Orthopedic implants

Abstract

The implant comprises a guide rod, a head, a plurality of articulating balls, and a plurality of connecting elements. The guide rod comprises a first threaded portion having a first thread at the anterior end of the guide rod and a second threaded portion having a second thread at the posterior end of the guide rod. The head includes a hole having an internal thread configured to engage with at least a portion of the first thread of the guide rod. Each articulating ball has a hole and a curved plane. Each connecting element has a hole, an inner face, an anterior curved profile, and a posterior curved profile. A plurality of articulating balls and a plurality of connecting elements are alternately arranged on the guide rod.

Description

Technology Field The present invention relates to medical implants. In particular, the present invention relates to orthopedic implants. Background Technology Orthopedic implants are medical devices designed to replace or support damaged joints or bones, playing a crucial role in restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and improving the overall quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal disorders or traumatic injuries. These devices include various structures such as artificial joints (hip, knee, and shoulder joints), bone plates, screws, rods, and other fixation devices. Artificial joints are used in various surgical procedures, including joint replacement, fracture fixation, and bone reconstruction, and aim to mimic the mechanical function and structural integrity of natural bone and joint tissues. Traditional fixation systems involving bone plates and multiple bone screws have been widely used in orthopedic surgery. These systems typically involve fixing one or more bone plates to fractured or weakened bones using a set of bone screws. However, these conventional approaches have several limitations. For example, commonly used bone screws are straight and inserted along a linear path, which may limit their ability to provide adequate fixation over longer sections of bone. The anatomical structure of bones often features curves and bends, making it difficult to achieve strong and stable fixation. Due to the curved nature of the bone, straight bone screws may rotate or twist, resulting in weakened or loosened fixation over time. This instability can cause implant displacement or dislocation, which can lead to implant failure and cause significant discomfort or pain for the patient. Another significant disadvantage of conventional bone fixation systems is the need for a large incision during surgery to insert the bone plate. Bone plates, which are often long and rigid, must be fully exposed during the procedure for proper positioning and fixation. This results in an extensive incision sized to the plate, causing greater trauma to the surgical site. A larger incision not only increases the complexity and duration of the surgery but also prolongs the recovery period, as the patient must recover from both the internal fixation device and external tissue damage caused by the incision. Furthermore, extensive soft tissue damage can increase the risk of postoperative complications such as infection and delayed healing. The limitations of conventional implants become even more pronounced when a patient suffers multiple fractures. Treating multiple fractures often requires the use of multiple bone plates and screws, each of which must be fixed individually. This necessitates precise positioning for each implant and requires large incisions to accommodate each fixation site, which can prolong and complicate the surgery. The complexity of the surgical procedure is further exacerbated by risks associated with improper alignment or fixation, which can lead to additional complications during the patient's recovery. Therefore, there is a need for orthopedic implants that can overcome the disadvantages of existing fixation devices. The problem to be solved Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention and that the invention may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or structures are not described in detail so as not to obscure the contents of this specification with unnecessary details. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this specification should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis to teach a person skilled in the art to apply the contents of this specification to substantially various structures. means of solving the problem The present invention relates to an orthopedic implant. The orthopedic implant comprises a guide rod, a head, a plurality of articular balls, and a plurality of coupling elements. The guide rod comprises a first threaded portion having a first thread at the front end of the guide rod. The guide rod is provided with a second threaded portion at the rear end of the guide rod and has a second thread. The head includes a hole having an internal thread configured to engage with at least a portion of the first thread of the guide rod. Each articular ball has a hole and a curved surface. Each coupling element has a hole, an inner surface, a front curved profile, and a rear curved profile. A plurality of articular balls and a plurality of coupling elements are alternately arranged on the guide rod. Brief explanation of the drawing The summary above and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments are better understood when read together with the accompanying drawings. To illustrate the content of the invention, exemplary configurations of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings differ from the actual size. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an implant (100) in a bending position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of a guide sheath (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a shows a schematic exploded view of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an isometric perspective view of a sub-assembly (120) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a shows an isometric perspective view of a guide rod (121) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b shows an isometric perspective view of the head (123) of the implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3c shows a schematic diagram of a front coupling element (125) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3d shows an isometric perspective view of the joint ball (127) of the implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3e shows an isometric perspective view of a coupling element (129) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3f shows a perspective view of a rear coupling element (131) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3g shows an isometric perspective view of a first closing device (133) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3h shows an isometric perspective view of a second closing device (135) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method (400) for assembling an implant (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a illustrates an implant (100) implanted in a patient's femur according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b illustrates an implant (100) implanted in a patient's pelvic bone according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of an implant (200) in a bending position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5b shows an isometric perspective view of a guide rod (221) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5c shows an isometric perspective view of the head (223) of the implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5d shows an isometric perspective view of a front coupling element (225) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5e and FIGS. 5f show various isometric perspective views of the articular ball (227) of the implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5g and FIGS. 5h show multiple isometric perspective views of a coupling element (229) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5i shows a perspective view of a rear coupling element (231) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5j shows an isometric perspective view of a closing device (233) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention Before describing the invention in detail, definitions of specific words or phrases used throughout this patent document are provided. The terms “comprising” and “having” and their derivatives mean including without limitation. The term “or” means “and / or” in a comprehensive sense. The phrases “combined” and “related” and their derivatives may mean to include, to be included in, to be connected with, to be included in, to be connected with, to be combined with, to communicate with, to cooperate with, to intervene in, to place alongside, to be close to, to be combined with, to have the attributes of, etc. Definitions of specific words and phrases are provided throughout the invention, and a person skilled in the art will understand that these definitions largely apply to the future use as well as the prior use of the defined words and phrases. Throughout this specification, expressions such as “one embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or similar expressions mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to such embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Accordingly, when expressions such as “in one embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” and similar expressions appear throughout this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but unless explicitly otherwise specified, they mean “referring to one or more embodiments, but not all embodiments.” Terms such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and similar expressions mean “including but not limited thereto,” unless explicitly otherwise specified. Unless explicitly otherwise specified, the enumerated list of items does not mean that all or part of such items are mutually exclusive or mutually inclusive. Unless otherwise explicitly specified, the terms “one,” “one,” and “above” mean “one or more.” While the operation of exemplary embodiments of the method disclosed herein may be described in a specific sequential order for convenience, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may include operations in a different order from the specific sequential order disclosed. For example, even operations described sequentially may be changed in order or performed simultaneously depending on the circumstances. Furthermore, the description and disclosure provided in relation to a specific embodiment are not limited to that embodiment and may apply to all embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, for the sake of simplicity of description, the accompanying drawings may not show all the various ways in which the system, method, and apparatus disclosed herein may be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses. Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in an appropriate manner. A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced even if one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment are absent. In other cases, additional features and advantages that appear only in a particular embodiment may not be present in all embodiments. The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and allocated claims, or through the practice of the embodiments presented below. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthopedic implant used to fix fractures of any bone, such as the tibia, femur, humerus, radius, and wrist bones. This implant can also be used to replace the fixation devices commonly used for fracture fixation. This implant is flexible and can move along curved paths. Thanks to this flexibility, the implant can fit more closely to the patient's anatomical structure, enabling a more precise and customized fixation method compared to conventional implants. This adaptability improves the effectiveness and overall outcome of the implant in orthopedic surgery. Unlike conventional implants that require a long incision in the bone plate, the implant disclosed herein requires only a minimally invasive surgical procedure, thereby shortening the patient's recovery time. Therefore, the implant proposed in this invention is easier to implant than conventional implants. Due to its flexible structure, the implant proposed herein adapts better to the curved paths of the bone canal. Furthermore, the implant can pass through complex paths formed by multiple fractures and can fix multiple bone fragments together to promote healing. In one embodiment, the implant comprises a guide rod, a head, a plurality of articular balls, a plurality of coupling elements, an anterior coupling element, a posterior coupling element, and at least one occluder. The guide rod is long and flexible. The guide rod combines with the head, a plurality of articular balls, a plurality of coupling elements, an anterior coupling element, a posterior coupling element, and at least one occluder to form a sub-assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a head is coupled to the front end of a guide rod. A front coupling element is connected to the head and the guide rod. A plurality of joint balls and a plurality of coupling elements are alternately arranged on the guide rod. A first ball among the joint balls is positioned toward the rear end of the front coupling element and coupled with a corresponding coupling element. A rear coupling element is positioned toward the rear end of the last joint ball and connected with the last joint ball. A rear coupling element is positioned on the guide rod. At least one blocking device is coupled with the rear coupling element and the guide rod to form a sub-assembly. This implant may optionally include a guide sheath. The guide sheath is flexible and has a tubular structure. The sub-assembly is inserted into the guide sheath at the rear end of the guide sheath and coupled with the guide sheath at the front end of the guide sheath. Now, referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an orthopedic implant (100) according to an embodiment (or implant (100)), FIG. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of the implant (100) according to an embodiment along a curved path. The implant (100) includes an anterior end (100a) and a posterior end (100b). The implant (100) includes a guide rod (121), a head (123), an anterior coupling element (125), a plurality of articulating balls (127) (e.g., articulating balls (127c-127f)), a plurality of coupling elements (129) (e.g., coupling elements (129e-129g)), a posterior coupling element (131), and at least one closing device. In one embodiment, the at least one closing device includes a first closing device (133) and a second closing device (135). Also, the head (123), an anterior coupling element (125), a plurality of articulating balls (127) (or articulating balls (127)), a plurality of A connecting element (129) (or connecting element (129)), a rear connecting element (131), a first closing device (133), and a second closing device (135) are assembled on a guide rod (121) to form a sub-assembly (120). The sub-assembly (120) is flexible and can move along a curved path through the bone (see FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, the implant (100) may include a guide sheath (110) configured to be assembled with a sub-assembly (120). FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of the guide sheath (110) according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2a shows an exploded view of the implant (100) having the guide sheath (110) according to an embodiment. The guide sheath (110) has a front end (110a) and a rear end (110b). In one embodiment, the guide sheath (110) is cylindrical and tapered toward the front end (110a) of the guide sheath (110). The tapering shape toward the front end (110a) of the guide sheath (110) allows the guide sheath (110) to enter the bone canal more easily. The guide cover (110) includes a locking member (110d) at the front end (110a). The guide sheath (110) (see FIG. 2) may be flexible and have a tubular structure surrounding a cavity (not shown in the drawing). The cavity extends along the length of the guide sheath (110) from the rear end (110b) to the front end (110a) of the guide sheath (110) and is configured to accommodate at least an articulating ball (127) and a coupling element (129). In one embodiment, the cavity of the guide sheath (110) is configured to accommodate a sub-assembly (120). Additionally, the guide sheath (110) includes a plurality of holes (110c) disposed on the outer surface (110e) of the guide sheath (110). The plurality of holes (110c) provided on the outer surface (110e) enable bone growth due to bone fusion. Bone growth in the multiple holes (110c) strengthens the fixation of the implant (100). The multiple holes (110c) may have shapes such as square, rectangular, rhombus, triangle, circular, elliptical, or oval, and these shapes and sizes may be the same or different from each other. In one embodiment, the multiple holes (110c) are square in shape and have the same size. Additionally, the guide sheath (110) is inserted into the bone canal so that the outer surface (110e) of the guide sheath (110) is coupled to the bone canal. The guide sheath (110) allows the sub-assembly (120) to move along a curved path through the bone. Additionally, the guide sheath (110) has a front opening (110f) at the front end (110a) and a rear opening (110g) at the rear end (110b). A sub-assembly (120) can be inserted into the cavity of the guide sheath (110) through the rear opening (110g) of the guide sheath (110). The front opening (110f) allows a portion of the head (123) of the sub-assembly (120) to pass through the guide cover (110). The guide cover (110) is coupled with the head (123). A locking member (110d) is provided around the front opening (110f) of the guide cover (110) and is configured to lock the sub-assembly (120) together with the guide cover (110). In one embodiment, the locking member (110d) is in the form of a rim. In one embodiment, the guide sheath (110) may be made of a biocompatible material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the guide sheath (110) is made of titanium. The dimensions of the guide sheath (110) can be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. FIG. 3 shows an isometric perspective view of a sub-assembly (120) of an implant (100) according to an embodiment. The sub-assembly (120) includes a combination of a plurality of joint balls (127) (e.g., joint balls (127c-127f)), a plurality of coupling elements (129) (e.g., coupling elements (129e-129g)), a head (123), a front coupling element (125), a rear coupling element (131), a first closing device (133) and a second closing device (135) assembled on a guide rod (121). A plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) are alternately arranged along a portion of the length of the guide rod (121), and are fixed by a front coupling element (125), a rear coupling element (131), a first closing device (133), and a second closing device (135) so that the plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) are maintained on the guide rod (121). FIG. 3a shows an isometric perspective view of a guide rod (121) according to an embodiment. The guide rod (121) is flexible to adapt to a path created during the surgical implantation process. The guide rod (121) can be bent to move along a curved bone canal path. A plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) are alternately arranged on the guide rod (121). The guide rod (121) has an anterior end (121a) and a posterior end (121b). The guide rod (121) includes a first thread (121c), a second thread (121d), an anterior face (121f), and a posterior face (not shown in the drawing). A guide rod (121) is provided with a first threaded portion (121g) at the front end (121a) of the guide rod (121) and a second threaded portion (121k) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). A first thread (121c) is formed on the first threaded portion (121g) of the guide rod (121), and a second thread (121d) is formed on the second threaded portion (121k) of the guide rod (121). In one embodiment, the guide rod (121) includes a non-threaded portion (121h) positioned between a first threaded portion (121g) and a second threaded portion (121k) and has a surface (121e). A plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) are alternately positioned in the non-threaded portion (121h) of the guide rod (121). In one embodiment, the first threaded portion (121g) has a larger diameter than the non-threaded portion (121h) and the second threaded portion (121k). This helps prevent unwanted movement and / or displacement of the joint balls (127) and coupling elements (129) toward the front end (121a) of the guide rod (121). In another embodiment, the first threaded portion (121g) may have a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the non-threaded portion (121h) and the second threaded portion (121k). The unthreaded portion (121h) and the second threaded portion (121k) may have the same diameter. The guide rod (121) may be made of titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, UHMWPE, PMMA, HXLPE containing vitamin E, or other biocompatible metals or biocompatible polymer materials. In an embodiment, the guide rod (121) is formed of titanium. