BONE STABILIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

主权项

1. A bone stabilization device for insertion into the intramedullary canal of a bone, the device comprising:
an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, the body including a polymer with a glass transition temperature greater than 37 degrees Celsius, wherein the polymer is in a relatively deformable first state at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and a relatively rigid second state at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, the device, while the polymer is in the first state above the glass transition temperature, being responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone, and the device, when cooled to the second state below the glass transition temperature, being relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.