Intramedullary rod apparatus and methods of repairing proximal humerus fractures

Abstract

A bone stabilizing apparatus includes a stem member and an extension member, the stem member having a distal end for insertion within the intramedullary canal of a human humerus and the proximal end connected to the extension member. The extension member has radially directed threaded holes either pre-formed or created after the bone stabilizing apparatus is installed into the humerus. The threaded holes allow fixation of stabilizing screws with suture posts, or a washer structure to grip the surface of the bone and/or surrounding ligaments or muscle. A prosthetic or the natural humeral head can be attached to the extension member. In a preferred embodiment a guide structure directs the drill and stabilizing screws radially through the central axis of the extension member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the fixation of proximal humerus fractures in which one or more bone pieces must be aligned with the major portion of the bone. In proximal humerus fractures, displacing forces such as muscle connections acting on the fragments of the fracture frequently cause bone fragments to separate and pull away from the main part of the humerus. In alternative embodiments, this invention provides an apparatus and methods for internal fixation of fractured humerus bones, nonunions, and primary and metastatic tumors, in each case providing anatomic alignment to reduce impingement and promote healing.[0003]2.Description of the Related Art[0004]The conventional methods and apparatuses for treating proximal humerus fractures have respective shortcomings relating to effective treatment of many of the numerous categories of fractures. These categories correspond to proximal humerus fr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030]A further method includes an adjustable screw alignment guide which is removably and temporarily atta

Problems solved by technology

Various apparatus and methods appear in the related art for treating proximal fractures of the humerus, including plates, screws, sutures and rods, but none of these solve all of the problems relating to fixation of these fractures.

One major problem in treating humerus fractures is the difficulty of finding adequate bone stock to secure the related art internal fixation means.

The related art methods of fixation are therefore frequently difficult and unsuccessful, leading to possible loss of fixation, loss of fracture reduction, nonunion or malunion.

Further, in many cases these methods do not allow early motion.

Such a means of fixation does not provide the ease, anatomic alignment, and stability of the present invention, thereby also possibly leading to loss of fracture reduction or fixation.

This type of device is ineffective, however; at assisting in the fixation of bone fragments such as the lesser or greater tuberosity, or when the head of the humerus is to be saved.

For example, the modular humeral prosthesis is designed to replace the natural humerus head and is not designed for a situation wherein the proximal humerus is fractured but the head is still attached or can be salvaged.

This restriction limits the flexibility of this related art because, frequently, the pre-installed aperture cannot be optimally positioned.

The Fixel intramedullary nail, however, is not addressed to, nor effective for, proximal humerus fractures, particularly the segmented proximal humerus fractures.

The reason that Fixel, and similar, methods are not effective for such segmented fractures is that the intramedullary nail secures bone fragments using individual screws

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