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the guide rod (121) may be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. Referring to FIG. 3b, an isometric perspective view of a head (123) according to one embodiment is shown. The head (123) includes a front end (123a) and a rear end (123b). The head (123) may have a tubular structure that tapers from the rear end (123b) to the front end (123a). That is, the diameter of the head (123) decreases from the rear end (123b) to the front end (123a). The tapered shape of the head (123) allows the implant (100) to easily penetrate the bone canal during a surgical implantation procedure. In one embodiment, the head (123) may have a truncated cone shape. A groove (123c) is formed circumferentially on the outer surface of the head (123) at a predetermined distance from the front end (123a), thereby dividing the head (123) into a front end (123a1) and a rear end (123b1). In one embodiment, the groove (123c) may be provided at approximately half the length of the head (123). The groove (123c) of the head (123) engages with the locking member (110d) of the guide cover (110) to secure the sub-assembly (120) to the guide cover (110). The width of the locking member (110d) matches the width of the groove (123c). Additionally, the front end (123a1) of the head (123) passes through the front opening (110f) of the guide sheath (110) so that the groove (123c) engages with the locking member (110d) of the guide sheath (110) to secure the sub-assembly (120). The front end (123a1) of the head (123) may be a solid structure, and the rear end (123b1) of the head (123) may be a hollow structure. The rear end (123b1) of the head (123) has a hole (123d) that extends along at least a portion of the length of the rear end (123b1) of the head (123) from the rear surface (123f) of the head (123) and ends at the end surface (123d1). In one embodiment, the hole (123d) may have a profile corresponding to the first threaded portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). The diameter of the hole (123d) corresponds to the diameter of the first threaded portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). The hole (123d) has an internal thread (123e). The internal thread (123e) is complementary to the first thread (121c). The internal thread (123e) of the head (123) is configured to engage with at least a portion of the first thread (121c) of the guide rod (121) to form a screw coupling. Additionally, the front face (121f) is coupled with the end face (123d1) (see FIG. 1). It should be understood that other coupling mechanisms for coupling the head (123) and the guide rod (121), such as a tapered coupling, a snap coupling, etc., are also included within the scope of the present invention. The head (123) is formed from a biocompatible material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the head (123) is formed from titanium. The dimensions of the head (123) can be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. FIG. 3c shows an isometric perspective view of a front coupling element (125) according to an embodiment. The front coupling element (125) may have a shape such as cylindrical, circular, ring-shaped, etc. In one embodiment, the front coupling element (125) has a ring shape. The front coupling element (125) has a flat plane (125a) at the front end of the front coupling element (125), a curved plane (125b) at the rear end of the front coupling element (125), and an internal thread (125c) provided on the inner circumference of the front coupling element (125). Additionally, the front coupling element (125) has an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the first thread portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). The internal thread (125c) is configured to be coupled with the rear portion of the first thread (121c) of the first thread portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). The internal thread (125c) is complementary to the first thread (121c) of the first thread portion (121g). The flat surface (125a) is configured to be coupled with the rear surface (123f) of the head (123). The front coupling element (125) is connected to the first threaded portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). The internal thread (125c) of the front coupling element (125) is coupled to the rear portion of the first thread (121c) of the first threaded portion (121g) of the guide rod (121). For example, other coupling mechanisms such as tapered coupling, snap coupling, etc., are also used to connect the front coupling element (125) and the guide rod (121) and are included within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the front coupling element (125) and the head (123) are coupled to the guide rod (121) so that the flat surface (125a) of the front coupling element (125) and the rear surface (123f) of the head (123) come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 1. The front coupling element (125) and the head (123) rotate in opposite directions to come into contact with each other. The front coupling element (125) is also connected to one of the corresponding joint balls (127) (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the first joint ball (127c)). The anterior coupling element (125) may be made of a biocompatible material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the anterior coupling element (125) is made of titanium. The dimensions of the anterior coupling element (125) may be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. A plurality of joint balls (127) are axially arranged on the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). FIG. 3d shows an isometric view of one of the joint balls (127) among the plurality of joint balls (127) according to an embodiment. The joint ball (127) has a hole (127a) that extends centrally along an axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod (121). Additionally, the joint ball (127) may be spherical in shape having a curved surface (127b) as shown in FIG. 3d. The hole (127a) defines the inner surface (127a1) of the joint ball (127). The hole (127a) may be a cylindrical through hole. The diameter of the hole (127a) matches the diameter of the threadless portion (121h) of the guide rod (121). The joint ball (127) is inserted at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) and placed on the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). The inner surface (127a1) is configured to engage with the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). Multiple joint balls (127) may be made of suitable materials such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple joint balls (127) are made of titanium. The size of the multiple joint balls (127) may be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. In one embodiment, a plurality of coupling elements (129) are axially arranged on the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). FIG. 3e shows various isometric perspective views of one of the plurality of coupling elements (129) according to the embodiment. The coupling elements (129) may have various shapes, such as cylindrical, circular, ring-shaped, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling elements (129) have a ring shape. Each coupling element (129) has a front curved profile (129a) provided on the front of the coupling element (129), a rear curved profile (129b) provided on the rear of the coupling element (129), and a central hole (129c) defining an inner surface (129d) of the coupling element (129) (see FIG. 3e). The ring shape of the coupling element (129) helps to make it easier to obtain the curved profile of the implant (100) by allowing the front curved profile (129a) and the rear curved profile (129b) to engage and slide more smoothly over the curved surface (127b) of the joint ball (127). The diameter of the hole (129c) matches the diameter of the unthreaded portion (121h) of the guide rod (121). The inner surface (129d) is configured to engage with the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). Each connecting element (129) is positioned between two joint balls (127) and connected to them. The front curved profile (129a) and the rear curved profile (129b) of the connecting element (129) are configured to engage with the corresponding curved plane (127b) of the two joint balls (127) (see FIG. 1). For example, the front curved profile (129a) of each connecting element (129) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved plane (127b) of the front joint ball (127) positioned at the front end of the connecting element (129), and the rear curved profile (129b) of the connecting element (129) is articulated with the front portion of the curved plane (127b) of the rear joint ball (127) positioned at the rear end of the connecting element (129). The plurality of connecting elements (129) may be made of suitable materials such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements (129) are made of titanium. The dimensions of the plurality of connecting elements (129) may be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. According to one embodiment, the outer diameter of the plurality of connecting elements (129) may be smaller than the diameter of the plurality of joint balls (127). This ensures that the outer surface of the connecting elements (129) does not interfere when the implant (100) moves along a curved path. A plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) are alternately arranged on a guide rod (121) so that each pair of joint balls (127) and coupling elements (129) forms a ball socket joint. In one embodiment, the plurality of coupling elements (129) have three coupling elements (129e - 129g), and the plurality of joint balls (127) have four joint balls (127c - 127f) (as shown in FIG. 1). The number of joint balls (127) and coupling elements (129) shown herein is merely exemplary. It should be understood that any number of joint balls (127) and coupling elements (129) may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The number of joint balls (127) and the number of coupling elements (129) are selected according to the desired length of the implant (100), which in turn depends on the required amount of fixation. FIG. 3f shows a plurality of perspective views of a rear coupling element (131) according to an embodiment. A rear coupling element (131) is disposed at the rear end of the last joint ball (127f). The rear coupling element (131) may have a shape such as cylindrical, circular, ring-shaped, etc. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (131) has a cylindrical shape having a hole (131c) and an outer surface (131e). The hole (131c) may have an inner surface (131c1) and a stepped profile (131p). The stepped profile (131p) extends from the rear end of the rear coupling element (131) toward the front end of the rear coupling element (131) for a portion of the length of the rear coupling element (131). The stepped profile (131p) may have a first surface (131b) and a second surface (131d). The first surface (131b) may be a straight surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear coupling element (131), and the second surface (131d) may be inward It may be inclined. The rear coupling element (131) may have a front curved surface (131a) at the front end of the rear coupling element (131). The rear coupling element (131) may have a rear end surface (131h) and a rear curved surface (131f) at the rear end of the rear coupling element (131). Additionally, the rear coupling element (131) may have a plurality of slots (131g) disposed on the rear end surface (131h) extending along the length of the step profile (131p) of the rear coupling element (131). In one embodiment, the plurality of slots (131g) are used to secure the rear coupling element (131) during the coupling of at least one closure device (described below). The first surface (131b) and the rear curved surface (131f) are used to guide at least one closure device during the assembly of the implant (100) to be described later. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (131) has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the guide rod (121). The rear coupling element (131) is inserted from the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The outer surface (131e) is coupled by interfering with the inner surface (not shown) of the guide sheath (110) as shown in FIG. 1. The front curved surface (131a) of the rear coupling element (131) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (127b) of the last joint ball (127) (i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, the last joint ball (127f)). Additionally, the rear coupling element (131) may be positioned over the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121), whereby there is a gap between the inner surface (131c1) of the hole (131c) and the second thread (121d) as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (131) may be made of a suitable material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (131) is made of titanium. At least one closing device of the implant (100) is connected to a rear coupling element (131) and a second screw portion (121k) of the guide rod (121) to retain a plurality of articulating balls (127) and a plurality of coupling elements (129) on the guide rod (121). FIG. 3g shows a first closing device (133) according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the first closing device (133) is provided with a cylindrical portion (133a) at the front end of the first closing device (133) and a disc portion (133b) at the rear end of the first closing device (133). Other functionally equivalent shapes of the first closing device (133) are within the scope of the teachings of the present invention. The first closing device (133) may have other equivalent shapes within the scope of the teachings of the present invention. The first closing device (133) is connected to the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) and the rear end of the rear coupling element (131) to hold a plurality of coupling elements (129) and a plurality of joint balls (127) on the guide rod (121) to form a sub-assembly (120). In one embodiment, the cylindrical portion (133a) includes a hole (133a3) having an internal thread (133a1) configured to engage with the rear portion of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121), thereby causing at least two threads of the second thread (121d) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) to extend out of the hole (133a3) toward the rear end of the first closing device (133). The cylindrical portion (133a) has an outer surface (133a2) configured to engage with the inner surface (131c1) of the rear coupling element (131) during assembly. The disc portion (133b) has a rear surface (133b1) comprising a slot having a surface (133b2) and an extended surface (133b3). The internal thread (133a1) is arranged along the length of the cylindrical portion (133a) of the first closing device (133). The surface (133b2) may be polygonal, circular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface (133b2) is hexagonal. The disc portion (133b) has an outer surface (133b4). The extended surface (133b3) is the front surface of the disc portion (133b) of the first closing device (133). Additionally, the hole (133a3) of the cylindrical portion (133a) has an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the second thread portion (121k) of the guide rod (121). The first closing device (133) is screwed to the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) to support a plurality of couplings (129), a rear coupling element (131), and a plurality of joint balls (127). In one embodiment, the first closing device (133) is coupled to the rear coupling element (131) and the guide rod (121) as follows, wherein the first closing device (133) is inserted into the rear coupling element (131) from the rear end of the rear coupling element (131). The first surface (131b) of the rear coupling element (131) guides the outer surface (133b4) of the disc portion (133b) of the first closing device (133). The inner surface (131c1) guides and couples the outer surface (133a2). A slot of the first closing device (133) is used to secure the first closing device (133) while the first closing device (133) is coupled to the rear coupling element (131). For example, a surgical device (not shown in the drawing) is placed on the surface (133b2) to rotate the first closing device (133) to the guide rod (121) and the rear coupling It is used to combine with the element (131). For example, the surgical instrument is rotated so that the internal thread (133a1) of the first closing device (133) engages with the rear portion of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121), and at least two of the threads of the second thread (121d) protrude from the hole (133a3) to the rear end of the first closing device (133), and the protruding surface (133b3) contacts the second surface (131d) of the stepped profile (131p) of the rear coupling element (131). The surgical instrument may include, but is not limited to, a hex wrench, a screwdriver (e.g., a simple hex screwdriver), a smart instrument (e.g., a torque limiting wrench), etc. FIG. 3h shows a second closing device (135) according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the second closing device (135) has a cylindrical portion (135a) and a disc-shaped portion (135b). Other functionally equivalent shapes of the second closing device (135) are also included within the scope of the invention. The second closing device (135) may have other equivalent shapes within the scope of the invention. The second closing device (135) may be coupled to the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) and the rear end of the first closing device (133) to support a plurality of couplings (129) and a plurality of joint balls (127) on the guide rod (121) to form a sub-assembly (120). In one embodiment, the cylindrical portion (135a) includes a hole (135a3) having an internal thread (135a1) configured to engage with at least two or more threads of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121). The cylindrical portion (135a) has an outer surface (135a2) configured to engage with the first surface (131b) of the rear coupling element (131) during assembly. The disc portion (133b) has a rear surface (135b1) including a slot having a surface (135b2) and an extended surface (135b3). The internal thread (135a1) may be arranged along the length of the cylindrical portion (135a) of the second closing device (135). The surface (135b2) may be polygonal, circular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface (135b2) is hexagonal. The expanded surface (135b3) is the front surface of the disc portion (135b) of the second closing device (135). Additionally, the internal thread (135a1) of the cylindrical portion (135a) has an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the second thread portion (121k) of the guide rod (121). The second closing device (135) is screwed to the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) to support a plurality of couplings (129), a rear coupling element (131), and a plurality of joint balls (127). In one embodiment, the second closing device (135) is coupled to the rear coupling element (131) and the guide rod (121) as follows, wherein the second closing device (135) is inserted into the rear coupling element (131) from the rear end of the rear coupling element (131). The first surface (131b) of the rear coupling element (131) guides and couples the outer surface (135a2) of the cylindrical portion (135a) of the second closing device (135). A slot of the second closing device (135) is used to secure the second closing device (135) while the second closing device (135) is coupled to the rear coupling element (131). A surgical device (not shown in the drawing) is placed on the surface (135b2) and is used to rotate the second closing device (135) to couple it with the guide rod (121) and the rear coupling element (131). For example, the surgical instrument is rotated until the internal thread (135a1) of the second closing device (135) engages with at least two threads of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121), and the extended surface (135b3) engages with the rear curved surface (131f) of the rear coupling element (131). The surgical instrument may include, but is not limited to, a hex wrench, a screwdriver (e.g., a simple hex screwdriver), a smart instrument (e.g., a torque limiting wrench), etc. In one embodiment, the first closing device (133) and the second closing device (135) work together to provide enhanced stability to the implant (100) compared to using a single closing device. The double closing device improves positional holding power and minimizes the possibility of displacement or misalignment during operation. The two closing devices (i.e., the first closing device (133) and the second closing device (135)) distribute force more evenly, allowing the implant (100) to effectively respond to external pressure or stress, thereby making the implant (100) more stable and robust in various applications. Additionally, the synergy between the first closing device (133) and the second closing device (135) can also contribute to improved performance and extended operating life of the implant (100). FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method (400) for assembling an implant (100) according to an embodiment. In step (401), the head (123) is coupled to the front surface (121a) of the guide rod (121) using the corresponding internal thread hole (123d). The internal thread (123e) of the head (123) engages with the corresponding thread (i.e., the front portion) of