AU2014240244B2 - Orthopaedic implant and bone screw assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

R:\txb\InerwodNRPostb/\DCC\TXB\6842629_ docx - 1/10/14 An apparatus for treating fractures. The apparatus may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail (100), and a fastening assembly (200), 5 such as a lag screw (202) and compression screw assembly (204). The implant has a proximal section with a transverse aperture (118). The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the implant. The engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the 10 engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. This configuration is useful for, among other things, compressing a fracture.

Description

H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TXB\6842629_l.docx- 7/12/16 2014240244 07 Dec 2016

ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANT AND BONE SCREW ASSEMBLY

This is a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2010202805, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to and claims the benefit of United States Application 5 No. 10/658,351, filed September 8, 2003 and entitled "Orthopaedic Implant and Screw Assembly", which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system for coupling bone portions across a fracture and, more specifically, to an intramedullary nail and screw assembly 10 used to treat fractures of long bones such as the femur, humerus and tibia, and various periarticular fractures of these and other bones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of devices used to treat fractures of the femur, humerus, tibia, and other long bones. For example, fractures of the femoral neck, head, and 15 intertrochanteric region have been successfully treated with a variety of compression screw assemblies, which include generally a compression plate having a barrel member, a lag screw and a compressing screw. Examples include the AMBI® and CLASSIC™ compression hip screw systems offered by Smith & Nephew, Inc. In such systems, the compression plate is secured to the exterior of the femur, and the 20 barrel member is inserted in a predrilled hole in the direction of the femoral head. The lag screw has a threaded end, or another mechanism for engaging bone, and a smooth portion. The lag screw is inserted through the barrel member so that it extends across the break and into the femoral head. The threaded portion engages the femoral head. The compression screw connects the lag screw to the plate. By 25 adjusting the tension of the compression screw, the compression (reduction) of the fracture can be varied. The smooth portion of the lag screw is free to slide through the barrel member to permit the adjustment of the compression screw. Some assemblies of the prior art use multiple screws to prevent rotation of the lag screw relative to - 1 - WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/IIS2G04/O29195 the compression plate and barrel member and also to prevent rotation of the femoral head on the lag screw,

Intramedullary nails In combination with lag screws or other screw assemblies have been successfully used to treat fractures of the femur, humerus, 5 tibia, and other long bones as well. A significant application of such devices has been the treatment of femoral fractures. One such nailing system is the 1MHS® system offered by Smith & Nephew, Inc,, and covered at least in part by U,S. Pat. No. 5,032,125 and various related International patents. Other seminal patents in the field include U.S. Pat Nos, 4,827,917, 5,167,663, 5,312,406, and 5,562,666, 10 which are all assigned to Smith & Nephew, inc. These patents are all hereby incorporated by reference. A typical prior art intramedullary nail may have one or more transverse apertures through its distal end to allow distal bone screws or pins to be screwed or otherwise inserted through the femur at the distai end of the intramedullary nail This is called “locking" and secures the distal end of the 15 intramedullary nail to the femur, in addition, a typical intramedullary nail may have one or more apertures through its proximal end to allow a lag screw assembly to be screwed or otherwise inserted through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail and into the femur. The lag screw Is positioned across the break In the femur and an end portion of the lag screw engages the femoral 20 head. An intramedullary nail can also be used to treat shaft fractures of the femur or other long bones.

As with compression hip screw systems, intramedullary nail systems are sometimes designed to allow compression screws and/or lag screws to slide through the nail and thus permit contact between or among the bone fragments. 25 Contact resulting from sliding compression facilitates faster healing in some circumstances, in some systems, two separate screws (or one screw and a separate pin) are used in order, among other things, to prevent rotation of the femoral head relative to the remainder of the femur, to prevent penetration of a single screw beyond the femoral head, and to prevent a single screw from tearing 30 through the femoral neck and head. When an additional screw or pin is used, however, unequal forces applied to the separated screws or pins can cause the -2- PCT/US2004/S29195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 separate screws or pins to be pressed against die sides of the hoies through which the separate screws or pins are Intended to slide. This may resuit in binding, which reduces the sliding of the screws or pins through the nail. Conversely, a probiem can resuit from excessive compression of the femora! S head toward or Into the fracture site, in extreme cases, excessive sliding compression may cause the femora! head to be compressed all the way Into tie trochanteric region of the femur.

Furthermore, overiy rigid nails sometimes generate periprosthetic fractures in regions away from a fracture site. Therefore, It is important that intramedullary 10 nails be adequately flexible in comparison to the bones in which they are implanted.

The harder, generally out®· portion of a typical bone is referred to as cortical bone. Cortical bone is usually a structurally sound load-bearing material for support of an implant. A cross-section of a long bone that shows the typica! 15 anatomical shape of cortical bone generaiiy reveals a ηοη-drcuiar ring of cortical bone which surrounds a medullary canal. Accordingly, the medullary canal generally features a ηοη-clrcuiar cross section, intramedullary nails of the prior art, however, are usually round or square in cross-section, and therefore not anatomically consistent with the cortical bone or the medullary canal. Some have 20 addressed this problem by reaming the medullary canal of the bone with a round reamer in order to cause the nail to fit the cortical bone. This approach, however, can remove significant portions of healthy cortical bone.

