04-001 - Intramedullary nail device and method for repairing long bone

Researchers

John Gary Bledsoe; Berton Roy Moed; Sridhar Condoor; Kevin Anthony Shields; Timothy Patrick Alford; Robert J. Miller, IV

Summary

This invention describes an intramedullary nail that is useful in the repair of long bone fractures, wherein the nail has a flexible state, which allows for the insertion of the nail through any number of incisions that may be off center of the intramedullary canal, and a rigid state, which allows the nail to provide adequate support to mend the long bone. Several embodiments of an intramedullary nail are described, including a nail comprising a shape memory nickel-titanium alloy, which has an austenite start temperature of about 15 degree C. and an austenite finish temperature of about 35 degree C., and a nail comprising loosely fitting multiple links that can be tightened to provide rigidity when properly set in the intramedullary canal.

Intellectual Property Status

• U.S. patent pending