the first thread (121c) of the guide rod (121) as shown in FIG. 1. In step (403), the front coupling element (125) is connected to the guide rod (121), for example, using a screw coupling. In one embodiment, the internal thread (125c) of the front coupling element (125) engages with the corresponding thread (i.e., the rear end) of the first thread (121c) of the guide rod (121), and the rear surface (123f) engages with the plane (125a) as shown in FIG. 1. The front coupling element (125) and the head (123) can be rotated in opposite directions so that the rear surface (123f) and the plane (125a) come into contact with each other. In step (405), a plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of connecting elements (129) are alternately arranged on a guide rod (121) as shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of joint balls (127) and a plurality of connecting elements (129) can be optionally inserted at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) and connected to each other as described below. For example, the first joint ball (127c) is inserted over the guide rod (121) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The front portion of the curved surface (127b) of the first joint ball (127c) is articulated with the curved surface (125b) of the front coupling element (125). The inner surface (127a1) of the first joint ball (127c) is coupled with the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). Then, the connecting element (129e) is inserted over the guide rod (121) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The first curved profile (129a) of the connecting element (129e) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (127b) of the first joint ball (127c). The inner surface (129d) of the connecting element (129e) is coupled with the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). Then, the joint ball (127d) is inserted over the guide rod (121) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The front end of the curved surface (127b) of the joint ball (127d) is articulated with the rear curved profile (129b) of the connecting element (129e). The inner surface (127a1) of the joint ball (127d) contacts the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). The connecting element (129f) is inserted over the guide rod (121) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The forward curved profile (129a) of the connecting element (129f) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (127b) of the joint ball (127d). The inner surface (129d) of the connecting element (129f) is coupled with the surface (121e) of the guide rod (121). The joint ball (127e) and the connecting element (129g) are inserted over the guide rod (121) and connected in a similar manner. The last joint ball (127f) is inserted over the guide rod (121) at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The front portion of the curved surface (127b) of the last joint ball (127f) is articulated with the rear curved profile (129b) of the connecting element (129g). The inner surface (127a1) of the last joint ball (127f) is in contact with the surface (121e). In one embodiment, the arrangement of the joint ball (127) and the connecting element (129) may be arranged differently within the scope of the invention. In step (407), the rear connecting element (131) is inserted over the guide rod (121) from the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121). The front curved surface (131a) of the rear connecting element (131) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (127b) of the last joint ball (127f). In step (409), the first closing device (133) and the second closing device (135) are coupled to the rear coupling element (131) and the guide rod (121). In one embodiment, the first closing device (133) and the second closing device (135) are inserted at the rear end (121b) of the guide rod (121) and connected to the rear coupling element (131) and the guide rod (121) as previously described. This constitutes a sub-assembly (120). In step (411), the sub-assembly (120) is coupled to the guide sheath (110). For example, the front end of the sub-assembly (120) is inserted into the cavity of the guide sheath (110) from the rear (110b) of the guide sheath (110). The locking member (110d) engages with the groove (123c) to assemble the implant (100). According to one embodiment, an incision is made at a target location during a surgical procedure to implant an implant (100). A suitable guide wire is inserted into the bone and pushed in to create a path according to the required fixation position and degree. The path may be curved. Once the guide wire is shaped to fit the path, a reamer (e.g., a flexible cannulated reamer) is inserted into the bone. The reamer expands the path followed by the guide wire to create a canal of the appropriate diameter. The reamer and guide wire are removed. A guide sheath (110) is inserted into the canal. Then, a sub-assembly (120) is inserted into the guide sheath (110) and coupled to the guide sheath (110). Alternatively, if the guide sheath (110) is not present, the sub-assembly (120) is inserted into the canal to fix the joint or fracture. FIGS. 4a and 4b show an implant (100) implanted in a patient's femur or pelvic bone, respectively. As can be seen, the number of joint balls (127) and the number of connecting elements (129) differ in both cases and are selected according to the required fixation. Additionally, the implant (100) can be fabricated to fit the curved shape of the femur and pelvic bone as illustrated. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an orthopedic implant (200) (or implant (200)), FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of the implant (200) in a bent position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The implant (200) has a rear end (200a) and a front end (200b). The implant (200) comprises a guide rod (221), a head (223), an anterior coupling element (225), a plurality of articular balls (227) (e.g., articular balls (227d - (227n)), a plurality of coupling elements (229) (e.g., coupling elements (229e - (229n)), a posterior coupling element (231), and at least one closure device. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one closure device comprises a single closure device (233). The guide rod (221), head (223), anterior coupling element (225), a plurality of articular balls (227), a plurality of coupling elements (229), a posterior coupling element (231), and the closure device (233) are assembled to form a sub-assembly (220). Optionally, the implant (200) includes a guide sheath (210). The guide sheath (210) is assembled with the sub-assembly (220) during a surgical implantation procedure. The implant (200) is flexible and follows a curved path within the bone. It can be moved. FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of an implant (200) following a curved path. In one embodiment, the guide sheath (210) is structurally and functionally similar to the guide sheath (110). Details of the guide sheath (210) can be found in FIG. 2, so they are not repeated here for brevity. The guide sheath (210) is inserted into the bone canal. In one embodiment, the guide sheath (210) is assembled to a sub-assembly (220) during the surgical procedure. A plurality of articular balls (227) and a plurality of coupling elements (229) are alternately placed on a guide rod (221) and are secured by a front coupling element (225), a rear coupling element (231), and a blocking device (233) so that the plurality of articular balls (227) and the plurality of coupling elements (229) are held on the guide rod (221). The sub-assembly (220) is guided into the cavity of the guide sheath (210) and assembled to the guide sheath (210) in a manner similar to that described above. FIG. 5b shows an isometric perspective view of a guide rod (221) according to an embodiment. An articulating ball (227) and a coupling element (229) are alternately arranged on the guide rod (221). It is understood that in various embodiments, the implant (100) may include a guide rod (221) instead of a guide rod (121), and likewise in various embodiments, the implant (200) may include a guide rod (121) instead of a guide rod (221), and this does not depart from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the guide rod (221) has a front end (221a) and a rear end (221b). The guide rod (221) includes a first threaded portion (221g) provided at the front end (221a), a second threaded portion (221k) provided at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221), and a rear face (221f). A first thread (221c) is provided on the first thread portion (221g) of the guide rod (221), and a second thread (221d) is provided on the second thread portion (221k) of the guide rod (221). In one embodiment, the guide rod (221) includes a non-threaded portion (221h) disposed between a first threaded portion (221g) and a second threaded portion (221k) and has a surface (221e). A plurality of joint balls (227) and a plurality of coupling elements (229) are alternately disposed on the non-threaded portion (221h) of the guide rod (221). In one embodiment, the guide rod (221) includes at least one support coil (221e1) that is positioned over a threadless portion (221h) of the guide rod (221) to form a surface (221e). The at least one support coil (221e1) may be formed by winding a corresponding wire over the threadless portion (221h). One or more support coils (221e1) improve the flexibility and load distribution of the guide rod (121). Multiple support coils (221e1) may be made of biocompatible materials such as titanium alloy, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support coil (221e1) is made of titanium. The guide rod (221) is flexible so that it can bend and move along the path of the bone canal during surgical implantation. The first threaded portion (221g) may have a larger diameter than the unthreaded portion (221h) and the second threaded portion (221k) of the guide rod (221). In another embodiment, the first threaded portion (221g) may have a diameter equal to or smaller than the unthreaded portion (221h) and the second threaded portion (221k) of the guide rod (221). The guide rod (221) may be made of titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, UHMWPE, PMMA, HXLPE containing vitamin E, or other biocompatible metals or biocompatible polymer materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rod (221) is formed of titanium. