Abstract: An intramedullary nail for the fixation of bone fractures is formed of two slidably engaging elongate members. One of the members includes an articulated channel which serves to bend the other member to form an expanding end region within the bone cavity to achieve fixation therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved expandable intramedullary nail for the fixation of bone fractures. The nail includes an elongate sleeve having one end adapted to be inserted within the medullary cavity of the bone. The one end of the sleeve is formed of a predetermined maximum retracted diameter to permit the insertion of the one end within the bone cavity. A plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially expandable elements are carried by the one end of the sleeve. The elements are radially movable from a first, retracted position wherein the elements define a first diameter to a second, expanded position wherein the elements define a second diameter greater than the predetermined maximum retracted diameter and the first diameter. In accordance with the present invention, when the elements are in the expanded position, the elements provide at least two support points at the second diameter and axially spaced along the sleeve for engagement with the inner wall of the bone cavity.

Abstract: An appropriately shaped cavity, formed in a cut femoral bone shaft, is provided with a barrier or plug in its distal portion so that a cement in its liquid state may be injected into the cavity under pressure for causing the cement to flow into the small interstices of the bone forming the cavity.A preferred method of inserting the plug at a predetermined depth in the cavity generally includes the steps of: (1) forming and retaining the plug in a die; (2) inserting the die containing the plug into the cavity to the predetermined depth; (3) releasing the plug from the die; and (4) injecting the liquid cement under pressure into the plugged cavity.The device for placing the plug at the predetermined depth in the cavity generally comprises the die, an elongated body member, appropriately shaped so as to be inserted into the cavity and to which the die is detachably connectable, and a pusher member contained within the body member for releasing the plug from the die.