External fixator assembly

Abstract

A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

1 . A support structure for use in an external fixator assembly, said support structure comprising:
 a base having a substantially annular configuration and dimensioned for operative disposition in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area of an individual,   an extension assembly connected to said base and extending outwardly therefrom, and   said base and said extension assembly structured for connection to at least one strut along a length of said base and said extension assembly.   
     
     
         2 . A support structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said extension assembly comprises at least one extension member having an elongated configuration. 
     
     
         3 . A support structure as recited in  claim 2  wherein said one extension member is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 
     
     
         4 . A support structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said extension assembly is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 
     
     
         5 . A support structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said extension assembly comprises a plurality of elongated extension members. 
     
     
         6 . A support structure as recited in  claim 5  wherein said base and at least two of said plurality of extension members are each structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition of the one strut in interconnecting relation to a remainder of the external fixator assembly. 
     
     
         7 . A support structure as recited in  claim 5  wherein said two extension members extend outwardly from said base in a substantially common direction. 
     
     
         8 . A support structure as recited in  claim 7  wherein said two extension members and corresponding portions of said base are collectively of sufficient length to extend along and its spaced relation to at least a majority of a length of an ankle stabilizing portion of said external fixator assembly. 
     
     
         9 . A support structure as recited in  claim 7  wherein each of said two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 
     
     
         10 . A support structure as recited in  claim 7  wherein said two extension members are disposed in substantially coplanar relation to one another. 
     
     
         11 . A support structure as recited in  claim 10  wherein said two extension members are disposed in parallel relation to one another. 
     
     
         12 . A support structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said extension assembly comprises at least two elongated extension members each connected to an opposite side of said base. 
     
     
         13 . A support structure as recited in  claim 12  wherein said two extension members and corresponding portions of said base to which said two extension members are connected are collectively of sufficient length to extend along and in spaced relation to at least a majority of a length of an ankle stabilizing portion of said external fixator assembly. 
     
     
         14 . A support structure as recited in  claim 13  wherein said base and said two extension members are each structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition of the one strut in interconnecting relation to a remainder of the external fixator assembly. 
     
     
         15 . A support structure as recited in  claim 14  wherein each of said two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 
     
     
         16 . A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly for an ankle area of the body, said support structure comprising:
 a base configured for operative disposition in at least partially surrounding relation to a correspondingly disposed leg area of the body,   an extension assembly including a plurality of elongated extension members extending outwardly from said base in spaced relation to and along a length of a remainder of the fixation assembly, and   said base and at least two of said plurality of extension members each structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition of this one strut in interconnecting relation to an ankle stabilizing portion of the external fixator assembly.   
     
     
         17 . A support structure as recited in  claim 16  wherein said two extension members are each connected to a different, opposite side of said base. 
     
     
         18 . A support structure as recited in  claim 17  wherein said base and said two extension members include a plurality of apertures extending along respective lengths thereof, said plurality of apertures disposed and structured for connection to a plurality of struts and disposition of the plurality of struts in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilizing portion of the external fixator assembly. 
     
     
         19 . A support structure as recited in  claim 17  wherein each of said two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 
     
     
         20 . A support structure as recited in  claim 19  wherein said two extension members are disposed in parallel relation to one another. 
     
     
         21 . A support structure as recited in  claim 20  wherein said two extension members extend outwardly from said base in a substantially common direction. 
     
     
         22 . A support structure as recited in  claim 17  further comprising a brace assembly disposed in interconnecting relation between said base and each of said two extension members. 
     
     
         23 . A support structure as recited in  claim 21  wherein said brace assembly comprises at least two brace segments each connected in interconnecting relation between said base and a different one of said two extension members. 
     
     
         24 . A support structure as recited in  claim 23  wherein each of said brace segments is interconnected between a different one of said two extension members and an outer periphery of said base.