Intramedullary fixation device with shape locking interface

Abstract

Implantable devices for fixation of curved bones such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state using a shape locking section. The implantable devices further include a main body and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 manipulating a flexible body of a bone-fixating device into a curved shape; and   retaining the flexible body in the curved shape by compressing, with a member, at least one fiber that extends axially within the flexible body against a surface of a housing disposed at an end of the flexible body.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein retaining the flexible body includes turning the member. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein retaining the flexible body includes turning the member to align each of the at least one fiber with a respective protruding surface of the member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein retaining the flexible body includes rotating the member to force each of the at least one fiber against the surface of the housing with a respective protruding surface of the member. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising releasing the flexible body from the curved shape by freeing the at least one fiber relative to the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein releasing the flexible body includes turning the member. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein releasing the flexible body includes turning the member to align each of the at least one fiber with a respective recessed surface of the member. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the housing comprises an inner surface of the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein retaining the flexible body in the curved shape includes rendering the flexible body in a rigid curved shape. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising releasing the flexible body from the rigid curved shape by freeing the at least one fiber relative to the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 manipulating the flexible body includes manipulating the flexible boy into the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within a bone; and   retaining the flexible body includes retaining the flexible body in the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within the bone.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 manipulating the flexible body includes manipulating the flexible boy into the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within a bone; and   retaining the flexible body includes retaining the flexible body in the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within the bone and spans a fracture of the bone.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 manipulating the flexible body includes manipulating the flexible boy into the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within a bone and spans a fracture of the bone; and   retaining the flexible body includes retaining the flexible body in the curved shape while the flexible body is disposed, at least partially, within the bone and spans the fracture.