Patent ID: 6447518
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A61B,F16C

Abstract:
A method of reaming the medullary canal of bones, comprisinga. connecting a first section of a flexible shaft to a power source transmitting rotational motion b. connecting a third section of a flexible shaft to a medullary bone canal reamer; c. transmitting rotation from said power source to said reamer through a flexible shaft center section having a slot of substantial length and width to form a plurality of teeth having complimentary recesses on opposing sides of said slot and extending in a generally helical path around and along the tubular member d. reaming said medullary bone canal by rotating said reamer in the clockwise and counterclockwise direction, wherein said slot width is sufficient to form an unbound joint permitting limited movement in any direction between the teeth of the recesses thereby providing limited flexibility in all directions upon application of tensile, compressive, and/or torsion forces to said shaft.