| abstract |
A device for removing embedded or broken fastening implements from bone, comprises a cylindrical drill bit with a cavity extending internally from a distal end of the bit. The distal end further defines a cutting surface disposed about the opening to the cavity. The interior surface of the cavity defines has a decreasing diameter as one proceeds away from the opening in the distal end, and thus the cutting surface is formed where the radial thickness of the wall of the drill bit is the thinnest. The interior surface of the cavity is susceptible to a galling effect when frictionally engaged by the exterior surface of the fastening implement intended to be removed. The operator places the drill bit around the site of the bone containing the fastening implement to be removed and rotates the bit so as to cut into the bone around the exterior surface of the fastening implement. Galling between the interior surface of the cavity and the exterior surface of the fastening implement causes the implement to adhere to the interior surface of the cavity of the drill bit. The operator then can move the drill bit away from the bone and remove the adhered fastening implement, which then can be discarded with the drill bit. |