Compression nuts, systems and methods for treating bones - Patents.com

Abstract

A compression nut for treating bone includes a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end. The body includes external threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body that are spaced from the head via an unthreaded portion. The nut also includes a channel extending longitudinally through the body. The channel includes internal threads extending along an inner surface of the channel, the internal threads configured to threadably mate with an end of a set screw received therein.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to compression nuts, systems and methods for treating bone. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, fractures of a long bone, such as the femur, may be treated using an intramedullary nail inserted through the medullary canal of the bone after the fracture has been allowed to heal as desired. In some cases, particularly in the case of distal condylar fractures, the bone may be treated using a retrograde nail that can be inserted into the medullary canal from the distal end of the bone. A set screw may be inserted into a set hole extending laterally through the intramedullary nail to secure the intramedullary nail to the bone and / or provide additional stability to the bone. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a compression nut for treating bone. The nut includes a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end. The body includes male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body that is spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion. The nut also includes a channel extending longitudinally through the body. The channel includes female threads extending along an inner surface of the channel, the female threads configured to threadably mate with an end of a set screw received therein.

[0004] In one embodiment, the free end includes cutting teeth configured to cut bone as the compression nut is driven into the bone.

[0005] In one embodiment, the tips of the cutting teeth are angled toward the direction in which the compression nut is rotated to be driven into the bone.

[0006] In one embodiment, a portion of the female threads adjacent the head includes an enlarged apex for engaging a corresponding enlarged threaded apex of a set screw received therein.

[0007] In one embodiment, a portion of the female threads proximate the free end includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when a threaded set screw is received therein.

[0008] In one embodiment, the non-threaded portion of the body includes a stepped lug, with a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head having a larger diameter than the remainder of the non-threaded portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the head includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a locking screw therein, such that when the locking screw is received in the hole, a shaft of the locking screw extends along an outer surface of the body of the compression nut.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the head includes multiple holes, each of the holes is spaced an equal distance from adjacent holes.

[0011] In one embodiment, the compression nut further includes a locking screw housed within the one or more holes, and when it is desired to lock the compression screw to the bone, the locking screw can be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone.

[0012] In one embodiment, a portion of the body is deformed radially inward toward its longitudinal axis to create interference with a set screw threadably received therein.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to a system for treating a long bone. The system includes an intramedullary nail insertable through the medullary canal of the bone and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the intramedullary nail including a blind hole extending through the intramedullary nail along an axis extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail, a set screw configured to be inserted into the bone and through the blind hole, the set screw including a head portion and a shaft extending from the head portion to a free end, the shaft including threads extending therealong, and a first compression nut configured to be inserted into the bone. The first compression nut includes a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to the free end. The body includes male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body that is spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion, and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. A female thread extends along an inner surface of the channel and threadably engages a portion of the set screw.

[0014] In one embodiment, the system further includes a second compression nut configured to be inserted into the bone, the second compression nut including a head, a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, and a channel extending therethrough, the channel of the second compression nut including internal threads extending therealong for threadingly receiving a portion of the shaft of the set screw.

[0015] In one embodiment, a portion of the threads adjacent the head of the set screw includes an enlarged apex and the female threads adjacent the head of the first compression nut include a corresponding enlarged apex for engaging the enlarged apex of the set screw.

[0016] In one embodiment, a portion of the female threads proximate the free end of the first compression nut includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when a set screw is threadably received therein.

[0017] In one embodiment, the non-threaded portion of the body of the first compression nut includes a stepped lug, and a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head of the first compression nut has a larger diameter than the remainder of the non-threaded portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the head of the first compression nut includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a locking screw therein, such that when the locking screw is received in the hole, a shaft of the locking screw extends along an outer surface of the body of the first compression nut.

[0019] In one embodiment, the system further includes a fixation screw housed within the one or more holes, and when it is desired to fix the first compression screw to the bone, the fixation screw can be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone.

[0020] In one embodiment, a portion of the body of the first compression nut is deformed radially inward toward its longitudinal axis to provide interference with the set screw when the set screw is threadably received therein.

[0021] The present disclosure further relates to a method of treating a bone, the method including inserting an intramedullary nail into a medullary canal of a long bone through an insertion point at a distal end of the bone, inserting a first compression nut through the bone, where a channel of the first compression nut is substantially longitudinally aligned with a blind hole extending through a distal portion of the intramedullary nail, and driving a set screw through the bone, where a shaft of the set screw extends across the bone and through the blind hole, a portion of the shaft threadably received within and engaged with the first compression nut, the set screw including a head portion from which the shaft extends to a free end.

[0022] In one embodiment, forcing the set screw through the bone includes inserting the set screw into the bone from a side of the bone opposite the first compression nut such that the first compression nut receives and engages the free end of the shaft.

