Patent ID: 8128627

Claim:
An implantable intramedullary fixation structure having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone comprising: a plurality of segments, each segment comprising: a first interface; a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment; and a channel aligned along a longitudinal axis of the segment, wherein the first interface comprises a first interface flat feature and a first interface taper feature, wherein the second interface comprises a second interface flat feature and a second interface taper feature, wherein the first interface flat feature and second interface flat feature are configured to limit relative bending between adjacent segments in a first plane along the longitudinal axis of the segment, wherein the first interface taper feature and second interface taper feature are configured to allow relative bending between adjacent segments in a second plane along the longitudinal axis of the segment, the second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane; an elongate element extending through the channels to apply a compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the fixation structure; and a lock in at least one of the proximal end and the distal end, for securing the elongate element tension member; wherein activation of the elongate element tensioning member causes the fixation structure to convert from a substantially flexible state to a substantially rigid state.