US20170035474A1 - Intramedullary implant, system, and method for inserting an implant into a bone - Google Patents

Abstract

An intramedullary implant system, and method for placement within a bone system are provided by the invention. The implant includes a body with at least one pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body. The beams are each fixed to the body and each have an end. The end of one of the beams of a pair is releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair by a k-wire from one end of which extends a flexible tail. The beams are each deflectable between (i) a coupled and biased position for insertion of the beams into a respective bone, and (ii) an uncoupled position for gripping bone. The beams of each pair in the uncoupled position being arranged so as to compressively engage the bone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/179,172, filed on Feb. 12, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
• The disclosed device, system, and method relate to implants and, more particularly to implants for installation in an appendage for treating a variety of skeletal maladies including hammer toe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe that affects the alignment of the bones adjacent to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Hammer toe can cause pain and can lead to difficulty in walking or wearing shoes. A hammer toe can often result in an open sore or wound on the foot. In some instances, surgery may be required to correct the deformity by fusing one or both of the PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.
• The most common corrective surgery includes the placement of a pin or rod in the distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes of the foot to fuse the PIP and DIP joints. The pin or rod is cut at the tip of the toe, externally of the body. A plastic or polymeric ball is placed over the exposed end of the rod, which remains in the foot of the patient until the PIP and/or DIP joints are fused in approximately 6 to 12 weeks. This conventional treatment has several drawbacks such as preventing the patient from wearing closed toe shoes while the rod or pin is in place, and the plastic or polymeric ball may snag a bed sheet or other object due to it extending from the tip of the toe resulting in substantial pain for the patient.
• Another conventional implant includes a pair of threaded members that are disposed within adjacent bones of a patient's foot. The implants are then coupled to one another through male-female connection mechanism, which is difficult to install in situ and has a tendency to separate.
• Yet another conventional implant has a body including an oval head and a pair of feet, which are initially compressed. The implant is formed from nitinol and is refrigerated until it is ready to be installed. The head and feet of the implant expand due to the rising temperature of the implant to provide an outward force on the surrounding bone when installed. However, the temperature sensitive material may result in the implant deploying or expanding prior to being installed, which requires a new implant to be used.
• Accordingly, an improved intramedullary implant for treating hammer toe and other maladies of the skeletal system is desirable that provides active compression across a joint and maintains compression thereafter so as to greatly increase the fusion rate. The implant should be insertable with minimal disruption to the DIP joint while optimizing compression and fixation at the PIP joint. Such an improved implant could find efficacy in Hammertoe surgery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An intramedullary implant system is provided that includes a body from each opposite end of which project a pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body. The beams are each fixed to the body and each has a coupling latch with a bore so that the coupling latch of each of the beams of a pair may be releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair of beams by a removable coupling rod. A flexible tail projects from one end of the removable coupling rod projects outwardly. Each of the pair of beams is movable between (i) a coupled and biased position wherein the coupling rod is located in each bore of each latch so that the implant may be inserted into a respective bone with at least a portion of the flexible tail protruding from the implant, and (ii) an uncoupled position for internally gripping the respective bone. The beams of each pair in the uncoupled position diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the body wherein an outer surface of each beam is adapted to form a compressive engagement with the respective bone when disposed in the uncoupled position.
• In another embodiment of a intramedullary implant system, a body has an end from which project a pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body. The beams are each fixed to the body with the end of one of the beams being releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair by a removable coupling rod. A flexible tail projects from one end of the coupling rod. The beams are each deflectable between (i) a coupled and biased position for insertion of the beams into a respective bone and with at least a portion of the flexible tail positioned within a bone, and (ii) an uncoupled position for gripping the respective bone, the pair of beams in the uncoupled position being arranged so as to form a compressive engagement with the respective bone.
• In a further embodiment of an intramedullary implant system a first k-wire is provided from one end of which extends a flexible tail. A body is provided from opposite ends of which project at least one pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body. The beams are each fixed to the body and each have a coupling latch with a bore so that the coupling latch of each of the beams of a pair may be releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair of beams by the k-wire such that each of the pair of beams is movable between (i) a coupled and biased position wherein the k-wire is located in each bore of each latch so that the implant may be inserted into a respective bone and (ii) an uncoupled position wherein the k-wire is removed from each bore of each latch so that the beams of each pair diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the body wherein an outer surface of each beam is adapted to form a compressive engagement with the respective bone when disposed in the uncoupled position.
