Method and apparatus for repairing the mid-food region via an intramedullary nail

Abstract

A device, method, and system for treatment or fixation of a fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bone or bones in a mid-foot region. The device comprising an implant with both proximal and distal fastener holes, along with fastener slots in a central elongated body, for securing the implant to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. The method for treatment or fixation of fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bones in the medial column of the foot with use of a device such as an intramedullary nail that attaches to either the talus or first metatarsal bones to secure the medial cuneiform and navicular bones in place.

Description

[0001] Applicants hereby claim priority under all rights to which they are entitled under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 based upon the U.S. application Ser. No. 60 / 402,380 for this Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application (USPTO receiving office) filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 10, 2002.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The field of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for repairing damaged, deteriorating, or fractured bones in the mid-foot region. More particularly, the present invention relates to both a method and device for treating the bones in the medial column of a human foot that are effected by Diabetic Charcot mid-foot collapse, LisFranc injuries, and the like. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] The utilization of implants, such as intramedullary nails, rods, and screws is well known in the art, specifically in the treatment of long or large bone fractures. Implants are those devices which may be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0044] Although prior art nails have found varying degrees of success in the treatment of long bone fractures and hind-foot arthrodesis, there remains a need in the field for an intramedullary nail specific for fixation of the medial column of the foot. This device will substantially reduce, if not eliminate many of the present complications encountered with Diabetic Charcot foot reconstruction. Such a device would provide fixation and stabilization of the Diabetic Charcot foot preventing future mid-foot collapse and ultimate limb loss. An intramedullary medial column nail and method of utilization would provide stabilization to the medial column of the foot, eliminating excessive operating time, anesthesia exposure, implant failure, long hospital stays, and reduce overall medical cost leading to early rehabilitation and ultimately limb salvage.

[0046] The present invention utilizes an intramedullary medial column nail fixation apparatus ideally being cylindrical and cannulated, and made from either titanium, a bioabsorbable material, human or animal bone, or equivalent. The nail ideally would have a number of proximal and distal fastener holes (transfixation or interlocking holes) for securing the IM medial column nail to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. An important feature of the present invention of the IM nail is its ability to function as an internal load-sharing device along the medial column of the foot. The nail acts as an internal splintage while the bones are mending, and is used to bring into alignment microfractures that may exist. The proximal portion of the nail may have a tapered tip to aid in insertion, and at least one fastener hole (ideally two) for the insertion of fasteners to fixate the neck of the talus to the implant or nail. The intermediate portion ideally has two slots to accommodate for any bone loss of the navicular and medial cuneiform, and to allow for the possible insertion of a fastener if the bones are healthy enough. The distal portion has at least one fastener hole (ideally three) for the insertion of fasteners to fixate the nail to the first metatarsal.

[0048] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention calls for the use of a compression system that incorporates a depth gauge device which may be used to determine the amount of compression achieved. This device would eliminate the need for guessing or “feeling” the correct amount of compression required. A depth gauge would exist either on the implant or jig apparatus with a ruler type measuring means for gauging the amount of travel in the nail back up the intramedullary canal towards the phalanges. Compression could then be determined to a specified length of travel of the nail back up the canal during compression.

Problems solved by technology

Diabetic neuropathy ultimately results in deterioration of the bones in the foot.

Such deterioration of those bones in the mid-foot region leads to the collapse of the foot, fracture of those bones, or both.

Diabetic foot treatment to date has been limited to amputation, special casts or shoes which alleviate the deformity, and surgical intervention to strengthen the foot.

Surgical intervention has been restricted to the use of screws and plates since most bones in the foot are quite small.

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