Abstract: An internal fixation assembly and associated method. The internal fixation assembly includes an elongated intramedullary implant for a long bone, the intramedullary implant defining a transverse bore having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a strength-enhancing lip surrounding at least one of the inlet and outlet openings. The lip includes a continuous curved surface having a continuous slope.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail having dual distal bore formation is comprised of a nail having a longitudinal centerline extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The nail defines a proximal attachment orientation adjacent the proximal end. The nail also defines a left distal bore and a right distal bore adjacent the distal end. The left distal bore and the right distal bore are anteverted in different directions about the longitudinal centerline with respect to the proximal attachment orientation. Thus the same nail can be used in an interlocking, reconstructive or retrograde fashion.

Abstract: A method of treating a fracture in a long bone comprises the initial step of providing an implant that includes one of a bone plate or an intramedullary nail having a length sized to span the fracture. The implant has at least one opening therethrough that is positioned at a location along its length, and has an amount of resorbable material at least partially filling the at least one opening. The implant is positioned at an implantation site spanning the fracture. A first bore is drilled into the long bone and through the resorbable material along a drill axis. A fastener is then inserted into the long bone through the at least one opening.

Abstract: In a method of making an entry hole for implanting a retrograde humeral nail across a fracture in a humerus comprises the initial step of providing a pin placement guide having a base with a bone contact surface and a guide portion attached to the base. A guide bore with a guide axis extends through the guide portion and the bone contact portion of the base. The pin placement guide is clamped on the humerus so that the guide axis is at a relatively small angle of less than 20.degree. with respect to the bone axis of the humerus, and the bone contact surface is substantially aligned with the bone axis. Next, a guide pin with a tip is inserted through the guide bore. A guide hole is bored into the bone along the guide axis with the guide pin. Next, the clamp and pin placement guide are removed. Finally, the guide hole is reamed to enlarge it into an entry hole that is at an angle with respect to the bone axis equal or less than that of the guide axis.

Abstract: In a method of making an entry hole for implanting a retrograde humeral nail across a fracture in a humerus comprises the initial step of providing a pin placement guide having a base with a bone contact surface and a guide portion attached to the base. A guide bore with a guide axis extends through the guide portion and the bone contact portion of the base. The pin placement guide is clamped on the humerus so that the guide axis is at a relatively small angle of less than 20.degree. with respect to the bone axis of the humerus, and the bone contact surface is substantially aligned with the bone axis. Next, a guide pin with a tip is inserted through the guide bore. A guide hole is bored into the bone along the guide axis with the guide pin. Next, the clamp and pin placement guide are removed. Finally, the guide hole is reamed to enlarge it into an entry hole that is at an angle with respect to the bone axis equal or less than that of the guide axis.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument serves as an adjustable guide for drills, reamers, fasteners, and other orthopedic devices which lie on a target line which extends from the lateral cortex of the femur, through an opening in the proximal end of an inserted intramedullary femoral nail, through the femoral neck, and into the femoral head. The instrument can be secured to and aligned with the inserted nail. A handle of the instrument extends downwardly from the top of the nail along a line which is substantially parallel to the target line. A guide arm is preferably slidably mounted on the handle and extends outwardly from the handle through the target line. At least one opening is formed through the guide arm coaxially with, or parallel to, the target line, for receiving a drill bit, guide tube, fastener, or similar device.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprises a unitary piece of elongate material of tubular cross-section having variations in wall thickness along its length. The nail has a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions. The wall thicknesses of the proximal and distal portions are substantially greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate portion. In preferred embodiments, the outside diameters of the proximal, intermediate and distal portions are substantially equal or, alternatively, the outside diameter of the proximal portion is larger than the substantially equal outside diameters of the distal and intermediate portions. The nail is provided with a longitudinal slot which preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the nail.