[0023] In one embodiment, driving the set screw through the bone includes inserting a shaft through a channel of a first compression nut such that when the set screw is fully driven into the bone, the first compression nut engages a portion of the shaft adjacent the head of the set screw.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further includes inserting a second compression nut into the bone from a side of the bone opposite the first compression screw such that the free end of the set screw is received within and threadably engages the second compression nut. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a set screw with a washer according to the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of an insertion device and a compression nut according to the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a compression nut according to the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the compression nut of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a plan view from a first end of the compression nut of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 1 is a system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a set screw according to the system of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a compression nut according to the system of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a compression nut according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a non-compression according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut according to FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the end of the compression nut according to FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a side view of a system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a side view of a compression nut according to the system of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is an end plan view of the compression nut of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a side view of an insertion device according to the system of FIG. 18. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is another side view of the compression nut of FIG. 25 rotated approximately 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the end of the compression nut of FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a side view of a compression nut according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut of FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 31 is an end plan view of the compression nut of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like components are referred to with the same reference numerals. The present embodiments relate to the treatment of bones, and in particular to the treatment of long bones. Exemplary embodiments describe a system including an intramedullary nail configured to be inserted through the medullary canal of a long bone (e.g., a femur) in combination with a set screw insertable through a set hole extending laterally through the intramedullary nail and a compression nut configured to engage a threaded end of the set screw.

[0027] The set screw and compression nut act together to provide additional stability, fixation, and / or compression, for example, at the distal end of a bone. An exemplary embodiment describes a compression nut that includes a head portion and a body portion that includes a channel configured to threadingly receive the threaded end of a set screw. The compression nut of this embodiment also includes male threads along only the distal portion of the body portion to compress the bone fragments without rotating the distal fragments of the bone.

[0028] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, although the exemplary embodiments are specifically shown and described with a femoral retrograde nail system, the system of the present disclosure may be used to treat any of a variety of long bones, such as, for example, the humerus or tibia. Additionally, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, although the exemplary embodiments are shown and described with a set screw and compression nut to provide stability and / or compression to the distal end of the bone, the set screw and compression nut may be used to provide additional stability / compression over any portion of the bone. It should be noted that as used herein, the terms proximal and distal are intended to refer to directions corresponding to the proximal and distal ends of the bone, respectively, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , a system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an intramedullary nail 102 configured to be inserted through a medullary canal of a long bone (e.g., a femur) along with a set screw 104 and a compression nut 106 for, for example, securing a distal end 108 of the intramedullary nail 102 relative to the bone and providing stability and / or compression to the bone. The set screw 104 is configured to be inserted through a set hole 110 extending laterally through a portion of the intramedullary nail 102 from a first side of the bone. The compression nut 106 includes a head 114 and a body 116 extending from the head 114, the body 116 configured to engage a free end 118 of the set screw 104 from a second side opposite the first side of the bone to provide additional stability, fixation, and / or compression to a portion of the bone through which the set screw 104 extends.

[0030] The body 116 includes male threads 120 extending around a portion 122 of the body 116 remote from the head 114 to provide compression of the bone while preventing rotation of the fragmented portion of the bone when the body 116 of the compression nut 106 is inserted into the bone and engages the free end 118 of the set screw 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the compression nut 102 can be inserted into the bone using an insertion device 124, which includes a drive end 126 sized, shaped and configured to engage a corresponding portion of a drive recess 128, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0031] The intramedullary nail 102 extends from a distal end 108 to a proximal end (not shown). In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail 102 is a femoral retrograde nail configured to be inserted through an insertion point at the distal end of the bone and into the medullary canal of the femur. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the intramedullary nail 102 in this embodiment is sized, shaped and configured to correspond to the size and shape of the medullary canal of the bone.

[0032] In one embodiment, the blind hole 110 extends laterally through the distal portion 132 of the nail 102 and is configured to receive the set screw 104 therethrough to provide stability across the distal end of the femur, for example. The blind hole 110 extends through the distal portion 132 along an axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail 102. In one embodiment, the blind hole 110 extends through the distal portion 132 along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nail 102. In another embodiment, the blind hole 110 extends through the distal portion 132 along an axis that is inclined non-perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail 102. Although the exemplary embodiment describes a single blind hole 110, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the intramedullary nail 102 may include multiple blind holes 110, each configured to receive a respective one of these set screws 104.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the set screw 104 according to the exemplary embodiment is a standard bone screw including a head portion 134 and a shaft 136 extending therefrom to a free end 118, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The shaft 136 includes threads 138 along the shaft such that the set screw 104 can be inserted into the bone and through the set hole 110 by rotation of the set screw 104 about the longitudinal axis of the set screw. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the set screw 104 can be driven into the bone using, for example, a screwdriver engageable with a drive recess in the head portion 134. The drive and drive recesses are correspondingly sized and shaped such that, when engaged, rotation of the screwdriver correspondingly rotates the set screw 104 and drives the set screw into the bone. When fully inserted, the head 134 can abut the cortex of the bone along a first side of the bone, and the set screw 104 can be inserted through the set hole 110 and into the bone such that the length of the set screw 104 extends substantially across the width of the bone.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3-6 , the compression nut 106 extends from a first end 130 to a second free end 140 and includes a head portion 114 and a body 116 extending from the head portion 114 to the second end 140. The body 116 includes a channel 142 extending longitudinally therein from the second end 140. The channel 142 is configured to receive the free end 118 of the set screw 104 therein and includes internal threads 144 along an inner surface 146 of the channel. The internal threads 144 correspond to the threads 138 of the set screw 104 such that when rotated about the shaft 136 of the set screw 104, the internal threads 144 of the compression nut 106 engage the threads 138 of the set screw 104.

