Threaded bone filling material plunger

Abstract

Described herein are devices, systems and method for assuring that connection regions (e.g., threaded regions) of stabilization devices are clear of bone filling materials such as bone cements. A stabilization device may be referred to as a bone stabilization device or an anchor, and may be a self-expanding device configured for insertion into bone. One exemplary clearing device is configured as a plunger-type device for clearing the connector region by scraping and/or rubbing the surface of the connector region. A clearing device may include a handle, a rod and a connector end that is configured to mate with the connector of a stabilization device. The connector end may include one or more scraping surfaces (e.g., edges) and may include a vacuum port for removing material such as scraped bone cement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clearing device for clearing the proximal connector region of a self-expanding bone stabilization device, the clearing device comprising:
 a proximal handle;   an elongated shaft coupled to the proximal handle; and   a distal cleaning region on the elongated shaft having an inclined surface configurable to scrape a proximal connector region of a bone stabilization device to remove a bone filler from the proximal connector region.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum port at the distal cleaning region. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a passageway formed within the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the distal cleaning region has a V-shape. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the cleaning region further comprises one or more longitudinal flutes. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein a ratio of a total threaded arc length to a total fluted arc length at a cross-section orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of 1:1. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the distal cleaning edge is a movable abrading portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a central passageway.