Apparatus and methods for bone access and cavity preparation

[0001] This application is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 61/296,722, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, and 61/389,507, filed on Oct. 4, 2010, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing apparatus and methods for repairing bone fractures. In particular, the disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for repairing bone fractures utilizing a device that is inserted into a bone.

[0003] Bone fracture fixation may involve using a structure to counteract or partially counteract forces on a fractured bone or associated bone fragments. In general, fracture fixation may provide longitudinal (along the long axis of the bone), transverse (across the long axis of the bone), and rotational (about the long axis of the bone) stability. Fracture fixation may also preserve normal biologic and healing function.

[0004] Bone fracture fixation often involves addressing loading conditions, fracture patterns, alignment, compression force, and other factors, which may differ for different types of fractures. For example, midshaft fractures may have ample bone material on either side of the fracture in which anchors may be driven. End-bone fractures, especially on the articular surface may have thin cortical bone, soft cancellous bone, and relatively fewer possible anchoring locations. Typical bone fracture fixation approaches may involve one or both of: (1) a device that is within the skin (internal fixation); and (2) a device that extends out of the skin (external fixation).

[0005] Internal fixation approaches typically involve one or both of: (a) a plate that is screwed to the outside of the bone; and (b) an implant that is inserted inside the bone.

[0006] Plates are often characterized by relatively invasive surgery, support of fractured bone segments from one side outside of bone, and screws that anchor into the plate and the bone.

[0007] Implants may include intramedullary rods or nails, such as those used in mid shaft treatments. The typical intramedullary rod or nail is fixed in diameter and is introduced into the medullary canal through an incision. Flexible intramedullary rod-like solutions utilize structures that can be inserted into the medullary cavity through an access site and then be made rigid. The flexible structures may be reinforced with polymers or cements. Multi-segment fractures, of either the midshaft or end-bone, may require alignment and stability in a manner that generates adequate fixation in multiple directions. Implants may be used to treat midshaft fractures and end-bone fractures.

[0008] Implant-based therapies may involve removing bone tissue from the interior of the bone to prepare the interior for the implant. Preparation for the implant may involve providing a space in the bone interior for reception of the implant.

[0009] Proper location, size, shape, orientation and proximity to bone fragments and anatomical features, among other factors, may increase the therapeutic effectiveness of the implant.

[0010] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide apparatus and methods for preparation of a bone interior.

[0055] Apparatus and methods for preparing the interior of a bone for therapy are provided. The therapy may include therapy for a bone fracture. The apparatus and methods may involve orienting a surgical instrument for proper deployment in the interior of the bone. The surgical instrument may provide access from outside the bone to the interior of the bone. The surgical instrument may prepare the interior to receive a therapeutic device. The surgical instrument may include a therapeutic device.

[0056] Apparatus and methods for positioning a surgical instrument relative to exterior features of a bone are provided. The apparatus may be a surgical instrument guide.

[0057] The surgical instrument may be a device for repairing the bone. The surgical instrument may be a prosthetic device. For example, the surgical instrument may include one or more of the features of devices that are shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0182336A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The surgical instrument may be for accessing an interior region of the bone. For example, the surgical instrument may be a bone saw. The surgical instrument may be a drill. The surgical instrument may be for preparing the interior region of the bone to receive a therapeutic device. For example, the surgical instrument may be a broach.

[0058] The surgical instrument may have a portion that is configured to be positioned in a targeted region inside the bone.

[0059] The bone may have a surface. The surface may have a normal axis. The normal axis may be substantially perpendicular to the surface. The surface may have an anterior-posterior axis. The anterior-posterior axis may extend in a direction that is substantially normal to the anterior and posterior sides of the bone. The surface may have a proximal-distal axis. The proximal-distal axis may extend in a direction that is substantially along the bone. The bone surface may have curvature. The curvature may define a curvature axis. The curvature may be circumferential around the bone. The curvature axis may be parallel or near parallel with the proximal-distal axis.

[0060] The surgical instrument guide may include a bottom index. The bottom index may provide for aligning the device at a position along the surface normal axis. The position may be flush with the surface. The bottom index may be a bottom surface of the device. The bottom index may be one or more features that project from the bottom surface of the device.

[0061] The surgical instrument guide may include first and second lateral extensions. The first lateral extension may be configured to respond to an anterior contour of the bone. The anterior contour may be a contour on the anterior side of the bone. The second lateral extension may be configured to respond to a posterior contour of the bone. The posterior contour may be a contour on the posterior side of the bone. The first and second lateral extensions may provide for aligning the device along the anterior-posterior axis.

[0062] The surgical instrument guide may include a distal index. The distal index may be configured to provide visual alignment along the proximal-distal axis.

[0063] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a first bone contactor. The first bone contactor may be configured to engage the surface. The apparatus may include a second bone contactor. The second bone contactor may be configured to engage the surface. When the first and second bone contactors engage the surface, the first and second contactors resist rotation about the surface normal axis.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first and second bone contactors may be configured to penetrate the surface.

[0065] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include first and second lateral cleats. The first lateral cleat may be configured to engage an anterior portion of the bone. The second lateral cleat may be configured to engage a posterior portion of the bone. When the first and second lateral cleats are engaged in the bone, the first and second lateral cleats may resist rotation about the proximal-distal axis of the bone.

[0066] The surgical instrument guide may include an instrument guide member. The surgical instrument guide may include an aligning member. The aligning member may be configured to align the guide member with the bone. The surgical instrument guide may include a base member. The base member may support the aligning member.

[0067] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a lateral cleat. The lateral cleat may be configured to resist movement of the base member in a direction along the circumference of the elongated bone. The lateral cleat may include a stem that is directly fixed to the base.

[0068] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a bone contactor. The bone contactor may be configured to resist rotation of the base about an axis that is substantially normal to the surface.

