Long bone fixation system and methods

Abstract

A method of stabilizing a fractured bone includes: a) providing a first support member in a medullary canal of a fractured bone; b) providing a second support member outside the fractured bone; c) providing a transverse connector adapted to link the first support member to the second support member in an angle-stable connection; d) connecting the transverse connector to the first and second support members in an angle-stable connection; e) providing one or more bone screws adapted to be connected to the second support member in an angle-stable connection; and f) implanting the bone screws such that the shank of the screw is implanted in the fractured bone while the head of the screw is connected to the second support member in an angle-stable connection. The system provides superior fixation of long bones that allows for early functional range of motion without loss of alignment or fixation.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 999,181, filed Oct. 16, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for stabilizing fractured long bones, such as a fracture of the distal femur.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Trauma to the diaphyseal segment or the distal segment of the femur may result in simple or complex fractures that require treatment by surgical means. Typically, a metal pin or plate is used to reduce the fracture and stabilize the bone while healing occurs.[0004]For example, one method of treating distal femur fractures utilizes an intramedullary nail (or, alternatively, an IM pin or rod) which is inserted into the bone marrow canal and span a fracture in the bone. Such IM nails are designed to share the load with the bone and to assist with aligning and stabilizing the bone. In some such IM nail systems one or more screws or bolts a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0039]When implanted, the apparatus forms a four-part locked system wherein the plate is locked to the intramedullary nail through the transverse connector, and is further locked to the bone with locked bone screws. The system provides superior fixation of long bones that allows for early functional range of motion without loss of alignment or fixation.

Problems solved by technology

Trauma to the diaphyseal segment or the distal segment of the femur may result in simple or complex fractures that require treatment by surgical means.

Neither the prior art intramedullary nail systems nor the prior art locked plate systems provide an optimal fixation system for many long bone fractures.

While the intramedullary nail systems may be relatively easy to use, the reduction and stabilization they provide may not be optimal since the nail typically has limited contact with the distal portion of the bone.

While locked plate systems may provide improved contact with the bone, they may be difficult to align and are generally less easy to use.

Additionally, locked plate systems have a biomechanical disadvantage since they are offset relative to the axis of the bone they are attempting to stabilize.

Images