The probiem of providing an effective load bearing physical relationship between an implant and cortical bone in the proximal femur has been addressed 25 in the art of hip replacement devices. Various hip sterns have been developed which feature generaiiy non-circular cross sections along their length, in order better to fit the anatomically shaped cortical bone of the proximal femur and thus more evenly and effectively distribute the load between the stem and the bone, However, none of these hip stems have been incorporated into a naif or 30 configured to accept a screw or screws useful In repairing substantially all of the portions of the treated bone, instead, hip stems as a general matter have been -3- H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\TXB\6842629_l.docx- 7/12/16 2014240244 07 Dec 2016 considered as a device for replacing portions of a long bone, and designed and used for that purpose. For example, the typical application of a hip stem includes completely removing a femoral head and neck, implanting a hip stem, and using the hip stem to support an artificial femoral head. 5 In summary, and without limitation, the foregoing shows some of the shortcomings of the state of the art in this field. Among other things, what is needed is an orthopaedic implant system that includes a superior sliding screw or other mechanism for applying compression across a fracture. Some embodiments would also provide a sliding screw or other mechanism that obtains adequate bone purchase 10 while reducing the incidence of cut-out, rotational instability, and excessive sliding. An anatomically appropriately shaped implant for achieving improved cortical bone contact would also be advantageous. Where the implant is an intramedullary nail, the nail would provide for reduced reaming and removal of healthy bone. An improved nail may also have a cross-section that provides a greater area of material on the side of 15 the nail that is placed under a greater tensile load when the nail is subjected to a typical bending load. Additionally, an improved implant system could include a sliding screw in combination with intramedullary nails of various designs, or in combination with plates. Combinations of any of these with each other in combinations of each other, and/or with other devices or combinations of them also present opportunities for 20 advancement beyond the state of the art according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods, devices and systems according to preferred embodiments of this 25 invention allow treatment of bone fractures using one or both of a structure configured to be implanted in or stabilize a first bone fragment and a fastening assembly. The structure may take form of an implant for at least partial implantation within bone. Such implants may include a proximal section having a transverse aperture, and an aperture substantially along their length. Preferably, they include at least one cross-section in 30 their proximal portions which features a -4- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 shape that imparts additional strength and resistance to tension. Such shapes can be provided, for instance, by one or both (i) adding additional mass in lateral portions of the cross section, and (2} strategically adding and reducing mass in the cross section to take advantage of flange effects similar to the way flanges 5 add structural benefits to I-beams and channels. One way to characterize such cross - sections, which can but need not be asymmetrical with respect to at ieast one axis, is that they generally feature a moment of inertia extending in a lateral direction from a point that is the midpoint of a line from a lateral tangent to a media! tangent of the cross section, in some structures, that line is coplanar with 10 the axis of the transverse aperture and coplanar with the cross section and thus defined by the intersection of those planes. The endpoints of that fine can be defined as the intersection of the line with tangents to toe medial aspect and the lateral aspect of the cross section, respectively. Such implants also typically include a distal section and a transition section that provides a coupling between 15 toe proximal section and toe distal section.

Fastening assemblies of methods, devices and systems according to certain embodiments of toe Invention preferably include an engaging member and a compression device. The fastening assemblies are adapted to be received in the transverse aperture of the implant in a sliding relationship, so that the 20 fastening assembly is adapted to slide with respect to the transverse aperture, and thus apply compression to a fracture and for any other desired purpose. The engaging member is adapted to gain purchase in a second bone fragment. The engaging member and the compression device are configured so that the compression device interacts with a portion of the implant and also with a portion 25 of the engaging member so that adjustment of the compression device controls sliding of toe engaging member relative to toe implant and thereby enables controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. In some embodiments, the compression device at ieast partially directly contacts the second bone fragment when implanted. 30 -5- H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TXB\6842629_l .docx - 7/12/16 2014240244 07 Dec 2016

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an orthopaedic implant comprising: a nail having a long axis, the nail including an inner wall defining a through hole oriented off the long axis, the through hole having a non-circular crosssection, and the inner wall comprising: a first semi-cylindrical portion defining a first 5 section of the through hole, the first section of the through hole having an open face having a width and a length, the width of the open face being less than a maximum width of the first semi-cylindrical portion; and a second portion defining a second section of the through hole, the second section of the through hole having a second open face opposing the first open face, the second section of the through hole having a 10 maximum width not greater than the width of the first open face, such that at least a portion of a member having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the second section of the through hole can pass out from the second section of the through hole into the first section of the through hole.

It is described that an apparatus for treating bone fractures that comprises a 15 bone implant adapted to be connected to a first bone portion and containing a transverse aperture and a fastening assembly adapted to slide within the transverse aperture, characterized in that the fastening assembly comprises an engaging member and a compression member, the engaging member adapted to engage a second bone portion, and the engaging member and the compression member configured so that 20 the compression member contacts and interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone portions, further characterized in that the compression member contacts the second bone portion when installed.

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus 25 further characterized in that the controlled movement between the first and second bone portions includes preclusion of rotation of the portions relative to each other.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the controlled movement between the first and second bone portions further includes application of compression of the bone portions 30 relative to each other.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member is adapted, when -6- H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TXB\6842629_l .docx - 7/12/16 2014240244 07 Dec 2016 adjusted, to apply tension to the engaging member and thereby apply compression between the first bone and the second bone portion.

Also preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member is at least partially nested with a 5 portion of the engaging member.

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member includes a threaded portion, and the engaging member includes a threaded portion adapted - 6a - WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/TJS2004/029195 to cooperate with the compression member threaded portion in order to control sliding of the engaging member in the stabilizing structure transverse aperture.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further comprising a set screw received in said implant, said set screw 5 adapted to preclude sliding of the engaging member in the transverse aperture.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the transverse aperture is asymmetrical in cross section and includes a first portion adapted to receive at least part of the engaging member and a second portion adapted to receive at 10 least part of the compression member.

Also preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the implant Includes a proximal section that is asymmetrical in cross-section about at least one axis.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for an 15 apparatus for treating bone fractures that comprises a bone implant adapted to be connected to a first bone portion and containing a transverse aperture and a fastening assembly adapted to be received in the transverse aperture, characterized in that the fastening assembly comprises an engaging member adapted to slide in the implant transverse aperture and to engage a second bone 20 portion, the engaging member including cooperation structure adapted to cooperate with a compression member, the compression member adapted to be received in the implant transverse aperture, and adapted to contact and cooperate with the engaging member to preclude tie engaging member from rotating in the transverse aperture, and to control sliding of the engaging member 25 in the transverse aperture, further characterized in that the compression member contacts the second bone portion when installed in order, together with the engaging member, to preclude the second bone portion from rotating relative to the engaging member and cooperates with the engaging member to preclude rotation of the engaging member relative to the impiant, and thus preclude the 30 second bone portion from rotating relative to the first bone portion.

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member Is adapted, -7- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 when adjusted, to apply tension to the engaging member and thereby apply compression between the first bone portion and the second bone portion.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized In that the compression member is at least 5 partially nested with a portion of the engaging member.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member includes a threaded portion, and the engaging member inciudes a threaded portion adapted to cooperate with the compression member threaded portion in order to control 10 sliding of the engaging member in the stabilizing structure transverse aperture,

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further comprising a set screw received In said implant, said set screw adapted to preclude sliding of the engaging member in the transverse aperture. Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an 15 apparatus further characterized in that the transverse aperture is asymmetrical in cross section and contains a first portion adapted to receive at least part of the engaging member and a second portion adapted to receive at least part of the compression member.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide 20 for an apparatus further characterized in that the implant includes a proximal section which is asymmetrical in cross section about at least one axis.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a device for treating a bone fracture that comprises an elongated distal section adapted to be inserted into the medullary canal of a bone, a transition section providing a 25 shaped coupling between the distal section and a proximal section, the proximal section having a transverse aperture adapted to receive structure that Is In turn adapted to engage bone, characterized in that the proximal section comprises a lateral aspect, a medial aspect, and at least one cross section oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of the device, wherein the cross section 30 features a moment of inertia that extends toward the lateral aspect from the midpoint of a line that extends in the cross section from the intersection of a -8- PCT/US2OO4/020195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 tangent on the lateral aspect and the line to the intersection of a tangent on the medial aspect and the line.

