Antimicrobial containment cap for a bone anchored prosthesis mounting

Abstract

An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A containment cap for use in an exoskeletal prosthesis system including a bone anchored mounting post with a fixator structure protruding from the mounting post through soft tissue at the end of a residual limb and defining a free end for attachment to a prosthesis, the containment cap comprising:
 a base defining a perimeter;   a side wall integrally formed with the base and extending around the perimeter of the base and defining a cavity configured to receive and support a selected medicant in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing an interface between the soft tissue at the end of the residual limb and the fixator structure;   a mounting hub extending from the base; and   a bore formed in the base and extending through the mounting hub, the bore configured to receive the fixator structure, the bore being the only opening in the base and the side wall configured to receive the fixator structure.   
     
     
         2 . The containment cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a radially outwardly extending flange integrally formed with the side wall, the flange configured to contact the soft tissue at the end of the residual limb when the mounting hub is removably locked to the fixator structure. 
     
     
         3 . The containment cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a resilient member configured to be received within the cavity, the resilient member configured to receive and support the selected medicant. 
     
     
         4 . The containment cap of  claim 2 , wherein the resilient member is positioned within the cavity and to contact the soft tissue at the end of the residual limb, the resilient member having a thickness that provides for at least some compression when the mounting hub is removably locked to the fixator structure.