Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for achieving the fixation of a bone having a medullary canal, and in particular permits the secure and highly repeatable location of the distal locking screws used in intramdedullary nailing of long bone fractures. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of a method of the invention the distal end of an intramedullary nail is locked to the distal portion of a bone by inserting a guide wire into the medullary canal of the bone, drilling a pilot hole through the near cortex of the bone, and using a suitable locator tool that has an arrangement for grabbing the guide wire. The locator tool also has an arrangement for engaging with a suitably configured intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail is then inserted until it engages with the locator. A distal alignment fixture engaged with the locator can then be used to determine the location of the first distal locking hole. After insertion of the first distal locking screw, the second distal locking screw can be located. The invention also provides apparatus for achieving the foregoing, as well as methods and apparatus for adjusting the compression of distal and proximal bone fragments and placement of the proximal locking screw or screws.

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First Claim