[0069] In some embodiments, the bone contactor may be a first bone contactor and the surgical instrument guide may include a second bone contactor. The first and second bone contactors may extend from a surface of the base. The first and second bone contactors may be configured to contact the bone surface along the curvature axis of the bone surface.

[0070] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a handle support and a grip. The grip may be rotatable relative to the handle support when a torque greater than a threshold torque is applied to the grip.

[0071] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include an alignment template. The alignment template may be configured to register the instrument guide member to a target region inside the bone.

[0072] In some embodiments, the instrument template may include a dimension that corresponds to a dimension of a surgical instrument that is configured for deployment in the bone interior through the instrument guide member.

[0073] In some embodiments, the template may include a fluoroscopically detectable material.

[0074] In some embodiments, the template may be fixed to the base. The template may map to a lateral view plane in the cavity.

[0075] In some embodiments, the template may map to an anterior-posterior view plane in the cavity.

[0076] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a first template that maps to the lateral view plane and a second template that maps to the anterior-posterior view plane.

[0077] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a channel. The channel may be configured to direct an elongated fixation member into the bone. The elongated fixation member may be a wire. The wire may be a k-wire. The elongated fixation member may be a rod. The rod may be a threaded rod.

[0078] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a first channel and a second channel. The first and second channels may be configured to direct first and second elongated fixation members into the bone.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first and second channels may be oblique to each other.

[0080] The methods may include a method for performing a procedure in a bone interior. The method may include positioning an instrument template outside the bone interior at a position that corresponds to a target region inside the bone. The method may include generating an electronic image showing the instrument template and the target region. The method may include delivering an instrument to the target region.

[0081] In some embodiments, the delivering may include arranging a guide member to direct the instrument to the target region. The guide member may have a fixed orientation relative to the instrument template.

[0082] In some embodiments, the positioning may include positioning a coring saw outline.

[0083] In some embodiments, the positioning may include positioning a broach outline.

[0084] In some embodiments, the positioning may include positioning a prosthesis outline.

[0085] In some embodiments, the positioning may include positioning a bone implant outline.

[0086] In some embodiments, the generating may include receiving an image using fluoroscopy.

[0087] In some embodiments, the instrument template may be a first instrument template and the method may include positioning a second instrument template outside the bone interior at a position that corresponds to the target region; and generating an electronic image showing the second instrument template and the target region.

[0088] In some embodiments, the positioning of a second instrument template may include arranging the second instrument template in a plane that is oblique to a plane that includes the first instrument template.

[0089] In some embodiments, the positioning of the second instrument template comprises arranging the second instrument template in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to a plane that includes the first instrument template.

[0090] In some embodiments, the delivering may include delivering a coring saw.

[0091] In some embodiments, the delivering may include delivering a bone interior broach.

[0092] In some embodiments, the delivering may include delivering a prosthesis.

[0093] The methods may include a method for guiding an instrument into a bone interior. The method may include positioning an instrument guide adjacent a bone. The instrument guide may include a first fixation element and a second fixation element.

[0094] The method may include passing a first fixation member through the bone such that the first fixation member is in contact with the first fixation element. The method may include passing a second fixation member through the bone such that the second fixation member is in contact with the second fixation element.

[0095] In some embodiments, the passing of a second fixation member may include orienting the second fixation member substantially obliquely with respect to the first fixation member.

[0096] In some embodiments, the passing of the second fixation member may include encompassing human tissue in a region defined by the first fixation member, the second fixation member and the instrument guide such that the instrument guide is retained adjacent the bone by the human tissue.

[0097] Apparatus and methods for guiding an instrument relative to an elongated bone are provided. The apparatus may be a surgical instrument guide.

[0098] The bone may have a longitudinal axis.

[0099] The surgical instrument guide may include an instrument guide member and a base member. The base member may support the guide member. The instrument guide member may be configured to pivot with respect to the base member from a first position to a second position. The first position may define a first angle relative to the bone longitudinal axis. The second position may define a second relative to the bone longitudinal axis.

[0100] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include an alignment template. The alignment template may register the instrument guide member to a first target region inside the bone when the guide member is in the first position. The alignment template may register the instrument guide member to a second target region inside the bone when the guide member is in the second position.

[0101] In some embodiments, the template may have a dimension that corresponds to a dimension of a surgical instrument that is configured for deployment in the bone interior through the instrument guide member.

[0102] In some embodiments, the template may include a fluoroscopically detectable material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the template may be fixed to the guide member. The template may map to a lateral plane in the bone interior. The template may map to an anterior plane in the cavity. The template may map to a posterior plane in the cavity.

[0104] In some embodiments, the template may be a first template and the surgical instrument guide may include a second template. The second template may be fixed to the guide member. The second template may map to a lateral plane in the cavity.

[0105] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument guide may include a guide member stop. The guide member stop may be configured to fix the position of the guide member with respect to the base member.

[0106] In some embodiments, the stop may induce a frictional force between a first surface on the guide member and a second surface on the base member.

[0107] In some embodiments, the stop may include a projection that interferes with relative movement between the guide member and the base.

[0108] The methods may include a method for introducing an instrument into an interior of a bone. The method may include introducing the instrument into a guide member that is pivotably mounted on a base. The base may be positioned adjacent a bone. The method may include pivoting the guide member relative to the base to change an angle between the guide member and the base. The method may include advancing the instrument through the guide member.

[0109] In some embodiments, the pivoting may include adjusting the angle to align an instrument template with a target region inside the interior of the bone.

[0110] In some embodiments, the adjusting may include viewing an electronic image that shows the instrument template and the target region.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method may include fixing the angle between the guide member and the base.

[0112] Apparatus and methods for broaching an interior region of a bone are provided. The bone may include first bone material. The first bone material may include cancellous bone. The bone may include second bone material. The second bone material may include cortical bone. The second bone material may have a density that is higher than a density of the first bone material.

[0113] The apparatus may include rotator. The apparatus may include a broaching member.