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the guide rod (221) may be selected according to the size of the bone to which the implant (100) is to be implanted and the required degree of fixation. FIG. 5c shows an isometric perspective view of a head (223) according to an embodiment. The head (223) is coupled to the first threaded portion (221g) of the guide rod (221). It is understood that in various embodiments, the implant (100) may include the head (223) instead of the head (123), and likewise in various embodiments, the implant (200) may include the head (123) instead of the head (223), and this does not depart from the scope of the invention. The head (223) has a rear end (223b) and a front end (223a). The head (223) may have a tubular shape that tapers from the front end (223a) to the rear end (223b) along the length of the head (223), and the diameter of the head (223) gradually decreases from the rear end (223b) to the front end (223a). The tapered shape of the head (123) allows the implant (200) to easily penetrate the patient's bone canal during the surgical implantation procedure. In one embodiment, the head (223) has a truncated cone shape. The head (223) includes a groove (223c) in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the head (223), which is spaced at a predetermined distance from the rear end (223b) (see FIG. 5c) and divides the head (223) into a front end portion (223a1) and a rear end portion (223b1). The groove (223c) engages with a locking member (not shown in the drawing) of the guide cover (210) to secure the sub-assembly (220) to the guide cover (210). The front end (223a1) extends through a front opening (not shown in the drawing) of the guide cover (210). The width of the groove (223c) matches the width of the locking member of the guide cover (210). In one embodiment, the head (223) has an external thread (223g) on ​​the outer surface of the head (223). The external thread (223g) may be provided from the front end (223a) for at least a portion of the length of the front end (223a1) of the head (223). In one embodiment, the external thread (223g) is provided along the entire length of the front end (223a1), and a groove (223) is provided at the location where the external thread (223g) ends. The external thread (223g) allows the implant (200) to be easily inserted into the bone canal during the surgical implantation process. Since the external thread (223g) contacts the bone and provides a tight fit, it may be desirable to make the external thread (223g) as long as possible, and thus the groove (223c) may be provided closer to the rear end (223b) compared to the position of the groove (123c) of the head (123) of the implant (100). In one embodiment, the front end (223a1) of the head (223) may be solid, and the rear end (223b1) of the head (223) may be hollow. The rear end (223b1) of the head (223) includes a hole (223d) that extends inward along at least a portion of the length of the rear end (223b1) of the head (223) from the rear surface (223f) of the head (223) and ends at the last face (223d1). The hole (223d) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first threaded portion (221g) of the guide rod (221). In one embodiment, the hole (223d) is cylindrical. The diameter of the hole (223d) matches the diameter of the first threaded portion (221g). The hole (223d) includes an inner thread (223e) complementary to the first thread (221c) of the guide rod (221). In one embodiment, the inner thread (223e) of the head (223) is configured to engage with at least a portion (e.g., the front end) of the first thread (221c) of the guide rod (221), and the front surface of the guide rod (221) is engaged with the last surface (223d1). Other engagement mechanisms for engaging the head (223) with the guide rod (221) are also included within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the head (223) may be made of a biocompatible material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the head (223) is made of titanium. FIG. 5d shows various perspective views of the front coupling element (225) of the implant (200) according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the front coupling element (225) is structurally and functionally similar to the front coupling element (125). Details of the front coupling element (225) can be referenced in FIG. 3c and are therefore not repeated here for brevity. In one embodiment, the front coupling element (225) includes a flat surface (225a) at the front end of the front coupling element (225), a curved surface (225b) at the rear end of the front coupling element (225), and an internal thread (225c) provided on the inner circumference of the front coupling element (225). The flat surface (225a), the curved surface (225b), and the internal thread (225c) are structurally and functionally similar to the flat surface (125a), the curved surface (125b), and the internal thread (125c) of the front coupling element (125), respectively. The front coupling element (225) can be connected to the head (223) and guide rod (221) in a manner similar to that described with respect to the front coupling element (125). A plurality of joint balls (227) may be axially arranged on the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). FIGS. 5e and 5f show various isometric perspective views of one joint ball (227) among a plurality of joint balls (227) according to various embodiments. The joint ball (227) is generally spherical and has flat surfaces on the rear and front of the joint ball (227), and a hole (227a) is provided in the center along an axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod (221) to define an inner surface (227a1) and a curved surface (227b). The hole (227a) is a cylindrical through hole. The diameter of the hole (227a) matches the diameter of the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). According to one embodiment, the joint ball (227) includes a recess (227c3) at each of the rear and front ends of the joint ball (227). Each recess (227c3) defines a curved profile (227c4). The recess (227c3) and the curved profile (227c4) create a more continuous joint surface, preventing sharp edges. In one embodiment, each joint ball (227) may include a plurality of first slots (227c1) disposed on the curved surface (227b) of the front of the joint ball (227) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) disposed on the curved surface (227b) of the rear of the joint ball (227). Flat surfaces at the front and rear ends of the joint ball (127) provide a gap between the plurality of first slots (227c1) and between the plurality of second slots (227c2). This gap enables easy rotation of the joint ball (227) and the coupling element (229). A plurality of first slots (227c1) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a hole (227a) on the side of the joint ball (227) (e.g., opposite the recess (227c3)). The plurality of first slots (227c1) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) may have the same dimensions. The plurality of first slots (227c1) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) may have the same orientation (e.g., horizontal or vertical as shown in FIG. 5e) or different orientations. For example, the plurality of first slots (227c1) may be arranged horizontally and the plurality of second slots (227c2) may be arranged vertically (see FIG. 5f). The difference in orientation between the plurality of first slots (227c1) and the plurality of second slots (227c2) provides each joint ball (227) with more degrees of freedom, allowing the implant (200) to be placed at any joint according to the shape of the bone. It helps to rotate the ball (227). In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of first slots (227c1) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) each include two slots. However, it should be understood that a plurality of first slots (227c1) and a plurality of second slots (227c2) may have two or more slots. In one embodiment, a plurality of joint balls (227) are inserted at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221) and placed on the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). Each joint ball (227) (excluding the first joint ball and the last joint ball among the plurality of joint balls (227), namely joint ball (227d) and joint ball (227n)) is coupled with two coupling elements (229). The first joint ball (227d) is coupled with a front coupling element (225) at the front of the first joint ball (227d). The last joint ball (227n) is connected with a rear coupling element (231) at the rear end of the last joint ball (227n). In one embodiment, a plurality of joint balls (227) may be made of a biocompatible material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of joint balls (227) are made of titanium. A plurality of coupling elements (229) and a plurality of joint balls (227) are alternately arranged axially on the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). FIGS. 5g and 5h show various isometric views of one coupling element (229) among the plurality of coupling elements (229) according to an embodiment. Each coupling element (229) may have various shapes such as cylindrical, circular, ring-shaped, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, each coupling element (229) has a cylindrical shape. Each coupling element (229) has a curved profile (229a) on the front of the coupling element (229), a curved profile (229b) on the rear of the coupling element (229), an outer surface (229d1), and a hole (229c) provided in the center to define an inner surface (229d). In one embodiment, the coupling element (229) may further include a plurality of first teeth (229e1) and a plurality of second teeth (229e2). A plurality of second teeth (229e2) are positioned on the front curved profile (229a) and a plurality of first teeth (229e1) are positioned on the rear curved profile (229b). A plurality of first teeth (229e1) and a plurality of second teeth (229e2) are positioned laterally symmetrically with respect to the hole (229c). Each of the plurality of first teeth (229e1) is configured to engage and move linearly within the corresponding first slot (227c1) of the joint ball (227). Likewise, each of the plurality of second teeth (229e2) is configured to engage and move linearly within the corresponding second slot (227c2) of the joint ball (227). The orientation of each of the plurality of first teeth (229e1) and the plurality of second teeth (229e2) is aligned with the orientation of the corresponding first slot (227c1) and the second slot (227c2), respectively. For example, the plurality of first teeth (229e1) and the plurality of second teeth (229e2) may have the same orientation (e.g., vertical direction) as shown in FIG. 5g, or they may have different orientations. For example, the plurality of second teeth (229e2) may be aligned vertically and the plurality of first teeth (229e1) may be aligned horizontally as shown in FIG. 5h. They are aligned. The number of first teeth (229e1) and the number of second teeth (229e2) correspond to the number of first slots (227c1) and the number of second slots (227c2), respectively.

