Method and Apparatus for Repairing the Mid-Foot Region Via and Intramedullary Nail

Abstract

A device, method, and system for treatment or fixation of a fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bone or bones in a mid-foot region. The device comprising an implant with both proximal and distal fastener holes, along with fastener slots in a central elongated body, for securing the implant to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. The method for treatment or fixation of fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bones in the medial column of the foot with use of a device such as an intramedullary nail that attaches to either the talus or first metatarsal bones to secure the medial cuneiform and navicular bones in place.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This continuation application hereby claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 14 / 030,531 filed Sep. 18, 2013 and entitled “Method and Apparatus for repairing the Mid-Foot Region Via an Intramedulary Nail”, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 13 / 771,646 filed Feb. 20, 2013, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 13 / 593,987 of the same title filed on Aug. 24, 2012. Applicant hereby claims priority under all rights to which they are entitled per 35 USC 120 based upon the U.S. Application No. 60 / 402,380 for this filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 10, 2002. This application also takes priority from PCT / US2003 / 024185 entitled, “Method and Apparatus for Repairing the Mid-Foot Region Via an Intramedullary Nail”, filed on Aug. 1, 2003 and its corresponding US National Stage application under 35 USC 371, 10 / 525,544 of the same title and filed Jan. 28, 2005. The entire contents of the above referenced applications are also herewith incorpora...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a device and method for treating and fixation of bones in the mid-foot region, specifically the medial column of the foot. The invention is an intramedullary nail that is inserted through and attached to the first metatarsal and talus bones to stabilize the bones in the mid-foot region. This device helps reduce complications associated with diabetic Charcot foot reconstruction and provides fixation to prevent future damage to the mid-foot. It also helps bring into alignment microfractures and is used to treat bone loss of the navicular and medial cuneiform bones. The intramedullary nail acts as an internal splint and has fastener holes for attaching it to the bones. A compression system with a depth gauge device can be used to determine the amount of compression achieved. Overall, the invention simplifies the procedure, reduces recovery time, and lowers medical costs.

Problems solved by technology

Diabetic neuropathy ultimately results in deterioration of the bones in the foot.

Such deterioration of those bones in the mid-foot region leads to the collapse of the foot, fracture of those bones, or both.

Diabetic foot treatment to date has been limited to amputation, special casts or shoes which alleviate the deformity, and surgical intervention to strengthen the foot.

Surgical intervention has been restricted to the use of screws and plates since most bones in the foot are quite small.

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