Systems and methods for intramedullary preparations

A method for fixing a bone in a subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a directional reamer, the directional reamer including
• a flexible drive shaft have a proximal end and a distal end, and
• a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft;
• providing a follower sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, the follower sleeve defining a channel configured to accept the flexible drive shaft;
• providing a reaming plunger configured to extend through the channel of the follower sleeve;
• inserting the reaming plunger within the channel of the follower sleeve and positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft;
• inserting the flexible drive shaft into the follower sleeve adjacent to the reaming plunger and such that the cutting head extends forward of the collar of the follower sleeve;
• placing the directional reamer containing the reaming plunger and the follower sleeve into a medullary canal of a bone;
• and
• advancing the reaming plunger along the channel of the follower sleeve such that a distal end of the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to displace the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflect the cutting head.

A directional reamer, comprising:

• a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft;
• and
• a conical roller bearing operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft adjacent to the cutting head.

A system for intramedullary preparations, comprising:

• a directional reamer, including
• a flexible drive shaft have a proximal end and a distal end,
• a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft, and
• a conical roller bearing operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft adjacent to the cutting head;
• and
• a follower sleeve defining a hollow interior and having a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow interior having a diameter sufficient for surrounding the flexible drive shaft of the directional reamer, and the distal end of the follower sleeve configured to contact the conical roller bearing and deflect the cutting head.

A system for intramedullary preparations, comprising:

• an eccentric reamer, including
• a drive shaft having a distal end, and
• a cutting head eccentrically mounted to the distal end of the drive shaft;
• and
• a cam guide defining a hollow interior, the hollow interior having a diameter sufficient for surrounding the drive shaft of the directional reamer.