Apparatus and method for targeting and/or installing fastners into an intramedullary nails

Abstract

A method and apparatus for installing a number of distal screws into an intramedullary nail implanted in a patient. The apparatus includes a foundation which is fixedly coupled to the patient, a targeting insert having a targeting spike, a guiding insert for guiding an installation tool used in installing a distal screw, a targeting/guiding device coupled to the foundation and adaptable for having the targeting insert and the guiding insert coupled thereto, and a handle removably coupled to the targeting/guiding device. When the targeting insert is coupled to the targeting/guiding device, the targeting/guiding device may be movable by an operator or surgeon with the use of the handle so as to align the targeting spike with a respective distal screw hole in the intramedullary nail. Afterwards, the targeting/guiding device may be locked in place by the operator or surgeon with the use of the handle, the targeting insert removed, and the guiding insert coupled to the targeting/guiding device. Such guiding insert enables the installation tool to be properly guided when installing a distal screw into the respective distal screw hole.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.