Method and apparatus for treating supracondylar fractures of the femur
US6652529B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/744
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treating fractures of the distal femur are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an intramedullary nail and blade. The intramedullary nail has a passage through a distal end for accepting a locking screw and a blade passage which extends through a proximal end of the intramedullary nail. The blade has a surface which when engaged with the femur resists relative rotation between the blade and femur and is also configured to cooperate with the blade passage to resist rotation of the blade with respect to the intramedullary nail. In accordance with a method, the intramedullary nail is extended into the medullary space of a femur from the distal end. The blade is positioned transversely to the intramedullary nail in a portion of the femur distal of the fracture. The blade is fixed, such as with a locking screw, to prevent axial movement relative to the intramedullary nail. A locking member is extended through the femur and the passage in the distal end of the intramedullary nail to fix the distal end of the intramedullary nail to the femur. In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes two blades for passage through the intrame…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.