More preferably, embodiments of the present Invention provide for a device that further comprises a longitudinal aperture extending substantially 5 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a device further characterized in that the cross section is asymmetrical with respect to at least one axis.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide 10 for a device further characterized in that the device is adapted to fit completely within the bone whose fracture Is being repaired.

Also preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a device further characterized in that at ieast a portion of the surface of the lateral aspect is substantially planar. 15 More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a device in further characterized in that it is adapted to be at least partially Implanted in a first bone portion and further comprising a fastening assembly being adapted to slide within the transverse aperture, further characterized in that the fastening assembly comprises an engaging member and a compression 20 member, the engaging member adapted to engage a second bone portion, and the engaging member and the compression member configured so that the compression member interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone portions, further characterized in that the compression member contacts the 25 second bone portion when implanted,

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a nail for treating a femoral fracture that comprises an elongated distal section adapted to be inserted into the medullary canal of a bone, a transition section providing a shaped coupling between the distal section and a proximal section, the proximal 30 section having a transverse aperture adapted to receive structure that is in turn adapted to engage bone, characterized in that the proximal section comprises a lateral aspect, a medial aspect, and at ieast one cross-section oriented -9- PCT/US2O04/O29195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 substantially perpendicular to the length of the device, wherein the cross-section is noncircuiar in shape and Includes a medial - lateral axis, wherein the cross-section is symmetrical with respect to the medial - lateral axis and wherein the linear dimension of the cross-section along the medial ~ lateral axis is greater 5 than any linear dimension of the cross-section along an axis perpendicular to the medial - lateral axis.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus for treating bone fractures that comprises a bone implant, comprising an elongated distal section, a transition section which provides a shaped coupling 10 between the distal section and a proximal section, and the proximal section adapted to be connected to a first bone portion, the proximal section having a transverse aperture having a longitudinal axis, characterized in that the proximal section comprises a lateral aspect, a medial aspect, and at least one cross section oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of the implant, the cross 15 section featuring a moment of inertia that extends toward the lateral aspect from the midpoint of a line that is coplanar with the transverse aperture axis and extending in the cross section from the intersection of a tangent on the lateral aspect and the line to the intersection of a tangent on the medial aspect and the line, and further characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a fastening 20 assembly comprising an engaging member and a compression member, the fastening assembly adapted to slide within the transverse aperture, the engaging member adapted to engage a second bone portion, the engaging member and the compression member are configured so that the compression member interacts with a portion of the implant and a portion of the engaging member to 25 enable controlled movement between the first and second bone portions, and the compression device contacts the second bone portion when installed,

More preferably, embodiments of the present Invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the controlled movement between the first and second bone portions includes preclusion of rotation of the portions relative 30 to each other.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an Apparatus further characterized In that the controlled movement between the first -10- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 and second bone portions further includes application of compression of the bone portions relative to each other.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized In that the compression member is 5 adapted, when adjusted, to apply tension to the engaging member and thereby apply compression between the first bone portion and the second bone portion. Also preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member is at least partiaily nested with a portion of the engaging member. 10 More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the compression member includes a threaded portion, and the engaging member includes a threaded portion adapted to cooperate with the compression member threaded portion in order to control sliding of the engaging member in the implant transverse aperture. 15 Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further comprising a set screw received in said Implant, said set screw adapted to preclude sliding, of the engaging member in the transverse aperture.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further comprising a longitudinal aperture extending 20 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the impiant.

Also preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that the implant cross section is asymmetrical with respect to at least one axis of the cross section.

Mora preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for an 25 apparatus further characterized in that the apparatus is adapted to fit completely within the bone whose fracture Is being repaired.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present Invention provide for an apparatus further characterized in that at least a portion of the surface of the lateral aspect is substantially planar. 30 Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a tool adapted to prepare bone for introduction of a device that comprises a proximal portion whose cross section is asymmetrical with respect to at least one axis of -11- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 the cross section, characterized in that the tool comprises a mortise chisel corresponding in shape, and is adapted to shape bone in a shape corresponding at least partially to the shape of the device's cross section, and a bit adapted to rotate within the mortise chisel and prepare portions of the bone’s medullary 5 canal located distally of the portions of bone shaped by the mortise chisel

Accordingly, embodiments of the present Invention provide for a system for repairing bone characterized in that the system comprises an impiant that Includes a lateral aspect, a medial aspect, and at least one cross section oriented substantiaiiy perpendicular to the length of the implant, the cross section 10 featuring a moment of inertia that extends toward the lateral aspect from the midpoint of a line that extends in the cross section from the intersection of a tangent on the lateral aspect and the line to the intersection of a tangent on the medial aspect and the line; and a tool adapted to prepare the bone for introduction of the implant, comprising a mortise chisel which corresponds in 15 shape, and is adapted to shape bone in a shape corresponding at least partially to the shape of the implant’s cross section, and a bit adapted to rotate within the mortise chisel and prepare portions of the bone's medullary canal located distally of the portions of bone shaped by the mortise chisel.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a process 20 for repairing bone that comprises providing a device for treating bone fractures, the device comprising a bone implant adapted to be connected to a first bone portion and containing a transverse aperture, and a fastening assembly adapted to slide within the transverse aperture, the fastening assembly characterized in that it comprises an engaging member and a compression member, the engaging 25 member adapted to engage a second bone portion, and the engaging member and the compression member configured so that the compression member contacts and interacts with a portion of the device and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone portions; connecting the device to the first bone portion; preparing at least one 30 opening in the first bone portion corresponding in iocation and orientation to the engaging member and to toe compression member; engaging the second bone portion with the engaging member; Inserting the compression member so as to -12- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 contact the second bone portion; and causing the compression member to interact with a portion of the engaging member and thereby appiy compression to the second bone portion relative to the first bone portion.

More preferably, embodiments of the present Invention provide for a 5 process further characterized in that connecting the device to the first bone portion comprises inserting the device in the first bone portion.

Even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a process further characterized in that the second bone portion is a femoral head.

Yet even more preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide 10 for a process further characterized In that preparing at least one opening in the first bone portion corresponding in location and orientation to the engaging member and to the compression member comprises preparing openings in the bone portion which are not coaxial with respect to each other.

