Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a deformation temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the deformation temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the deformation temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the deformation temperature, is responsive to an insertion force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the deformation temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for implanting a device in a fractured bone. The device has an elongated shape and includes a thermo-chemically activated portion including a polymer having a glass transition temperature greater than 37 degrees Celsius. The thermo-chemically activated portion is deformable at a first thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is greater than the glass transition temperature. The thermo-chemically activated portion is hard at a second thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is lower than the glass transition temperature. The method includes transforming the thermo-chemically activated portion from the second to the first thermo-chemical state. The method includes inserting the device into an 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.

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: A bone fixation system and method for stabilizing a fractured bone by implantation into the intramedullary canal of an implant that is expanded by an implant deformation apparatus, or deformer. The deformer can use mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic expansion. Some deformers apply or remove heat. Some implants 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.