Bone transport system

Abstract

The invention relates to a bone transport system for a bone (4) comprising a first bone portion (4.4), a second bone portion (4.5) and at least a first bone segment (4.1) arranged between both bone portions (4.4, 4.5). The system (100) comprises a hollow carrier (3) configured for being secured to at least one of the bone portions (4.4, 4.5); at least one pulley (6) to be arranged inside the carrier (3); a first tension line (5.1) associated with the pulley (6) and secured to the first bone segment (4.1); and a driving line (7) associated with the pulley (6) and with the tension line (5.1) such that it causes the transport of the bone segment (4.1) when actuated.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Bone transport system

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to bone transport systems.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] There are injuries or diseases that result in a bone defect, i.e. a piece or segment of bone is lost, leaving a bone gap or a bone defect. This can happen, for example, as a result of road traffic accidents or war injuries.

[0007] In the context of stabilisation / trauma surgery, bone healing may be impaired, or inflammation may spread to the bone, necessitating bone resection. Malignant bone neoplasms, i.e. tumours, are also associated with extended bone segment resections.

[0008] These gaps or defects lead to an unstable limb. The bone cannot bear weight. Patients are often confined to walking aids or a wheelchair and are unable to work. Complex procedures are carried out in an attempt to close these gaps and restore a fully load-bearing bone without producing more loss of length in this bone or the limb in question.

[0009] Several procedures have been established to close these gaps. The most important one includes direct filling of short defects with the patient's own bone, which is harvested from another site. Then there is a two-stage procedure in which a spacer is inserted before the filling, which then leads to the formation of a membrane as part of a foreign body reaction, which can then be filled with the patient's own bone once the spacer has been removed. This technique allows longer defect distances to be overcome.

[0010] An old procedure is known as segment transport. In this procedure, the same bone is cut at a different location in order to transport the resulting free segment over the defect area. Under suitable transport conditions, new bone forms in the gap that opens up at the cut / osteotomy site. This allows considerable defect distances to be overcome.

[0011] The original segment transport procedure was linked to an external transport frame, an external fixator, in particular a ring fixator. There are now systems that enable internal transport without an external scaffold, by means of a magnet or induction (electric) for example. This has considerably simplified treatment for patients. The transport speed at an osteotomy site is independent of whether an external or internal method is selected for transport.

[0012] Most common internal segment transports are primarily configured for, and limited to, transporting one segment, as the one described in US20060293683A1, US RE49.061 E and US20140114311A1.

[0013] The solution described in US RE49.061 E and in US20140114311A1 includes a complete kit, comprising elements actuated by nuts and screws, to be housed in the intramedullary housing of the bone and attached to the bone, and said kit comprises a plurality of elements including a magnetic assembly and a telescopic nail, that makes possible the transport of one bone segment a certain length. The elements are integrated in a closed carrier or housing.

[0014] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a bone transport system, as defined in the claims.

[0016] The system is adapted for a bone of a patient comprising a first bone portion, a second bone portion, and a first bone segment arranged between both bone portions and physically separated from said bone portions, and for filling with new bone a defect of a certain length upon the transport of said first bone segment between both bone portion.

[0017] The bone transport system comprises an intramedullary hollow carrier opened at both ends and comprising a longitudinal axis, configured for being secured to at least one of the first bone portion and the second bone portion, preferably to both bone portions, when housed in the bone as an internal skeleton, such that said carrier remains static. This fact allows then the system to be easily adapted to the desired requirements as any needed element can be easily accessed, replaced, withdrawn or added (characteristics of a modular system), a very flexible system being obtained. Said flexibility makes the system possible to be easily adapted to, for example, move only one bone segment in the required direction, or to move a plurality of bone segments in a same or different directions and at the same or different speeds as required. Consequently, said feature contributes to obtain a simple, flexible and modular bone transport system.

[0018] The system further comprises a first pulley to be arranged inside the carrier; a first tension line that in use is associated with the first pulley and secured to the first bone segment; and a driving line which in use is associated with the first pulley.

[0019] The first pulley can be arranged in the carrier in a first configuration or in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first pulley is arranged such that it can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of said carrier, and the driving line, in use, is associated with the first pulley and configured to cause the displacement of the first pulley along the longitudinal axis of the carrier when actuated, the driving line being then, preferably attached to the first pulley. The first tension line is also associated with the first pulley, preferably wrapping said first pulley partially, such that the displacement of the said first pulley pulls the tension line and causes the bone segment to be transported.