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a 15 process further characterized in that the implant comprises a proximal portion that includes a cross section which is asymmetrical with respect to at least one axis of the cress section, and connecting the implant to the first bone portion Indudes preparing interior portions of the bone using a too! which in turn includes a mortise chisel adapted to shape the bone corresponding at least in part to the 20 shape of the implant proximal portion cross section; and inserting the implant into the bone as shaped by the tool.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a process for stabilizing bone characterized in that the process comprises providing an implant which includes a distal portion and a proximal portion that includes a 25 cross section which is asymmetrical with respect to at least one axis of the cross section, preparing interior portions of the bone using a tool which includes a mortise chisel adapted to shape the bone corresponding at least in part to the shape of the implant proximal portion cross section a bit adapted to rotate relative to the mortise chisel for preparing at least part of the bone to receive the distal 30 portion of the impiant, the preparation including shaping portions of the bone with the mortise chisel and further including causing the bit to rotate relative to the -13- PCT/US2004/029195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 mortise chisel and thus prepare at least part of the bone to receive the distal portion of the implant, and inserting the implant into the bone.

More preferably, embodiments of the present invention provide for a process further characterized in that the Implant includes a transverse aperture 5 and a fastening assembly having an engaging member and a compression member, the fastening assembly being adapted to slide within the transverse aperture; and the engaging member adapted to engage a femoral head, and the engaging member and the compression member configured so that the compression member contacts and Interacts with a portion of the implant and a 10 portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the bone and the femora! head; the process further comprising preparing at least one opening in the bone corresponding in location and orientation to the engaging member and to the compression member, engaging the femoral head with the engaging member, inserting the compression member so as to contact the 15 femoral head, and causing the compression member to interact with a portion of the engaging member and thereby apply compression to the femoral head relative to the bone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 Fig,. 1 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to one embodiment of the present invention shown installed in a femur.

Fig, 1A is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to one embodiment of the present invention In greater detail·

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to another 25 embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the nail of Fig. 1B.

Fig. 1D is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig, 2 is an elevation view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 1. -14- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195

Fig. 3 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 2 taken through the line 3-3.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig, 4 taken 5 through the line 5-5.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the Intramedullary nail of Fig. 4 taken through the line 6-6.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. ' 10 Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an intramedullary naif according to an alternative embodiment of the Invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to an IS alternative embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, .

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an intramedullary nail according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 20 Fig. 13 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 7 taken through line 13-13.

Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of the intrameduilary nail of Fig. 8 taken through line 14-14.

Fig. 15 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig, 9 taken 25 through line 15-15.

Fig. 16 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 10 taken through line 16-16. -15- 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 WO 2005/025436 PCT/US2004/D29195

Fig. 17 is a cross-section view of the intrameduilary nail of Fig. 11 taken through line 17-17,

Fig. 18 is a cross-section view of the intramedullary nail of Fig. 12 taken through line 18-18. 5 Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention for preparing bone to receive certain devices according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a device which includes a version of a fastener assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, IQ Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the intrameduilary device and fastener assembly shown In Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 Is a perspective view of the fastener assembly shown in Fig, 20.

Fig, 23 is an exploded view of the fastener assembly of Fig, 20,

Fig. 24 is an elevation view of the engaging member of the fastener 15 assembly of Fig, 23.

Fig. 25 Is a side view of the engaging member of Fig, 24.

Fig. 28 is a cross-section view of the engaging member of Fig. 24 taken through line 28-26.

Fig. 27 is an end view of one end of the engaging member of Fig. 24, 20 Fig. 28 is an end view of the other end of the engaging member of Fig. 24,

Fig, 29 is an elevation view of the compression device of the fastener assembly of Fig, 22.

Fig. 30 is a cross-section view of the compression device of Fig, 29 shown through line 30 - 30. 25 Fig. 31 is an end view of one end of the compression device of Fig, 29.

Fig. 32 is an end view of the other end of the compression device of Fig. 29. WO 200S/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195

Fig. 33 is a cross-section view of an intramedullary nali and screw assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. 5 Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the lag screw of the fastener assembly of

Fig. 34.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, .

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the lag screw of the fastener assembly of 10 Fig. 36.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig, 39 is an exploded view of the fastener assembly of Fig. 38.

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to another 15 embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 41 is an exploded view of the fastener assembly of Fig. 40,

Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a compression plate according to an embodiment of the present invention which includes a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, 20 Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a periarticular piate according to an embodiment of the present invention which includes a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig, 44 is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention used in the context of humeral repair in a shoulder joint,

25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods, devices and systems according to embodiments of this invention seek to provide improved treatment of femur fractures. Figs. 1-6 illustrate various views of one embodiment of an intramedullary nail 100 of the present invention. -17- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195

The intramedullary nail 100 has a longitudinal bore 130 throughout to aid in insertion in the bone. The intramedullary nail 100 has a proximal section 102, a transition section 104 and a distal section 106.

The proximal section 102 of the particular structure shown in Figs. 1-6 5 preferably features an anatomically inspired shape that corresponds more accurately to typical cortical bone, One version of such shape is shown in the cross-sectional view of the proximal section 102 in Fig. 6. The particular cross-section of the proximal section 102 shown in Figure 6 is generally non-circular along at least some portions of its length, and has a lateral side or aspect 108 10 that is larger than a medial side or aspect 109. The lateral side 108 and medial side 109 are joined by a first side 110 and a second side 116. At the intersection of the first side 110 with the lateral side 108 is a first radiused comer 112 and at the intersection of the second side 116 with the lateral side 108 is a second radiused comer 114. The first side 110, second side 116 and lateral side 108 are 15 of approximately equal length. The first side 110 and second side 116 are oriented at acute angles relative to the lateral side 108, so that the medial side 109 is smaller than the lateral side 108, By having the lateral side 108 larger than the medial side 109 the rotational stability of the intramedullary naii 100 is increased, and resistance to bending and twisting can also be enhanced. 20 The mediaf side 109 shown in Fig. 6 can be radiused. As can be seen In

