Intramedullary rod with spiraling flutes

摘要

This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably designed to conform with the long bones of a patient, both during insertion and in the rod's final position in the long bone. In addition, the overlap of portions of the curved sections results in a co-planar curvature of portions of the IM rod which assist in the insertion process by guiding the proper rotation of the IM rod as it is inserted into the bone. Spiraling flutes extending down the distal portion of the rod also assist in properly guiding and orienting the rod about its longitudinal axis during insertion such that the appropriate segment of the curved rod conforms with the appropriate portion of the long bone at the appropriate place.

主权项

1. A method for treating long bone fractures, comprising:
creating an entry site into a medullary canal of a long bone, the entry site being laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the medullary canal; positioning an intramedullary rod at an opening of the entry site in an initial position relative to the bone, the intramedullary rod extending along a rod longitudinal axis and including a head and a stem, the stem comprising first, second and third curved segments, wherein the first and second curved segments curve relative to the rod longitudinal axis in a first plane and the third curved segment curving relative to the rod longitudinal axis in a second plane, and the rod includes a plurality of spiral flutes extending along a portion of the stem; and inserting the intramedullary rod into the medullary canal of the bone by moving the intramedullary rod distally with respect to the bone, the spiral flutes rotating the intramedullary rod about the rod longitudinal axis as the intramedullary rod is inserted distally into the bone so that the first and second curved segments conform to the opening of the entry site as the intramedullary rod is moved from the initial position to a desired final position within the medullary canal.