• A method for implanting a device within a bone is provided that includes opening and debriding a target bone system. A canal is formed through the target bone system, and a k-wire is provided that has a flexible tail extending from one end. An implant is also provided that includes a body from opposite ends of which project at least one pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body wherein the body defines a passageway along the longitudinal axis. The beams are each fixed to the body and each has a coupling latch with a bore. The latch of each beam is releasably coupled to one another by inserting the k-wire into the latch bores thereby biasing the beams. The implant and k-wire are inserted into the canal along with the flexible tail, often protruding from the patient's body. By pulling upon the flexible tail so as to decouple and remove the k-wire from the latches, the beams are thereby decoupled and released from their biased state so that a portion of each beam engages the surface of the surrounding bone that defines the canal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intramedullary implant formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the implant shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the implant shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, and with a K-wire coupled to the implant;
• FIG. 4 is a top plan view, partially in phantom, illustrating the change in length of the beams as a result of decoupled bending;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes with a K-wire installed, and with the soft tissues removed for clarity of illustration;
• FIG. 5A is a further perspective view of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes without a K-wire installed, and with the soft tissues removed for clarity of illustration;
• FIG. 6 is a side view of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A;
• FIG. 7 is a side view of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes with an implant formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention installed in the proximal end of a middle phalanx, and with the soft tissues removed for clarity of illustration;
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing an implant fully installed between the proximal and middle phalanxes, just prior to removal of the k-wire;
• FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing an implant fully installed between the proximal and middle phalanxes, with the K-wire removed and decoupled from the proximal and distal pair of beams, and illustrating an implant fully installed within the bones;
• FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a distal and middle phalanx showing initial insertion of an implant device and system in accordance with an alternative method of installation;
• FIG. 7A is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 6A, showing further progress of the implant system through a canal broached within the bones;
• FIG. 7B is a side view, partially in phantom showing progress of the implant system, including a k-wire with a flexible tail, through a canal broached within the bones;
• FIG. 8A is a top plan view, similar toFIGS. 6A and 7A, showing a K-wire partially removed and decoupled from a distal pair of beams, and illustrating the compressive engagement of the beams against the internal surfaces of the bone;
• FIG. 8B is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 7B, showing an implant coupled by a K-wire with a flexible tail prior to removal and decoupling from a distal pair of beams;
• FIG. 9A is a top plan view, similar toFIGS. 6A, 7A, and 8A, showing the implant fully installed with the K-wire removed and decoupled from a proximal pair of beams, and illustrating an implant fully installed within the bones;
• FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an implant formed in accordance with the invention, showing an alternative K-wire having a flexible tail installed and coupling the beams of the implant;
• FIG. 9C is a side elevational view of the implant and k-wire shown inFIG. 9B, with the implant shown in cross-section for clarity of illustration perspective view of an implant formed in accordance with the invention, showing an alternative K-wire having a flexible tail installed and coupling the beams of the implant;
• FIG. 9D is a top plan view, similar toFIGS. 7B and 8B, showing a K-wire with a flexible tail partially removed and decoupled from a distal pair of beams, and illustrating the compressive engagement of the beams against the internal surfaces of the bone;
• FIG. 9E is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of a human foot located within a shoe and illustrating one possible arrangement of a flexible tail and second k-wire after implantation of an implant formed in accordance with on embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the implant shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 with the K-wire reinstalled through central canal to stabilize neighboring joints (MTP);
• FIG. 11 is a further perspective view of the implant shown inFIG. 12, with a K-wire removed;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of implant formed in accordance with the invention;
• FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a K-wire partially in phantom, installed and coupled to a single pair of beams;
• FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the implant shown inFIG. 13, but with the K-wire removed and decoupled from the beams;
• FIG. 15 is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 14, showing a K-wire prior to coupling with the implant;
• FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the implant shown inFIG. 15, but from the reverse side so as to reveal grooves or channels formed in the implant for receiving a coupling K-wire;
• FIG. 17 is a top plan view, partially in phantom, showing a K-wire coupled with the implant ofFIGS. 15-16;
• FIG. 18 is a further embodiment of implant formed in accordance with the invention;
• FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view, similar toFIG. 18, but showing a K-wire coupled to the beams of the implant;
• FIG. 20 is an end view of a further embodiment of implant formed in accordance with the invention;
• FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the further embodiment shown inFIG. 20;
• FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view, taken along lines22-22 inFIG. 21;
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention showing an implant having a curved cross-sectional profile;
• FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of an angled implant embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the angled embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 24;
• FIG. 26 is an end on, perspective view of the embodiment of implant shown inFIGS. 24 and 25;
• FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines27-27 of the angled embodiment shown inFIGS. 24-26;
• FIG. 28 is a top plan view of yet a further embodiment of implant showing a pair of beams disposed diagonally on the body of the implant;
• FIG. 29 is top view similar toFIG. 28, showing the implant coupled to a K-wire in accordance with invention;
• FIG. 30 is a top view of yet a further embodiment of implant showing a pair of beams disposed on the same side of the body of the implant;
• FIG. 31 is a top view similar toFIG. 30, showing the implant coupled to a K-wire in accordance with invention;
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment formed in accordance with the invention showing a single pair of beams coupled to a K-wire;
• FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line33-33 inFIG. 32;
• FIG. 34 is a perspective exploded view of the alternative embodiment implant ofFIGS. 32 and 33, showing a therapeutic device prior to interconnection with the implant;
• FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the implant and therapeutic device shown inFIG. 34, after interconnection;
• FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the implant and therapeutic device interconnected inFIG. 35;
• FIG. 37 is a perspective view, similar toFIG. 34, showing a therapeutic device in the form of a bone anchor just prior to interconnection with the implant;
• FIG. 38 is a perspective view, similar toFIG. 35, showing bone anchor ofFIG. 37 interconnected with the implant;
• FIG. 39 is a cross-section view, similar toFIG. 36, but showing a bone anchor ofFIGS. 37 and 38 interconnected with an implant formed in accordance with the invention;
• FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of an implant similar to that shown inFIGS. 34 and 37, showing a suture anchor just prior to interconnection with the implant;
• FIG. 41 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 40 but showing the suture anchor installed on the implant;
• FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line42-42 inFIG. 41, showing the suture anchor installed on the implant with suture threaded through a conduit defined to the middle of the body of the implant and also showing a K-wire coupled to the single pair of beams;
• FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 42, with the K-wire decoupled from the single pair of beams;
• FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention showing a bone screw interconnected with the implant of the invention;
• FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line45-45 inFIG. 44, and also showing a K-wire coupled to a single pair of beams;
• FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 45, but showing the single pair of beams after decoupling from the K-wire;
• FIG. 47 is another embodiment of implant similar to that shown inFIGS. 34, 37, 40, and 44, showing a cannulated bone screw installed in the implant with a K-wire located within the cannulated bone screw and coupled to the single pair of beams;
• FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line48-48 inFIG. 47; and
• FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 48 but with the K-wire removed from the cannulated bone screw and decoupled from the single pair of beams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral,” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments and the like, such as “coupled” and “coupling” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly, temporarily or permanently, through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively coupled” is such an attachment or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
• Referring toFIGS. 1-4, animplant2 is provided that includes a cannulatedbody4, a distal pair ofcantilevered beams6, and a proximal pair ofcantilevered beams8. More particularly, cannulatedbody4 often comprises an elongate bar having adistal end14 and aproximal end15. A through-bore18 is often defined centrally through the bar alonglongitudinal axis17 so as to define openings atdistal end14 andproximal end15.
• Distal pair ofbeams6 comprise asuperior beam24 and aninferior beam26 arranged in spaced confronting relation to one another atdistal end14 of cannulatedbody4. In many of the embodiments of the invention, pairs of beams will be arranged symmetrically aboutlongitudinal axis17 ofbody4, often so as to be bisected by the axis.Superior beam24 is fixed todistal end14 of cannulatedbody4, and in some embodiments, is formed integral withcannulated body4. One ormore barbs30aare located on anouter surface31 ofsuperior beam24, often oriented transversely acrossouter surface31. A latch-plate34 extends inwardly, towardinferior beam26, from a free end ofsuperior beam24. A bore36ais defined through latch-plate34.Inferior beam26 is fixed todistal end14 of cannulatedbody4, and in some embodiments, is formed integral withcannulated body4. One ormore barbs30bare located on a distalouter surface32 ofinferior beam26, often oriented transversely acrossouter surface32. A latch-plate38 extends inwardly, towardsuperior beam24 and latch-plate34, from a free end ofinferior beam26. A bore36bis defined through latch-plate38.
• Distal pair ofbeams6 are cantilevered to cannulatedbody4 atdistal end14, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When distal pair ofbeams6 are loaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly, toward one another. Advantageously,superior beam24 is greater in length thaninferior beam26 so that, when deflected to a optimally biased state, i.e., the beams are deflected so that a desirable amount of elastic energy is stored, with latch-plate34 is located in overlapping adjacent relation to latch-plate38 withbore36aand bore36boverlapping and communicating relation to one another (FIGS. 3-4). As a result, while distal pair ofbeams6 are loadedbores36aand36bwill often be arranged in substantially coaxial relation to the open end of through-bore18 atdistal end14 of cannulatedbody4.
• Proximal pair ofbeams8 comprise asuperior beam44 and aninferior beam46 arranged in spaced confronting relation to one another atproximal end15 of cannulatedbody4.Superior beam44 is fixed toproximal end15 of cannulatedbody4, and in some embodiments, is formed integral withcannulated body4. One ormore barbs50aare located on anouter surface51 ofsuperior beam44, often oriented transversely acrossouter surface51. A latch-plate54 extends inwardly, towardinferior beam46, from a free end ofsuperior beam44. A bore56bis defined through latch-plate54.Inferior beam46 is fixed toproximal end15 of cannulatedbody4, and in some embodiments, is formed integral withcannulated body4. One ormore barbs50bare located on a distalouter surface52 ofinferior beam46, often oriented transversely acrossouter surface52. A latch-plate58 extends inwardly, towardsuperior beam44 and latch-plate54, from a free end ofinferior beam46. A bore56ais defined through latch-plate58.