[0073] Additionally, the diameter of the hole (229c) matches the diameter of the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). The inner surface (229d) of the hole (229c) contacts the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). Each connecting element (229) is connected to two of the joint balls (227) among the plurality of joint balls (227). For example, the front curved profile (229a) of each connecting element (229) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (227b) of the front joint ball (227) positioned at the front end of the connecting element (229). In this case, each of the plurality of second teeth (229e2) engages with the corresponding second slot (227c2) of the front joint ball (227). Likewise, the rear curved profile (229b) of the coupling element (229) articulates with the front end of the curved surface (227b) of the rear joint ball (227) positioned at the rear end of the coupling element (229), and each of the plurality of first teeth (229e1) engages with the corresponding first slot (227c1) of the rear joint ball (227). In one embodiment, a plurality of second connecting elements (229) may be made of a suitable material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of second connecting elements (229) are made of titanium. The joint ball (227) and the coupling element (229) can be alternately placed on the guide rod (221) as shown in FIG. 5. Each pair of joint ball (227) and coupling element (229) can be engaged with a gear mechanism (through a first slot (227c1), a second slot (227c2), and corresponding first teeth (229e1) and corresponding second teeth (229e2). Due to the gear mechanism, all circular motion experienced by the components of the sub-assembly (220) due to the curved path is transmitted to the continuous components. This helps to better distribute the load along the implant (200). Additionally, the first joint ball (227d) is inserted over the guide rod (221) at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221). The front end of the curved surface (227b) of the first joint ball (227d) is articulated with the curved surface (225b) of the front coupling element (225). The inner surface (227a1) of the first joint ball (227d) is coupled with the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). The connecting element (229e) is inserted over the guide rod (221) at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221). The first curved profile (229a) of the connecting element (229) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (227b) of the first joint ball (227d). Additionally, the second tooth (229e2) of the first curved profile (229a) engages with the second slot (227c2) of the first joint ball (227d). The inner surface (229d) of the hole (229c) contacts the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). Then, the joint ball (227e) is inserted over the guide rod (221) at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221). The front portion of the curved surface (227b) of the joint ball (227e) is articulated with the rear curved profile (229b) of the connecting element (229e). Additionally, the first slot (227c1) of the first joint ball (227d) engages with the corresponding first tooth (229e1) of the connecting element (229e). The inner surface (227a1) of the joint ball (227e) is coupled with the surface (221e) of the guide rod (221). Additionally, the connecting elements (229f - 229n) and the joint balls (227e - 227n) are alternately coupled in a manner similar to that described above. The last joint ball (227n) is inserted over the guide rod (221) at the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221). The front portion of the curved surface (227b) of the last joint ball (227n) is articulated with the rear curved profile (229b) of the coupling element (229n). Additionally, the first tooth (229e1) in the rear curved portion (229b) of the coupling element (229n) engages with the corresponding first slot (227c1) of the last joint ball (227n). The inner surface (227a1) of the joint ball (227m) contacts the surface (221e). In this embodiment, the implant (200) includes 11 joint balls (227d - 227n) and 10 connecting elements (229e - 229n). It should be understood that any number of joint balls (227) and connecting elements (229) may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The number of joint balls (227) and the number of connecting elements (229) may be selected according to the patient's needs and the desired length of the implant (200). FIG. 5i shows various perspective views of a rear coupling element (231) of an implant (200) according to an embodiment. The rear coupling element (231) may have a shape such as cylindrical, circular, ring-shaped, etc. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (231) has a cylindrical shape having a hole (231c) and an outer surface (231e). The hole (131c) may have an inner surface (231c1) and a stepped profile (231p). The stepped profile (231p) extends from the rear end of the rear coupling element (231) toward the front end of the rear coupling element (231) by a portion of the length of the rear coupling element (231). The stepped profile (231p) may have a first surface (231b) and a second surface (231d). The first surface (231b) may be a straight surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear coupling element (231), and the second surface (231d) may be inclined inward. The rear coupling element (231) may have a front curved surface (231a) on the front of the rear coupling element (231) and a rear end surface (231h) at the rear end of the rear coupling element (231). Additionally, the rear coupling element (231) may have a plurality of slots (231g) disposed on the rear end surface (231h) and extending along the length of the rear coupling element (231). In one embodiment, the plurality of slots (231g) are used to secure the rear coupling element (231) during the assembly of at least one closure device (233) (described later). The first surface (231b) guides at least one closure device during the assembly of the implant (200) to be described later. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (231) has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the guide rod (221). The rear coupling element (231) is inserted from the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221). The outer surface (231e) is coupled by interfering with the inner surface (not shown) of the guide sheath (210) as shown in FIG. 1. The front curved surface (231a) of the rear coupling element (231) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (227b) of the last joint ball (227) (i.e., the last joint ball (227f) in the illustrated embodiment). Additionally, the rear coupling element (231) may be positioned over the second thread (221d) of the guide rod (221), whereby a gap exists between the inner surface (231c1) of the hole (231c) and the second thread (221d) as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (231) may be made of a suitable material such as titanium, cobalt chrome, SS316, etc. In one embodiment, the rear coupling element (231) is made of titanium. At least one closure device of the implant (200) is connected to the rear coupling element (231) and the second screw portion (221k) of the guide rod (221) to support a plurality of joint balls (227) and a plurality of coupling elements (229) on the guide rod (121). Referring to FIG. 5j, various isometric views of the closure device (233) according to one embodiment are shown. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the implant (100) may include the rear coupling element (231) and the closure device (233) instead of the rear coupling element (131), the first closure device (133), and the second closure device (135), and likewise in various embodiments, the implant (200) may include the rear coupling element (131), the first closure device (133), and the second closure device (135) instead of the rear coupling element (231) and the closure device (233). The closing device (233) is connected to the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221) and the rear coupling element (231) to support a plurality of coupling elements (229) and a plurality of joint balls (227) on the guide rod (221) to form a sub-assembly (220). In one embodiment, the closing device (233) is provided with a cylindrical portion (233a) on the front of the closing device (233) and a disc portion (233b) on the rear of the closing device (233). The closing device (233) may have other equivalent shapes within the scope of the disclosure of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cylindrical portion (233a) includes a hole (233a3) having an internal thread (233a1) configured to engage with the rear portion of the second thread (221d) of the guide rod (221) and an outer surface (233a2). The disc portion (233b) has a rear surface (233b1) including a slot having a surface (233b2) and an extended surface (233b3). The surface (233b2) may be polygonal, circular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface (233b2) is hexagonal. The extended surface (233b3) is the front surface of the disc portion (233b) of the closing device (233). Additionally, the internal thread (233a1) of the closing device (233) has an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the second thread portion (221k) of the guide rod (221). The closing device (233) is screw-fastened to the rear end (221b) of the guide rod (221) and supports a plurality of coupling elements (229), a rear coupling element (231), and a plurality of joint balls (227). In one embodiment, the closure device (233) is coupled to the rear coupling element (231) and the guide rod (221) as follows, wherein the closure device (233) is inserted into the rear coupling element (231) at the rear end of the rear coupling element (131). The first surface (231b) guides the outer surface (233a2) of the cylindrical portion (233a) of the closure device (233). A slot of the closure device (233) is used to secure the closure device (233) while the closure device (233) is coupled to the rear coupling element (231). A surgical instrument (not shown in the drawing) is placed on the surface (233b2) and is used to rotate the closure device (233) to be coupled to the guide rod (221) and the rear coupling element (231). For example, the surgical instrument is rotated so that the internal thread (233a1) of the closure device (233) engages with the rear portion of the second thread (221d) of the guide rod (221), the outer surface (233a2) of the cylindrical portion (233a) engages with the inner surface (231c1) of the hole (231c) of the rear coupling element (231), and the extended surface (233b3) of the disc portion (233b) of the closure device (233) engages with the second surface (231d) of the stepped profile (231p) of the rear coupling element (231). Additionally, the rear surface (233b1) of the closure device (233) is level with the rear end surface (231h) of the rear coupling element (231), and the rear coupling element (231) is level with the rear surface (not shown in the drawing) of the guide sheath (210). Surgical instruments may include, but are not limited to, hex wrenches, screwdrivers (e.g., simple hex screwdrivers), smart instruments (e.g., torque-limiting wrenches), etc. In one embodiment, the method of assembling the implant (200) is similar to the method (400) of assembling the implant (100), so it is not repeated for the sake of simplification. The implant (200) may be implanted using a procedure similar to that described in relation to the implant (100). Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that replacing one or more components of the implant (200) with corresponding components of the implant (100) or vice versa does not depart from the scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. In general, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will vary depending on the specific use in which the teachings of the present invention are applied. Explanation of the symbols 100, 200: Implant 121, 221: Guide Road 121a, 221a: Forward end 121c, 221c: First thread 121g, 221: First thread section 121b, 221b: Rear end 121d, 221d: Second thread 121k, 221k: Second thread section 123d, 223d; hole 127, 227: Joint ball 129, 229: Combination elements 129a, 229a: Forward curve profile 129b, 229b: Back curve profile

