Methods of Using Minimally Invasive Actuable Bone Fixation Devices

• US 20060264952A1
• Filed: 05/15/2006
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arthrex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Sonoma Orthopedic Products Incorporated (Arthrex Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mazur, Kai U., Nelson, Charles L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,942,875 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/916
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7208 Flexible pins, e.g. ENDER pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7241 the nail having separate elements through which screws pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7266 with fingers moving radially outwardly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7275 with expanding cylindrical parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7291 for small bones, e.g. in the foot, ankle, hand or wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable or resorptive

Abstract

Method for bone reinforcement, fixation and treatment of diseased or fractured bones including a supporting structure optionally coated with therapeutic agent is provided. The supporting structure or device used in the method may be collapsible upon deployment at the surgical site, and include fixation features such as anchors to securely position in place once deployed. Bone cement or other material may be provided to alternatively secure the positioned supporting structure for treatment. The disclosed method includes, for example, a method of repairing a bone fracture comprising: accessing a fracture along a length of a bone through a bony protuberance at an access point at an end of a bone; advancing a bone fixation device into a space through the access point at the end of the bone; bending a portion of the bone fixation device along its length to traverse the fracture; and locking the bone fixation device into place within the space of the bone.

Claims

1. A method of repairing a bone fracture comprising:

a. accessing a fracture along a length of a bone through a bony protuberance at an access point at an end of a bone;

b. advancing a bone fixation device into an space through the access point at the end of the bone;

c. bending a portion of the bone fixation device along its length to traverse the fracture; and

d. locking the bone fixation device into place within the space of the bone.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of advancing an obdurator through the bony protuberance and across the fracture prior to advancing the bone fixation device into the space.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of anchoring the bone fixation device within the space.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein a first sleeve and a second sleeve of the bone fixation device are engaged to expand an interdigitation process into the bone.