[0114] The broaching member may be moved in the bone interior to displace, disaggregate, disintegrate, dislocate, excavate, abrade, cut or otherwise broach bone material. The broaching member may be rotated in the bone interior. The rotation may be continuous. The rotation may be pulsed. The rotation may be unidirectional. The rotation may alternate between a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction.

[0115] The broaching member may be fixed to the rotator. The broaching member may be configured to be moved relative to the rotator to displace bone material that is radially away from the rotator.

[0116] In some embodiments, the broaching member may be configured to substantially deflect around second bone material.

[0117] In some embodiments, the broaching member may be configured to form in the bone a space having a first contour that corresponds to a shape of the broaching member. The broaching member may be configured to form in the bone a space having a second contour that corresponds to anatomy that includes the second bone material. The broaching member may be a first broaching member and the apparatus may include a second broaching member. The second broaching member may be disposed opposite the first broaching member.

[0118] In some embodiments, the broaching member may include a cutting edge.

[0119] In some embodiments, the broaching member may include a flexible wire segment. The wire segment may include braided wire.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a reinforcement that supports the broaching member. The reinforcement may support a cutting edge.

[0121] In some embodiments, the broaching member may have a proximal end that is fixed to the rotator and a distal end that is fixed to the rotator.

[0122] In some embodiments, the broaching member may have a proximal end that is fixed to the rotator and a distal end that is free.

[0123] In some embodiments, the broaching member may include an edge of an open cell in a mesh.

[0124] The broaching member may include a segment that has any suitable form. For example, the segment may be straight, circular, rhombic, square, triangular, oval, ellipsoid, spiral, loop-shaped, hoop-shaped, teardrop-shaped, egg-beater-shaped, football-shaped, or any other suitable shape. The segment may be a closed loop. The loop may be asymmetric.

[0125] The segment may have one or more of a variety of transverse cross sections, such as square, rectangular, octagonal, contours with sharp edges, stranded cable, or other suitable configurations to facilitate bone displacement.

[0126] The segment may have a leading edge. The leading edge may be beveled at a suitable angle, including an angle from about 5° to about 75°. The angle may cause leading edge 2202 to be generally sharp or knife-like.

[0127] The segment may be rigid. The segment may be resilient.

[0128] The broaching member may have one or more ends that are attached to apparatus such as a drive shaft or a suitable support, such as a hub. The broaching member may have a free end. Broaching members with free distal ends may have any suitable shape at the tine distal ends, such as pointed, forked, rounded, blunt or truncated.

[0129] The broaching member may have an end that is attached to apparatus by crimping, welding, set-screw, snap fit or any other suitable fastening. The broaching member may have one or more ends that are of unitary construction with the apparatus.

[0130] The broaching member may include a tine. The tine may be resilient or stiff. The tine may have an end that is attached to a drive shaft. The tine may have a free end.

[0131] The broaching member may include a blade.

[0132] The broaching member may include numerous interconnected cells. The cells may be arranged in a network. The cells may be linked such that when the structure is stressed (e.g., compressed) at a point the stress is distributed to nearby cells. The cells may be constructed from laser-cut tube stock that is expanded into a suitable shape.

[0133] The broaching member may be one of a number of broaching members in a broaching head. For example, the broaching head may have one broaching member, 2-6 broaching members, 7-20 broaching members, more than 20 broaching members, 100 broaching members or any suitable number of broaching members.

[0134] When a large number (i.e., when the circumferential density of broaching members is relatively high) of broaching members are present during the rotation of a broaching head, a relatively lower torque may be required to drive the broaching head.

[0135] Broaching member may rotate in a bone cavity that has an irregular shape, for example, nonround, oblong, or angular. The cavity may be smaller than a diameter of broaching member.

[0136] Broaching member may include any suitable structural form such as wire, ribbon, cable, stranded wire, braided wire, braided ribbon, or any other suitable structural form.

[0137] Broaching member may include any suitable material, such as polymer, metal, composite, stainless steel, Nitinol (shapeset, superelastic or other Nitinol), other alloy or any other suitable material.

[0138] The broaching member may be supported by one or more reinforcements.

[0139] The reinforcement may be sized and positioned to support a segment of the broaching member in a desired contour. The reinforcement may provide bone-broaching abrasiveness, momentum or both.

[0140] The reinforcement may be a tube.

[0141] The reinforcement may be a brace. The brace may be fixed to the broaching member, for example, by crimping, welding or press-fit. The brace may include broaching edges for displacing bone material. The broaching edges may have any suitable form, such as serrated, saw-tooth, knife-edge, rectilinear edge or any other suitable form.

[0142] The reinforcement may be formed from polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material.

[0143] The reinforcement may be formed from a pattern that is cut into a metal tube.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a distal hub. The broaching member may have a distal end that is fixed to the distal hub. The distal hub may be configured to move between a first position and a second position. The first and second positions may be located along a longitudinal axis of the rotator.

[0145] The distal hub may be constructed of metal, stainless steel, laser-cut tube, polymer, ceramic or any other suitable material.

[0146] The distal hub may include flutes. The distal hub may include broaching edges.

[0147] The methods may include a method for broaching an interior region of a bone. The interior region may include a bottom surface. The bottom surface may be an surface of a portion of the bone that is opposite an access hole in the bone.

[0148] The method may include expanding a bone broaching member in the interior region. The method may include disaggregating relatively low-density material inside the bone using the member. The method may include deflecting the broaching member away from relatively high-density material inside the bone.

[0149] In some embodiments, the method may include rotating the bone broaching member using a flexible drive shaft.

[0150] In some embodiments, the method may include changing the elevation of the bone broaching member relative to the bottom surface.

[0151] In some embodiments, the disaggregating may include cutting the relatively low-density material.

[0152] In some embodiments, the disaggregating may include displacing the relatively low-density material.

[0153] In some embodiments, the method may include registering an exterior instrument guide to the bone broaching member; visually mapping the exterior instrument guide to the interior region; and deploying the bone broaching member to the interior region based on the exterior instrument guide. The exterior instrument guide may be exterior to the bone.

