Apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

A self-centering coupling device is provided for coupling a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The self-centering coupling device includes a sensor support having a stem and sensor support arms coupled to the stem to support the sensors of the sensor array. The self-centering coupling device is received within a recess formed in the surgical instrument.

1 . An apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the apparatus comprising: 
 a polymeric body having (i) a support arm configured to support a sensor for computer guided surgery, and (ii) a stem secured to the support arm and extending downwardly therefrom.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support arm includes a threaded shaft configured to receive the sensor.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support arm is a first support arm, and the polymeric body includes a second support arm and a third support arm.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the stem includes a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending between the first and second ends.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein: 
 the support arm is secured to the first end, and    the passageway is tapered at the second end.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the polymeric body is constructed with a plastic material selected from the group consisting of: acrylic, epoxy, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyphenylsulfide, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer, and polyetheretherketone.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body is constructed with polycarbonate plastic.  
     
     
         8 . A surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the instrument comprising: 
 a body having a recess configured to receive a sensor support, the recess defined by a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being inclined relative to one another.    
     
     
         9 . The surgical instrument of  claim 8 , wherein the recess is further defined by a third side wall and a fourth side wall, the third side wall and the fourth side wall being inclined relative to one another.  
     
     
         10 . The surgical instrument of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 the first side wall and the second side wall are arranged in a substantially V-shaped configuration, and    the third side wall and the fourth side wall are arranged in a substantially V-shaped configuration.    
     
     
         11 . The surgical instrument of  claim 8 , wherein the recess is substantially diamond shaped.  
     
     
         12 . The surgical instrument of  claim 8 , wherein the recess is tear-drop shaped.  
     
     
         13 . The surgical instrument of  claim 8 , wherein a bore is formed through a portion of the bottom wall.  
     
     
         14 . The surgical instrument of  claim 13 , wherein the bore is a threaded bore.