Dmls orthopedic intramedullary device and method of manufacture

Abstract

An orthopedic device, such as an intramedullary nail for internal fixation of a bone and a method of manufacturing the same. The orthopedic device may be formed from a medical grade powder via an additive manufacturing process. The forming process may include heat treating the additive manufactured component and machining the heat treated additive manufactured component to form the orthopedic device. Further, the orthopedic device may be formed to include an internal sensor probe channel that extends within at least a portion of the wall of the device, but which does not protrude through an outer portion of the wall. Embodiments further include a dynamizing intramedullary nail that accommodate adjustments in the relative axial positions of one or more sections of the orthopedic device. The devise may include features in an inner region of the orthopedic device that may alter an elastic modulus of the orthopedic device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 978,804, filed Apr. 11, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 978,806, filed Apr. 11, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to implants for use in orthopedic surgeries or procedures, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to an orthopedic intramedullary device, such as, for example, an orthopedic intramedullary nail, for internal fixation of a bone and a method of manufacturing the same.BACKGROUND[0003]Orthopedic fixation devices may be used, for example, to stabilize an injury, to support a bone fracture, to fuse a joint, and / or to correct a deformity. The orthopedic fixation device may be attached permanently or temporarily, and may be attached to the bone at various locations, including implanted within a cana...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention has the following advantages over previous methods: (1.) similar mechanical properties to wrought parts, (2.) the use of Grade 5 Ti powder which can provide an economic advantage, and (3.) improved part tolerance. However, these advantages are just examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

Although there are a large number of different commercially available intramedullary nails in the market place, there are no universal guidelines stating the conditions at which each nail will perform at its optimum for a given case.

Further, the optimal degree of implant stiffness is a topic of some debate, and the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the local mechanical environment and fracture healing are generally not well known.

However, for at least cost containment reasons, similar implants are used for both simple and complex fractures.

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