Systems and methods for intramedullary nail implantation

Abstract

Intramedullary nails, systems, and methods. The intramedullary nail may include a generally elongate body extending from a first, distal end to a second, proximal end. The distal end may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the distal end intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the distal end of the nail. The proximal end may also include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the proximal end of the nail. In some embodiments, the proximal end may further include a cross-locking feature, which includes a second bone anchor that interlocks with a first bone anchor, for example, for enhanced bone purchase and bony fixation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implant, comprising:
 an intramedullary nail having:
 an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongate body having a cannulated channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end; 
 a first aperture formed in the proximal portion, a first portion of the channel extending from the proximal end of the elongate body to the first aperture being threaded; and 
   a bladed anchor positionable through the first aperture in the elongate body, the bladed anchor including a main shaft having an outer planar surface, the bladed anchor having a helical blade positioned distally of the outer planar surface and shaped to be hammered into a bone, wherein an outer diameter of the helical blade is no greater than an outer diameter of the main shaft; and   an externally threaded set screw having a planar bottom surface, the set screw being threadingly received in the first portion of the channel such that a portion of the planar bottom surface contacts the outer planar surface of the bladed anchor.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein a second portion of the channel extends from the first aperture to the distal end of the intramedullary nail, and the second portion is an internally smooth portion. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the bladed anchor extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 3 , wherein the outer planar surface of the bladed anchor is an elongated, recessed surface which extends in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bladed anchor. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 3 , wherein the bladed anchor is cannulated. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the externally threaded set screw is cannulated. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body includes a second aperture disposed in the distal portion, the second aperture being spaced apart from the first aperture. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 7 , further comprising a fastener positionable through the second aperture in the elongate body, and wherein the fastener is threaded along its length. 
     
     
         9 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the outer planar surface is one of a plurality of outer planar surfaces arranged equally around the perimeter of the bladed anchor. 
     
     
         10 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body includes a notch disposed at the proximal end for engaging a driver. 
     
     
         11 . The implant of  claim 10 , wherein the notch is a single notch that extends along a longitudinal axis in a distal direction and then extends laterally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         12 . An implant, comprising:
 an intramedullary nail having:
 an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongate body having a cannulated channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end; 
 a first aperture formed in the proximal portion, a first portion of the channel extending from the proximal end of the elongate body to the first aperture being threaded; and 
 a second aperture formed in the distal portion, the second aperture being spaced apart from the first aperture; 
   a bladed anchor positionable through the first aperture in the elongate body, the bladed anchor including a main shaft having an outer planar surface, the bladed anchor having a helical blade positioned distally of the outer planar surface and shaped to be hammered into a bone, wherein an outer diameter of the helical blade is no greater than an outer diameter of the main shaft;   a fastener positionable through the second aperture in the elongate body; and   a set screw being threadingly received in the first portion of the channel such that a bottom surface of the set screw contacts the planar surface of the bladed anchor.   
     
     
         13 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein a second portion of the channel extends from the first aperture to the distal end of the intramedullary nail, and the second portion is an internally smooth portion. 
     
     
         14 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the bladed anchor extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         15 . The implant of  claim 14 , wherein the outer planar surface of the bladed anchor is an elongated, recessed surface which extends in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bladed anchor. 
     
     
         16 . The implant of  claim 14 , wherein the bladed anchor is cannulated. 
     
     
         17 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the set screw is cannulated. 
     
     
         18 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the outer planar surface is one of a plurality of outer planar surfaces arranged equally around the perimeter of the bladed anchor. 
     
     
         19 . The implant of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate body includes a notch disposed at the proximal end for engaging a driver. 
     
     
         20 . The implant of  claim 19 , wherein the notch is a single notch that extends along a longitudinal axis in a distal direction and then extends laterally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.