Device for driving fixation elements into bone and method of use thereof

Abstract

A implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone is described. Also described are methods for using a implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone and a kit comprising a pneumatic implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone.

1 - 28  (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . An implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone, comprising:
 a chamber for holding a fastener or fixation element,   a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the chamber for propelling the fastener or fixation element from the chamber,   a propulsion source functionally connected to the chamber, wherein the propulsion source comprises a compressed or loaded spring, and   a triggering mechanism for releasing the spring from compression or loading, wherein the released spring propels the fastener or fixation element from the chamber through the barrel and driving the fastener or fixation element into bone contacted with the distal end.   
     
     
         30 . The implanting device of  claim 29 , wherein the fastener or fixation element is selected from the group consisting of a Kirschner wire, an intramedullary nail or a suture anchor. 
     
     
         31 . The implanting device of  claim 29 , further comprising a replaceable cartridge containing one or more fasteners or fixation elements. 
     
     
         32 . The implanting device of  claim 29 , wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a safety that prevents releasing the spring when the distal end of the barrel is not in contact with bone. 
     
     
         33 . The implanting device of  claim 32 , wherein the safety prevents actuation of the trigger mechanism when the distal end of the barrel is not in contact with bone. 
     
     
         34 . A method for the fixation of a fractured long bone with an intramedullary nail, comprising:
 providing an access point to the medullary canal of the long bone,   reducing the bone fragments at the fracture,   contacting the distal end of the barrel of the implanting device of  claim 29  with the access point,   aligning the barrel of the implanting device with the medullary canal at the access point, and   actuating the trigger mechanism of the implanting device to deliver an intramedullary nail into the medullary canal, thereby fixing the bone fragments in the reduced state.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the access point is a hole in the bone. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the hole is created with a drill. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the hole is created with an awl. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the long bone is selected from the group consisting of metatarsal bones and metacarpal bones. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the metatarsal bones and metacarpal bones include the phalanges. 
     
     
         40 . A method for the fixation a fractured bone using at least one Kirschner wire, comprising:
 reducing at least one bone fragment with at least one adjacent fragment or the main body of the bone;   contacting the distal end of the barrel of the implanting device of  claim 29  with the at least one bone fragment, the at least one adjacent fragment or the main body of the bone;   aligning the implanting device with the at least one bone fragment and the at least one adjacent fragment or the main body of the bone; and   actuating the trigger mechanism of the implanting device to deliver a Kirschner wire affixing the at least one bone fragment to the at least one adjacent fragment or the main body of the bone, thereby fixing the at least one bone fragment in the reduced state.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the bone is the humerus. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the at least one bone fragment is from the proximal end of the humerus. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the bone is the femur. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the at least one bone fragment is from the head of the femur. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the bone is a carpal bone or a tarsal bone. 
     
     
         46 . A kit comprising the implantation device of  claim 29  and a fastener or fixation element. 
     
     
         47 . The kit of  claim 46 , wherein the fastener or fixation element is selected from the group consisting of a Kirschner wire, an intramedullary nail and a suture anchor. 
     
     
         48 . The kit of  claim 46 , further comprising a replaceable cartridge containing one or more fasteners or fixation elements.