Claims:We Claim:
1. A bone fixation system for upper femur bone fractures comprising:
a first set of fasteners,
a second set of fasteners; and
a construct having a longitudinal axis, the construct comprising:
a head portion being curved and including an apical portion, the head portion including at least one counterbored hole in the apical portion for receiving one of the second set of fasteners;
at least one flange connected to a side of the head portion, the flange being curved towards an underlying bone and being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and
an elongated shaft including a plurality of holes for receiving the first set of fasteners.
2. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second set of fasteners includes finned nails.
3. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second set of fasteners is coated with hydroxyapatite and/or titanium.
4. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the head portion includes a plurality of holes placed along/around the longitudinal axis.
5. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein width of the head portion is greater than width of the elongated shaft.
6. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein length of the head portion is less than the elongated shaft.
7. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange is at an angle of 10°-25° with respect to a vertical axis of the construct.
8. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange includes at least one hole.
9. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of holes in the elongated shaft includes combination holes.
10. The bone fixation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongated shaft includes at least one cut. , Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
BONE FIXATION SYSTEM FOR UPPER FEMUR BONE FRACTURES
2. APPLICANTS:
MERIL HEALTHCARE PVT. LTD., an Indian company, of the address Survey No. 135/139, Bilakhia House, Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi- 396191, Gujarat.

3. The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a device used for fixation of bones. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bone fixation system for treatment of fractures at proximal femur.
BACKGROUND
[002] Bone fracture is one of the most common types of trauma. One method of curing the fractured bone is by joining the fractured bone by using constructs. Bone plating systems are generally used to attach two bone fragments that are separated by a fracture to both ends of a plate.
[003] A femoral fracture is a bone fracture that involves the femur. FIG. 1 represents a femur bone 1. The femur bone 1 is the only bone in the thigh and the longest bone in the body. It acts as a site of origin and attachment of many muscles and ligaments.
[004] The femur bone 1 can be divided into following three segments: a proximal portion 3, a shaft 5 and a distal portion 7. The proximal portion 3 of the femur bone 1 consists of a head 3a, a neck 3b, a greater trochanter 3c and a lesser trochanter 3d. The head 3a articulates with an acetabulum of a pelvis to form a hip joint. The head 3a has a smooth surface, and is covered with an articular cartilage.
[005] The neck 3b of the femur bone 1 connects the head 3a of the femur bone 1 with the shaft 5. The neck 3b is set at an angle of 135 degrees to the shaft 5. This angle of projection allows for an increased range of movement at the hip joint.
[006] The greater trochanter 3c is the most lateral prominent of the femur bone 1. The highest point of the greater trochanter 3c is located higher than a collum and reaches the midpoint of the hip joint. The greater trochanter 3c is the site of attachment for many of the muscles in gluteal region, such as gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and piriformis, etc.
[007] The lesser trochanter 3d is a cone-shaped extension of the lowest part of the neck 3b. The lesser trochanter 3d is smaller than the greater trochanter 3c. The greater and lesser trochanters 3c, 3d are joined by an intertrochanteric crest on the back side and by an intertrochanteric line on the front.
[008] The femoral fractures of proximal portion 3 account for a large proportion of hospitalization among trauma cases. An overwhelming majority of these patients (>90%) are aged above 50 years. The incidence of these fractures is 2–3 times more in females as compared to male population. They are classified on basis of anatomical location of fracture into: neck of femur fracture (in the neck 3b of femur bone 1), inter trochanteric fracture (intertrochanteric line) and subtrochanteric fracture (near lesser trochanter 3d). Each of these fracture types require special methods of treatment and have their own set of complications and controversies regarding the optimal method of management.
[009] For fixation of femoral neck hip fractures, fixation strategies based on the principle of sliding of the femoral head bone fragment along the used implant are in use. The most commonly used implants include multiple parallel cancellous screws without a plate and sliding hip screws in conjunction with a side plate. This principle results in compression between fracture fragments each time the patient puts weight on the leg. This causes “shortening” of the femoral neck and therefore results in a change in the lever arms for many muscles that act on the hip. This change in biomechanics of the hip may have a significant implication on the function of the hip. Further, the current strategies are associated with a failure risk of up to 30% for some hip fracture types.
[0010] In order to overcome the same, currently, locking screws secured to a construct are used for fixation of femoral neck hip fractures. Such assemblies provide a fixed-angle relationship between the plate and screw and reduce femoral neck shortening. Cobra shaped plates are one of such systems.