Fig. 4, the radiused medial side 109 protrudes out from the transition section 104 and continues to the proximal end of the intramedullary nail 100. The protrusion of the medial side 109 corresponds to the cal car region of the femur and improves tie evenness of load distribution between the bone and intramedullary 25 naii 100. Furthermore, the genera! cross-section geometry of the proximal . section reduces peak stresses in the proximal section. More specifically? the typical failure mode of an intramedullary nail and screw assembly combination is failure of the nail in tension on its lateral side. The tension is created by bending moment induced by body weight load that is applied to the screw assembly. 30 Therefore, it would be beneficial in reducing stress in the proximal section of a nal! to Include more material on the side of the nail that is in tension, the lateral -18- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US20O4/029195 side, to shape the cross section more effectively to enhance strength and robustness in the lateral area, or both, The design illustrated In Fig. 6 accomplishes this objective. The lateral side 108 is wider than the medial side 109, thus imparting, at least partially, a flange-tike effect. Stress per unit area 5 induced in the material on the lateral side 108 is less than would be the case if the lateral side featured a smaller cross-sectional area, such as medial side 109. A structure according to another embodiment of the invention that benefits from the same principle, is shown In Figs. 1B and 1C which illustrate a intramedullary nail 1100 with a generally circular cross section whose generally 10 circular aperture 1128 is disposed other than concentric with the periphery of the cross section, in the particular structure shown in these two Figures, the offset aperture 1128 is offset toward the medial side 1109 such that a greater portion of material is available to take load, and reduce stress, on the lateral side 1108. Likewise, any cross-section that provides more material on the lateral side of the 15 section reduces stress par unit area in the nail on that side,

Regardless of the particular manner in which material or mass may be added to some portions of the lateral parts of the cross section of proximal portion 102, materia! may be added and removed from some portions of the cross section in order to increase the strength and robustness of the lateral parts, 20 or both, the effect can be characterized as imparting a moment of Inertia to the cross section oriented at ieast partially in the direction of the lateral side or aspect 108. in a preferred embodiment, the moment of inertia (shown denoted by the ' letter M on Fig. 6) can be characterized as extending in a lateral direction, or at least partially toward lateral aspect or side 108 from a point P that is the midpoint 25 of a line L extending from the intersection 11 of that line with a tangent T1 to the lateral aspect 108, to the Intersection I2 of that line with a tangent T2 to the medial aspect 109. Stated another way, the effect in at least some cases is to create a cross section that features a moment of inertia extending in at least partially lateral direction from a center of the cross section. Preferably, that 30 center can be a midpoint between the lateral and medial edges of the cross section. Alternatively, that center can be the center of mass of the cross section. ~19~ WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195

The radius of gyration reflected by the moment of inertia, which is a function of the square of the distance of the incremental mass from the center, reflects additional strength in lateral parts of the proximal portion 102 caused by more mass or more strategically placed mass in the cross section, in some structures, 5 line L Is coplanar with the axis of the transverse aperture and coplanar with the cross section and thus defined by the intersection of those planes. As Figs. 1A, on the one hand, and 1B and 1C on the other hand reflect, and bearing in mind that these are only two of a myriad of structures that can impart such iaterai additional strength and robustness, the cross section can, but need not be 10 asymmetrical with respect to at least one of its axes. Additionally, the longitudinal opening 130 can be located to share its central axis with that of the cross section, or it can be offset In order to help impart the lateral strength or for other purposes.

In the particular device shown in Figs. 1-6, the first side 110, second side 118 and lateral side 108 are fiat. Alternatively, these sides could be radiused or 15 otherwise not flat, in the embodiment shown iri Figs. 1-6, the media! side 109 is radiused, but as one skilled In the art could appreciate, the medial side could be fiat

The proximal section 102 has a transverse aperture 118 that receives a fastening or screw assembly 200 (various versions of which are shown In Figs. 20 19-41) through the intramedullary nail 100. One embodiment of the proximal transverse aperture 118, shown In Figs. 1-4, is formed from two overlapping circular apertures 120, 122, where the proximal circle aperture 120 is smaller in diameter than the distal circle aperture 122. The proximal circle aperture 120 shown has a shoulder 132 for constraining the insertion depth of the screw 25 assembly as will be explained in more detail below. Various other apertures allowing insertion of various screw assemblies could be used as would be known to those skilled in the art. For example, Fig. 33 illustrates the intramedullary nail with a circular aperture. The embodiment of Fig. 33 is described in greater detail below. 30 The proximal section 102 illustrated in Fig. 3 has a proximal end aperture 128. The proximal end aperture 128 is threaded to allow for the insertion of a set -20- PCT/US2004/029195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 screw that can be used to fix the rotational and sliding position of a screw assembly. A set screw may also include mechanisms for spanning a compression screw 204 (Fig. 19) and interfering with a lag screw 202 (Fig. 19) to independently restrict the rotation or sliding of the lag screw 202. 5 As shown in Figs.· 1-6, the transition section 104 is tapered from the proximal section 102 to the distal section 106. The tapered nature of the transition section 104 creates a press fit in the intramedullary canal that controls subsidence. The tapered transition section 104 assists in preventing the nail 100 from being pressed further down into the intramedullary canal of the femur than 10 intended. in the embodiment of the intramedullary nail 100 shown in Figs, 1-6, the cross-section of the transition section 104 is circular, but the cross-section could vary as known to those skilled in the art. The cross-section could be anatomically derived, similar to the cross-section of the proximal section 102, oval or non-15 circular. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-6, the transition section 104 contains a distal transverse aperture 124. The distal aperture 124 allows the insertion through the intramedullary nail 100 of a distal locking screw for locking of the Intramedullary nail 100.

The distal section 106 of the intramedullary nail 100 is generally cylindrical 20 and is configured to provide a reduced bending stiffness. The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5 has a longitudinal slot 126 through the center of the distal section 106 that forms two sides 134, 136. The slot reduces bending stiffness at the distal end of the intramedullary nail 100 and reduces the chances of periprosthetic fractures. 25 Fig. 1D shows an intramedullary nail 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. This nail features, in its proximal portions, a noncircular cross section that is symmetrical with respect to its lateral - medial axis (in this case, preferably but not necessarily, oval shaped in cross-section), and which features a centered longitudinal bore (in this case, preferably but not 30 necessarily, circular in cross-section}. This nai! achieves additional stability to the extent it resists twisting in the medullary canal, It also accomplishes the aim of -21- PCT/US2004/029195 WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 placing more mass toward the lateral edge or aspect of the proximal cross section. Furthermore, it places additional mass toward the media! edge or aspect, and thus provides additional structure that acts as a fulcrum to decrease the mechanical advantage of the fastening assembly which when loaded is the 5 component that Imposes tensions! stress on the lateral edge or aspect.

Figs, 7-18 illustrate intramedullary nails 100 according to other embodiments of the invention. Figs. 7 and 13 illustrate an inframeduliary nail 100 having no longitudinal bore throughout.

Figs. 8 and 14 illustrate an Intramedullary nail 100 having stiffness 10 reduction slots 140 in the transition section 104 and the distal section 106, The stiffness reduction slots 140 reduce the bending stiffness at the distal end of the intramedullary nail 100 and could be used to receive locking screws In some embodiments.