[0154] Apparatus and methods for treating a bone interior are provided.

[0155] The apparatus may include a flexible sheath. The flexible sheath may include stress-relief features that allow bending under tension and compression. The stress-relief features may include slots or slot patterns. The stress-relief features may be provided using laser-cutting.

[0156] The stress-relief features may include sintered particles. The particles may include metal, polymer, composite or any other suitable material.

[0157] The flexible sheath may have a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first configuration. The apparatus may include a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft may extend through the sheath. The apparatus may include an elongated steering member. The elongated steering member may be configured to deflect the flexible sheath from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0158] In some embodiments, the elongated steering member may be configured to be elastically deformed when the elongated steering member deflects the flexible sheath from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0159] In some embodiments, the elongated steering member may include a first portion. The first portion may translate along a longitudinal direction of the sheath. The elongated steering member may include a second portion. The second portion may be configured to extend radially outward through a passage in the sheath when the elongated steering member deflects the flexible sheath from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0160] In some embodiments, the rotatable shaft may have a distal end and the apparatus may include an expandable head that extends from the distal end. The expandable head may include a compressed configuration for translating within the sheath. The expandable head may include an expanded configuration when the expandable head is deployed outside the sheath.

[0161] In some embodiments, the expandable head may be configured to displace cancellous bone and not cortical bone.

[0162] Apparatus and methods for preparation of the interior of a bone are provided.

[0163] The apparatus may include an elongated member. The elongated member may have a longitudinal axis. The elongated member may be curved about the longitudinal axis. The elongated member may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis inside the bone.

[0164] In some embodiments, the elongated member may include a substantially spiral segment. The spiral segment may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be disposed at a first radius from the longitudinal axis. The distal end may be disposed at a second radius from the longitudinal axis. The second radius may be at least as great as the first radius. The second radius may be greater than the first radius.

[0165] In some embodiments, the elongated member may be a first elongated member and the apparatus may include a second elongated member. The second elongated member may be curved about the longitudinal axis. The second elongated member may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second elongated member may include a substantially spiral second segment.

[0167] In some embodiments, the proximal end may be a first proximal end and the distal end may be a first distal end. The spiral second segment may include a second proximal end and a second distal end. The second proximal end may be disposed at a third radius from the longitudinal axis. The second distal end may be disposed at a fourth radius from the longitudinal axis. The fourth radius may be at least as great as the third radius. The fourth radius may be greater than the third radius.

[0168] In some embodiments, the third radius may be substantially the same as the first radius; and the fourth radius may be substantially the same as the second radius.

[0169] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a circumferential offset. The circumferential offset may be in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. The circumferential offset may be between the second proximal end and the first proximal end. The circumferential offset may be between the second distal end and the first distal end.

[0170] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a support. The support may include a proximal support end. The proximal support end may be fixed to a shaft. The apparatus may include a support segment. The support segment may be fixed to at least one of the first and second spiral segments. The support segment may conform to a contour of the spiral segment.

[0171] The methods may include a method for preparing a bone interior. The method may include providing access to a bone intramedullary space. The method may include introducing into the intramedullary space an elongated member. The elongated member may have a substantially spiral segment. The spiral segment may have a longitudinal axis. The method may include rotating the substantially spiral segment about the longitudinal axis to displace cancellous bone matter.

[0172] In some embodiments, the elongated member may be a first elongated member, the substantially spiral segment may be a first substantially spiral segment, and the method may include introducing into the intramedullary space a second elongated member. The second elongated member may have a substantially spiral second segment. The substantially spiral second segment may share the longitudinal axis with the first substantially spiral segment. The method may include rotating the substantially spiral second segment about the longitudinal axis.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first spiral segment may have a first periodic rotation cycle. The second spiral segment may have a second periodic rotation cycle. The second periodic rotation cycle may lag behind the first periodic rotation cycle by a phase lag. The phase lag may be about Pi radians.

[0174] Apparatus and methods for sawing a hole in a bone are provided. The bone may have a longitudinal bone axis.

[0175] The apparatus may include a bone coring saw. The bone coring saw may include a tooth. The tooth may include a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member may be configured to cut bone when the coring saw rotates in a first direction. The second cutting member may be configured to cut bone when the coring saw rotates in a second direction. The second direction may be rotationally opposite from the first direction.

[0176] The bone coring saw may include a cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube may define a tube longitudinal direction and a tube radial direction. The bone coring saw may include a saw tooth. The saw tooth may extend longitudinally from an end of the cylindrical tube. The saw tooth may include a cutting surface that is oblique to the tube radial direction.

[0177] The methods may include a method for sawing a hole in the bone. The method may include forming a substantially cylindrical passage into the intramedullary space of a bone. The substantially cylindrical passage may extend along a direction that is at an acute angle to the longitudinal bone axis. The method may include removing from the bone a substantially cylindrical plug that is substantially coaxial with the passage.

[0178] In some embodiments, the forming may include tunneling through the bone using a K-wire.

[0179] In some embodiments, the removing may include sawing a hole using a rotary coring saw.

[0180] In some embodiments, the method may include rotating the rotary coring saw about a portion of the K-wire.

[0181] In some embodiments, the method may include sustaining a coaxial relationship between the K-wire and the rotary coring saw. The sustaining may include rotating the rotary coring saw about a bushing. The K-wire, the bushing and the rotary coring saw may be substantially coaxial.

[0182] In some embodiments, the method may include translating the K-wire relative to the rotary coring saw to remove from the coring saw the cylindrical plug.

[0183] The method may include a method for providing access to an intramedullary space of a bone. The method may include supporting a cylindrical body of a rotary saw at an acute angle to a surface of the bone; and engaging teeth of the rotary saw with the surface.

[0184] Apparatus and methods for accessing the inside of a bone are provided.

