Modular intramedullary nail

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to an intramedullary nail for the repair of bone fractures, and more specifically, to a modular nail that allows a surgeon to use different inserts to achieve a selected nail configuration for use with a particular type of fracture.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a modular nail according present invention shown implanted within a femur in antegrade configuration;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the modular nail illustrated in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a side view of a nail member of the modular nail illustrated in FIG. 1 with a portion shown in section to illustrate a feature thereof and further including a portion shown in phantom to illustrate a further feature thereof;

#FIGS. 1-4 shows a modular intramedullary nail 18 according to one embodiment of the present invention placed an assembled condition within a bone 16 bone. The modular intramedullary nail 18 includes a nail member 20 formed of a metallic alloy such as a titanium alloy. The nail member 20 includes a distal end 22, a proximal end 24 and a middle portion 26. The distal end 22 includes a leading edge 23 and the proximal end 24 includes a trailing or rear edge 25. A passageway 28 extends longitudinally through the nail member 20 between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 22. The passageway 28 receives insertion and extraction instrumentation, such as a guidewire (not shown), used to position the nail member 20 within the bone 16. Typically the leading edge 23 of the nail member 20 follows the path of the guide wire and is inserted into the bone 16 first.

#As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of fasteners 32, illustrated herein as bone screws, extend through the nail member 20 and into the bone 16 to secure the nail member 20 in place. Other fasteners such as blades, beams, pins or wires could also be used.

#As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 22 of the nail member 20 includes a plurality of holes 30. The holes 30 typically extend transverse the longitudinal axis 21 of the nail member 20. The fasteners 32 extend through the holes 30 to secure the lower or distal end 22 of the nail member 20 to the bone 16. Following the preferred procedure, the holes 30 are positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the nail member 20 may be bowed a slight amount as shown by the plane 31 to account for the natural curvature of the bone 16. If so, one of the holes 30 is drilled at a slight angle to the longitudinal axis 21 of the nail member 20 such that the holes 30 and corresponding fasteners 32 remain perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bone 16 even though the distal end 22 of the nail member 20 is bowed.