[0035] The free end 140 of the body 116 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of cutting teeth 148 extending around a surface 150 of the compression nut 106 that faces the cortex of the bone when the compression nut 106 is inserted into the bone. The cutting teeth 148 include sharp edges that facilitate cutting the bone when the body 116 of the compression nut 106 is inserted into the bone. In one embodiment, the apex 149 of the cutting teeth 148 is angled in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation in which the compression nut 106 is rotated to drive the compression nut 106 into the bone. Each cutting tooth 148 is defined by a first edge 151 and a second edge 153 that are mutually angled toward the apex 149. In one example, the first edge 151 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 106, whereas the second edge 153 is angled toward the apex 149.

[0036] The body 116 of the compression nut 106 also includes male threads 120 that extend around the exterior surface 152 along a portion 122 of the body 116 that is distal from the head 114 via a non-threaded portion 123, as described above. The threaded portion 122 can have an exemplary range of 1 mm to 5 mm, and the non-threaded portion 123 can have an exemplary range of 0 mm to 15 mm. In one embodiment, the threaded portion 122 extends proximate to the free end 140. Thus, when the compression nut 106 is driven into the bone, the male threads 120 engage the bone as the compression nut 106 is threaded onto the set screw 104, providing compression to the bone while also preventing rotation of the fragmented portion of the bone, for example, along a second side of the bone. In particular, the compression nut 106 can be driven into a second side of the bone opposite the first side, with the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 106 substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the set screw 104 inserted through the blind hole, and the body 116 threaded onto the free end 118 of the set screw 104 as the compression nut 106 is driven into the bone.

[0037] Similar to the set screw 104, the head 114 of the compression nut 106 includes a drive recess 128 that is engageable with a driver, such as, for example, the insertion device 124, to rotate the compression nut 106 to drive the compression nut 106 into the bone. In one embodiment, the drive recess 128 opens into and communicates with a channel 142. In this embodiment, each of the drive recess 128 and the channel 142 are axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive recess 128 includes a central portion 154 and a plurality of engagement recesses 156 extending radially therefrom. In one embodiment, each of the engagement recesses 156 may be equidistantly spaced from one another. The central portion 154 and the plurality of engaging recesses 156 may be sized, shaped and configured to be receptive of and engageable with a correspondingly sized and shaped insert driving tip 126, such that rotation of the inserter 124 about its longitudinal axis correspondingly rotates the compression nut 106.

[0038] In one embodiment, the insertion device 124 includes a handle portion 160 and a shaft 162 extending therefrom to a push tip 126. As noted above, the push tip 126 is sized and shaped to be received within the push recess 128 of the compression nut 106. In particular, the push tip 126 includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections 164 extending from the shaft 162, each of which is received within a corresponding one of the mating recesses 156 of the push recess 128. In one embodiment, the number of projections 164 corresponds to the number of recesses 156.

[0039] According to an exemplary method, the system 100 may be used to treat fractures of a long bone, and in particular, fractures of the distal femur. In this embodiment, the intramedullary nail 102 is inserted through the distal end of the femur, with the distal portion 132 of the intramedullary nail 102 being received within the distal end of the femur. A pilot hole may be drilled through the distal end of the bone, for example, using a drill bit, with the pilot hole extending across the bone and through the stop hole 110 of the intramedullary nail. Once the pilot hole is drilled, a guide wire may be inserted through the pilot hole with an end of the guide wire extending from the outer surface of the bone on a first side and a second side of the bone.

[0040] In one embodiment, the compression nut 106 is slid over the guide wire and inserted into the bone. In particular, the cutting teeth 148 on the free end 140 of the body 116 of the compression nut 106 are cut into the bone as the compression nut 106 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, for example, using the insertion device 124. The compression nut 106 is driven into the bone until the body 116 is received within the bone and the head 114 abuts the outside of the bone at a second side of the bone. Although not shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a drill bit for drilling a pilot hole and / or a guide wire for guiding the compression nut 106 can be aimed into the bone and guided through the blind hole 110, for example, via the use of an aiming arm or other similar device connected to the distal end 108 of the intramedullary nail 102, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Once the compression nut 106 is inserted into the bone, the guide wire may be removed from the bone and the set screw 104 may be inserted through the pilot hole from a first side of the bone. The set screw 104 is driven through the pilot hole and the set hole 110 of the intramedullary nail 102 until the free end 118 of the shaft 136 is received within the channel 142 of the compression nut 106 and the threads 138 along the free end 118 threadably engage with the internal threads 144 extending along the channel 142 of the compression nut 106. The shaft 136 extends across the bone and the head 134 of the set screw 104 abuts the cortex along the first side of the bone. Although the head 134 is described as abutting the bone, one skilled in the art will understand that a washer 158 may be positioned between the head 134 and the cortex of the bone. Once the set screw 104 and compression nut 106 are inserted into the bone and engaged with one another, the final compression can be controlled by further rotating one of the set screw 104 and compression nut 106 .