[0020] In the second configuration, the first pulley is arranged such that it is not displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the carrier in use (but it could rotate), therefore, said first pulley is fixed with respect the carrier but, preferably, with possibility to rotate. The driving line, in use, is associated to the first tension line, preferably wrapping said first pulley partially, and configured to pull said first tension line when actuated, the bone segment being transported when said first tension line is pulled.

[0021] The proposed system acts then a pulley-cable (line) based system, based at least on the principles of a loose pulley system, resulting in a simple and modular transport system. This makes it easy for being integrated into a bone and easy to manipulate and also provides a flexibility related to the length to be transported by the bone segment as a result of an actuation on the driving line, at a low financial cost compared with the solutions of the prior art. Known devices facing the callus distraction are limited in transport range, speed of reconstruction and quantity of transport segments, and the proposed solution solves these limitations thanks to their simple and flexible configuration. These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a single bone segment.

[0024] Figure 2 shows the bone transport system of Figure 1, integrated into a bone.

[0025] Figure 3a shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a single bone segment, and integrated into a bone.

[0026] Figure 3b shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a single bone segment, and integrated into a bone.

[0027] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a single bone segment, and integrated into a bone.

[0028] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a single bone segment, and integrated into a bone.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a plurality of bone segments in a same direction, and integrated into a bone.

[0030] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a plurality of bone segments in a same direction, and integrated into a bone.

[0031] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, configured for transporting a plurality of bone segments in opposite directions, and integrated into a bone. Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, in which the first pulley is not displaceable.

[0032] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, in which one bone segment is transported by two tension lines.

[0033] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, in which one tension line is attached to two bone segments to transport said two bone segments.

[0034] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, in which one tension line is attached to two bone segments to transport said two bone segments.

[0035] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the bone transport system according to the invention, in which the carrier comprises a channel for the tension line.

[0036] DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The bone transport system 100, as the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , is adapted for transporting at least one bone segment 4.1 of a bone 4 comprising a first bone portion 4.4 (proximal portion) and a second bone portion 4.5 (distal portion). Said bone segment 4.1 is arranged between said two bone portions 4.4 and 4.5 and physically separated from said two bone portions 4.4 and 4.5, and the system 100 causes the controlled transport of the bone segment 4.1 between the bone portions 4.4 and 4.5, a defect of a certain length present between said bone portions 4.4 and 4.5 being filled with new bone as a result.

[0038] The system 100 comprises an intramedullary hollow carrier 3 configured for being secured to at least one of the bone portions 4.4 and 4.5, preferably to both bone portions 4.4 and 4.5, and preferably forming a single body, said carrier 3 remaining static during the use of the system 100 for filling with new bone the defect present in the bone 4.

[0039] The carrier 3 is housed in the bone 4, preferably traversing said portions 4.4 and 4.5 as shown in Figure 2 (and also the bone segment 4.1), comprises a main longitudinal axis 3.0 and is open at its both ends to facilitate any element to be introduced in, or evacuated from, the carrier 3. When transported, the bone segment 4.1 is displaceable along said longitudinal axis 3.0, towards the first bone portion 4.4 or towards the second bone portion 4.5 depending on the configuration of the system 100.

[0040] The system 100 also comprises at least one first pulley 6 arranged, in use, inside the hollow carrier 3., a first tension line 5.1 that, in use, is secured to at least the bone segment 4.1 and is associated with the first pulley 6, and a driving line 7 associated with the first pulley 6 and configured to be acted to cause the transport of the bone segment 4.1 attached to the tension line 5.1. Depending on the embodiment of the system 100, when a line is associated to a pulley, the line is attached to said pulley or wraps said pulley partially.

[0041] In a first configuration (see for example Figure 2), the first pulley 6 is arranged inside the carrier 3 such that it can be displaced along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of said carrier 3 and the driving line 7, in use, is associated with the first pulley 6 and configured to cause the displacement of the first pulley 6 along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3 when actuated. The driving line 7 is then preferably attached to the first pulley 6, said first pulley 6 acting as a fixation point (at least for the driving line 7) and, then, the mounting of the system 100 being facilitated. The first tension line 5.1 is associated with the first pulley 6 such that said bone segment 4.1 is transported when the first pulley 6 is displaced. Therefore, the first tension line 5.1 can be wrapping said first pulley 6 partially, said first pulley 6 acting as a pulley for the first tension line 5.1. In figures, a first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration is represented as a circle comprising a dot inside.

