Orthopedic fastener device

Abstract

Orthopedic fastener devices for fixation of fractured bones are disclosed. The orthopedic fastener device is in the form of an orthopedic fastener having an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. Also disclosed are hydrogel coated orthopedic fastener devices in the form of a K-wire or bone screw, a method for stabilizing a fractured long bone fracture by inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of the bone and a kit for fastener implantation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An orthopedic fastener for internal fixation of a fractured long bone comprising an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. 
     
     
         2 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the IM nail comprises a center lumen to accommodate a guide wire. 
     
     
         3 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the orthopedic fastener degrades in situ by hydrolytic reactions, enzymatic reactions, alkaline or pH changes. 
     
     
         4 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the IM nail is manufactured from a biodegradable metal or biodegradable alloy. 
     
     
         5 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 4 , wherein the biodegradable metal is magnesium. 
     
     
         6 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 4 , wherein the biodegradable alloy comprises magnesium. 
     
     
         7 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 4 , wherein the biodegradable alloy comprises rare earth materials. 
     
     
         8 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 4 , wherein the biodegradable alloy comprises a magnesium alloy and chitin. 
     
     
         9 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the IM nail is made of a chitin and chitosan, N-acylchitosan hydrogel and magnesium alloy with rare earth elements. 
     
     
         10 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogel is a chitin chitosan, N-acylchitosan hydrogel. 
     
     
         11 . The orthopedic fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogel swells to about 30% of its maximal diameter within 10 minutes after coming in contact with moisture. 
     
     
         12 . A method for stabilizing a bone fracture comprising,
 inserting an orthopedic fastener into the medullary canal of a bone having a fracture, wherein said orthopedic fastener comprises an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the orthopedic fastener is placed through the bone cortex. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the orthopedic fastener degrades in situ by hydrolytic reactions, enzymatic reactions, alkaline or pH changes. 
     
     
         15 . A kit for fastener implantation in a fractured long bone, said kit comprising:
 an orthopedic fastener comprising an IM nail coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel;   a guide wire;   and a pusher that is movable along the guide wire.   
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the IM nail is made of a bioabsorbable material. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the IM nail further comprises a center lumen to accommodate the guide wire. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the IM nail is made of a magnesium alloy and chitin. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the IM nail is made with a magnesium core coated with a chitin chitosan, N-acylchitosan hydrogel outer layer. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the IM nail is made of a chitin and chitosan, N-acylchitosan hydrogel and magnesium alloy with raw earth elements. 
     
     
         21 . An orthopedic fastener device for fixation of a fractured bone comprising a K-Wire coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. 
     
     
         22 . An orthopedic fastener device for fixation of a fractured bone, comprising a bone screw coated on its external surface with a bioabsorbable or biodegradable hydrogel. 
     
     
         23 . The orthopedic fastener device of  claim 22 , wherein said bone screw is a Scaphoid screw for fixation of a fractured carpal or tarsal bone.