[0042] According to another exemplary system 1100, as shown in Figures 7-9, the system 1100 includes two compression nuts 1106 (1106a, 1106b) that can be used to lock both ends of the set screw 1104 to increase stability of the nail construct. The set screw 1104 can be substantially similar to the set screw 1104, including a head portion 1134 and a shaft 1136, the shaft 1136 having threads 1138 extending along its outer surface. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the threads 1138 include an enlarged apex 1139 along a portion of the shaft 1136 adjacent the head 1134 relative to the remainder of the shaft 1136.

[0043] Each of the two compression nuts 1106 may be substantially similar to the nut 106 of the system 100, including male threads 1120 along a portion 1122 of the body 1116 that is spaced from the head 1114 via a non-threaded portion 1123. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, female threads 1144 along a channel 1142 extending through the body 1116 of the compression nuts 1106a and 1106b match with threads 1138 along the shaft 1136 of the set screw 1104 to facilitate assembly of the first compression nut 1106a with the set screw 1104. In particular, the portion of the female threads 1144 along a portion 1143 of the channel 1142 adjacent the head 1114 corresponds to the enlarged apex 1139 of the shaft 1136.

[0044] Similar to the exemplary method described above with respect to system 100, when utilizing system 1100, an intramedullary nail 1102 may be inserted into a bone and a pilot hole is drilled across the bone through a blind hole 1110 that extends laterally through a portion of the intramedullary nail 102. However, in this embodiment, a first nut 1106a is inserted through the cortex along a first side of the bone until a head 1114 of the first nut 1106 contacts the cortex along the first side. A free end of a set screw 1104 is inserted into the head 1114 of the first nut 1106a and through the body 1116 of the nut 1106a, such that the shaft 1136 of the set screw 1104 engages threads along the interior of the body 1116. When the threads 1138 of the shaft 1136 mate with the internal threads 1144 of the first compression nut 1106a, the set screw 1104 can be easily moved longitudinally relative to the first nut 1106a until its free end extends beyond the body 1116 and the head 1134 of the set screw 1104 abuts the head 1114 of the first nut 1106a. In other words, the enlarged apex 1139 resides within and engages the portion 1143 of the channel 1142 adjacent the head 1114 of the compression nut 1106a.

[0045] As described above, once the set screw 1104 is inserted into the bone through the first nut 1106a, the second nut 1106b may be inserted through the cortex along a second side of the bone opposite the first side to engage the free end of the set screw 1104. Optionally, the second compression nut 1106b may be inserted into the bone from the second side of the bone before the set screw 1104 is inserted, and the set screw is inserted into the bone through the first compression nut 1106b until the free end of the shaft 1136 is received within and engaged with the body 1116 of the second compression nut 1106b. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the insertion of the compression nuts 1106a, 1106b into the bone and the engagement of the free end of the shaft 1136 with the second compression nut 1106b may be substantially similar to the insertion of the nut 106 described above with respect to the system 100.

[0046] 10, another exemplary embodiment of a compression nut 206 is substantially similar to the compression nut 106, except as noted below, and may be used in conjunction with an intramedullary nail and set screw, as described above with respect to system 100. Like the compression nut 106, the compression nut 206 is configured to engage a free end of a set screw, which may be substantially similar to the set screw 104, as described above with respect to system 100. The compression nut 206 includes a head 214 and a body 216 extending longitudinally from the head to a free end 240. Like the compression nut 106, the compression nut 206 includes male threads 220 extending along a threaded portion 222 of the body 216, which is spaced from the head 214 via a non-threaded portion 223 of the body 216. Like the compression nut 106, the compression nut 206 also includes a channel 242 extending longitudinally therein from the free end 240, the channel 242 including female threads 244 configured to receive and engage an end of a set screw.

[0047] However, in this embodiment, a portion of the female threads 244 includes an enlarged apex 245 configured to prevent or reduce post-operative loosening of the compression nut 206 that may result from cyclic loading on the assembly (e.g., the nail, the set screw, and the compression nut 206). In particular, when the free end of the set screw 104 threadably engages with the channel 242 of the compression nut 206, the enlarged apex 245 deforms to lock the set screw against the compression nut 206 when the set screw and compression nut 206 are fully assembled. The enlarged apex 245 extends along only a portion of the thread 244, facilitating initial assembly of the set screw and compression nut 206. In one embodiment, the enlarged apex 245 may extend along a single turn of the thread 244. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the portion of the thread along which the enlarged apex 245 extends may be varied as desired.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, a compression nut 306 according to another exemplary embodiment may be substantially similar to the compression nuts 106, 206 described above, except as noted below. Similarly, the compression nut 306 includes a head 314 and a body 316 extending longitudinally from the head to a free end 340. The body 316 includes male threads 320 extending along a threaded portion 322 away from the head 314 via a non-threaded portion 323. However, in this embodiment, the non-threaded portion 323 includes a stepped lug 366, and a portion 368 of the non-threaded portion 323 directly adjacent the head 314 has a larger diameter than a remaining portion 370 of the non-threaded portion 323. The smaller diameter of the remaining portion 370 allows for nut compression without rotating bone fragments, while the portion 368 having a larger diameter maintains stability by engaging the cortex of the bone and filling in the bone area removed via the male threads 320 during insertion of the compression nut 306 into the bone.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 12, a compression nut 406 according to another exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the compression nuts 106-306 described above, except as noted below, and includes a head 414 and a body 416 extending longitudinally from the head to a free end 440. The body 416 includes male threads 420 extending along a threaded portion 422 away from the head 414 via a non-threaded portion 423. However, in this embodiment, the compression nut 406 further includes a plurality of holes 472 extending through the head 414, each hole 472 configured to receive a screw 474 to enhance rotational stability and increase bone surface area. The compression nut 406 may be particularly useful in demanding bone regions (e.g., osteoporotic bone) or demanding fracture patterns to improve load transfer.

