MODULAR SEGMENTED INTRAMEDULLARY SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS

• US 20090216232A1
• Filed: 12/29/2008
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sonoma Orthopedic Products Incorporated (Arthrex Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: OsteoLign, Inc.
• Inventors: Larsen, Charles E., Justin, Daniel F., Trip, Roelof, Creger, Carlyle J., Mohr, Karen E., Stoneburner, James D., Harmon, Matthew T., Goshayesh, Mojan, Borchert, Jeremy D., Buford, Thomas B. III
• Application Number:
  US12/345,340
• Publication Number:
  US 20090216232A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/62
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1717 for applying intramedullary nails or pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1725 for applying transverse screws or pins through intramedullary nails or pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7208 Flexible pins, e.g. ENDER pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7266 with fingers moving radially outwardly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7283 with special cross-section of the nail
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8869 Tensioning devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/922 Devices for impaction, impact element
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/107 Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4504 Bones A61B5/4547 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53796 Puller or pusher means, contained force multiplying operator

Abstract

A modular implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a customized implant, comprising the steps of:

evaluating a parameter of an intramedullary canal of a bone;

providing a plurality of segments comprising a channel configured to move along a guide;

assembling a customized structure by selecting a first segment based on the evaluating a parameter of the intramedullary canal of the bone and distally advancing the first segment along the guide; and

selecting a second segment based on the evaluating a parameter of the intramedullary canal of the bone and distally advancing the second segment along the guide.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the implant is a segmented intramedullary fracture fixation device.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location.

2. A method of constructing an implant customized for a patient, comprising the steps of:

selecting from an array of segments, each segment comprising a channel configured to be moveable along an elongate element;

assembling two or more segments along the elongate element in to a structure; and

locking the structure to retain the structure in a substantially rigid configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the assembling two or more segments in to a structure further comprises:

advancing each segment over the elongate element; and

interfacing adjacent segments with corresponding interfaces.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking the structure comprises tensioning an elongate element.

5. An assembly for tensioning a surgical elongate member, the assembly comprising:

an elongate member having a first location connectable to an implant;

a locking feature configured to circumferentially engage the elongate member to lock onto a second location on the elongate member;

a tensioner configured to engage the locking feature, wherein the tensioner is actuatable to move the locking feature relative to the first location to regulate tension on the elongate member between the first location and the second location when the first location is connected to the implant and the second location is locked in the locking feature; and

a locking mechanism actuator configured to actuate a locking mechanism to lock onto a third location on the elongate member.

8. An assembly for tensioning a surgical elongate member, the assembly comprising:

an elongate member having a first location connectable to an implant;

a locking feature configured to engage the elongate member to lock onto a second location on the elongate member;

a tensioner configured to engage the locking feature, wherein the tensioner is actuatable to move the locking feature relative to the first location to regulate tension on the elongate member between the first location and the second location when the first location is connected to the implant and the second location is locked in the locking feature; and

a locking mechanism actuator configured to reversibly actuate a locking mechanism to lock and unlock onto a third location on the elongate member, wherein the locking mechanism actuator is contained within the tensioner.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the implant is a segmented intramedullary fracture fixation device.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location.

11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the locking feature is configured to circumferentially engage the elongate member.

12. An implantable intramedullary fixation structure having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone comprising:

a plurality of segments, each segment having a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment, the segments including a guide lumen so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal;

a tensioning member extending through the fixation structure to apply a compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the structure; and

a lock in at least one of the proximal end and the distal end, for securing the tension member;

wherein activation of the tensioning member causes the fixation structure to convert from a substantially flexible state to a substantially rigid state.

13. The intramedullary structure of claim 12 further comprising a radially-expandable member in a segment and having tensioning member secured thereto, the tensioning member residing in a channel extending along a length of the intramedullary structure.

14. The intramedullary structure of claim 13 wherein the expandable member comprises an expander having a plurality of depending legs and a wedge, the tensioning member being secured to the wedge so that when the tensioning member is tensioned, the wedge spreads the legs of the expander radially outwardly.