[0011] Cobra shaped plates were used since mid-80s at the department of orthopaedics PGIMER, Chandigarh. Such plates were published for the first time in contemporary orthopaedics USA, vol (28)5.428-454.1994. However, as the relationship between the locking screws and the construct is fixed in such systems, these plates can only be used for fractures of the femoral shaft. Also, despite being secured using screws, these plates lack stability.
[0012] Thus there exists a need for an improved bone plating system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior kind.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention relates to a bone fixation system for upper femur bone fractures. The bone fixation system includes a first set and a second set of fasteners and a construct which has a longitudinal axis. The construct includes a head portion which is curved. The head portion includes an apical portion. The head portion further includes at least one counterbored hole in the apical portion which receives one of the second set of fasteners. The construct also includes at least one flange connected to a side of the head portion. The flange is curved towards an underlying bone and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The construct further includes an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft includes a plurality of holes for receiving the first set of fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a femur.
[0016] FIG.1a depicts a schematic view of bone fixation system placed over a bone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2a depicts a side view of a construct 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2b depicts a top view of the construct 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2c depicts a bottom view of the construct 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2d depicts the cuts 10a (tension band wiring) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a finned nail in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIGs. 3a & 3b depict different views of the finned nail in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0024] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0025] In accordance with the present disclosure, the present invention corresponds to a bone fixation system. The bone fixation system is suitable for repair of a fractured bone, ideally trochantric fractures in femur bone 10 of a patient. The bone fixation system of the present invention is structured to treat all femoral fractures of proximal portion 3.
[0026] The bone fixation system includes a construct with a plurality of holes and a plurality of fasteners which mate with the corresponding holes of the construct.
[0027] The construct is a single piece structure having a longitudinal axis. The construct includes a shaft portion and a head portion. The head portion of the construct disclosed in the present invention is curved. The curve of the head portion conforms to an underlying lateral surface of greater trochanter. The curve (or ‘cobra curve’) in the head portion of construct acts as a chair for the greater trochanter area and provides a strong buttressing to the upper area of the femur bone providing much greater strength and stability to the construct.
[0028] The head portion includes a hole at its center to receive a finned nail which helps to increase the strength of the construct. The finned nail is attached to the construct from its lower end and is tightened with the help of a fastener. Further, the head portion includes a flange to correctly position the construct on the fractured bone. The flange includes a hole to fix the construct to the respective bone thereby providing stability to the fractured bone.
[0029] Now, referring to figures, FIG. 1a represents the bone fixation system 100 placed over the underlying fractured bone. The bone fixation system 100 can be used for fixing all types of fractures of the upper part of femur such as intercapsular fractures, neck of femur fractures, trochantric and subtrochantric fractures (both stable and unstable types), etc. As depicted in said figure, the bone fixation system 100 is placed over an upper end of femur bone and is utilized for fixing any type of fractures therein.
[0030] As represented, the bone fixation system 100 includes a construct 101 and a plurality of fasteners 103 (a first and a second set of fasteners) which mechanically join (or affix) the underlying fractured bone with the construct 101. In an embodiment, the construct 101 is a locking compression plate (LCP). As represented, the construct 101 of the bone fixation system 100 is a spoon shaped structure (elaborated below in FIG. 2a-2c).
[0031] FIGs. 2a-2c of the instant invention disclose different views of the construct 101. The construct 101 may include a longitudinal axis ‘L’ and a vertical axis ‘V’. The construct includes a proximal end ‘P’ and a distal end ‘D’. The construct 101 as depicted in said figures may be manufactured from any biocompatible and durable material known in the art. The materials may include without limitation, titanium or titanium alloys, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, peek etc. The construct 101 may also be manufactured using a bioabsorbable material such as polygalactic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), copolymers thereof, etc.
[0032] The construct 101 may be configured to reduce irritation to the bone and surrounding tissue. In addition, the construct 101 may have a low and/or feathered profile to reduce their protrusion into adjacent tissue. Additionally, the construct 101 may have rounded, or burr-free edges to reduce the effects of such protrusion.
[0033] The construct 101 may be sized and shaped to conform to a particular portion(s) of the underlying bone(s). The length and/or width of the construct 101 may be varied according to the intended use. For example, the construct 101 may be generally linear for use on a shaft of a long bone or may have a nonlinear shape, such as for use near an end of the bone. Optionally, the construct 101 may be generally fork-shaped, including an axial portion, for attachment to a shaft portion of a bone, and a transverse portion connected to the axial portion which provides a wider platform for attachment near the end of the bone. Alternately, the construct 101 may be bilaterally symmetrical i.e. configured for use on both sides of the body. In some embodiments, the construct 101 is asymmetrical and configured for use on either the left or the right side of the body. The construct 101 may be large, medium or small in size. In an embodiment, the length of the construct 101 may be without limitation, 105mm, 141mm, 177mm, 213mm, 249mm or 285mm.