[0050] Each of the plurality of holes 472, in one embodiment, extends through the head 414 along an axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 406. The holes 472 extend through a portion of the head 414 that extends around the circumference of the drive recess / channel of the compression nut 406, and when the screw 474 is inserted through the hole 472, the shaft 476 of the screw 474 extends around the circumference of the body 416 of the compression nut 406 and into the bone to enhance fixation of the compression nut 406 in the bone. In one embodiment, the screw 474 can be a drill / tapping screw. However, the screw 474 can have a variety of different lengths, diameters, pitches, and / or tips. The hole 472 can have any of a variety of configurations configured to accept any of a variety of different types of screw 474. For example, the hole 472 can be a non-threaded, one-way threaded, or variable angle hole.

[0051] Although the compression nut 406 has been described and illustrated as including multiple holes 472, according to an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the compression nut 406a may include a single hole 472a extending through the head 414a of the compression nut 406a such that one larger tapping screw 474a can be inserted through the hole 472a to secure the compression nut 406a to the bone.

[0052] According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a compression nut 406b may be substantially similar to the nuts 406, 406a described above, except as described below. Rather than inserting a screw through one or more holes 472b extending through the head 414b of the compression nut 406b during a bone procedure, the compression nut 406 includes a pre-captured screw 474b in the hole 472b, thereby saving valuable time during surgery. In particular, the screw 474b is assembled / received in the hole 472b prior to inserting the compression nut 406b into the bone. Thus, once the compression nut 406b is inserted into the bone, the surgeon or other user may drive the one or more pre-assembled screws 474b into the bone.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 15-17, a compression nut 506 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be substantially similar to the compression nuts 106-406 described above, except as described below, and includes a head 514 and a body 516 extending from the head to a free end 540. The body 516 includes male threads 520 extending along a threaded portion 522 that is spaced from the head 514 via a non-threaded portion 523. The body 516 also includes a channel 542 extending therethrough, as described above with respect to the system 100, which is configured to receive the free end of a set screw. However, in this embodiment, the body 516 is deformed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 516, creating interference with the set screw engaged therewith, thereby mitigating loosening of the compression nut 506 during dynamic loading of the system.

[0054] In one embodiment, after both the male and female threads 520 along the channel 542 are manufactured, the body 516 is deformed during the manufacture of the compression nut 506. The body 516 is deformed toward the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 506 from two or more directions oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 506. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when the body 516 is deformed from two directions, both sides of the body 516 (e.g., sides diametrically opposed to each other) are forced inwardly toward each other. In another embodiment, the body 516 is deformed in four directions (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17), each direction applying a force substantially 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0055] However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, deformation of the body 516 may result from forces applied from any number of directions arranged in any of a variety of configurations relative to one another. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, Figures 16 and 17 show exaggerated deformation of the body 516, where the body 516 deforms sufficiently to result in interference with the set screw without preventing rotation of the compression nut 506 and set screw relative to one another and rotation of the compression nut 506 into the bone. In the exemplary embodiment described above, the compression nut 506 may have an exemplary deformation of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0056] 18-22, a system 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be substantially similar to system 100 described above. System 600 similarly includes an intramedullary nail 602 configured to be inserted through the medullary canal of a long bone, along with, for example, a set screw 604 and a compression nut 606 for securing a distal end 608 of intramedullary nail 602 relative to the bone and providing stability and / or compression to the bone. Set screw 604 is configured to be inserted through a set hole 610 extending laterally through a portion of intramedullary nail 602 from a first side of the bone to a second side of the bone.

[0057] The nail 602 and set screw 604 are substantially similar to the nail 102 and set screw 104 of the system 100 as described above. The compression nut 606 is substantially similar to the compression nut 106 and includes a head 614 and a body 616 extending from the head. However, in this embodiment, the body 616 includes a first portion 623 and a second portion 622. The first portion 623 includes an outer surface 652 that tapers from the head 624 to the second portion 622 having a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The first portion 623 provides a tapered transition from the head 614 along the body 616 to provide a better fit with the shape of the bone and prevent soft tissue irritation. The system 600 may further include an insertion device 624 that includes a drive tip 626 that is specifically sized, shaped and configured to engage a drive recess 628 in the compression nut 606, as described in more detail below.

