Targeting device for screw insertion in distal end of bone

A method for installing a screw through a distal end of a nail installed in a bone of a patient, wherein a proximal end of the nail is disposed near an insertion point of the nail into the bone and the distal end of the nail is disposed away from the insertion point, the method comprising:

• installing the nail into the bone of the patient, the nail including a screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• coupling a targeting device to the proximal end of the nail, the targeting device including:
• a targeting body including:
• an outer frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end,
• a flexible member connected to the outer frame closer to the first end than to the second end of the outer frame, wherein the outer frame surrounds the flexible member with the second end of the outer frame extending beyond a free end of the flexible member,
• a targeting block connected to the flexible member such that the flexibility of the flexible member enables the targeting block to translate towards a first side of the outer frame and a second side of the outer frame, the first and second sides being transverse to the first and second ends of the outer frame, the first side being opposite the second side, and wherein the targeting block includes a plurality of holes, and
• a targeting block adjustment assembly configured to adjust and maintain a position of the targeting block relative to the first and second sides of the outer frame, and
• a base plate removably coupled to the targeting body, the targeting device configured such that the base plate may be coupled to the proximal end of the nail;
• aligning the coupled targeting device with the aid of fluoroscopy such that one of the holes of the targeting block is targeted at the screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• drilling a bone hole in the bone such that the drilled bone hole is aligned with the screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• and
• installing a screw in the screw hole.

A method for installing a screw through a distal end of a nail installed in a bone of a patient, wherein a proximal end of the nail is disposed near an insertion point of the nail into the bone and the distal end of the nail is disposed away from the insertion point, the method comprising:

• installing the nail into the bone of the patient, the nail including a screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• coupling a targeting device to the proximal end of the nail, the targeting device including:
• a targeting body including:
• an outer frame,
• a flexible member connected to the outer frame,
• a targeting block connected to the flexible member such that the flexibility of the flexible member enables the targeting block to translate towards a first side of the outer frame and a second side of the outer frame, the first side being opposite the second side, and wherein the targeting block includes a plurality of holes, and
• a targeting block adjustment assembly configured to adjust and maintain a position of the targeting block relative to the first and second sides of the outer frame, and
• a base plate removably coupled to the targeting body, the targeting device configured such that the base plate may be coupled to the proximal end of the nail;
• aligning the coupled targeting device with the aid of fluoroscopy such that one of the holes of the targeting block is targeted at the screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• drilling a bone hole in the bone such that the drilled bone hole is aligned with the screw hole at the distal end of the nail;
• and
• installing a screw in the screw hole.