[0034] FIG. 2a represents a side view of the construct 101. As seen from FIG. 2a, the construct 101 includes an outer surface 101a (bone-opposing) and an inner surface 101b (bone-facing). The outer surface 101a is utilized for receiving a plurality of fasteners 103. The inner surface 101b is in direct contact with the underlying bone to be fixed. One or both of these surfaces may be contoured to follow a surface of underlying bone(s), so that the constructs maintain a low profile and fit onto the bone(s). For example, the inner surface 101b of the construct 101 may be generally complementary in contour to the bone surface. The outer surface 101a may correspond in contour to the bone surface and may be complementary to the inner surface 101b of the construct 101. The outer surface 101a and inner surface 101b of the construct 101 may be smooth or rough. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2c, the inner surface 101b of the construct 101 is contoured. Such contouring helps in arm chair effect providing strong buttressing to the upper area of the femur bone and greater strength and stability to the construct 101.
[0035] The distance between the outer surface 101a and inner surface 101b defines thickness of the construct 101. The thickness of the construct 101 may be uniform throughout the length of the construct 101 or may vary.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the construct 101 may include an elongated shaft 10 and a head portion 20. In an embodiment, the elongated shaft 10 is configured and dimensioned to conform to a diaphysis of the underlying femur while the head portion 20 is configured to conform to the metaphysis of the proximal femur. The elongated shaft 10 and the head portion 20 may have a common longitudinal axis which defines the longitudinal axis ‘L’ of the construct 101. The elongated shaft 10 and the head portion 20 may be interconnected by a transition area 30.
[0037] The elongated shaft 10 may be curved along the longitudinal axis of the construct 101. The portion of the elongated shaft 10 that is curved may preferably be in the form of an elliptical arc with predefined dimensions.
[0038] As seen from FIG. 2b, the elongated shaft 10 may include a plurality of cuts 10a. The cuts 10a may be wedged along the sides of the elongated shaft 10. In an embodiment, the cuts 10a are disposed on the elongated shaft 10 near the transition area 30 of the construct 101. Alternately, the cuts 10a may be provided along the sides of the elongated shaft 10 and/or the head portion 20. The cuts 10a provide stability for tension band wiring of displaced medial fragments of the femoral shaft as and when required as shown in FIG. 2d.
[0039] The head portion 20 of the construct 101 may have a concave surface. The radius of curvature of the head portion 20 may range between 25 to 45mm. In an embodiment, radius of curvature of the head portion 20 is 31 mm.
[0040] In an embodiment, the head portion 20 acts as a chair for greater trochanter area of a bone and provides a strong buttressing to upper area of femur thereby providing greater strength and stability to the construct 101.
[0041] The head portion 20 of the construct 101 may include at least one flange 20a. The flange 20a may be permanently coupled to the construct 101 or may be detachably coupled to the construct 101. As depicted in FIG. 2a, one flange 20a is provided along a side of the head portion 20 and curved towards the underlying bone. In case of multiple flanges 20a, the flanges 20a may be staggered at different positions along the sides of the head portion 20 and elongated shaft 10. The flanges 20a may include predefined dimensions. Additionally, each of the at least one flange 20a includes at least one hole for fixation of the vertically split head portion of greater trochanter.
[0042] The flange(s) 20a may extend downwards towards the underlying bone at an angle of 10°-25° with respect to the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101. As per the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2a, the angle between the flange 20a and the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101 is 15.5°.
[0043] In an embodiment, the flange 20a provided in the head portion 20 of the construct 101 functions to tackle vertical fractures in the greater trochanter of femur. The flange(s) 20a can be used in positioning the construct 101 along a radius of the underlying head of the bone. The flange(s) 20a serves to guide the construct 101 into a position relative to the radius of the underlying head of the bone. In addition to alignment and attachment functions, the flange(s) 20a can be used to attach together comminuted fracture portions of a comminuted fracture of the underlying head of the bone and provide stability.
[0044] The elongated shaft 10 and the head portion 20 may have a predetermined length and width. The elongated shaft 10 may be broad say, having a width of 17.5 mm or narrow, say having a width of 13.5 mm. In an embodiment, the length of the head portion 20 is less than the elongated shaft 10. The width of the head portion 20 may be greater than the width of the elongated shaft 10. In an embodiment, the width of the head portion 20 is 30mm. The transition area 30 may widen from the width of the elongated shaft 10 to the width of the head portion 20. In an embodiment, the transition area 30 may widen exponentially from the width of the elongated shaft 10 to width of the head portion 20.