• As with distal pair ofbeams6, proximal pair ofbeams8 are also cantilevered to cannulatedbody4, but atproximal end15, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When proximal pair ofbeams8 are loaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly, toward one another. Advantageously,superior beam44 is greater in length thaninferior beam46 so that, when deflected to a optimally biased state, latch-plate58 is located adjacent to latch-plate54 withbore56aand bore56boverlapping one another. As a result, bores56aand56boften will be arranged in substantially coaxial relation to the open end of through-bore18 atproximal end15 of cannulatedbody4.
• When cantilevered distal pair ofbeams6 and proximal pair ofbeams8 move into their respective second partially biased state, they undergo a so-called “large deflection” in accordance with classical beam theory. In other words, the moment arm of each ofsuperior beam24,44 andinferior beam26,46 changes as the loaded ends of the beams deflect inwardly toward one another. Referring toFIG. 4, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that when distal pair ofbeams6 and proximal pair ofbeams8 are arranged in their optimally biased state, the distance β measured between their outer most barbs is at a maximum, but when cantilevered distal pair ofbeams6 and proximal pair ofbeams8 are allowed to move into their respective second partially biased state, the distance θ measured between the outer most barbs is at a minimum. Thus, there is a differential in the length of the beams, δ, between their optimally biased state and their second partially biased state. This difference δ represents an available amount of compressive engagement or “bite” of the barbs into the bone that defines broached canal D.
• Implant2 may be manufactured from conventional implant metal, such as stainless steel or titanium. In several preferred embodiments, however, the implants are manufactured out of shape memory materials (SMA) or alloys such as nickel titanium to enhance fixation. One example of such an alloy is Nitinol sold by Memry Corporation of Menlo Park, Calif. The implants are preferably made of nitinol, a biocompatible, shape memory metal alloy of titanium and nickel. The metal's properties at the higher temperature (austenite phase) are similar to those of titanium. The temperature at which the implants will undergo the shape transformation can be controlled by the manufacturing process and the selection of the appropriate alloy composition. Nitinol has a very low corrosion rate and has been used in a variety of medical implants, e.g., orthodontic appliances, stents, suture anchors, etc. Implant studies in animals have shown minimal elevations of nickel in the tissues in contact with the metal; the levels of titanium are comparable to the lowest levels found in tissues near titanium hip prostheses. In most embodiments of the invention, the SMA is selected to have a temperature transformation range such that the implant undergoes a transition from austenite to stress-induced martensite under the influence of deformation forces. Thus, when the distal and proximal beams ofimplant2 are deflected inwardly, toward one another and then released, they are already at a temperature such that they automatically attempt to reform to their original shape.
• Referring toFIGS. 5-9A,implant2 is prepared for use in corrective surgery at the distal B, middle A, and proximal C phalanxes of the foot, as follows. Distal pair ofbeams6 are loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward one another until latch-plate38 is located adjacent to latch-plate34 withbore36aand bore36boverlapping one another. Likewise, proximal pair ofbeams8 are also loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward one another until latch-plate58 is located adjacent to latch-plate54 withbore56aand bore56boverlapping one another. Once in this arrangement, a coupling rod, such as k-wire60, is inserted throughbores56a,56b,through-bore18, and bores36abore36b,thereby coupling distal pair ofbeams6 and proximal pair ofbeams8 in their respective optimally biased state. In some embodiments, k-wire60 includes aproximal portion63 that has a smaller diameter than the distal portion of the k-wire thereby defining ashoulder67 at thetransition69 between diameters.Shoulder67 is often sized so as to engage the outer surface of latch-plate54 and thereby prevent k-wire60 from further travel intoimplant2 beyondtransition69. In another embodiment shown inFIG. 9B, a k-wire61 comprises aflexible tail62 that is terminated by a second k-wire64.Flexible tail62 may be fashioned from woven, non-woven, knitted, braided or crocheted materials, any of which can included but not be limited to standard surgical sutures, polymer or fiberous cords, metal wire or tape, or the like, and may be formed from a single multiple strands of metals, polymers, or other bio compatible materials. Often,flexible tail62 comprises a metal braid or cable. K-wire61 may have a circular, oval or flattened cross-sectional profile similar to that of K-wire60b(FIGS. 20-23).
