Intramedullary fixation assembly and devices and methods for installing the same

An intramedullary fixation member for use in repairing a distal radius bone fracture, the distal radius having an articular surface, comprising:

• an elongate fixation member sized for insertion into the medullary canal of the radius, the fixation member having a first end and a second end and at least one fastener opening extending through the fixation member proximal to the first end, the second end adapted for placement within the medullary canal distal from the articular surface of the distal radius, wherein the fixation member comprises a relatively straight tail portion extending into the medullary canal at the second end of the fixation member, the tail portion configured for urging into contact with the cortical wall adjacent to the medullary canal of the radius, and wherein the fixation member is configured for attachment to a guide assembly adapted for guiding placement or fixation of the elongate fixation member in the medullary canal.

An intramedullary fixation member for use in repairing a distal radius bone fracture, the distal radius having an articular surface, comprising:

• an elongate fixation member sized for insertion into the medullary canal of the radius, the fixation member having a first end and a second end and at least one fastener opening extending through the fixation member proximal to the first end and at an angle matching the inclination angle of the articular surface of the distal radius, the second end adapted for placement within the medullary canal distal from the articular surface of the distal radius, wherein the fixation member comprises a relatively straight tail portion extending into the medullary canal at the second end of the fixation member, the tail portion configured for urging into contact with the cortical wall adjacent to the medullary canal of the radius, and wherein the fixation member is configured for attachment to a guide assembly adapted for guiding placement or fixation of the elongate fixation member in the medullary canal, at least a portion of the fixation member having a radius of curvature adapted for insertion of the fixation member into the medullary canal of the radius.