[0045] The construct 101 may include a plurality of holes 40 disposed on the elongated shaft 10, the head 20 and/or the flange(s) 20a. The holes 40 are configured to receive corresponding fasteners 103 for securing the construct 101 to the underlying bone. Alternatively/Additionally, the holes 40 may be adapted without limitation, to alter the local rigidity of the construct 101, to permit the construct 101 to be manipulated with a tool (such as an attachable handle), and/or to facilitate blood flow to the fracture or a surgical site to promote healing, etc.
[0046] The holes 40 may be suitably provided in the construct. Further, the size, and/or number of the holes within each portion of the construct 101 may vary. The holes 40 may be arrayed in a line or may be randomly disposed on the construct 101.
[0047] The holes 40 may have any suitable shape and structure. The exemplary shapes may include circular, elliptical, rectangular, elongate, etc. For example, the construct 101 may include one or a plurality of elongated holes 40 which may extend axially and/or transversely along the construct 101. The holes 40 may include counterbores configured, for example, to receive a head of the fastener 103.
[0048] The holes 40 may be of any conventional type known in the art. For example, the holes 40 may be without limitation, threaded or non-threaded, countersunk/counterbored, tapped, taper, blind, or combination thereof.
[0049] In an embodiment, the elongated shaft 10 includes ten combination holes 40a disposed in a zig-zag pattern as shown in FIG. 2b and one dynamic compression hole 40b. Alternately, the holes 40 on the elongated shaft 10 may be arranged in a straight line as shown in FIG. 2d. The zig-zag versus straight line placement of the combination holes is decided on the basis of width of the femur bone and/or placement of a plate. The combination holes 40a can accommodate conventional as well as locking screws.
[0050] Each combination hole 40a includes two distinct overlapping portions in a single hole. In an embodiment, one portion of the combination hole 40a is non-threaded portion ‘a’ and is adapted to receive a standard bone fastener 103. The non-threaded portion ‘a’ may be a stepped portion. The non-threaded portion ‘a’ may be tapered with respect to a central axis of the non-threaded portion ‘a’. For example, the non-threaded portion ‘a’ is tapered at an angle of 40° with respect to the central axis of the non-threaded portion ‘a’.
[0051] In an embodiment, the non-threaded portion ‘a’ is a standard dynamic compression hole which is used with conventional head screws.
[0052] The other portion of the combination hole 40a is a threaded portion ‘b’ and is configured to receive a threaded fastener 103. The threaded portion ‘b’ may be conical and inclined with respect to a central axis of the threaded portion ‘b’. For example, the threaded portion ‘b’ is tapered at an angle of 10° with respect to the central axis of the threaded portion ‘b’.
[0053] In an embodiment, the threaded portion ‘b’ lies towards the head portion 20 of the construct 101 while the non-threaded portion ‘a’ is oriented toward the end of the construct 101. The threaded portion ‘b’ includes a plurality of threads. Alternately, the disposition of the threaded portion ‘b’ and non-threaded portion ‘a’ of each combination hole 40a may be different.
[0054] The threads may be disposed at least partially along a length and/or width of the threaded portion ‘b’. The threads may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the construct 101. Alternately, the threads may be disposed at a pitch angle ranging from 15-25°, for example 20°.
[0055] In an embodiment, the dynamic compression hole 40b disposed on the elongated shaft 101c is inclined at an angle of 38° from a central axis of the dynamic compression hole 40b. However, the angle of inclination of dynamic compression hole 40b may be an angle between 35-40° depending upon the depth of the underlying bone.
[0056] In an embodiment, the transition area 30 of the construct 101 includes one dynamic compression hole 40b. The angle of inclination of the dynamic compression hole 40b disposed on the transition area (with respect to its corresponding central axis) may be same as the elongated shaft 10.
[0057] In an embodiment, the head portion 20 of the construct 101 includes four dynamic compression holes 40b and one counterbored hole 40c. As depicted in FIG. 2a, out of the four dynamic compression holes 40b, one dynamic compression holes 40b is disposed on the flange 20a. In an embodiment, a central axis of the dynamic compression holes 40b disposed on the flange 20a makes an angle of 75° with the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101. In an embodiment, the angles of inclination of all dynamic compression holes 40b with respect to their corresponding central axes are same and equivalent to 38°.
[0058] The counterbored hole 40c may include a first face ‘c’ (FIG. 2b) and a second face ‘d’ (FIG. 2c). In an embodiment, the first face ‘c’ is a bone opposing face while the second face ‘d’ is a bone facing face. The counterbored hole 40c may be bored from both the faces i.e. from the first face ‘c’ as well as the second face ‘d’. The counterbored hole 40c in the apical portion of the head portion 20 of the construct 101 gives additional advantage in fixing greater trochanter avulsion or in compressing the calcar above the lesser trochanter.