• Implant2 is used in systems and methods for corrective surgery at the distal B, middle A, and proximal C phalanxes of the foot or elsewhere in bones of the human or animal body, as follows. The PIP joint is first opened and debrided and an initial k-wire75 (FIG. 5) is inserted through the axis of the middle phalanx A and out the distal end of the toe. Initial k-wire75 is then removed distally from the distal tip of the toe (FIGS. 5A and 6). Using a broach or similar instrument (not shown) a canal D is defined through distal and proximal portions of the PIP joint. Canal D extends for a distance into middle phalanx A along the path defined previously by k-wire75 such that acounter-bore shoulder71 is defined at the transition between the diameters of canal D and the passageway formed by the prior insertion of k-wire75.Shoulder71 is often sized so as to engage the outer surface of a latch-plate54 or34 and thereby preventimplant2 from further distal travel into middle phalanx A.
• Once the surgical site has been prepared in the foregoing manner, animplant2 that has been coupled to a k-wire60 or61 is inserted through broached canal D (FIGS. 7 and 7B) such that k-wire60 travels through middle phalanx A and distal phalanx B withdistal end portion63 projecting outwardly from the end of distal phalanx B. In the alternative,flexible tail62 travels through middle phalanx A and distal phalanx B withdistal end portion63 projecting outwardly from the end of distal phalanxB. Flexible tail62 may often be employed to ease implantation. In one embodiment, acord62 provides the flexibility that is often needed by the surgeon to position the implant within the patient's bone, while maintaining tensile strength for removing k-wire61 from the implant during deployment. In one embodiment,flexible tail62 and k-wire are left protruding from the patient's foot F by the surgeon so as to allow the patient to slip on a shoe G or other foot wear (FIG. 9E). Traditionally, a rigid k-wire was left protruding from the patient's toe by the surgeon, when the surgery was completed. This arrangement prevented the patient from wearing shoes which often precluded the patient from returning to work based upon work place safety regulations.
• With either arrangement,implant2 travels down the longitudinal axis of middle phalanx A until the constraineddistal beams6 areadjacent shoulder71 within broached canal D (FIG. 7). Once in position, end portions of distal pair ofbeams6 are located adjacent toshoulder71 within middle phalanx A and proximal pair ofbeams8 project outwardly from the open end of canal D at the proximal end of middle phalanx A. Next, the joint is re-aligned and closed by moving the distal and middle phalanxes so that proximal pair ofbeams8 is caused to enter the open end of canal D in proximal phalanx C (FIG. 8). In this position, proximal pair ofbeams8 are located within canal D in proximal phalanx C and the joint is closed aroundimplant2.
• Once in the foregoing arrangement, k-wire60 is moved distally (FIG. 9) so as to disengage from latch-plates54 and58 ofproximal beams8 thereby decoupling and releasingbeams44 and46 from their optimally biased state. Alternatively, k-wire64 is moved distally (FIG. 8B and 9C)) thereby pullingflexible tail62 and k-wire61 so as to disengage from latch-plates54 and58 ofproximal beams8 thereby decoupling and releasingbeams44 and46 from their optimally biased state. As a result,superior beam44 andinferior beam46 spring outwardly, away from one another, until theirrespective barbs50aand50bengage the surface of the surrounding bone that defines broached canal D. Sincesuperior beam44 andinferior beam46 are still biased, i.e., continue to store some elastic energy, but are geometrically shortened by anamount6.Barbs50aand50bcompressively engage the surface of the surrounding bone so as to “bite” into the bone, thus enhancing the retention ofimplant2. It should be noted that the respective shortening of the moment arm of proximal pair ofbeams8 applies an active compressive force to articulating surfaces of the PIP joint. K-wire60 continues to be decoupled and withdrawn fromimplant2, through through-bore18 of cannulatedbody4 untildistal end70 slips past through-bores36a,36bin latch-plates34 and38 of distal pair ofbeams6 so as to entirely decouple k-wire60 from implant2 (FIG. 9). As a consequence,superior beam24 andinferior beam26 spring outwardly, away from one another and away from their optimally biased state into a partially biased state in which distal pair ofbeams6 engage the surface of the bone that defines broached canal D. Here again, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that as cantilevered distal pair ofbeams6 move into their second partially biased state, they will also shorten. This geometric effect applies an active compressive force to the articulating surfaces of the PIP joint while proximal pair ofbeams8 maintain cortical fixation on either side of the joint. Advantageously,barbs30aandbarbs30bare caused to bite into the bone that defines broached canal D by the outward force ofsuperior beam24 andinferior beam26 moving into their partially biased state. The biting ofbarbs30aand30binto the bone greatly enhances the compressive load exerted by proximal pair ofbeams8.
