Importance

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Abstract

A magnetic positioning system is provided for assisting in positioning a fastening element at a desired concealed internal location such as in a preformed opening in an interlocking nail in a long bone of a limb of a patient who has suffered a bone fracture. The arrangement includes: a first permanent ('target') magnet positioned at the internal location and a positioning device for a second permanent ('targeting') magnet. The positioning device comprises a hand-held drill and a magnetic aiming device mounted on the drill. The aiming device including a pivot member including the second magnet is disposed at one end thereof and having an axial bore. A mount for the pivot member permits three degrees of movement of the pivot member so as to enable the second magnet to align with the first magnet. The positioning device also includes a guide pin which is insertable into the axial bore and which is engaged by the drill chuck of the drill when the magnets are aligned. This enables the guide pin to be advanced by the drill along a path of travel in alignment with the first magnet and thus with the internal location. This path is ultimately followed by the fastening element.

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First Claim