| abstract |
An internal joint stabilizer (310A) for stabilizing a joint between a first bone (21) and a second bone (20), the joint having a natural axis of rotation, the internal joint stabilizer (1) comprising: two turret assemblies (300); a coupling portion (301A) for coupling to the first bone (21) with fasteners (7, 8), said coupling portion (301A) including a first coupling point in connection with the first turret assembly (300) in a first side of the coupling portion (301A) and a second coupling point in connection with the second turret assembly (300) on a second side of the coupling portion (301) opposite said first side; a first stabilizing portion coupled to said first point of engagement, including: a first stem (160b) configured for insertion into the second bone (20) of the joint in alignment with the natural axis of rotation of the joint; and a first neck (150') disposed between said first stem (160b) and said coupling portion, a position of said first stem being adjustable with respect to said first neck (150'); a second stabilizing portion coupled to said second point of engagement, including: a second stem (160a) configured for insertion into the second bone (20) of the joint in alignment with the natural axis of rotation of the joint, and configured further to cooperate with the first stem (160b); a second neck (150') disposed between said second stem (160a) and said coupling portion, a position of said second stem (160a) being adjustable with respect to said second neck (150'); said first stabilizing portion and said second stabilizing portion being coupled to said coupling portion in a mirror-image configuration; and said first and second stems (160b, 160a) configured to allow free rotation of the second bone (20) of the joint about said stems (160a, 160b). |