Abstract: Methods of manufacturing, assembling, or treating a patient with an implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration.

Abstract: An implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration.

Abstract: A modular implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device, a portion of which is formed of a material which is a combination of copolymers PCLM-12 and SMC-7, and nucleating agent A-6. The implantable device may be an intramedullary bone fixation device. The implantable device may have a body with a composite portion including a thermo-chemically activated matrix formed from the copolymer material, and a support structure formed from a second material. The body may be deformable at a first thermo-chemical state and hardened at a second thermo-chemical state. The implantable device may be heated to reach the deformable first thermo-chemical state, deformed, inserted into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone, and cooled to reach the hardened second thermo-chemical state, providing rigid support during healing of the fractures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fixation of a fractured bone with an intramedullary bone fixation device. During an implantation procedure, the fixation device may be guided by a removable guidewire which is not coupled to the fixation device. The guidewire and device may be inserted into an intramedullary canal along a pathway which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The fixation device may be composite, formed of a support structure and a matrix material. The matrix material may be thermo-chemically activated, transformable from a deformable first thermo-chemical state to a hardened second thermo-chemical state. The fixation device may be radially expandable to deform to the shape of the intramedullary canal, to provide support to the fractured bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may have a composite portion including a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix, and may have a non-composite portion. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is substantially deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes substantially hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deformable implant and a deformation apparatus. The implant has an elongated shape and may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone. The implant may have a support structure and thermo-chemically activated matrix material, deformable at a first state and hardened at a second state, surrounding the support structure. The deformation apparatus is shaped to be inserted co-axially into the implant, and includes a tube co-axially positioned inside a balloon, and a set of hoses connected to the tube and the balloon. A heat source, a cartridge and a pump may be connected to the apparatus to supply heat, and regulate temperature and pressure of a liquid or gas and circulate it through the balloon. Liquid or gas is introduced through the hoses into the balloon to inflate the balloon and cause the surrounding implant to expand radially, providing support to the fractured bone.