Modular device for preventing compression and instability in a segmental defect repair scaffold

A method of treating a segmental bone defect using a polymer scaffold comprising:

• A. applying anesthesia to the patient;
• B. surgically exposing the segmental bone defect, if not already exposed;
• C. determining whether the segmental bone defect is continuous or not continuous;
• D. if the bone at the segmental bone defect is not continuous, identifying a first bone end and a second bone end;
• E. if the bone at the segmental bone defect is continuous, cutting through the bone at the segmental bone defect to create said first bone end and said second bone end;
• F. preparing a polymer scaffold comprising a tubular outer shell and;
• said tubular outer shell having a first end sized to fit over said first bone end, a second end sized to fit over said second bone end, an inner cavity, and a length that is greater than the length of said segmental bone defect and a polymer insert sized to fit inside said-tubular outer shell and between said first bone end and said second bone end, said polymer insert having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a central cavity the inner cavity of said tubular outer shell;
• G. placing a collagen containing material in the central cavity of said polymer insert and inserting said substantially hollow polymer insert into the inner cavity of said solid tubular outer shell;
• H. sliding the first end of said solid tubular shell over said first bone end and securing it in place with a non-toxic adhesive;
• I. sliding the second end of said solid tubular shell over said second bone end and securing it in place with a non-toxic adhesive;
• J. surgically closing the wound exposing said segmental bone defect.