Intramedullary fixation system for management of pelvic and acetabular fractures

Abstract

Devices for treating a bone and methods of inserting such devices into a bone are disclosed. A device for treating a bone may include a flexible tube, a stiffening mechanism and an actuator. The flexible tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening mechanism within the flexible tube is configured to cause the flexible tube to become rigid. The actuator is configured to cause the stiffening mechanism to cause the flexible tube to become rigid in response to the actuator being actuated.

1 - 91 . (canceled) 
     
     
         92 . A method of placing a guide wire into an intramedullary canal, the method comprising:
 inserting a guide wire into an intramedullary canal of a bone, the guide wire having a distal end with a bent section and a sharpened distal tip; and   rotating the guide wire periodically, while inserting the guide wire, to create a succession of short curved paths in order to steer the guide wire.   
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , further comprising:
 rotating the succession of short curved paths to be substantially 180 degrees opposed to each other such that the wire creates a generally straight path.   
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the method further comprises:
 pausing the inserting of the guide wire while rotating the guide wire.   
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 92 , further comprising:
 attaching a flexible cannulated reamer over the guide wire.   
     
     
         96 . A guide wire comprising:
 a guide wire body having a distal section;   a bent section on the distal section of the body; and   a sharpened distal tip.   
     
     
         97 . The guide wire of  claim 96 , wherein the guide wire is about 1.0 to about 1.5 mm in diameter. 
     
     
         98 . The guide wire of  claim 96 , wherein the guide wire is made substantially of stainless steel. 
     
     
         99 . The guide wire of  claim 96 , wherein the guide wire is made substantially of one or more nickel-titanium alloys (NiTi).