Self-retaining nail to insertion handle interface

Abstract

An implant insertion assembly including an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a recessed portion, an outer wall of the recessed portion having a first shape about a perimeter thereof and including an engagement mechanism. The implant insertion assembly also includes an implant extending from a distal end to a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the recessed portion of the insertion handle, the opening having a second shape configured to mechanically interlock with the outer wall of the recessed portion when the recessed portion is inserted therein to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant, the proximal end including a receiving structure in a wall thereof, the receiving structure being positioned and oriented to receive the engagement mechanism to removably lock the insertion handle to the implant in the axial direction.

1 . An implant insertion assembly, comprising:
 an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a recessed portion, an outer wall of the recessed portion having a first shape about a perimeter thereof and including an engagement mechanism; and   an implant extending from a distal end to a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the recessed portion of the insertion handle, the opening having a second shape configured to mechanically interlock with the outer wall of the recessed portion when the recessed portion is inserted therein to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant, the proximal end including a receiving structure in a wall thereof, the receiving structure being positioned and oriented to receive the engagement mechanism to removably axially lock the insertion handle to the implant.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement mechanism is an increased thickness flange and the receiving structure is a transverse cavity sized to receive the flange. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the insertion handle further comprises a pair of longitudinal slots extending through a wall of the insertion handle from an outer surface to an inner surface thereof, the slots defining a flexible beam therebetween configured to radially deflect within a predetermined range of motion when inserted into the implant. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the slots extend proximally from an open distal end at a distal surface of the insertion handle to a proximal end positioned proximally of the recessed portion. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the first shape is substantially hexalobular comprising six radially outwardly extending protrusions and six radially inwardly extending grooves alternating about the circumference of the recessed portion, wherein one of the protrusions comprises the flexible beam, and wherein the second shape is substantially hexalobular comprising five radially outwardly extending grooves and six radially inwardly extending protrusions alternating about a circumference of the opening, two of the protrusions being separated by a substantially flat portion configured to engage the flexible beam. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the flexible beam is substantially rectangular along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion handle so that the recessed portion is insertable into the opening only when the flexible beam is aligned with the flat portion. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a distal surface of the insertion handle includes a plurality of guiding chamfers. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusions and grooves of the first and second shapes are curved. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . An implant insertion assembly for inserting an implant, comprising:
 an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having a shape configured to mate with a proximal end of an implant to which it is to be coupled having a corresponding shape, mechanically interlocking therewith so that, when coupled to an implant, torque is transmitted from the insertion handle to an implant coupled thereto, the distal end including a coupling mechanism configured to engage with the proximal end of an implant to which it is coupled to axially lock the insertion handle to an implant to which it is coupled.   
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first recessed portion and a first non-recessed portion, the first non-recessed portion tapering from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and configured to engage a first cutout in the proximal end of the nail via a friction fit. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the insertion handle includes a second recessed portion and a second non-recessed portion, the recessed portions and non-recessed portions alternatingly disposed about the circumference of the insertion handle. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of flexible tabs extending distally from the non-recessed portion, each of the tabs including an increased thickness flange, the flange configured to engage a circumferential ridge in the opening. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a longitudinal slot bisecting the non-recessed portion and defining two flexible beams configured to laterally deflect within a predetermined range of motion when the non-recessed portion engages the cutout. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein a width of the non-recessed portion with the slot extending therethrough is greater than a width of the cutout so that when the non-recessed portion is inserted into the cutout the insertion handle and the implant are engaged via a friction fit. 
     
     
         17 . An implant insertion assembly, comprising:
 an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal free end and including a channel extending therethrough and two opposing cutouts, a distal surface of the insertion handle including two opposing convexly curved portions positioned between the cutouts; and   an implant extending from proximal end including an opening to a distal end, the distal end including two proximally extending tabs configured to be inserted into the cutouts, a proximal surface of the implant including two opposing concavely curved portions configured to engage the convexly curved portions of the insertion handle.   
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the insertion handle further includes two distally extending tabs, the tabs positioned on opposing convexly curved portions and configured to be inserted into cutouts in the implant to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 17 , further comprising a longitudinal slot bisecting the tabs and defining two flexible beams configured to laterally deflect within a predetermined range of motion when the tabs are inserted into the cutouts. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein a width of the tabs with the slot extending therethrough is greater than a width of the cutouts so that when the tabs are inserted into the cutouts the insertion handle and the implant are engaged via a friction fit.