[0185] The apparatus may include a rotatable saw that includes a cannula. The apparatus may include a bushing that is disposed in the cannula. The apparatus may include a wire that is disposed substantially coaxially with the rotatable saw in the bushing.

[0186] In some embodiments, the wire may include a distal end that is configured to penetrate the bone. The wire may include a proximal end that is configured to receive torque.

[0187] In some embodiments, the wire may be configured to drill a pilot hole in the bone. The pilot hole may have an axis that forms an acute angle with a surface of the bone at the opening of the pilot hole. The saw may include teeth.

[0188] The teeth may be arranged adjacent a distal end of the cannula. The bushing may be configured to align the rotatable saw coaxially with the axis when the teeth contact the bone.

[0189] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a biased member proximal the bushing. The biased member may be configured to urge a distal end of the bushing toward the bone when the teeth have penetrated into the bone.

[0190] In some embodiments, the bushing may be fitted into the cannula with a tolerance that provides friction between the bushing and the rotatable saw. The friction may resist proximally-directed force from a bone core in the cannula while the teeth are cutting into the bone.

[0191] In some embodiments, the rotatable saw may include a cylindrical body having a wall thickness that is traversed by a vent. The vent may be configured to exhaust bone matter.

[0192] In some embodiments, the wire may include a distal diameter and a proximal diameter. The proximal diameter may be greater than the distal diameter. The wire may include a shoulder where the distal diameter adjoins the proximal diameter. The shoulder may be configured to be translated proximally relative to the rotatable saw to eject a bone core from the cannula.

[0193] The apparatus may include an assembly for accessing the inside of a bone.

[0194] The assembly may include an arrangement of teeth. The teeth may be supported at the end of a rotatable frame. The frame may define one or more passageways. The passageways may extend from a cannula inside the frame to a region that is outside the frame.

[0195] In some embodiments, the assembly may include a bushing. The bushing may be disposed in the cannula. The assembly may include a wire. The wire may be disposed substantially coaxially with the rotatable saw in the bushing.

[0196] In some embodiments, the wire may be configured to drill a pilot hole in the bone. The pilot hole may have an axis that forms an acute angle with a surface of the bone at the opening of the pilot hole. The busing may be configured to align the rotatable saw coaxially with the axis when the teeth contact the bone.

[0197] Apparatus and methods for preparing a bone interior are provided. The apparatus may have a longitudinal apparatus axis.

[0198] The apparatus may include one or more broaching members. The broaching members may be blades. A first blade may be linked to a second blade by a linkage. The linkage may be configured to be rotated about the longitudinal axis. The linkage maybe configured to be radially displaced from the longitudinal apparatus axis.

[0199] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second blades may be rigid.

[0200] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second blades may include stainless steel.

[0201] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second blades may include Nitinol.

[0202] In some embodiments, the linkage may include a pin.

[0203] In some embodiments, the linkage may be a first linkage. The apparatus may include an actuator. The actuator may be linked to the first blade by a second linkage. The actuator may be linked to the second blade by a third linkage. The actuator may include a main body. The main body may include members that are configured to be displaced relative to each other. One of the members may be fixed relative to the main body.

[0204] In some embodiments, at least one of the second and third linkages may include a pin.

[0205] In some embodiments, the third linkage is distal the second linkage.

[0206] In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to radially displace the first linkage by changing a distance between the second linkage and the third linkage.

[0207] In some embodiments, the actuator may include a first elongated actuator member. The first elongated actuator member may be linked to the second linkage. The actuator may include a second elongated actuator member. The second elongated actuator member may be linked to the third linkage. The second elongated actuator member may be configured to radially displace the first linkage by changing a longitudinal offset between the first and second elongated members.

[0208] In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to traverse a path in the bone interior. The apparatus may include a fourth linkage that constrains the longitudinal offset based on position of the apparatus along the path.

[0209] In some embodiments, the fourth linkage may be a manual linkage.

[0210] In some embodiments, the longitudinal offset may include a range of values. The range of values may include a first value. The first value may correspond to a first linkage first radial displacement. The range of values may include a second value. The second value may correspond to a first linkage second radial displacement. The second radial displacement may be greater than the first radial displacement.

[0211] In some embodiments, the range may include a third value. The third value may correspond to a first linkage third radial displacement. The first linkage third radial displacement may be less than the second radial displacement.

[0212] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a cutting surface. The cutting surface may be disposed on one of the first and second blades. At the first and third radial displacements, the cutting surface may be disengaged from the bone.

[0213] In some embodiments, at the second radial displacement, the cutting surface may be engaged with the bone.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first blade may have a first bound portion. The first bound portion may be between the first and second linkages. The first blade may have a first free portion. The first free portion may extend beyond the first linkage in a direction away from the second linkage.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second blade may have a second bound portion. The second bound portion may be between the first and third linkages. The second blade may have a second free portion. The second free portion may extend beyond the first linkage in a direction away from the third linkage.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first bound portion may be longer than the second bound portion.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second bound portion may be longer than the first bound portion.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first free portion may be longer than the second free portion.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second free portion may be longer than the first free portion.

[0220] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a cutting surface. The cutting surface may be disposed on at least one of the first and second blades. The fourth linkage may be programmed to position the cutting surfaces at different radial displacements along the path. Each of the radial displacements may correspond to a longitudinal position on the path.

[0221] In some embodiments, the fourth linkage may control the longitudinal offset based on an electronic signal. The electronic signal may be based on a set of digital instructions. The digital instructions may be based on a digitized image of the bone interior.

[0222] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a third blade. The apparatus may include a fourth blade. The third blade may be linked to the fourth blade by a fourth linkage. The fourth linkage may be configured to be rotated about the longitudinal axis. The fourth linkage may be configured to be radially displaced from the longitudinal axis. The actuator may be configured to radially displace the fourth linkage by changing the longitudinal offset between the first and second elongate members.

[0223] The methods may include a method for preparing the bone interior. The method may include rotating a cutting surface inside a bone about a rotational axis. The method may include moving a control member from a first control position to a second control position.

