Bone fracture reinforcement structure and method

摘要

Apparatus and method for reducing a fractured long bone includes a cannula having a transparent tapered tip for facilitating visualization of the cannula being advanced along the bone from an initial incision remote from the fracture. The cannula includes a selectively inflatable balloon near the tip to expand a working cavity adjacent the bone. An arched, elongated positioning fixture is inserted into the working cavity with lower edges including facing grooves therein disposed against the bone. A support gate is slid into position across the fracture along the groove in the fixture, and holes in the support plate are referenced by the fixture from above the overlying skin. Small incisions are formed with reference to holes in the support plate for insertion of bone screws through the incisions and the fixture to secure the support plate to the bone across the fracture under visualization of an endoscope positioned within the arched space of the fixture. The fixture is then removed from the working cavity slidably along the secured support plate, and the incisions are then closed.