Patent ID: 9451971
Filing Date: 2016-09-27
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. An intramedullary fixation member for use in repairing a distal radius bone fracture, the distal radius having an articular surface, the intramedullary fixation member comprising: an elongate fixation member sized for insertion into a medullary canal of the radius, the elongate fixation member having a first end and a second end, the second end adapted for placement within the medullary canal in spaced relation to the articular surface of the distal radius, a concave side and a convex side extending between the first and second ends, the concave and concave sides each defining a radius of curvature, the elongate fixation member defining a first fastener opening proximal to the first end, the first fastener opening extending transversely through the elongate fixation member along a first fastener axis and configured to receive a first fastener therethrough such that the first fastener such that a first fastener received therethrough extends laterally outward of the fixation member, the first end of the fixation member defining additional fastener openings disposed between the first fastener opening and the second end, the additional fastener openings extending transversely through the fixation member along respective additional fastener axes, the additional fastener axes extending at different angles with respect to the first fastener axis and to each other, each of the additional fastener openings being configured to receive an additional fastener therethrough, wherein a first u-shaped slot is defined on a first side of the elongate fixation member and a second u-shaped slot is defined on a second side of the elongate fixation member, wherein the u-shaped slots are sized and configured to couple a driving handle to the elongate fixation member, and wherein a tail section extends from the second end of the fixation member, the tail section having two spaced arms having opposing outer surfaces and configured to be urged laterally outward in respective first and second opposing directions and into contact with a cortical wall defining the medullary canal of the radius, wherein the tail section has a reduced maximum thickness measured across the opposing outer surface of a first one of the spaced arms to the opposing outer surface of a second one of the spaced arms in a first position as compared to a thickness of the first end of the fixation member such that each arm is configured to move from the first position wherein the maximum thickness of the spaced arms measured across the opposing outer surfaces is smaller than the thickness of the first end to a second position laterally outward from the first position, and wherein the tail section is substantially straight; wherein the intramedullary fixation member further comprises a guide assembly attached to the elongate fixation member by a threaded fastener extending through the first fastener opening.