Guide assembly for intramedullary fixation and method of using the same
US7588577B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/062
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.