INTRAMEDULLARY ARTHRODESIS NAIL AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A device is provided including a distal nail portion and a proximal nail portion that can be connected to each other to attain a rigid configuration. The device is placed internally within the medullary cavities of at least two bones forming a joint to accomplish arthrodesis of the joint. The device is placed intramedullarily to minimize incision size, excessive bone resection and post-operative tendon damage and tenderness. Additionally, a method for using the device is provided that includes placing and affixing the distal nail in a bone of a joint, placing the proximal nail in another bone of a joint, connecting the distal nail to the proximal nail, doing the desired geometrical adjustments, affixing the proximal nail to the distal nail by tightening the connection and affixing the proximal nail to the other bone of the joint to attain a rigid configuration.