[0042] In a second configuration, as the one shown in Figure 9, the first pulley 6 is arranged inside the carrier 3 such that it cannot be displaced along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of said carrier 3, it being fixed with respect of the carrier 3 in use (fixed in a non-displaceable manner, but it could rotate in respect of its own axis), and the driving line 7, in use, is associated to the first tension line 5.1 and configured to pull said first tension line 5.1 when actuated, the bone segment 4.1 being transported when said first tension line 5.1 is pulled (the direction of the transport being represented with an arrow Z). Although in Figure 9 two lines 5.1 and 7 are represented, a single line could also be possible a segment of said single line being the first tension line 5.1 and the rest of said single line being the driving line 7. In figures, a first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the second configuration is represented as a circle comprising an X inside. Hereinafter, the references to the first pulley 6 are related to arrangement of said first pulley 6 inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration unless an indication to the second configuration is made.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the first tension line 5.1 is also fixed to a static part of the system 100 (to the carrier 3 for example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2) or to a static part of the bone 4 (to a bone portion 4.4 or 4.5), for example. In sat least some of said embodiments the first tension line 5.1 is partially wrapped around the first pulley 6 and the displacement of said first pulley 6 acts on said first tension line 5.1 causing the transport or displacement of the bone segment 4.1.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, as the first tension line 5.1 is partially wrapped around the displaceable first pulley 6, the length transported by the bone segment 4.1 is increased compared to a system 100 where a tension line 5.1 does not wrap any displaceable first pulley

[0045] 6, for the same action upon the driving line 7. When the driving line 7 is pulled a specific length, the first pulley 6 travels said length (referenced with arrow L6 in Figure 2) and this displacement causes the first tension line 5.1 to also travel said length on each side of the wrapped first pulley 6 (referenced in said Figure 2 with arrows L5.11 and L5.12), said first tension line 5.1 traveling said length twice. Said double travel is transferred to the bone segment 4.1 , the length transported by said bone segment 4.1 being then twice the length travelled by the driving line

[0046] 7. In Figure 2 the direction of the displacement of the first pulley 6 and the bone segment 4.1 is referenced with an arrow A. Therefore, the length transported by the bone segment 4.1 depends on how many lines linked to it and / or segments of lines linked to it are lifted, said number being the number of times that the length travelled by the driving line 7 is replicated. In the embodiment of Figure 2 two segments of a single line (tension line 5.1) are lifted when the driving line 7 is pulled, thus, said number is two and the bone segment 4.1 is transported two times the length travelled by the driving line 7.

[0047] Upon an action of the driving line 7, for a given time, if the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 is increased, this means that the transport speed of said bone segment 4.1 has also been increased. Therefore, any reference to the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 made along the description is also valid for the speed of said bone segment 4.1 and, likewise, any reference to the speed of a bone segment 4.1 made along the description is also valid for the length transported by said bone segment 4.1 . In the context of the invention the expression “wrapped around” or “wrapping” must be understood as being partially wrapped around, as the case of the tension line 5 in respect of the first pulley 6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 (in said Figure 2 the tension line 5.1 wraps over the first pulley 6, but of course in other embodiments or configurations it could wrapping under said first pulley 6).

[0048] In some embodiments the system 100 comprises at least one fixed pulley 10 to be attached to the carrier 3, to one of the bone portions 4.4 and 4.5 or to any other static part of the system 100, in a non-displaceable manner in respect of the carrier 3 (but it could rotate in respect of its own axis), in addition to the first pulley 6 (arranged inside the carrier 3 according to any of the first or second configuration). In these embodiments, the first tension line 5.1 is fixed to the bone segment 4.1 , and can also be fixed to a static point of the system 100 (as in the embodiment of Figure 3b, where it is fixed to the carrier 3 of the system 100), to a static part of the bone 4 or to a displaceable point of the system 100 (the first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration in the embodiment of Figure 3a).

[0049] A fixed pulley 10 can be used as a fixed point for a tension line 5.1, to guide the first tension line 5.1 to the required place (to the bone segment 4.1 for example) and / or to increase the length transported by the corresponding bone segment 4.1 as it will be explained in more detail later, so the system 100 allows to increase the length to be transported by the bone segment

[0050] 4.1 (speed), in each actuation upon it, in an easy way if so required (as it will be described in respect of the embodiment of Figure 5 for example).

