Patent ID: 7632277

Claim:
An intermedullary apparatus for positioning and providing compressive fixation of fractured bones comprising: a guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end; a dilator disposed on said guide wire about adjacent to said guide wire distal end; a proximal stop disposed on said guide wire about adjacent to said guide wire proximal end; said dilator having a tapered distal surface, an at least partially transverse proximal surface and a tubular inner surface defining a longitudinal through hole, said dilator being disposable on said guide wire wherein said guide wire extends into said through hole; a tube disposable over said guide wire and having a sidewall including a radially expandable anchor portion adapted for radial expansion upon compression of said tube between said at least partially transverse proximal surface and said proximal stop; and wherein said tapered distal surface includes means to prevent rotation of said dilator relative to said guide wire.