Figs. 9 and 15 illustrate an intramedullary nail 100 having three longitudinal 15 slots 138 in the distal section 106 and a portion of the transition section 104 forming a cloverleaf pattern. This pattern more readily permits blood flow near the intramedullary naii 100 and also reduces bending stiffness at the distal end of the nail 100.

Figs. 10 and 16 illustrate an intramedullary nail 100 in which the distal 20 section 106 and a portion of the transition section 104 have a series of longitudinal grooves 146, The longitudinal grooves 146 reduce bending stiffness at the distal end, provide rotational resistance, and enhance blood flow near the intramedullary nail 100.

Figs. 11 and 17 illustrate an intramedullary nail 100 where the transition 25 section 104 and the distal section 106 have fins 144. The fins 144 provide rotational resistance for the Intramedullary nail 100.

Figs. 12 and 18 illustrate an intramedullary nail 100 having barbs 142 located on the distal section 106 and a portion of the transition section 104. The barbs 142 provide rotational resistance for the intramedullary nail 100. -22- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 intramedullary nails according to the present invention may be Inserted into a patient by any suitable known technique. Generally, the intramedullary canal of the bone is prepared with an appropriate tooi to create a void for Insertion of the nail. Some portions of the void may be prepared to be about 1 5 millimeter larger than the perimeter of the nail to permit sufficient space for biood flow after insertion of the nail. A guide pin or wire is optionally Inserted into the prepared medullary canal. The nail Is then introduced into the desired position. If the nail is cannulated, the nail can be introduced over the guide wire. The position of the nai! may be confirmed by Image intensification. 10 Fig. 19 shows one embodiment of a too! 300 for preparing a medullary canal, The tool has a drill bit 302 for reaming and also a mortise chisel 304. In operation, the drill bit 302 reams out the medullary canal of the femur and the mortise chisel 304 cuts out a larger section In the more proximal end of a bone. As shown in Fig. 19, the mortise chisel 304 has an anatomically derived cross-15 section of approximately the same shape as the proximal section of the intramedullary nail. By applying this type of shaped, mortise chisel, the proximal end of the nail will be better enabled to seat on cortical bone that has been only minimally altered. The mortise chisel 304 may be of a wide variety of shapes, even complicated, asymmetrical shapes. This is advantageous because it 20 enables a device and method for preparing voids able to accept a wide variety of shapes of intramedullary nails without merely over-reaming circular voids. Preparation of an accurately conforming void is valuable in avoiding unnecessary removal of healthy bone, and in ensuring stable seating of the nail. in operation, the tool 300 of the embodiment shown is advanced as a unit, 25 with the drill bit 302 reaming and the mortise chisel 304 cutting simultaneously. The drill bit 302 may be turned with a power driver, or by hand. Likewise, the entire tool 300 may be advanced into a medullary canal manually, or advanced with the assistance of mechanical advantage or power equipment. In other configurations, the drill bit 302 may be cannulated (not shown) such that the 30 entire tool 300 is operable over and guided by a guide wire that has been inserted into the medullary canal -23- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 in other embodiments, the bit for reaming is a more traditional reamer that is separate from a cutting tool such as the mortise chisel 304, The method for preparing a void in such an Instance would include first reaming an opening with a traditional reamer, A device such as a chisel or a broach, shaped similar to the 5 Intramedullary nail to be implanted, would then be used to prepare the void. The chisel or broach may be driven in by hand, with the assistance of a hammer or mallet, or with the use of other power equipment. A nai! consistent with the void prepared wouid then be implanted.

Other custom instruments such as a contoured broach or a custom router 10 bit and template could be used as well. Broaches have long been used to prepare openings for hip stems, and the use of a broach would be familiar to one of skiil In the art, A router bit and template couid be use, in effect, to mil! out the desired shape in the bone. Such a method might also be used in combination with reaming or broaching to create the desired void, 15 The Intramedullary nail of the present invention can be used to treat proximal femoral fractures and femoral shaft fractures, among other fractures of long bones. When used to treat femora! shaft fractures, the intramedullary nail is secured in the femur by one or more fastening devices. When used for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures the intramedullary nail is preferably used 20 in conjunction with a proximal screw assembly.

Figs, 20 and 21 illustrate an intramedullary nail 100 according to one embodiment of the present Invention used in conjunction with a fastener assembly 200 according to one embodiment of the present Invention, This type of fastener assembly may be used In various other bones and to treat a'number 25 of other indications, but for the purpose of providing an example, it is being described here in use with the proximal femur. In general, the screw assembly is useful in any situation where one fragment of a bone is to be drawn back toward or pushed away from another fragment of the bone in a controlled manner. The fastener assembly provides the additional advantage of being configurable to 30 allow sliding of the assembly in a desired direction after the movement of the bone fragments has been accompiished, -24“ WO 2005/925436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 pcmis2M4.m9m

As shown in Fig. 21, the axis of the proximal transverse aperture 118 in the Intramedullary nail 100 is angled relative to the proximal section 102 and in use, is directed towards the femoral head. In this embodiment of the fastener i assembly 200, an engaging member such as a lag screw 202 is used in 5 conjunction with a compression device, such as a compression screw 204 or a compression peg. The screws are configured such that when in use the circumference of the lag screw 202 partially intersects with the circumference of the compression screw 204, so that the compression screw 204 nests partially within the circumference of the lag screw 202. This particular combination of lag 10 screw 202 and compression screw 204 are further illustrated In Figs. 22 through 32. Briefly, the lag screw 202 shown in these figures is intended to engage the femoral head and to slide in the transverse aperture 118 of the naif 100. The compression screw 204 engages a shoulder or other structure in nail 100Js transverse aperture 118 and also threads in the portion of lag screw 202 within 15 which compression screw 204 nests, so that rotation of compression screw 204 controls sliding of the lag screw 202 relative to the nail 100 and thus compression of the femoral head against the fracture site.

The lag screw 202 shown in these drawings includes an elongate body 206 and threaded end 208. As shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the threaded end 208 20 does not include a sharp end, which reduces the possibility of the cut out through the femoral head. The elongate body 206 includes a channel 212 that ailows for the positioning of the compression screw 204 partially inside the circumference of the lag screw 202. The channel 212 includes a threaded portion 210 that compliments and cooperates with a threaded section 214 of the compression 25 screw 204. The compression screw 204 includes a threaded section 214 and a head section 215, The threaded section 214 of the compression screw 204 is configured such that the threads are relatively flat and smooth at the exterior surface so that they can easily slide in the aperture and also reduce the possibility of cut out 30 The lag screw 202 is received in the proximal transverse aperture 118 and into a pre-driOed hole in the femur so that the fag screw 202 extends across the break and into the femoral head, The threaded end 208 of the lag screw 202 -25- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT7US2004/029195 engages the femoral head as the lag screw 202 Is rotated within aperture 118 causing its threaded end 208 to engage the femoral head, The threaded end 208 may be any device for obtaining purchase in the femoral head, and includes but is not limited to, threads of any desired configuration including helices, barbs, 5 blades, hooks, expanding devices, and the like. The placement depth of the lag screw 202 into the femoral head differs depending on the desired compression of the fracture.

