, the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 includes a smooth surface facilitating stacking of the stapler pins100.
[0037] Now referring to Fig. 3b, the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 of the stapler pin 100 facilitates in stacking. The flat surface of the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 are aligned to stack multiple stapler pins side by side inside a cartridge or a stapler for use.
[0038] The proposed stapler pin 100 offers several advantages over conventional staples. For example, the polygonal structure of the stapler pin 100 incorporates various structures for achieving stable fixation of fractured or damaged bones during surgical procedures. Polygonal surfaces of the stapler pin 100 includes grooves 110 and lattice structure 109 for improved bone engagement and for bone ingrowth.
[0039] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. 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 of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A stapler pin (100) for orthopedic fixation comprising:
a) a plurality of arms including a first arm (101), a second arm (102) and a third arm (103),
wherein each arm (101, 102, 103) includes a plurality of faces, the plurality of faces includes at least a first face 104, a second face 105 and a third face 106; and
wherein at least a portion of the first face 104 includes a textured surface; and
wherein at least a portion of one or more of the second face 105 and the third face 106 include one or more grooves 110.
2. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first arm (101), the second arm (102) and the third arm (103) includes at least a fourth face 107 and a fifth face 108.
3. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108, meet at a vertex ‘V’.
4. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the textured surface includes a lattice structure (109).
5. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grooves (110) extend along at least a portion of width of the fourth face (107) and the fifth face (108).
6. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grooves (110) include a steep angled profile.
7. A stapler pin (100) for orthopedic fixation comprising:
a) a plurality of arms including a first arm (101), a second arm (102) and a third arm (103),
wherein each arm (101, 102, 103) includes a plurality of faces, the plurality of faces includes at least a first face 104, a second face 105, a third face 106, a fourth face 107 and a fifth face 108;
wherein at least a portion of the first face 104 includes a textured surface; and
wherein the second face 105 and the third face 106 extend from the edges of the fourth face 107 and the fifth face 108 respectively, to meet at a vertex ‘V’.
8. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the textured surface includes a lattice structure (109).
9. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the second face 105, the third face 106, fourth face (107) and the fifth face (108) include one or more grooves 110.
10. The stapler pin (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the grooves (110) include a steep angled profile.