[0058] The compression nut 606 includes a head 614 and a body 616 extending from the head to a free end 640. As described above, the body 616 further includes a first portion 623 tapering from the head 614 to a second portion 622. In one embodiment, an outer surface 652 of the first portion 623 is substantially conical and the second portion 622 is substantially cylindrical. Male threads 620 extend along both the first portion 623 and the second portion 622, including the free end 640. Similar to the compression nut 106, the free end 640 includes cutting teeth 648 that facilitate cutting the bone as the compression nut is inserted. The compression nut 606 also includes a channel 642 extending therethrough that includes female threads 644 extending therealong for engaging threads 638 along the free end of the shaft 636 of the set screw 604, for example.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 21 , the head 614 of the compression nut 606 includes a push recess 628 configured to engage with the push tip 626 of the insertion device 624. However, the push recess 628 is configured with a plurality of recesses 656 extending into the head 614, each of the recesses 656 configured to receive a corresponding portion of the push tip 626 of the insertion device 624. The recesses 656 extend into the head 614 around the circumference of the channel 642. In one embodiment, each of the recesses 656 may be spaced equidistant from an adjacent one of the recesses 656. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 , each of the recesses 656 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the recesses 656 of the push recess 628 may be configured in any of a number of orientations and may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes, so long as the push recesses are configured to receive and engage a correspondingly sized and shaped push tip 626 of the insertion device 624.

[0060] 22, the insertion device 624 may be substantially similar to the insertion device 124 and includes a handle portion 660 and a shaft 662 extending from the handle portion. In one embodiment, the shaft 662 may include a channel extending therethrough such that the shaft 662 is substantially tubular. The shaft 662 extends from the handle portion 660 to a driving tip 626, the driving tip 662 including a plurality of prongs 664 extending from an end face 663 of the shaft 662. Each of the prongs 664 extends from the shaft 662 substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 662 and is sized and shaped to be received within a corresponding one of the recesses 656 of the compression nut 606 such that when the prongs 664 are received within the recesses 656, a rotational force applied to the insertion device 624 correspondingly rotates the compression nut 606 and drives the compression nut 606 into the bone.

[0061] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, insertion of the various components of system 600 into bone requires extensive x-rays to control the advancement of set screw 604 and / or compression nut 606 into the bone. In one embodiment, shaft 662 of insertion member 624 includes markings 625 along the length of shaft 662, such that the location of markings 625 relative to a portion of an aiming arm through which shaft 662 passes to insert compression nut 606 into the bone indicates to a surgeon or other user the advancement of compression nut 606 into the bone.

[0062] 23 and 24, a compression nut 706 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be substantially similar to the compression nut 606 described above with respect to the system 600 and may be used in substantially the same manner in combination with the intramedullary nail 602 and set screw 604. Similar to the compression nut 606, the compression nut 706 includes a head 714 and a body 716 extending from the head, the body 716 including a first transitional taper portion 723 extending from the head 714 to a second portion 722. Male threads 720 also extend along both the first portion 723 and the second portion 722. The compression nut 706 also includes a channel 742 extending therethrough, the channel 742 including female threads 744 extending along the channel when the compression nut 706 is threaded onto the free end of the set screw 604, for example.

[0063] However, to enhance the engagement between the set screw and the compression nut 706, the body 716 includes a plurality of grooves 780 extending through a wall 782 thereof, the wall being defined by an inner surface of the channel 742, an outer surface of the body 716, the inner surface of the channel 742 being open to the exterior of the compression nut 706 through the grooves 780. The grooves 780 allow deformation of the body 716 relative to the set screw and provide a controlled interference therebetween. In another embodiment, the grooves 780 extend through the second portion 722 of the body 716.

[0064] In one embodiment, the groove 780 extends laterally through a wall 782 of the body 716 to allow deformation of the body 716 that creates a spring-loaded mismatch between the internal threads 744 of the compression nut 706 and the threads of a set screw received therein. In this embodiment, the groove 780 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 706 and extends around a portion of the circumference of the body 716. In one exemplary embodiment, the portion of the circumference of the body 716 can be between 90° and 170°. Additionally, the spring-loaded mismatch can be created by the compression nut 706 being compressed or stretched during manufacturing.

[0065] The plurality of grooves 780 extend around a portion of the circumference of the body 716 and along a portion of the length of the body 716. In one embodiment, adjacent ones of the plurality of grooves 780 may be offset relative to one another along the length of the body 716. The lateral configuration of the grooves 780 allows for longitudinal expansion or compression of the body 716 along the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 706 and bending or twisting of the body 716 about the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 706 resulting in a mismatch in thread pitch and / or direction between the male threads of the set screw and the female threads 744 of the compression nut 706. This interference between the compression nut 706 and the set screw holds the compression nut 706 on the set screw 704 and prevents / mitigates loosening of the compression nut 706 after surgery.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, a compression nut 706a may be substantially similar to the compression nut 706 described above, including a plurality of transverse grooves 780a extending through its body 716a. However, rather than being offset from one another along the length of the body 716a, adjacent grooves 780a may be substantially aligned along the length of the body 716a. Adjacent ones of the grooves 780a may or may not extend around corresponding portions of the circumference of the body 716a in the range of approximately 90° to 170°.

