Patent ID: 7237556
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of aligning segments of a fractured bone, comprising: attaching a first reference to a first segment of a fractured bone; recording a position and orientation of the first reference relative to a first datum; recording a position and orientation of the first segment relative to a second datum; locating the first segment relative to the first reference; attaching a second reference to a second segment of a fractured bone; recording a position and orientation of the second reference relative to a third datum; recording a position and orientation of the second segment relative to a fourth datum; locating the second segment relative to the second reference; attaching a third reference to a reducer operable to align segments of a fractured bone; recording a position and orientation of the third reference relative to a fifth datum; locating the reducer relative to the third reference; inserting the reducer into a medullary canal of the first segment; aligning the reducer with a representation of the second segment; and inserting the reducer into a medullary canal of the second segment, wherein the reducer is used to assist aligning the segments of the fractured bone.