[0051] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3a, the fixed pulley 10 guides the tension line

[0052] 5.1 towards the bone segment 4.1 and does not cause any increase of the length transported by the bone segment 4.1. The first tension line 5.1 does not wrap the first pulley 6, therefore, said first tension line 5.1 only travels the same length as the first pulley 6, and in said embodiment the length transported by the bone segment 4.1 is not increased in respect of the length travelled by the driving line 7 (in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 2).

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the first tension line 5.1 is fixed to the bone segment

[0054] 4.1 and also to a static part of the system 100 (the carrier 3 in this case). Said tension line 5.1 also wraps the first pulley 6, therefore, the displacement of said first pulley 6 causes the same effect over the first tension line 5.1 as for the embodiment of Figure 2, the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 with the embodiment of Figure 3b being twice the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 with the embodiment of Figure 3a (and being then twice the length travelled by the driving line 7).

[0055] In some embodiments of the system 100 with one first pulley 6, as the one shown in Figure 4 (first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration in this example), the system 100 comprises a plurality of fixed pulleys 10 arranged in series along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3 (two in said embodiment, an uppermost fixed pulleylO and a lowermost fixed pulley 10). One end of the first tension line 5.1 is fixed to the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps the first pulley 6 and the lowermost pulley 10, and it is guided towards the first bone segment 4.1 by said lowermost pulley 10. As the tension line 5.1 wraps the first pulley 6, the displacement of said first pulley 6 causes the same effect over the first tension line 5.1 as for the embodiments of Figure 2 and 3b, the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 with the embodiment of Figure 4 being the same as for said embodiments of Figure 2 and 3b. The difference between the embodiments of Figure 3b and Figure 4 is then that, although in both cases the first tension line 5.1 is fixed to a static part of the system 100, said first tension line 5.1 is fixed to the carrier 3 in the embodiment of Figure 3b and to a fixed pulley 10 arranged inside the carrier 3 in the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0056] In order to facilitate the adding of more fixed pulleys 10 linked to the tension line 5.1 in said manner, or if so required, more first pulleys 6 can also be included in series arrangement along the longitudinal axis 3.0, compared to the embodiment of Figure 4, as shown for example in the embodiment of Figure 5.

[0057] Although a series distribution of the pulleys has been described, different distributions are also possible such as one pulley at one side (in parallel) to other pulley, two or more pulleys sharing the same axes, and so on.

[0058] When the system 100 comprises a plurality of first pulleys 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration, said first pulleys 6 are preferably joined to each other such that an actuation on the driving line 7 causes all the first pulleys 6 to displace together.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the system 100 comprises two displaceable first pulleys 6 arranged in series along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3 and two fixed pulleys 10 also arranged in series along said longitudinal axis 3.0. One end of the first tension line 5.1 is fixed to the lowermost first pulley 6 and the other end is fixed to the bone segment 4.1 , the lowermost fixed pulley 10 guiding said tension line 5.1 towards the bone segment 4.1. The first tenson line 5.1 is extended from the lowermost first pulley 6 towards the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps said uppermost fixed pulley 10 from where it is guided towards the uppermost first pulley 6, wraps said uppermost first pulley 6 from where it is guided towards the lowermost fixed pulley 10, wraps said lowermost fixed pulley 10 and is guided towards the bone segment 4.1. When the first pulleys 6 are displaced a corresponding length in the direction L6, the first tension line 5.1 travels also said length three times as denoted with arrows L5.11 , L5.12 and L5.13. Said three travels are reflected in the transport o the bone segment 4.1, the length transported by said bone segment 4.1 being three times the length travelled by the first pulleys 6 (by the driving line 7).

[0060] Therefore, as already stated, increasing the length transported by a bone segment 4.1 by a same actuation on the driving line 7 is very easy with the proposed system 100, just adding as many first pulleys 6 and / or pulleys 10 as required, and linked to the tension line 5.1 fixed to said bone segment 4.1 as required, and lengthening the path of the first tension line 5.1 in order to cause said first tension line 5.1 to cooperate with the required pulleys 6 and 10 of the corresponding embodiment of the system 100. Summing up, the system 100 takes advantage of the block and tackle principle to increase the length transported by the bone segment 4.1 as required, said system 100 being very flexible and easy to implement.