[0067] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 27-29, a compression nut 806 may be substantially similar to the compression nuts 706, 706a described above. However, rather than transverse grooves, the compression nut 806 includes a body 816 having grooves 880 extending longitudinally through a wall 882 of the body 816. Each of the grooves 880 extends along a portion of the length of the body 816 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 806. In one embodiment, the grooves 880 are arranged in pairs, and the portions 884 of the body 816 extending between the first groove 880a and the second groove 880b of each pair of grooves 880 are deformed radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 806 to create a desired interference between the compression nut 806 and a set screw received within its channel 842. The distance between the first groove 880a and the second groove 880b of each pair of grooves 880 may be between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

[0068] In one embodiment, the compression nut 806 includes four pairs of grooves 880 to define four deformations 884. Each pair of grooves 880 may be spaced equidistant from an adjacent pair of grooves 880. However, as one skilled in the art would understand, the compression nut 806 may include any number of pairs of grooves 880 to define any number of deformations 884 having any of a variety of configurations. In the embodiment described above, the portion 884 between the first groove 880a and the second groove 880b is deformed during manufacture.

[0069] 30-32 show another embodiment of a compression nut 1806 including longitudinal grooves 1880 extending through a wall 1882 of a body 1816 of the compression nut 1806. However, the longitudinally extending grooves 1880 are not arranged in pairs. Rather, a portion 1884 of the body between adjacent ones of the grooves 1880 is deformed radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the compression nut 1806 such that a majority of the body 1816 is deformed relative to the compression nut 1806. In one embodiment, the compression nut 1806 includes four longitudinal grooves 1880 each spaced equidistantly from adjacent ones of the grooves 1880. However, as one skilled in the art would understand, the grooves 1880 may be arranged in any of any number of configurations around and along the body 1816 to define a deformation 1884.

[0070] Although the above embodiments show and describe the compression nut 706 (706a and 806, 1806) as including either transverse or longitudinal grooves 780, as one skilled in the art would understand, the grooves 780 may have any of a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, so long as the grooves 780 are configured to permit deformation of the body 716 of the compression nut 706 such that interference occurs between the compression nut 706 and a set screw threadably received therein. For example, in another embodiment, the compression nut may include a groove that extends through a wall of the body and spirals around a portion of the body.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methods of these embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of these embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of these embodiments, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0072] [Embodiment] (1) A compression nut for treating a bone, comprising: a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, the body including male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion; a channel extending longitudinally through the body, the channel including female threads extending along an inner surface of the channel, the female threads configured to threadably mate with an end of a set screw received therein. (2) The compression nut of claim 1, wherein the free end includes cutting teeth configured to cut bone as the compression nut is driven into the bone. (3) The compression nut of embodiment 1, wherein the tips of the cutting teeth are inclined toward the direction in which the compression nut is rotated to be driven into the bone. (4) The compression nut of claim 1, wherein a portion of the female threads adjacent the head includes an enlarged apex for engaging a corresponding enlarged threaded apex of a setscrew received therein. (5) The compression nut of claim 1, wherein a portion of the female threads adjacent the free end includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when a threaded setscrew is received therein.

[0073] (6) The compression nut of claim 1, wherein the non-threaded portion of the body includes a stepped lug, and a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head has a larger diameter than a remainder of the non-threaded portion. (7) The compression nut of embodiment 1, wherein the head includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a locking screw therein, and when the locking screw is received in the hole, a shaft of the locking screw extends along an outer surface of the body of the compression nut. (8) The compression nut of embodiment 7, wherein when the head includes multiple holes, each of the holes is spaced equidistant from adjacent holes. (9) The compression nut of embodiment 7, further comprising a locking screw housed within the one or more holes, wherein when it is desired to lock the compression screw to the bone, the locking screw can be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone. (10) A compression nut as described in embodiment 1, wherein a portion of the body is deformed radially inward toward its longitudinal axis to create interference with a set screw threadably received therein.

[0074] (11) A system for treating a long bone, comprising: an intramedullary nail insertable through a medullary canal of a bone and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the intramedullary nail including a blind hole extending through the intramedullary nail along an axis extending obliquely relative to a longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail; a set screw configured to be inserted into the bone and through the set hole, the set screw including a head portion and a shaft extending from the head portion to a free end, the shaft including threads extending therealong; 1. A system comprising: a first compression nut configured to be inserted into a bone, the first compression nut including a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, the body including male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body that is spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough, with female threads extending along an inner surface of the channel and threadably engaging a portion of the set screw. (12) The system of claim 10, further comprising a second compression nut configured to be inserted into a bone, the second compression nut including a head, a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, and a channel extending therethrough, the channel of the second compression nut including female threads extending along the channel for threadingly receiving a portion of the shaft of the set screw. (13) The system of claim 12, wherein a portion of the threads adjacent the head of the set screw includes an enlarged apex and the female threads adjacent the head of the first compression nut include a corresponding enlarged apex for engaging the enlarged apex of the set screw. (14) The system of claim 11, wherein a portion of the female threads proximate the free end of the first compression nut includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when the set screw is threadingly received therein. (15) The system of claim 11, wherein the non-threaded portion of the body of the first compression nut includes a stepped lug, and a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head of the first compression nut has a larger diameter than a remainder of the non-threaded portion.