[0059] In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2b, the three dynamic compression holes 40b and one counterbored hole 40c of the head portion 20 are disposed in a straight line along the longitudinal axis of the construct 101 and are dissected by the same. Further, due to the curvature of the head portion 20, said three dynamic compression holes 40b and one counterbored hole 40c are angled with respect to the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101. In an embodiment, three dynamic compression holes 40b (from proximal end ‘P’ to distal end ‘D’ of the construct 101) are angled at an angle of 5-15°, 15° and 9° respectively. The counterbored hole 40c of the head portion 20 may also be angled at 15° with respect to the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101.
[0060] The dynamic compression holes 40b disposed on the flange 20a of the head portion 20 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 5-10° with respect to the vertical axis ‘V’ of the construct 101 say, 75°.
[0061] The fasteners 103 of the bone fixation system 100 are utilized for fixing the construct 101 to the underlying bone. The fasteners 103 may be made from any conventional material known in the art such as, without limitation, titanium, SS316LVM, PEEK or any bio-absorable polymers, etc.
[0062] The fasteners 103 of the present invention may be a combination of different types of screws, nuts, bolts, nails, etc. The type of fastener 103 to be employed may depend upon the type of hole 40 of the construct 101. For example, the non-threaded portion ‘a’ of all combination holes 40a mate with any conventional cortex and cancellous screw. On the other hand, the threaded portion ‘b’ of all combination holes 40a mate with locking screws such as self-tapping or self-drilling locking screws. The locking screws may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ‘L’ of the construct 101.
[0063] The dynamic compression holes 40b disposed on the construct 101 may mate with any conventional cortex and cancellous screw (first set of fasteners) known in the art. The degree of freedom of a cancellous screw in the dynamic compression holes 40b may range between 0° to 30°. In an embodiment, the degree of freedom of a cancellous screw in the dynamic compression holes 40b is 30°.
[0064] In an embodiment, the counterbored hole 40c disposed on the head portion 20 of the construct 101 mates with a finned nail 103a (second set of fasteners). Benders may be utilized to bend apical portion of the construct in rare cases to change alignment of the finned nail 103a.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates the finned nail 103a. The finned nail 103a may have predefined dimensions. For example, the diameter of the finned nail 103a may be without limitation, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, etc. The finned nail 103a includes a proximal end 103b and a distal end 103c. The proximal end 103b includes a diameter which corresponds to the counterbored hole 40c disposed at the apical portion of the head portion 20. The proximal end 103b is fixed to the counterbored hole 40c from face ‘d’. The distal end 103c of the finned nail 103a includes a conical tail like structure which aids in east insertion of the finned nail 103a in the femur bone.
[0066] The finned nail 103a when mated with the counterbored hole 40c makes an angle of 90° to 135° with the longitudinal axis of the construct 101. In an embodiment, counterbored hole 40c makes an angle of 90° to 120° with the longitudinal axis of the construct 101.
[0067] The finned nail 103a includes three fins 103d (FIG. 3c) and a cannula 103e (FIG. 3b). The fins 103b of the finned nail 103a help to provide absolute rotational stability at the fracture with minimal displacement of bone and increases contact area of the bone with the finned nail 103a. It increases load barring capacity of the construct and reduces damages to the underlying bone. The fins 103d are provided along the length of the finned nail 103a.
[0068] The cannula 103e of the finned nail 103a extends throughout the length of the finned nail 103a i.e from the proximal end 103b to the distal end 103c. In an embodiment, the portion of the cannula 103e disposed at the proximal end 103b is threaded. The threaded portion of the cannula 103e is utilized to receive a fastener. The fastener mates with the finned nail 103a and helps to secure head portion 20 of the construct 101 with the proximal femur. Hence, the cannula 103e directs proper fixation of the finned nail 103a in desired position. The cannula 103e helps to receive a k-wire in the appropriate position inside the head & neck.
[0069] The finned nail 103a may be coated with a peak material having a titanium coating. The coating may be osteo conductive and inductive. In an embodiment, the finned nail 103a is coated with hydroxyapatite and/or titanium.
[0070] The aforesaid mention construct 101 is a fusion construct. The construct 101 is so named because the finned nail 103a is not attached to the construct 101 but the finned nail 103a is configured to mate with the counterbored hole 40c from face ‘d’ disposed at the inner surface 101b of the construct 101. Thus, a surgeon has the versatility of placement of the nail in a desired position to create the normal adam’s arch.
[0071] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.