[0061] For transporting a single bone segment 4.1 , in some embodiments, the first pulley 6 is arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the second configuration and the system 100 comprises an additional tension line 5.2 which, in use, is secured to the first bone segment 4.1, associated to a fixed pulley 10 and also associated to the driving line 7, such that said additional tension line 5.2 is pulled as the first tension line 5.1 when the driving line 7 is actuated (see Figure 10). In said embodiments a bone segment 4.1 is transported thanks to the action of two tension lines 5.1 and 5.2. Then tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 are joined in a fixation point where the driving line 7 is also joined (an additional first pulley 6, arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration, could also be used as the fixation point). The transport direction of the bone segment 4.1 is represented with an arrow W. The additional tension line 5.2 is also associated to the first pulley 6, wrapping it partially, the pulleys 6 and 10 rotating in different directions when the driving line 7 is actuated. In the embodiment of said Figure 10, the path of the tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 between the fixation point and the first pulley 6 has been differentiated for clarity reasons, but said tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 could share said path. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the bone segment 4.1 travels the same length as the driving line 7.

[0062] The system 100 can also be adapted easily for transporting a plurality of bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 of the bone 4 simultaneously (as many bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 as required), said bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 being arranged in series between the bone portions 4.4 and 4.5. In some of said embodiments the system 100 comprises a respective tension line 5.1 and 5.2 for each bone segment 4.1 and 4.2 to be transported, each tension line 5.1 and 5.2 being fixed to a respective bone segment 4.1 and 4.2 (see examples of Figures 6 to 8), and in other embodiments the same tension line 5.1 is fixed to at least two bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 (see examples of Figures 11 and 12).

[0063] When the system 100 is adapted for transporting a plurality of bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 and comprises a respective tension line 5.1 and 5.2 for each bone segment 4.1 and 4.2 to be transported, in some embodiments all the tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 are associated to at least one first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration, preferably wrapping it partially, such than the displacement of said first pulley 6 affects the tension line 5.1 and 5.2 causing the transport of the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2. The system 100 allows to associate each tension line 5.1 and 5.2 to the required number of first pulleys 6, it being also possible for any first pulley 6 of the system 100 to be associated to only one tension line 5.1 or 5.2 of said system 100, to a plurality of tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 or to all the tension lines

[0064] 5.1 and 5.2. Where there is more than one of said first pulleys 6, said first pulleys 6 are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3, inside said carrier 3, and preferably linked to each other such that they are displaced together as mentioned previously.

[0065] In other embodiments, one tension line 5.1 is associated to at least one first pulley 6 arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the second configuration (not being displaceable along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3), preferably wrapping it partially, and is attached to a bone segment 4.1 and to a fixation point (see Figure 9), while the other tension line 5.2 is attached to the fixation point and to the other bone segment 4.2 (without wrapping partially any pulley).

[0066] In some embodiments of the system 100 adapted for transporting a plurality of bone segments

[0067] 4.1 and 4.2 in the same direction, the system 100 is preferably configured to transport the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 at different speeds, the speed of a bone segment 4.2 being higher than the speed of the preceding bone segment 4.1. With the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 being transported at different speeds, the system 100 comprise, at least, as many deflection elements 10 as different speeds are required, and each tension line 5.1 and 5.2 linked to a specific speed is wrapped around a specific fixed deflection element 10 as shown for example in Figures 6 and 7. Again, as described for the embodiments where only one bone segment

[0068] 4.1 is transported, the speed of a bone segment 4.1 or 4.2 can be increased using more pulleys 6 and 10 together with a specific link between the corresponding tension line 5.1 and 5.2 and said pulleys 6 and 10, and lengthening the path of the corresponding tension line 5.1 and 5.2.

[0069] The first tension line 5.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is fixed to the lowermost first pulley 6 and wraps the uppermost fixed pulley 10 to be guided to the first bone segment 4.1 to which it is also attached. As said tension line 5.1 does not wrap any first pulley 6, the same effect on the first bone segment 4.1 is achieved as for the bone segment 4.1 of the embodiment of Figure 3a.

[0070] The second tension line 5.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is fixed to the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps the uppermost first pulley 6 and also wraps the lowermost fixed pulley 10 to be guided to the second bone segment 4.2 to which it is also attached. As said second tension line 5.2 wraps the uppermost first pulley 6, the same effect on the second segment 4.2 is achieved as for the bone segment 4.1 of the embodiment of Figure 4. Therefore, in the embodiment of Figure 6 the speed of the bone segment 4.2 doubles the speed of the bone segment 4.1.