[0224] The cutting surface may be configured to occupy a first radial position that corresponds to the first control position. The cutting surface may be configured to occupy a second radial position that corresponds to the second control position. The cutting surface may be configured to occupy a third radial position that corresponds to an intermediate control position. The intermediate control position may be between the first and second control positions. The third radial position may be at a greater radial distance from the rotational axis than are both the first and second radial positions.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first and second radial positions may be at substantially the same distance from the rotational axis.

[0226] In some embodiments, when the cutting surface is at one or both of the first and second radial positions, the cutting surface may be disengaged from the bone. When the cutting surface is at the third radial position, the cutting surface may be engaged with the bone.

[0227] Apparatus and methods for positioning a bone fragment are provided.

[0228] The apparatus may include a probe support. The probe support may have a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus may include a handle. The handle may be attached to the proximal end. The apparatus may include a probe. The probe may be attached to the distal end. The probe support may be configured to traverse an angled access hole in a metaphyseal bone surface. The probe support may be configured to provide mechanical communication between the handle and the probe when the handle is outside a bone interior and the probe is inside the bone interior.

[0229] In some embodiments, the probe may have a conical tip.

[0230] In some embodiments, the probe may have a rounded tip.

[0231] In some embodiments, the probe support may include a proximal segment and a distal segment. The proximal segment may extend from the handle. The distal segment may support the probe.

[0232] In some embodiments, the proximal and distal segments may define an obtuse angle.

[0233] In some embodiments, the proximal segment may have a first flexibility. The distal segment may have a second flexibility. The second flexibility may be greater than the first flexibility.

[0234] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an intermediate segment. The intermediate segment may be between the proximal and distal segments. The intermediate segment may include a curve.

[0235] In some embodiments, the proximal segment may have a first flexibility. The intermediate segment may have a second flexibility. The distal segment may have a third flexibility. The second flexibility may be greater than the third flexibility.

[0236] The methods may include a method for treating a bone. The bone may have a longitudinal bone axis. The method may include providing a hole in the bone. The hole may be at an angle to the longitudinal bone axis. The hole may provide access to a bone interior region. The method may include advancing a probe through the hole and into the interior region. The method may include displacing cancellous bone using the probe.

[0237] In some embodiments, the displacing may include identifying a spatial distribution of low-density matter in the interior region.

[0238] In some embodiments, the method may include displaying an image of the interior region and the probe when the probe is inside the interior region.

[0239] The methods may include another method for treating the bone. The method may include providing a hole in the bone. The hole may be at an angle to the longitudinal bone axis. The hole may provide access to a bone interior region. The method may include advancing a probe through the hole and into the interior region. The method may include displacing bone matter using the probe.

[0240] In some embodiments, the displacing may include identifying a spatial distribution of cancellous bone in the interior region.

[0241] In some embodiments, the method may include displaying an image of the interior region and the probe when the probe is inside the interior region.

[0242] In some embodiments, the displacing may include positioning a first cortical bone fragment relative to a second cortical bone fragment.

[0243] In some embodiments, the method may include displaying an image of the interior region and the probe when the probe is inside the interior region.

[0244] Apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention will be described in connection with the FIGS. The FIGS. show illustrative features of apparatus and methods in accordance with the principles of the invention. The features are illustrated in the context of selected embodiments. It will be understood that features shown in connection with one of the embodiments may be practiced in accordance with the principles of the invention along with features shown in connection with another of the embodiments.

[0245] Apparatus and methods described herein are illustrative. Apparatus and methods of the invention may involve some or all of the features of the illustrative apparatus and/or some or all of the steps of the illustrative methods. The steps of the methods may be performed in an order other than the order shown or described herein. Some embodiments may omit steps shown or described in connection with the illustrative methods. Some embodiments may include steps that are not shown or described in connection with the illustrative methods.

[0246] Illustrative embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.

[0247] The apparatus and methods of the invention will be described in connection with embodiments and features of an illustrative bone repair device and associated hardware and instrumentation. The device and associated hardware and instruments will be described now with reference to the FIGS. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural, functional and procedural modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0248] FIG. 1 shows illustrative instrument guide 100 positioned at site H′ on bone B. Broach head 124 may be delivered through guide 100 to target region R_t of intramedullary space IS. Target region R_t is illustrated as being within cancellous bone B_CA, but could be in either, or both, of cancellous bone B_CA and cortical bone B_CO. Side template 130 and top template 132 are registered to guide tube 120. Arm 131 may support template 130. A practitioner may position templates 130 and 132 such that templates 130 and 132 “project” onto target region R_t so that guide 100 will guide broach head 124 to target region R_t.

[0249] Template 130 may include lobe outline 134 and shaft outline 136 for projecting, respectively, a “swept-out” area of broach head 124 and a location of shaft-like structure 125. Template 132 may include lobe outline 138 and shaft outline 140 for projecting, respectively, a target “swept-out” area of broach head 124 and a target location of shaft-like structure 125. Templates 130 and 132 may be configured to project a shape of any suitable instrument that may be deployed, such as a drill, a coring saw, a prosthetic device or any other suitable instrument.

[0250] Fluoroscopic imaging may be used to position templates 130 and 132 relative to target region R_t.

[0251] Broach head 124 may rotate in intramedullary space IS to clear intramedullary bone matter so that a prosthetic device may be implanted. Broach head 124 may be driven and supported by broach control 126 and broach sheath 127.

[0252] Guide 100 may include base 102. Alignment members 104 and 106 (shown in FIG. 10) may extend from base 102 to align guide centerline CL_G of guide 100 with bone centerline CL_BS of the top surface of bone B. One or both of alignment members 104 and 106 may be resilient. One or both of alignment members 104 and 106 may be stiff.

