Patent ID: 7867231
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of stabilizing long bone fractures, comprising: providing an elongate fixation member having a proximal tip and a transverse stabilizer having a recess for receiving the proximal tip of the elongate fixation member; obtaining access to the intramedullary canal of a long bone; positioning the elongate fixation member in the intramedullary canal; aligning the recess of the transverse stabilizer with the proximal tip of the elongate fixation member such that when intersecting in the bone a portion of the blade will extend more proximally in the bone than the proximal tip of the elongate fixation member; driving the transverse stabilizer in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate fixation member to thereby position the proximal tip of the elongate fixation member within the recess of the transverse stabilizer; and interconnecting the elongate fixation member and the transverse stabilizer.