Importance

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Abstract

An intramedullary device used to stabilize a variety of fractured bones includes a plurality of resilient spine elements. A porous interconnection structure interconnects the spine elements, such as a mesh or a plurality of struts connected between the spine elements. The device expands at one or both ends, and optionally, the shaft of the device can also expand. The end of the device, in its expanded state, has a circumference greater than a circumference of the shaft. The spine elements and/or the interconnection structure are pre-shaped, e.g., composed of a resilient material and pre-shaped, such that the end of the device expands in the absence of an external restraining force. The spine elements and/or interconnection structure can be composed of a shape memory material, such that the expandable end of the device expands when heated to a temperature above a transitional temperature of the shape memory material.

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First Claim