• In an alternative embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6A-9A, once the surgical site has been prepared as described hereinabove, animplant2 that has been coupled to a k-wire60 is inserted through broached canal D (FIG. 6A). In this way,implant2 travels along the longitudinal axis of middle phalanx A until the constrainedproximal beams8 are adjacent the end of broached canal D within proximal phalanx C (FIG. 7A). Once in position, k-wire60 is moved distally (FIG. 8A) so as to disengagedistal portion63 from latch-plates34 and38 ofproximal beams8 thereby decoupling and releasingbeams24 and26 from their optimally biased state. As a result,superior beam24 andinferior beam26 spring outwardly, away from one another, until theirrespective barbs30aand30bengage the surface of the surrounding bone that defines broached canal D. Sincesuperior beam24 andinferior beam26 are still biased, i.e., continue to store some elastic energy, but are geometrically shortened by an amount δ,barbs30aand30bcompressively engage the surface of the surrounding bone so as to “bite” into the bone, thus enhancing the retention ofimplant2. It should be noted that the respective shortening of the moment arm of proximal pair ofbeams8 applies an active compressive force to articulating surfaces of the PIP joint while distal pair ofbeams6 maintain cortical fixation viabarbs30aand30b.
• With proximal pair ofbeams8 fully seated within the proximal phalanx C, the joint is compressed axially so as to fully seat proximal pair ofbeams8 within broached canal D (FIG. 8A). K-wire60 continues to be decoupled and withdrawn fromimplant2, through through-bore18 of cannulatedbody4 untilproximal end70 slips past through-bores56a,56bin latch-plates54 and58 of distal pair ofbeams6 so as to entirely decouple k-wire60 from distal pair of beams6 (FIG. 9A). As a consequence, distal pair ofbeams6 spring outwardly, away from one another and away from their optimally biased state into a partially biased state in which distal pair ofbeams6 engage surface of the bone that defines broached canal D. Here again, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that as cantilevered distal pair ofbeams6 move into their second partially biased state, they will also shorten their length. This geometric effect applies an active compressive force to the articulating surfaces of the PIP joint while distal pair ofbeams6 maintain cortical fixation. Advantageously,barbs50alocated on anouter surface51 ofsuperior beam44 andbarbs50blocated onouter surface52 ofinferior beam46 are caused to bite into the bone that defines broached canal D by the outward force ofsuperior beam44 andinferior beam46 moving into their partially biased state. The biting ofbarbs30a,30b,50aand50binto the internal bone surfaces at both sides of the joint, coupled with the geometric shortening of bothproximal beams8 anddistal beams6, greatly enhances the compressive load exerted across the PIP joint.
• Numerous changes in the details of the embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to, and may be made by, persons of ordinary skill in the art having reference to the foregoing description. For example, and referring toFIGS. 10-12,implant82 is provided that includes abody84, a distal pair ofcantilevered beams86, and a proximal pair of cantilevered beams88. Unlike cannulatedbody4 ofimplant2,body84 defines an elongate, channel or groove90 having adistal end94 and aproximal end95. Distal pair ofbeams86a,86bare arranged in spaced confronting relation to one another atdistal end94 ofbody84. Eachbeam86a,86bis fixed todistal end94 and in some embodiments, is formed integral withbody84. One ormore barbs96 are located on an outer surface of eachdistal beam86a,86b. Open-endedgroove90 extends through an inner portion ofbody84. An open-endedgroove100ais defined as a channel through an inner distal portion ofdistal beam86b(FIG. 10) that is sized so as to slidingly receive a sharpened portion of a k-wire60a.Distal pair ofbeams86a,86bare cantilevered tobody84, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When distal pair ofbeams86a,86bare coupled and loaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly, toward one another.
• Proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bare arranged in spaced confronting relation to one another atproximal end95 ofbody84. One ormore barbs96 are located on an outer surface of eachproximal beam88a,88b.Agroove100bis defined as a channel through an inner distal portion ofproximal beam88a(FIGS. 10 and 11) that is sized so as to slidingly receive a rounded portion of k-wire60b.As with distal pair ofbeams86a,86b,proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bare also cantilevered to cannulatedbody84 but atproximal end95, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bare and coupled loaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly, toward one another.
• Implant82 is prepared for use in corrective surgery at the distal B, middle A, and proximal C phalanxes of the foot in much the same way asimplant2. More particularly, distal pair ofbeams86a,86bare loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward one another such that open-endedgroove90 ofbody84 and groove100aare arranged in substantially coaxial relation to one another. Likewise, proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bare also loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward one another such that open-endedgroove90 ofbody84 and groove100bare arranged in substantially coaxial relation to one another. Once in this arrangement, k-wire60ais inserted throughgroove100a,open-endedgroove90, and groove100b,thereby coupling distal pair ofbeams86a,86band proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bin their respective optimally biased state.
