Patent ID: 9155582
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for facilitating implantation of an intramedullary nail, comprising: a coupling portion extending from a first end configured to couple to a proximal end of an intramedullary nail to a joint portion; a radiolucent handle coupled to the joint portion and extending distally therefrom along a path which, when the coupling portion is coupled to an intramedullary nail in a desired orientation, extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the nail, the radiolucent handle including first and second radiopaque markers positioned and oriented so that, when the intramedullary nail is coupled to the coupling portion in the desired orientation, the first and second markers align with edges of the proximal portion of the intramedullary nail; a first guide wire hole extending through the radiolucent handle and a second guide wire hole extending through the coupling portion, wherein the first and second guide wire holes are axially aligned with one another; and a guide wire insertable through the first and second guide wire holes along a wire axis selected so that, when the intramedullary nail is coupled to the aiming instrument in a desired orientation, the wire axis is in a plane including a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the intramedullary nail and an axis of a transverse opening in the intramedullary nail through which an implant is to be inserted into a target portion of a bone.