Introduction
Bradshaw Medical designs and manufactures Torque Limiting Ratcheting Drivers for use in spinal and orthopedic surgeries.
All hand torque tools must be handled with care. The Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver is indicated for any scenario where a
clinician desires to increase efficiency when tightening or loosening fasteners in a surgical setting. This increase in efficiency is
achieved by providing the option of allowing torque to be applied to a fastener in only one rotational direction and limiting the
magnitude of torque that can be applied. The Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver is intended for use by trained surgeons,
medical professionals, and others trained with appropriate use. The use of this instrument should not be performed without
prior instruction by an experienced individual. When used within the guidelines of this document, this device will maintain a
high level of performance for the lifetime (3 years) of the device. Failure to abide by these guidelines could compromise device
performance, durability, and possibly cause serious injury.
Intended Use
All Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver must be handled with care and must be used by experienced medical professionals or
other qualified individuals. BMI is not aware of any contraindications with regards to the Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver
but continues to monitor the use and application of these devices. Use as intended only.
The Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver is able to operate in 3 specific settings: forward, reverse, and neutral.
When in the forward setting, torque applied by the clinician in the reverse direction allows the Torque Limiting Ratcheting
Driver to quickly and easily rotate the driver to reposition the hand for the next driving stroke with minimal torque application
to the fastener. This allows for no change in hand position as the fastener is inserted.
When in the reverse setting, torque applied by the clinician in the forward direction allows the Torque Limiting Ratcheting
Driver to quickly and easily rotate the driver to reposition the hand for the next driving stroke with minimal application to the
fastener. This allows for no change in hand position as the fastener is removed.
When in the neutral setting, torque applied in either direction by the clinician is transferred to a fastener.
The Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver utilizes a selector ring that allows the clinician to shift between the 3 distinct
settings. The clinician is required to pull the selector ring away from the instruments body slightly and apply a minimal amount
of torque to the selector ring in order to shift between settings, with specific marking indicating which setting the clinician is
employing.
The Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver is a reusable surgical instrument designed to limit the magnitude of torque applied to
another device or fastener. The device produces an audible and tactile ‘click’ when the calibrated torque limit is reached. It is
offered from the factory at torque settings between 50-135 in-lbs. (5.65-15.25 N-m) and will maintain a torque accuracy of
±10% of the set value through repeated usage and cleaning/sterilization cycles.
Important Precautions and Safety Instructions
1. Read the Instruction for Use completely before operating the Torque Limiting Ratcheting Driver. Failure to read the
manual could result in harmful effects to the user, patient, and/or the device.
2. Maintain this device in accordance with the BMI “Guidelines for Instrument Care”.
3. Inspect before every use. Do not use if device is damaged. Only use if the device is in good functional condition.
4. Bradshaw Medical recommends manual torque verification at every inbound and outbound device transaction to ensure
device integrity before use.
5. Discontinue use immediately if there is abnormal noise or vibration or if device appears to be malfunctioning/damaged.
6. This device is a hand tool and is not intended to be used in conjunction with other devices for increased advantage or
leverage.
7. Do not drop or throw the device. If the device is dropped, manually verify the device’s torque limit with calibrated torque
measuring equipment.
8. To avoid damaging the device:
a. Do not use this torque wrench to break fasteners loose.
b. Do not use in the counter-clockwise direction unless the unit is specifically designed for this usage.
c. Do not impact this device or use this device to impact other devices.
d. Do not use as a prying tool.