[0075] (16) The system of embodiment 11, wherein the head of the first compression nut includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a locking screw therein, and when the locking screw is received in the hole, a shaft of the locking screw extends along an outer surface of the body of the first compression nut. (17) The system of embodiment 16, further comprising a fixation screw housed within the one or more holes, wherein the fixation screw can be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone when it is desired to fix the first compression screw to the bone. (18) The system of embodiment 11, wherein a portion of the body of the first compression nut is deformed radially inward toward its longitudinal axis to provide interference with the set screw when the set screw is threadably received therein. (19) A method for treating a bone, comprising: inserting an intramedullary nail into the medullary canal of a long bone through an insertion point at a distal end of the bone; inserting a first compression nut through the bone, a channel of the first compression nut substantially longitudinally aligned with a blind hole extending through a distal portion of the intramedullary nail; driving a set screw through the bone, a shaft of the set screw extending across the bone and through the set hole, a portion of the shaft threadingly received within and engaging the first compression nut, the set screw including a head portion from which the shaft extends to a free end. (20) The method of claim 19, wherein forcing the set screw through the bone includes inserting the set screw into the bone from a side of the bone opposite the first compression nut such that the first compression nut receives and engages the free end of the shaft.

[0076] 21. The method of claim 19, wherein driving the set screw through the bone includes inserting the shaft through a channel of the first compression nut such that the first compression nut engages a portion of the shaft adjacent the head of the set screw when the set screw is fully driven into the bone. (22) The method of claim 21, further comprising inserting the second compression nut into the bone from a side of the bone opposite the first compression screw such that the free end of the set screw is received within and threadedly engages a second compression nut.

Claims

1. 1. A compression nut for treating a bone, comprising: a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, the body including male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion; a channel extending longitudinally through the body, the channel including female threads extending along an inner surface of the channel, the female threads configured to threadably mate with an end of a set screw received therein; A compression nut, wherein the non-threaded portion of the body includes a stepped lug, and a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head has a larger diameter than a remainder of the non-threaded portion.

2. The compression nut of claim 1 , wherein the free end includes cutting teeth configured to cut bone as the compression nut is driven into the bone.

3. 3. The compression nut of claim 2, wherein the cutting teeth cusps are angled toward a direction in which the compression nut is rotated to be driven into the bone.

4. 2. The compression nut of claim 1, wherein a portion of the female threads adjacent the head includes an enlarged apex for engaging a corresponding enlarged threaded apex of a set screw received therein.

5. 2. The compression nut of claim 1, wherein a portion of the female threads proximate the free end includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when a threaded set screw is received therein.

6. 2. The compression nut of claim 1, wherein the head includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a set screw therein, a shaft of the set screw extending along an outer surface of the body of the compression nut when the set screw is received in the hole.

7. 7. The compression nut of claim 6, wherein said head includes a plurality of holes, each of said holes being spaced an equal distance from an adjacent hole.

8. 7. The compression nut of claim 6, further comprising a locking screw received within the one or more holes, the locking screw configured to be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone.

9. 10. The compression nut of claim 1, wherein a portion of the body is deformed radially inwardly toward a longitudinal axis thereof to create interference with a set screw threadably received therein.

10. 1. A system for treating a long bone, comprising: an intramedullary nail insertable through a medullary canal of a bone and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the intramedullary nail including a blind hole extending through the intramedullary nail along an axis extending obliquely relative to a longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail; a set screw configured to be inserted into the bone and through the set hole, the set screw including a head portion and a shaft extending from the head portion to a free end, the shaft including threads extending therealong; 1. A system comprising: a first compression nut configured to be inserted into a bone, the first compression nut including a head and a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, the body including male threads along an outer surface of a threaded portion of the body spaced from the head via a non-threaded portion and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough, with female threads extending along an inner surface of the channel and threadedly engaging a portion of the set screw.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a second compression nut configured to be inserted into a bone, the second compression nut including a head, a body extending longitudinally from the head to a free end, and a channel extending therethrough, the channel of the second compression nut including female threads extending along the channel for threadingly receiving a portion of the shaft of the set screw.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein a portion of the threads adjacent the head of the set screw includes an enlarged apex and the female threads adjacent the head of the first compression nut include a corresponding enlarged apex for engaging the enlarged apex of the set screw.

13. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein a portion of the female threads proximate the free end of the first compression nut includes an enlarged apex configured to be deformed when the set screw is threadably received therein.

14. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the non-threaded portion of the body of the first compression nut includes a stepped lug, and a portion of the non-threaded portion adjacent the head of the first compression nut has a larger diameter than a remainder of the non-threaded portion.

15. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the head of the first compression nut includes one or more holes extending therethrough, each of the one or more holes configured to receive a locking screw therein, and when the locking screw is received in the hole, a shaft of the locking screw extends along an outer surface of the body of the first compression nut.

16. 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a fixation screw received within the one or more holes, the fixation screw configured to be rotated relative to the one or more holes and driven into the bone.

17. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein a portion of the body of the first compression nut is deformed radially inward toward its longitudinal axis to provide interference with the set screw when the set screw is threadably received therein.

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