[0253] Alignment members 104 and 106 may be relatively free to slide along surfaces of bone B. Guide 100 may include contacts 108 and 110 (shown in FIG. 10) that may engage bone B along centerline CL_BS. Contacts 108 and 110 may extend from a bottom surface (shown in FIG. 10) of guide 100. Contacts 108 and 110 may prevent guide centerline CL_G from rotating out of alignment with bone centerline CL_BS.

[0254] Contacts 108 and 110 may assure alignment of guide 100 with the surface of bone B, because two points of contact may be stable on an uneven surface even in circumstances in which 3, 4 or more contacts are not stable.

[0255] Guide 100 may include lateral cleats 112 and 114 (shown in FIG. 10). Lateral cleats 112 and 114 may engage the surface of bone B to prevent guide 100 from rotating in direction θ about guide centerline CL_G. Lateral cleats 112 and 114 may be resilient to allow some sliding over bone B.

[0256] When a practitioner positions guide 100 on bone B, alignment members 104 and 106 may be the first components of guide 100 to engage bone B. Alignment members 104 and 106 may bring guide centerline CL_G into alignment with bone centerline CL_BS before contacts 108 and 110 and cleats 112 and 114 engage bone B. Then, in some embodiments, cleats 112 and 114 may engage bone B to inhibit rotation in direction θ. Then, in some embodiments, contacts 108 and 110 may engage bone B along bone centerline CL_BS. Contacts 108 and 110 may have sharp points to provide further resistance to de-alignment of guide centerline CL_G from bone centerline CL_BS. In some embodiments, there may be no more than two contacts (e.g., 108 and 110) to ensure that the contacts are in line with bone centerline CL_BS.

[0257] Guide 100 may include stem 116 and grip 118. A practitioner may manually grip grip 118. In some embodiments, a torque-limiter (not shown) may be provided to limit the torque that the practitioner can apply via grip 118 to contacts 108 and 110.

[0258] Guide tube 120 may receive and guide any suitable instrument. Guide tube 120 may be oriented at angle α with respect to handle 116. In some embodiments, angle α may be fixed. In some embodiments, angle α may be adjustable. In some embodiments, templates 130 and 132 may be fixed relative to guide tube 120. In some embodiments, including some embodiments in which α is adjustable and some in which α is not adjustable, guide tube 120 may be oriented so that the axis L_GT of guide tube 120 intersects bone B at substantially the same point as does axis L_H of stem 116. Grip 118 will thus be positioned directly over the center of hole site H′.

[0259] Guide 100 may include channels 142 and 144 (shown in FIG. 5). Rods 146 and 148 may be inserted through channels 142 and 144, respectively, through cortical bone B_CO. Rods 146 and 148 may stabilize guide 100 on bone B. Rods 146 and 148 may be K-wires. Rods 146 and 148 may be inserted using a wire drill.

[0260] FIG. 2 illustrates anatomical features of fractured bone B. Reference frame 200 shows that the view of bone B is substantially in anterior/posterior plane 200. Lateral plane 204 includes volar half-plane VOL and dorsal half-plane DOR.

[0261] Bone B is illustrated as a radius that is fractured at fractures F_h and F_a Bone B includes bone portions P_b, P_h and P_a in distal end D. Bone segment P_b is the largest portion of bone B. Bone segment P_h is a head portion of bone B. Bone segments P_h and P_a include articular surface AS. Bone portions P_b, P_h and P_a are separated or partially separated along fractures F_a and F_h. Fracture F_a transects articular surface AS. Fracture F_h transects head of bone B.

[0262] Bone B, shown in a cross section that includes approximate longitudinal axis L_B, includes cortical bone B_CO and cancellous bone B_CA. Deployment of an implant into distal end D of bone B may require an access hole at site H′. Deployment of the implant may require displacement of cancellous bone B_CA. Illustrative contours C₁, C₂ and C₃ in cancellous bone B_CA are different contours within which cancellous bone B_CA may be displaced. Contour C₄, which is a projection of contour C₃ onto articular surface AS, shows that contour C₄, for example, may be asymmetric. For example, contour C₄ may have major axis A₁ and minor axis A₂ (shown in half). The other contours may also be asymmetric.

[0263] Apparatus and methods provided herein may provide an access hole H at site H′. An apparatus inserted at site H′ through access hole H, may travel a distance x_H through intermedullary space IS to reach a head portion of bone B. An apparatus inserted at site I′ through access hole I may travel a distance x_I through intermedullary space IS to reach a head portion of bone B. An apparatus inserted at H′ may require a “bend” to travel through intermedullary space IS to reach a head portion of bone B. An apparatus inserted at I′ may not require a “bend” to reach a head portion of bone B. Apparatus and methods provided herein may displace cancellous bone B_CA within a contour such as C₁, C₂ or C₃.

[0264] FIG. 3 shows guide 100, from the side, positioned at site H′ at which an access hole is to be provided. Template 130 is positioned to register with target area R_t a broach (with outline 134) and a drill (with outline 136). Template 132 extends normal to the plane of FIG. 3. Fluoroscopy may be used to select the target area based on contours of cancellous bone B_CA and cortical bone B_CO (shown in FIG. 2) in bone B. A rod such as a K-wire may be inserted through hole 302 and bone B to fix a position of guide 100 relative to bone B.

[0265] FIG. 4 shows guide 100, from the top, positioned at site H′ (not shown). Template 132 is positioned to register with target area R_t the broach (with outline 138) and the drill (with outline 140).

[0266] Template 132 extends from the base of grip 118.

[0267] Arm 404 supports template 130, which extends normal to the plane of FIG. 3. Fluoroscopy may be used to select the target area based on contours of cancellous bone B_CA (shown in FIG. 2) and cortical bone B_CO (shown in FIG. 2) in bone B. A rod such as a K-wire may be inserted through hole 402 and bone B to fix a position of guide 100 relative to bone B.

[0268] Cannula 406 is present in guide tube 120 for delivering instruments to intramedullary space IS (shown in FIG. 2) of bone B.