[0071] The first tension line 5.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is fixed to the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps the lowermost first pulley 6 and also wraps the uppermost fixed pulley 10 to be guided to the first bone segment 4.1 to which it is also attached. As said first tension line

[0072] 5.1 wraps the lowermost first pulley 6, the same effect on the first bone segment 4.1 is achieved as for the second bone segment 4.2 of the embodiment of Figure 6 and doubles the length travelled by the driving line 7.

[0073] The second tension line 5.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is fixed to the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps the lowermost first pulley 6, wraps the uppermost fixed pulley 10, wraps the uppermost first pulley 6 and also wraps the lowermost fixed pulley 10 to be guided to the second bone segment 4.2 to which it is also attached. Said second tension line 5.2 wraps both first pulleys 6, therefore, four sections of said second tension line 5.2 travels the same length as said first pulleys 6 are displaced and the length transported by the second bone segment 4.2 is equal to four times the length displaced by said first pulleys 6 (and the driving line 7). Said sections of the second tension lines 5.2 are pointed out by a respective black square L in Figure 7.

[0074] Hence, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 the first bone segment 4.1 is transported at a first speed (equal to the second speed of the second bone segment 4.2 of the embodiment of Figure 6 and equal to two times the speed of the driving line 7) and the second bone segment 4.2 is transported at a second speed (the second speed doubling the first speed).

[0075] In some of the embodiments of the system 100 adapted for transporting a plurality of bone segments 4.1 and 4.2, as the ones shown in Figure 6 and 7, the system 100 is adapted for transporting all the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 in the same direction A.

[0076] In other embodiments adapted for transporting a plurality of bone segments 4.1 and 4.2, as the one shown in Figure 8, the system 100 is adapted for transporting at least one bone segment 4.1 in a first direction D1 and for transporting at least another bone segment 4.2 in a second direction D2 opposite the first direction D1. Both bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 can be transported at a same speed, as in the embodiment of Figure 8 (where only one line of each tension line 5.1 and 5.2 is lifted), or even at different speeds. If more than one bone segment is transported in the same direction, the previously given explanations are also valid for said bone segments.

[0077] In some embodiments not shown in figures, the system 100 comprises a driving unit (a magnetic motor for example) and said driving unit can be inside the hollow carrier 3 or outside the hollow carrier 3.

[0078] As previously stated, in some embodiments of the system 100 adapted for transporting two bone segments 4.1 and 4.2, said two bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 are transported by means of one and the same tension line 5.1 (see Figures 11 and 12). The first pulley 6 is arranged inside the carrier 3 according to the first configuration, and the first tension line 5.1 is secured to the first bone segment 4.1 , to the additional bone segment 4.2 and to the first pulley 6, and is associated to at least one fixed pulley 10 (Figure 11). The driving line 7, when actuated, causes the displacement of the first pulley 6 and the transport of the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 in opposite directions. The path of the tension line 5.1 extends from the first pulley 6 up to the fixed pulley 10, wrapping partially said fixed pulley 10, and then from the fixed pulley 10 to the second bone segment 4.2 where it is secured. In the path between both pulleys 6 and 10 the tension line 5.1 is secured to the first bone segment 4.1. In the embodiment of Figure 11 the length transported by the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 is equal to the length travelled by the driving line 7.

[0079] In some of said embodiments, the system 100 comprises an additional fixed pulley 10 such that the first pulley 6 is arranged between two fixed pulleys 10 (Figure 12). The driving line 7 is secured to the first pulley 6 and configured to cause the displacement of the first pulley 6 along the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3 when actuated. The first tension line 5.1 is secured to the first pulley 6, and is associated to both fixed pulleys 10 during its path. The path of the tension line 5.1 goes from the first pulley 6 until one of the fixed pulleys 100, wrapping partially said fixed pulley 10, then from this fixed pulley 10 to the other fixed pulley and wraps partially said other fixed pulley 10, and finally it goes until the second bone segment 4.2 where it is secured. In the path between both fixed pulleys the tension line 5.1 is secured to the first bone segment 4.1. In the embodiment of Figure 12 the length transported by the bone segments 4.1 and 4.2 is also equal to the length travelled by the driving line 7.

[0080] In other embodiments, the system 100 does not comprise any driving unit and the driving line comprises an end that is arranged outside the carrier 3 in order to be accessible from the exterior of the bone 4, once the system 100 is integrated in the corresponding patient, such that said end can be easily connected to a driving unit disposed outside the bone (in another bone 4 or outside the patient), or, even, it can be easily actuated manually if so required when accessible from the exterior of the patent.

