INTRAMEDULLARY, FLEXIBLE FRACTURE FIXATION DEVICE, USING BI-AXIAL PRESTRESSING

摘要

The invention refers to a prosthetic device for the application of simultaneous axial and tranversal prestressing to obtain stable and elastic osteosynthesis of fractures. The device focuses on the concept of internal fixation with consideration for the natural frequency of the bone. The device for fracture fixation comprises a "tendon" (i.e. a tensionable wire) least one deformable element at the focus of the fracture, with the tendon and the deformable element being disposed almost parallel, whereby the device further comprises compression means to apply a compression force to the deformable element(s), so that the deformable element(s) deform(s) laterally. The device described can be used for fractures of long bones as well as for proximal femoral fractures. When used for long bone fractures, the device is an intramedullar flexible bar, with which we apply adjustable and measurable axial prestressing in order to compress the bone fragments and preload the bone. When used for proximal femoral fractures, the device is the same intramedullar flexible bar, with which we apply adjustable and measuring lateral prestressing while anchoring it on the femoral shaft exterior. By doing so we compress the bone fragments in order to neutralize the tension forces on the fracture and to avoid interfragmentary motions. The terms "axial prestressing" and "lateral prestressing" refer to axis of the long bone. The device allows us to achieve predetermined and measurable intramedullar transversal prestressing, which is a prerequisite for the application of axial prestressing.