The compression screw 204 can also be received through the proximal transverse aperture 118 into a predrilled hole in the femoral head. The threaded 10 section 214 of the compression screw 204 engages with the threaded portion of the channel 212 of the lag screw 202. The proximal transverse aperture 118 has an Interior shoulder 132 (Fig, 21) to limit the sliding of the compression screw 204 in the general medial direction and, therefore, the lag screw 202, through the aperture 118, When the compression screw 204 is tightened, the compression 15 screw threads 214 engage with the lag screw channel threaded portion 210 and the compression screw 204 moves in the generally media! direction down the lag screw 202. The head section 215 of the compression screw 204 engages the shoulder 132 of the proximal transverse aperture 118 preventing the compression screw 204 from moving further in the general medial direction. As the 20 compression screw 204 is tightened, the iag screw 202 is drawn in the genera! lateral direction toward the intramedullary nail providing compression to the fracture. The compression screw 204 partially intersecting the circumference of the lag screw 202 provides greater surface resistance and aids in the prevention of femoral head rotation. The compression screw 204 therefore acts not only as 25 a part of the mechanism for moving fragments of the fractured bone relative to one another, but also directly contacts bone of the femora! head to help prevent the femoral head from rotating about the axis of the lag screw 202,

In one embodiment, a set screw (not shown), positioned in the proximal end aperture 128 of the intramedullary nail, is used to engage the compression 30 screw 204 and fix the compression screw 204 and lag screw 202 in place. The use of the set screw to fix the fastener assembly 200 in place is fracture pattern -28- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014

PCT/US2004/02919S dependent. If a set screw Is not used to engage the fastener assembly, the fastener assembly 200 can slide within the proximal aperture limited by the shoulder 132.

In the embodiment of the lag screw and compression screw shown In Figs. 5 20-32, the diameter of the compression screw 204 is smaller than the diameter of the lag screw 202, The diameters of the lag screw and compression screw couid be the same or the diameter of the Sag screw couid be smaller than the diameter of the compression screw. The threads of the lag screw and the compression screw could be a variety of different shapes as known to those skilled in the art. 10 In general, the purpose of the lag screw is to obtain purchase in bone, and the purpose of the compression screw is to engage with and draw or move the lag screw. Any configuration that permits these functions Is within the scope of the invention,

The fastener assembly could additionally be configured to allow the 15 addition of a prosthetic femoral head and neck. In such an embodiment, the iag screw 202 would be replaced with a prosthetic head and neck, The neck would fit into the proximal transverse aperture 118 in the nail 100. The design would be beneficial where degeneration or re-injury of a repaired femoral fracture and hip joint later necessitated a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The decision to accomplish 20 a THA could be made interoperatively, or after some period of time, instead of having to prepare a femur to accept a hip stem as is known in association with THA, only a small portion of bone would need to be removed, aiong with the fastener assembly 200. The prosthetic head and neck could then be inserted into the proximal transverse aperture 118, the acetabulum prepared, and the 25 remainder of the THA completed.

Fig. 33 is a cross-section view of an Intramedullary nasi 100 according to another embodiment of the invention with an alternate fastener assembly 400. The fastener assembly illustrated is very similar to the compressing fastener assembly of Smith & Nephew's IMHS® system, as is more thoroughly disclosed in 30 U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,125, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and various related international patents. The improvement of the device illustrated is that It -27- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 includes the intramedullary nail 100 with an anatomically derived shape and its multiple advantages as discussed above. In operation, a sleeve 401 fits through the intramedullary nail 100, and may be secured to the nail by set screw, or other effective mechanisms. A sliding lag screw 402 is able to move axially within the 5 sleeve 401 A compressing screw 404 is threaded into the sliding Sag screw 402 such that tightening of the compressing screw 404 draws the sliding lag screw 402 back into the sleeve 401. With this mechanism, a bone fragment may be brought into a desired position, but still permitted to achieve sliding compression once positioned, 10 Figs. 34-35 illustrate a fastener assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention having a lag screw 202 and a compression peg 502. As shown in Fig. 34, the lag screw 202 and the compression peg 502 are configured such that, whan in use, the circumference of the iag screw 202 partially intersects with the circumference of toe compression peg 502, although 15 in some embodiments the circumferences might be adjacent rather than intersecting. The lag screw 202 includes an elongate body 206 and threaded end 208. The lag screw 202 has a key 504 on the channel 212. The compression peg 502 has a slot 503 that is adapted to receive the key 504 of the lag screw 202. The key 504 and slot 503 can be a variety of complimentary shapes, such 20 as, when considered in cross section, triangular, D~shaped, key-holed and other shapes as are apparent to those skilled in the art. In operation, the compression peg 502 may be moved relative to the lag screw 202 by a compression tool (not shown) that applies disparate forces between the compression peg 502.and the tag screw 202, or between the entire assembly and the intramedullary naii 100. 25 In the fastener assembly 200 shown in Figs. 34-35, the lag screw 202 is received to slide in a proximal aperture of the intramedullary nail so that the lag screw 202 extends across the break and into the femoral head. The threaded end 208 of the lag screw 202 engages the femoral head. Once the iag screw 200 has been properly engaged with the femoral head, the compression peg 502 is 30 inserted in the proximal aperture into a predrilled hole in the femoral head, in order to prevent further rotation of the lag screw 202 as the slot 503 of the -28~ WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 compression peg 502 receives the key 504 of the tag screw 202. By providing more area for resistance, the compression peg 502 helps So prevent the rotation of the femora! head on the lag screw 202. The compression peg 502 is fixed in position in the intramedullary nail 100 by a set screw positioned in the proximal 5 end aperture of the nail. The lag screw 202 can slide on the compression peg 502 through the proximal aperture, in another embodiment, the compression peg 502 has barbs on its surface. A fastener assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated In Figs. 36-37. The fastener assembly 200 of this 10 embodiment has a compression peg 502 and a lag screw 202 similar to the embodiment Illustrated in Figs. 34-35 except that the key 504 of the lag screw 202 and the slot 503 of the compression peg 502 have complimentary ratchet teeth 506, The compression peg 502 is fixed in position in the intramedullary nail by a set screw positioned in the proximal end aperture. Compression of the 15 fracture can be achieved by pulling the lag screw in the general lateral direction. The ratchet teeth 506 allow the lag screw 202 to move in the general lateral direction, but prevent the lag screw 202 from moving in the general media! direction, A compression tool similar to the tool describe in association with Figs. 34-35 may be used to accomplish the movement. 20 Figs. 38-39 a fastener assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention having a lag screw 602, a cross hair screw 610 and a compression screw 604. The lag screw 602 includes an elongate body 606 and threaded end 608. The elongate body 606 is semi-circular shaped in cross section. The screws 602, 604, 610 are configured so that the circumference of the lag screw 25 602 intersects with the circumferences of the cross hair screw 610 and the compression screw 604. The elongate body 606 of the lag screw 602 is threaded to compliment and cooperate with a threaded section 602 of the cross hair screw 610. The cross hair screw 610 is threaded to engage with the lag screw 602 and the compression screw 604. The compression screw 604 Includes a threaded 30 portion 614 and a head portion 612. -29- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029i95