• As withimplant2, removal and decoupling of k-wire60 causes distal pair ofbeams86a,86band proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bto spring outwardly and away from one another thereby shortening their lengths so as to apply an active compressive force to the articulating surfaces of the PIP joint. Advantageously,barbs96 are caused to bite compressively into the bone that defines the broached canal by the force of distal pair ofbeams86a,86band proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bmoving into their partially biased state as a result of the elastic energy that continues to be stored in each beam. The biting ofbarbs96 into the bone greatly enhances the compressive load exerted byimplant82. When distal pair ofbeams86a,86band proximal pair ofbeams88a,88bspring outwardly and away from one another after the k-wire60 is fully decoupled, the elongate channel or groove90 having adistal end94 and aproximal end95 is again able to slidingly receive k-wire60. The sharpenedportion60aof k-wire60 is, e.g., driven proximally through the tip of the patient's toe and throughdistal end94 andproximal end95 ofgroove90 ofimplant82 to achieve temporary stabilization of outlying joints (e.g., the MTP joint).
• Implants in accordance with the general principles of the invention may be take a variety of configurations. Referring toFIGS. 13-17, aproximal beam86aanddistal beam88b,may be arranged on their respective ends ofbody84 with somewhat thinner or variable cross-sections so as to allow for adjustments in spring force to a predetermined level as may be needed for a particular therapy. Referring toFIGS. 18-19, it will be understood thatimplant2 may incorporate an inferior latch-plate38aor58alocated anywhere along the length of itscorresponding beam26,46. As shown inFIGS. 20-23,implant2 may have any peripheral shape. Often,implant2 will have a circular or elliptical peripheral shape so as to be better suited for disposition through drilled canal D. It should be noted that with circular or elliptical embodiments ofimplant2, bores36a,36bor56a,56bmay be defined with one or more partially flattenedwalls110 so as to allow for sufficient wall thickness in latch plate and for engagement with a correspondingly shaped k-wire60b.This arrangement allows the surgeon to rotationallyorient implant2 relative to the bone surface that defines broached canal D. As shown inFIGS. 24 and 27, animplant112 may be formed so as to bend at or adjacent to the central portion ofbody4a.In these embodiments, distal pair ofbeams6 or proximal pair ofbeams8 may be arranged and oriented at an angle relative tobody4a.A similarly shaped k-wire also comprised of Nitinol to insert throughbend60cis coupled and decoupled during use ofimplant112 in a manner previously disclosed herein.
• Turning now toFIGS. 28-29, animplant122 is provided that includes abody124, a distalcantilevered beam126, and a proximalcantilevered beam128.Body124 defines an throughbore130 and has a distal end134 and a proximal end135.Proximal beam126 projects longitudinally outwardly from distal end ofbody124, while distal cantileveredbeam128 projects longitudinally outwardly from the proximal end ofbody124. One or more barbs136 are located on an outer surface of each of distal end134 and a proximal end135. A latch-plate140 extends inwardly from a free end of proximalcantilevered beam126 and a second latch-plate142 extends inwardly from a free end of distal cantileveredbeam128. Abore146ais defined through latch-plate140 and abore146bis defined through latch-plate142.Cantilevered beams124,126 are cantilevered tobody124, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When cantilevered beams124,126 are loaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly. Advantageously, cantileveredbeams124,126 are arranged so as to be located diagonally from one another relative tobody124.
• Implant122 is prepared for use in corrective surgery at the distal B, middle A, and proximal C phalanxes of the foot in much the same way asimplant2. More particularly, proximalcantilevered beam126 and distalcantilevered beam128 are loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward the longitudinal axis of throughbore130 ofbody124 so that bore146aof latch-plate140 and bore146bof latch-plate142 are arranged in substantially coaxial relation to one another. Once in this arrangement, k-wire60 is inserted throughbore130, bore146a,and bore146b, thereby coupling distal cantileveredbeam126, and proximalcantilevered beam128 in their respective optimally biased state.
• As with other implant embodiments, decoupling of k-wire60 causes proximalcantilevered beam126 and distalcantilevered beam128 to spring outwardly and away from one another and away from the longitudinal axis of throughbore130 ofbody124 thereby shortening their lengths so as to apply an active compressive force to the articulating surfaces of the PIP joint. Advantageously,barbs96 are caused to bite into the bone compressively by the outward force of proximalcantilevered beam126 and distalcantilevered beam128 shortening as they move into their respective partially biased state. The biting ofbarbs96 into the internal bone surfaces at both sides of the joint, coupled with the geometric shortening of both proximal and distal beams, greatly enhances the compressive load exerted byimplant122 across the joint. Referring toFIGS. 30 and 31, it will be understood that animplant122amay be formed having distal cantileveredbeam126aand proximalcantilevered beam128athat are arranged on the same side ofbody124 rather than diagonally as inimplant122.