Claims

Claim 1 In the implant (100, 200), the implant is: a. As a guide rod (121, 221), the guide rod is, i. A first threaded portion (121g, 221g) provided at the front end (121a, 221a) of the guide rod (121, 221) and having a first thread (121c, 221c); ii. Guide rod (121, 221), comprising: a second threaded portion (121k, 221k) provided at the rear end (121b, 221b) of the guide rod (121, 221) and having a second thread (121d, 221d); b. A head (123, 223) comprising a hole (123d, 223d) having an internal thread (123e, 223e) configured to engage with at least a portion of the first thread (121c, 221c) of the guide rod (121, 221); c. A plurality of joint balls (127, 227), wherein each joint ball (127, 227) has a hole (127a, 227a) and a curved surface (127b, 227b); and d. An implant (100, 200) comprising a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229), wherein each coupling element (129, 229) has a hole (129c, 229c), an inner surface (129d, 229d), a forward curved profile (129a, 229a), and a rear curved profile (129b, 229b); wherein a plurality of joint balls (127, 227) and a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229) are alternately arranged on a guide rod (121, 221). Claim 2 The implant (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the guide rod (121, 221) comprises a non-threaded portion (121h, 221h) having a surface (121e, 221e) disposed between a first threaded portion (121g, 221g) and a second threaded portion (121k, 221k) of the guide rod (121, 221), and wherein a plurality of joint balls (127, 227) and a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229) are alternately disposed on the non-threaded portion (121h, 221h) of the guide rod (121, 221). Claim 3 An implant (100, 200) characterized in that, in claim 2, the hole (127a, 227a) of each joint ball (127, 227) defines an inner surface (127a1, 227a1) to be coupled with the surface (121e, 221e) of a guide rod (121, 221), and the hole (129c, 229c) of each coupling element (129, 229) defines an inner surface (129d, 229d) to be coupled with the surface (121e, 221e) of a guide rod (121, 221). Claim 4 An implant (100, 200) characterized in that, in claim 2, the guide rod (221) comprises a plurality of support coils (221e1) wound over a threadless portion (221h) of the guide rod (221). Claim 5 The implant (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the head (223) includes an outer thread (223g) disposed on the outer surface of the head (223). Claim 6 In paragraph 1, a. The forward curved profile (129a, 229a) of each connecting element (129, 229) is articulated with the rear portion of the curved surface (127b, 227b) of the forward joint ball (127, 227) positioned at the front end of the connecting element (129, 229), and b. An implant (100, 200) characterized in that the rear curved profile (129b, 229b) of each connecting element (129, 229) is articulated with the front end of the curved surface (127b, 227b) of a rear joint ball (127, 227) disposed at the rear end of the connecting element (129, 229). Claim 7 In paragraph 1, a. Each of the multiple joint balls (227) is: i. A plurality of first slots (227c1) provided at the front end of the joint ball (227); and ii. a. A plurality of second slots (227c2) provided at the rear end of the joint ball (227); and b. Each of the multiple connecting elements (229) is: i. A plurality of first teeth (229e1) disposed on a rear curved profile (229b), wherein each of the plurality of first teeth (229e1) is configured to engage with a corresponding first slot (227c1) among a plurality of first slots (227c1) of a rear joint ball (227) disposed at the rear end of a coupling element (229); and ii. A plurality of second teeth (229e2) disposed on a front curved profile (229a), wherein each of the plurality of second teeth (229e2) is configured to engage with a corresponding second slot (227c2) among the plurality of second slots (227c2) of a front joint ball (227) disposed at the front end of a coupling element (229); characterized by comprising: an implant (100, 200). Claim 8 In claim 1, the implant (100, 200) comprises a front coupling element (125, 225) coupled to a first threaded portion (121g, 221g) of a guide rod (121, 221), and the front coupling element (125, 225) comprises: a. A flat surface (125a, 225a) provided on the front of the front coupling element (125, 225) and configured to be coupled with the rear (123f, 223f) of the head (123, 223); b. A curved surface (125b, 225b) provided at the rear end of a front coupling element (125, 225) and articulated with the front portion of the curved surface (127b, 227b) of a first joint ball (127c, 227d) among a plurality of joint balls (127, 227); and c. an internal thread (125c, 225c) provided on the inner circumference of a front coupling element (125, 225) and configured to engage with the rear portion of the first thread (121c, 221c) of the first thread portion (121g, 221g) of a guide rod (121, 221); characterized by comprising an implant (100, 200). Claim 9 In claim 1, the implant is: a. A rear coupling element (131, 231) disposed at the rear end of the last joint ball (127f, 227n) among a plurality of joint balls (127, 227), wherein the rear coupling element (131, 231) comprises a front curved surface (131a, 231a) provided at the front end of the rear coupling element (131, 231) and configured to be articulated with a rear portion of the curved surface (127b, 227b) of the last joint ball (127f, 227n); An implant (100, 200) characterized by comprising: at least one occluder coupled to a rear coupling element (131, 231) and a second screw portion (121k, 221k) of a guide rod (121, 221), wherein the occluder supports a plurality of joint balls (127, 227) and a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229) on the guide rod (121, 221). Claim 10 In claim 9, at least one closing device is: a. As a first closing device (133), the first closing device is, i. A cylindrical portion (133a) having an outer surface (133a2) and a hole (133a3) having an inner thread (133a1) configured to be coupled with the rear portion of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121), wherein at least two of the second threads (121d) extend out of the hole (133a3) toward the rear end of the first closing device (133); and ii. A first closing device (133) comprising: a disk portion (133b) including a rear surface (133b1), wherein the disk portion includes a slot having a surface (133b2) and an extended surface (133b3); and b. As a second closing device (135), the second closing device (135) is, i. A cylindrical portion (135a) having an outer surface (135a2) and a hole (135a3) having an inner thread (135a1) configured to engage with two or more threads of the second thread (121d) of the guide rod (121); and ii. A second closing device (135) comprising a disk portion (135b) including a rear surface (133b1), wherein the disk portion includes a slot having a surface (133b2) and an extended surface (133b3); characterized in that it comprises: an implant (100, 200). Claim 11 In claim 9, at least one closing device is: a. It includes a closing device (233), wherein the closing device (233) is, i. A cylindrical portion (233a) having an outer surface (233a2) and a hole (233a3) having an internal thread (233a1) formed to be coupled with the rear portion of the second thread (221d) of the guide rod (221); and ii. An implant (100, 200) characterized by comprising: a disk portion (233b) having a rear surface (233b1), wherein the disk portion (233b) includes a slot having a surface (233b2) and an extended surface (233b3). Claim 12 The implant (100, 200) according to claim 1 comprises a guide sheath (110, 210) coupled with a head (123, 223), wherein the guide sheath (110, 210) comprises a cavity extending along the length of the guide sheath (110, 210) and is configured to accommodate at least a plurality of joint balls (127, 227) and a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229). Claim 13 An implant (100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein the cavity of the guide sheath (110, 210) is configured to accommodate a front coupling element (125, 225), a plurality of joint balls (127, 227), a plurality of coupling elements (129, 229), a rear coupling element (131, 231), and at least one closing device. Claim 14 In Article 12, a. The guide sheath (110, 210) comprises a front opening (110f) provided at the front end (110a) of the guide sheath (110, 210), and a locking member (110d) provided around the front opening (110f), b. The head (123) is provided circumferentially on the outer surface of the head (123, 223) and includes a groove (123c, 223c) that defines a rear portion (123b1, 223b1) located within the cavity of the guide sheath (110, 210) and a front portion (123a1, 223a1) extending through a front opening (110f), wherein the groove (123c, 223c) is coupled with a locking member (110d) of the guide sheath (110, 210) to fix the head (123, 223) to the guide sheath (110, 210). Claim 15 An implant (100, 200) characterized in that, in claim 12, the guide sheath (110, 210) comprises a plurality of holes (110c) provided on the outer surface (110e) of the guide sheath (110, 210).

Images