In this embodiment, the lag screw 602. the cross hair screw 610 and the compression screw 604 are received simultaneously to slide in a proximal aperture of an Intramedullary screw. The lag screw 602 extends across the break and into the femoral head. The threaded end 60S of the lag screw 602 5 engages the femora! head. As compression screw 604 is tightened, the threads 614 of the compression screw engage the threads of the cross hair screw 610 and lag screw 602, thereby moving the lag screw 602 in the general lateral direction toward the intramedullary nail providing compression to the femoral head. The cross hair screw 610 is then turned causing the compression screw 10 604 to move in the distal direction away from the lag screw 602. The fastener assembly 200 can alternatively be configured so that the compression screw 604 moves proximaliy relative to the lag screw 602. The compression screw 604 separate from the lag screw 602 helps to prevent rotation of the femoral head on the lag screw 602 by adding more area for resistance. 15 Figs. 40-41 illustrate a fastener assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention having a lag screw 702 and a compression peg 704. The lag screw' 702 Includes an elongate body 706 and a threaded end 708. The elongate body 706 is semi-circufar .shaped in order to allow the compression peg 704 to be positioned partially inside the circumference of the lag screw 702 for 20 insertion into the femur and has a key 712 positioned on the interior side of the elongate body 706. The elongate body 706 also has an aperture 710 through the body. The compression peg 704 is generally cylindrical and is sized to fit within the semi-circular body 706 of the lag screw. The key 712 of the lag screw is received by a slot 714 in the compression peg 704. The key 712 and slot 714 25 contain complimentary ratchet teeth. in this embodiment, the lag screw 702 and the compression peg 704 are received simultaneously to slide in a proximal aperture of an intramedullary screw into a pre-drilfed hole in the femur. The lag screw 702 extends across the break and into the femoral head. The threaded end of the lag screw 702 engages the 30 femoral head. A compression tool similar to the tool describe in association with Figs. 34-35 may be used to accomplish movement between the compression peg -30- WO 2005/025436 2014240244 01 Oct 2014 PCT/US2004/029195 704 and the lag screw 702, or between the entire assembly and the intramedullary nail 100. A set screw may be used to fix the position of the fastener assembly. The set screw Is configured such that when the set screw is tightened a protrusion on the set screw is received through the siot 710 of the lag 5 screw 702 and moves the compression screw 704 away from the lag screw 702. The compression screw 704 separate from the lag screw 702 helps to prevent rotation of the femoral head on the lag screw by adding more area for resistance.

Figure 42 illustrates another embodiment of the invention where a fastener assembly 200 Is employed In cooperation with a compression plate 150. As 10 illustrated, the devices are being applied to a femur. The various embodiments of the fastener assembly 200 disclosed above may be used with a similar compression plate, and various compression plates may be configured to be applicable to other parts of the anatomy.

Figure 43 illustrates another embodiment of the invention where a fastener 15 assembly 200 is being used with a periarticular plate 170. The piate and fastener assembly shown are being applied to a proximal tibia. The various embodiments of the fastener assembly 200 disclosed above may be used with a similar ' periarticular plate and various periarticular piatas may be configured to be applicable to other parts of the anatomy. 20 Figure 44 illustrates another embodiment of the invention where a fastener assembly 200 is used in combination with a humeral nail 190. As illustrated, a head section 212 of compression screw 204 bears against the humerus to draw compression against the humerus. With the compression force applied to lag screw 202, and the lag screw 202 affixed to a bone fragment through its threaded 25 end 208, the bone fragment may be drawn into position for proper healing. In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to place a washer or bearing surface (not shown) between the head section 212 and the humeral bone against which the head section 212 compresses. In yet another variant, the opening in the humerus may be enlarged such that head section 212 is permitted to 30 penetrate the humerus and bear against a portion of the humeral nail 190, In such an embodiment, the fastener assembly 200 would be shorter than illustrated -31- H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\TXB\6842629_l.docx - 7/12/16 2014240244 07 Dec 2016 in Fig. 45 to obtain purchase in the same area of bone with the threaded end 208. The various embodiments of the fastener assembly 200 disclosed above may be used with a similar nail and various nails may be configured to be applicable to other parts of the anatomy. 5 As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the particular embodiments of this invention described above and illustrated in the figures are provided for explaining the invention and various alterations may be made in the structure and materials of the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described above and in the following claims. 10 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 15 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. -32-

Claims (9)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. An orthopaedic implant comprising: a nail having a long axis, the nail including an inner wall defining a through hole oriented off the long axis, the through hole having a non-circular cross-section, and the inner wall comprising: a first semi-cylindrical portion defining a first section of the through hole, the first section of the through hole having an open face having a width and a length, the width of the open face being less than a maximum width of the first semi-cylindrical portion; and a second portion defining a second section of the through hole, the second section of the through hole having a second open face opposing the first open face, the second section of the through hole having a maximum width not greater than the width of the first open face, such that at least a portion of a member having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the second section of the through hole can pass out from the second section of the through hole into the first section of the through hole.
2. 2. The orthopaedic implant of claim 1, further comprising a bore extending in a direction of the long axis.
3. 3. The orthopaedic implant of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the bore is threaded.
4. 4. The orthopaedic implant of either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the bore is not concentric with the nail.
5. 5. The orthopaedic implant of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nail has a cross-section perpendicular to the long axis that is non-circular.
6. 6. The orthopaedic implant of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner wall defines a shoulder.
7. 7. The orthopaedic implant of claim 6, wherein the shoulder is within the second semi-cylindrical portion.
8. 8. The orthopaedic implant of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first open face is coplanar with the second open face.
9. 9. The orthopaedic implant of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first semicylindrical portion comprises a semi-circular cylinder.