[0081] In some embodiments the system 100 further comprises a driving deflection element not shown in figures, preferably a pulley, arranged inside the carrier 3 and associated to said carrier 3 or to one of the bone portions 4.4 and 4.5. The driving line 7 wraps said driving deflection element guiding it, and the carrier 3 comprises preferably an opening for being traversed by said driving line 7, facilitating said driving line 7 to exit the carrier 3. Thanks to the driving deflection element the driving line 7 can be guided towards the required place easily.

[0082] The carrier 3 can comprise at least one opening 3.1 being traversed by at least the tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 comprised by the system 100 in any of its embodiments, in order to facilitate the connection of said tension lines 5.1 and 5.2 to the corresponding bone segment 4.1 and 4.2. The carrier 3 could also comprise at least one hole or slot 3.1 to be traversed by the driving line 7, when there is no actuator inside the carrier 3. Preferably, the carrier 3 comprises a single opening for all the required lines, but it could also comprise a respective opening 3.1 for each of said lines or as many openings 3.1 as required.

[0083] When the carrier s comprises a single opening 3.1 , the length of said opening 3.1 is equal or greater than the length of the defect to be filled with new bone, in order to allow the lines to exit the carrier easily 3 along all the range of the transport length. When the carriers comprises a plurality of openings 3.1 they could be arranged in different axial positions in respect of the longitudinal axis 3.0 of the carrier 3, and the length of each opening 3.1 should assure the transport length of the associated bone segment 4.1 and 4.3 or the displaceable length of the associated first pulley 6.

[0084] In some embodiments, as in the one shown in Figure 13 as an example, the carriers comprises at least one channel 3.9 in an outer surface, to accommodate, guide and protect the tension lines 5.1 , 5.2 of the system 100.

[0085] In other embodiments not shown in figures, the system 100 comprises a cable support arranged inside the carrier 3 and fixed to the carrier 3, the cable support comprising at least one channel in the surface facing the carrier 3 to accommodate, guide and protect the tension lines 5.1 , 5.2 of the system 100.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Bone transport system for a bone (4) of a patient comprising a first bone portion (4.4), a second bone portion (4.5) and a first bone segment (4.1) arranged between both bone portions (4.4, 4.5) and physically separated from said bone portions (4.4, 4.5), and for filling with new bone a defect of a certain length upon the transport of said first bone segment (4.1), characterized in that the bone transport system (100) comprises an intramedullary hollow carrier (3) opened at both ends and comprising a main longitudinal axis (3.0), said carrier (3) being secured to at least one of the first bone portion (4.4) and the second bone portion (4.5), preferably to both bone portions (4.4, 4.5), in use; a first pulley (6), preferably a pulley, which, in use, is arranged inside the carrier (3); a first tension line (5.1) which, in use, is secured to at least the first bone segment (4.1); and a driving line (7), the first pulley (6) being arranged inside the carrier (3) according to a first configuration in which the first pulley (6) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of said carrier (3) and in which the driving line (7), in use, is associated with the first pulley (6) and configured to cause the displacement of the first pulley (6) along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of the carrier (3) when actuated, the first tension line (5.1) being associated with the first pulley (6) such that said bone segment (4.1) is transported when the first pulley (6) is displaced; or according to a second configuration in which the first pulley (6), in use, is fixed with respect of the carrier (3) preferably with possibility to rotate, and in which the driving line (7), in use, is associated to the first tension line (5.1) and configured to pull said first tension line (5.1) when actuated, the bone segment (4.1) being transported when said first tension line (5.1) is pulled.

2. Bone transport system according to claim 1, comprising at least one fixed pulled (10) which, in use, is arranged inside the carrier (3), associated to said carrier (3) or to one of the bone portions (4.4, 4.5) in a non-displaceable manner, and configured to deflect the path of said first tension line (5.1).

3. Bone transport system according to claim 2, comprising at least one additional fixed pulley (10), preferably a pulley, which, in use, is arranged inside the carrier (3), associated to said carrier (3) or to one of the bone portions (4.4, 4.5) in a non-displaceable manner, arranged in series with the other fixed pulley (10) along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of said carrier (3), and configured deflect the path of the first tension line (5.1).

4. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein in use the first tension line (5.1) is also secured to the pulley (6).

5. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one additional first pulley (6) to be arranged inside the carrier (3) in series with the pulley (6) along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of said carrier (3), in use, the additional first pulley (6) being configured to be displaceable along said longitudinal axis (3.0) by the actuation of the driving line (7) together with the first pulley (6), and the first tension line (5.1) wrapping the additional first pulley (6).

6. Bone transport system according to claim 2, wherein the first pulley (6) is arranged inside the carrier (3) according to the second configuration, the system (100) comprising an additional tension line (5.2) which, in use, is secured to the first bone segment (4.1), associated to the fixed pulley (10) and associated to the driving line (7) such that said additional tension line (5.2) is pulled as the first tension line (5.1) when the driving line (7) is actuated.

7. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system (100) is adapted for a bone (4) comprising the first bone segment (4.1) and at least one additional bone segment (4.2) arranged in series between both bone portions (4.4, 4.5), and for filling with new bone a defect of a certain length upon the transport of said bone segments (4.1 , 4.2), the system (100) comprising an additional tension line (5.2) for each additional bone segment (4.2), each additional tension line (5.2) being, in use, secured to the corresponding additional bone segment (4.2) and associated to at least one displaceable deflection element (6) such that said bone segment (4.1) is transported when said displaceable deflection element (6) is displaced.

8. Bone transport system according to claim 7, comprising at least one fixed pulley (10) for each of the tension lines (5.1 , 5.2), each tension line (5.1 , 5.2) wrapping the corresponding fixed pulley (10) in use.

9. Bone transport system according to claim 8, wherein in use each additional tension line (5.2) is secured to a first pulley (6), to a fixed pulley (10), to the carrier (3) or to a bone portion (4.4, 4.5).

10. Bone transport system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the system (100) is adapted for transporting all the bone segments (4.1, 4.2) in the same direction (A).

11. Bone transport system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the system (100) is adapted for transporting at least one bone segment (4.1) in a first direction (D1) and for transporting at least another bone segment (4.2) in a second direction (D2) opposite the first direction (D1).

12. Bone transport system according to claim 2, wherein the system (100) is adapted for a bone (4) comprising the first bone segment (4.1) and at least one additional bone segment (4.2) arranged in series between both bone portions (4.4, 4.5) and the first pulley (6) is arranged inside the carrier (3) according to the first configuration, the first tension line (5.1) being secured to the first bone segment (4.1) and to the additional bone segment (4.2) and being associated to the first pulley (6) and to at least one fixed pulley (10).

13. Bone transport system according to claim 12, comprising an additional fixed pulley (10) such that the first pulley (6) is arranged between two fixed pulleys (10), the driving line (7), in use, being associated to the first pulley (6) and configured to cause the displacement of the first pulley (6) along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of the carrier (3) when actuated, the first tension line (5.1) being attached tom the first pulley (6) and also associated to both fixed pulleys (10).

14. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising a driving unit for being secured to the driving line (7) and for causing the displacement of the first pulleys (6) when actuated and when said first pulleys (6) are arranged inside the carrier (3) according to the first configuration, said driving unit preferably comprising a motor.

15. Bone transport system according to claim 14, wherein the driving line (7) is associated with one first pulley (6) and is also connected to the driving unit in use, the driving line (7) being then configured to be accessible from outside the bone (4) in order to be actuated from the exterior of said bone (4), the driving unit being configured to be arranged outside the carrier (3).

16. Bone transport system according to claim 15, comprising a driving pulley arranged inside the carrier (3) and fixed to said carrier (3) or to one of the bone portions (4.4, 4.5) in use,the driving line (7) wrapping said driving pulley and the carrier (3) comprising preferably an opening for being traversed by said driving line (7).

17. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the carrier (3) comprises at least one opening (3.1) for being traversed at least by the tension lines (5.1 , 5.2) of the system (100), or a given opening for each of said tension lines (5.1 , 5.2).

18. Bone transport system according to claim 17, wherein the carrier (3) comprises at least one opening (3.1) for all the tension lines (5.1 , 5.2) of the system (100), the length of the one opening (3.1) along the longitudinal axis (3.0) of said carrier (3) being at least equal to the certain length of the defect to be filled with new bone.

19. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the carrier (3) comprises at least one channel (3.9) in an outer surface, to accommodate and guide the tension line (5.1).

20. Bone transport system according to any of claims 1 to 18, comprising a cable support arranged inside the carrier (3) and fixed to the carrier (3), the cable support comprising at least one channel in the surface facing the carrier (3) to accommodate and guide the tension line (5.1).

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