Patent ID: 7896886

Claim:
A method of implanting a nail-plate implant into a fractured bone having a metaphysis including an articular surface, the implant having a nail portion with screw holes, a plate portion with locking holes, and a neck portion therebetween, comprising: a) removing a portion of bone on one side of the fracture; b) reducing the fracture; c) coupling a jig to the nail-plate, the jig having a handle secured in a position oriented generally opposite the nail portion; d) inserting the nail portion of the nail-plate implant intrafocally into the medullary canal until the necks seats within the space defined on the one side of the fracture and the plate portion rests on the metaphysis; e) inserting bone support elements into the metaphysis and locking the bone support elements relative to the plate portion; f) repositioning the handle of the jig to overlie the nail portion; g) drilling holes through the guide holes into the bone and the screw holes in the nail portion; and h) inserting screws into the drilled holes and the screw holes in the nail portion.