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Abstract

A method for placing screws in an orthopedic nail used in setting fractures of the long bones of the body. A fluoroscope assembly is used initially to develop an image on a monitor. This image enables the physician to adjust the fluoroscope assembly until the x-rays from the fluoroscope are propagated along lines which are coaxially aligned with the nail screw holes. This status of alignment is then used to allow reference marks to be made on the skin located on one or more lines projected through the limb containing the fractured bone in coaxial alignment with the nail screw holes. The limb is then incised at the location of one or more of these alignment marks allowing tubular drill guides of a jig to be set against the bone in a position of coaxial alignment with the screws holes through the nail. Before using the drill guides of the jig to drill holes in the bone, precise coaxial alignment of the drill guides with the screw holes through the nail is obtained by utilizing as a part of the jig, and in fixed relation to each drill guide, an arm which carries an x-ray opaque targeting pin mounted within a relatively larger x-ray transparent disc. The targeting pins are then used to precisely align the drill guides with the nail screw holes. The drill guides then facilitate drilling holes through the bone in precise coaxial alignment with the nail screw holes. Last, locking screws are extended through the nail and screwed into the bone by the use of the drilled screw holes.

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First Claim