• Referring toFIGS. 32-36,implant150 is provided that includes abody154 and a single pair of cantilevered beams156 and a mating structure suitable for joiningimplant150 to atherapeutic device157 via interconnection withblind bores151aand151bdefined inbody154. More particularly, single pair of cantilevered beams156 comprise asuperior beam160 and aninferior beam162 arranged in spaced confronting relation to one another at an end ofbody154.Superior beam160 is fixed to an end ofbody154, and in some embodiments, is formed integral therewith. One ormore barbs96 are located on an outer surface ofsuperior beam160, often oriented transversely across the outer surface. A latch-plate164 extends inwardly, towardinferior beam162, from a free end ofsuperior beam160. Abore166 is defined through latch-plate164.Inferior beam162 is fixed to an end ofbody154, and in some embodiments, is formed integral therewith. One ormore barbs96 are located on an outer surface ofinferior beam162, often oriented transversely across the outer surface. A latch-plate168 extends inwardly, towardsuperior beam160 and latch-plate164, from a free end ofinferior beam162. Abore170 is defined through latch-plate168.Cantilevered beams160,162 are cantilevered tobody154, i.e., supported or clamped at one end and capable of storing elastic energy when loaded or pre-loaded at the other end or along their length. When cantilevered beams160,162 are coupled and preloaded during normal use, they each deflect inwardly.
• Implant150 is prepared for use in surgery at a variety of orthopedic locations throughout a patient in much the same way asimplant2. More particularly, single pair ofbeams160,162 are loaded so that they each deflect inwardly, toward one another such that bore166, bore170, andblind bore151bare arranged in substantially coaxial relation to one another. Once in this arrangement, k-wire60 is inserted throughbore166, bore170, andblind bore151b,thereby coupling single pair ofbeams160,162 in their respective optimally biased state. As withimplant2, decoupling of k-wire60 causes single pair ofbeams160,162 to spring outwardly and away from one another thereby shortening their lengths so as to apply an active compressive force to the articulating surfaces of the PIP joint. Advantageously,barbs96 are caused to bite into the bone compressively by the outward force of pair ofbeams160,162 shortening as they move into their respective partially biased state. The biting ofbarbs96 into the bone greatly enhances the compressive load exerted byimplant150.
• Implants in accordance with the general principles of the foregoing embodiment of the invention may be take a variety of configurations. Referring toFIGS. 37-39, a tapered andribbed anchor173 may be coupled tobody154 via a threaded engagement between apost175 and threaded bore151a.As shown inFIGS. 40-43, asuture anchor178 may be assembled tobody154 in a similar manner to that of tapered andribbed anchor173.Bores151aand151bmay be modified so as to communicate, via conduit181 (FIGS. 40-43) thereby allowingsuture180 to exitimplant150 near to single pair ofbeams160,162. Often,implant150 will have a circular or elliptical peripheral shape so as to be better suited for disposition through broached canal D. As shown inFIGS. 44 and 49,implant150 may be formed so as receive a threadedscrew200 or cannulatedscrew210.
• Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims (7)

1-14. (canceled)

15. An intramedullary implant system comprising:

a body having an end from which project a pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of said body, said beams each being fixed to said body and having an end, the end of one of said beams being releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair by a removable coupling rod, from one end of which projects a flexible tail, the beams each being deflectable between (i) a coupled and biased position for insertion of the beams into a respective bone with at least a portion of said flexible tail positioned outside of a bone, and (ii) an uncoupled position for gripping said respective bone, said pair of beams in the uncoupled position being arranged so as to form a compressive engagement with said respective bone.

16. An intramedullary implant system according toclaim 15 wherein said beams each deflect inwardly toward said longitudinal axis when coupled and biased by said removable coupling rod prior to insertion into a respective bone.

17. An intramedullary implant system according toclaim 16 wherein said beams are arranged symmetrically about said longitudinal axis of said body.

18. An intramedullary implant system according toclaim 16 wherein said beams are arranged asymmetrically about said longitudinal axis of said body.

19. An intramedullary implant system according toclaim 16 wherein said beams are arranged in diagonally spaced relation to one another on said body.

20. An intramedullary implant system comprising:

a body defining a through-bore along a longitudinal axis and having an end from which project a pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of said body, said beams each being fixed to said body and having an end, the end of one of said beams being releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair by a removable coupling rod, from one end of which projects a flexible tail the structure of which is selected from the group consisting of woven, non-woven, knitted, braided or crocheted strands, the beams each being deflectable between (i) a coupled and biased position for insertion of the beams into a respective bone with at least a portion of said flexible tail positioned outside of a bone, and (ii) an uncoupled position for gripping said respective bone, said pair of beams in the uncoupled position being arranged so as to form a compressive engagement with said respective bone.

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