Importance

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Abstract

An intramedullary nail is inserted at a selected location within a natural bone and is removed selectively from the location utilizing an access wire which guides a knife for making an access opening of limited size in alignment with the direction in which the intramedullary nail is to be inserted or removed. Cutting tool guides are secured within the access opening, with the aid of trocars, for gaining access to the bone at the location for insertion of the intramedullary nail, and for gaining access to the intramedullary nail for removal of the intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail includes a hollow shaft with an end plug provided with an alignment hole for engagement with an access wire which guides a knife to the end plug, and a purchase which is protected from calcification and scar tissue during the service life of the intramedullary nail and which is accessed readily for effecting removal and withdrawal of the end plug for ease of removal of the intramedullary nail.

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First Claim