[0269] FIG. 5 shows guide 100, from above and posterior, positioned at site H′. H′ is approximately centered along axis L_GT of guide tube 120. Distal ends of rods 146 and 148 penetrate bone B to maintain a position of guide 100. Rods 146 and 148 may be at oblique to each other. Rods 146 and 148 may be skewed relative to each other.

[0270] FIG. 6 shows illustrative drill 600 inserted in guide tube 120 and penetrating bone B. Drill 600 may penetrate cortical bone B_CO (shown in FIG. 2) and cancellous bone B_CA (shown in FIG. 2). Drill 600 may include teeth 602, flutes 604, shaft 606, torque adapter 608 and any other suitable features. Torque adapter 608 may be an A-O type torque adapter or any other suitable torque adapter. Stop 610 may be present to limit penetration depth dp of drill 600. Stop 610 may be any suitable feature that limits forward axial motion of members 600. Stop 610 may include annular distal surface 612, which may abut rim 614 of guide tube 120 when d_P is reached. Fastener 616, which may be a set screw, may be used to fix the position of stop 610 along shaft 606 to fix the magnitude of d_P.

[0271] FIG. 7 shows illustrative intramedullary broach 700. Broach 700 may include broach head 702. Broach head 702 may include illustrative broaching member 704.

[0272] Broaching member 704 may be sufficiently rigid to displace cancellous bone B_CA. Broaching member 704 may be sufficiently flexible to be deformed by cortical bone B_CO. In some embodiments, broaching member 704 may be expandable. Broach head 702 may be supported by and rotated by shaft assembly 714. Broach control 706 may include drive handle 708 for rotating and translating broach head 702. Broach control 706 may include expansion control hub 710. Expansion control hub 710 may be displaceable along control shaft to expand or contract broaching member 704. Broach head 702 may include distal end 780. Expansion control hub 710 is shown in the “contract” position.

[0273] FIG. 8 shows broach 700 deployed in bone B through hole H. Broach 700 may be deployed while broaching member 704 is contracted.

[0274] Broach head 702 may be advanced, through intramedullary space IS, into metaphyseal region M of bone B. Broach head 702 may be disposed in any portion of intramedullary space IS, such as in the end-bone.

[0275] Access hole H may be sufficiently small that it reduces the occurrence of cause stress risers at site H′. Expansion control hub 710 is shown in the “expand” position and broaching member 704 is shown expanded in bone B. Broaching member 704 may be expanded during or after deployment.

[0276] A standard orthopaedic drill instrument (not shown) may be used to open access hole H in cortical bone BCO (shown in FIG. 2) at site H′ on bone B. The drill instrument may be guided by apparatus such as guide 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Axis hole H may be drilled along broach axis LC. Broach axis LC may form an angle β with bone axis LB. Broach 700 may be positioned such that broach axis Lc substantially coincides with guide tube axis LGT (shown in FIG. 1). Angle β may be an acute angle. Angle β may be complementary with angle α (shown in FIG. 1).

[0277] FIG. 9 shows illustrative instrument guide 900 at site H′ on bone B. Instrument guide 900 may have one or more features in common with instrument guide 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Instrument guide 900 may include instrument templates 930 and 932 for positioning instrument guide 900 such that an instrument can be positioned at target region St1.

[0278] Illustrative steerable broach 950 may be deployed at target region St1 in intramedullary space IS by insertion through guide 900 at site H′. Broach 950 may include broach head 925. Broach head 925 may have one or more features or properties in common with broach head 125 (shown in FIG. 1). Broach head 925 may be supported by broach sheath 927. Broach head 925 may be rotated by drive shaft 940 which may extend inside broach sheath 927 and receive torque from torque adapter 908. Torque adapter 908 may provide rotation from any suitable rotation source drive shaft 940.

[0279] Broach sheath 927 may be flexible. Broach sheath 927 may be flexible in region 928 such that application of off-axis tension by elevator ribbon 952 may position broach head 925 at a distance y or −y relative to bone axis L_B. Illustrative elevator control body 960 may apply axial compression to elevator ribbon 952 to cause broach sheath 927 to bend.

[0280] Broach sheath 927 may be configured to flex in more than one plane. Broach sheath 927 may be configured to flex substantially in one plane only.

[0281] Target region S_t1 could be in either, or both, of cancellous bone B_CA and cortical bone B_CO (shown in FIG. 2). Side template 930 and top template 932 are registered to guide tube 920. A practitioner may position templates 930 and 932 such that templates 930 and 932 “project” onto target region S_t1 so that guide 900 will guide broach head 925 to target region S_t1.

[0282] Side template 930 may be rotatable at arm 942 to change angle γ between side template 930 axis L_T and guide 900 centerline CL_GT. γ may be selected to correspond to a degree of elevation in direction y or −y of broach head 925. γ may be selected to correspond to a degree of actuation of control 962 of control body 960. For example, γ may be selected such that side template 930 “projects” onto target region St2.

[0283] Fluoroscopic imaging may be used to position templates 930 and 932 relative to target region St1.

[0284] A practitioner can select the position of H′ (distance x_H shown in FIG. 2), the angle of hole H (shown in FIG. 2) relative to bone axis LB, the degree and distribution of flexing in region 928, the penetration of broach sheath 927, the size of broach head 925, the swept-out profile of broaching member 924, and any other suitable parameters, to determine the size, shape, orientation and location of a cavity to be swept out by broaching member 924. For example, one or more of the aforementioned parameters may be selected to position broach head 925 in target region St2.

[0285] FIG. 10 shows guide base 102 from below on the distal side. Stem 116 extends from the top of base 102. Guide tube 120 extends from the distal portion of base 102. Arm 131 extends from the side of base 102. Site H′ of hole H (shown in FIG. 2) is shown projected onto opening 1002 of guide tube 120 and centered about axes LH and LGT.

[0286] Illustrative contacts 108 and 110 extend down from base 102 to engage bone B (shown in FIG. 2) and resist rotation about vertical axes L_H and L_TR and translation along guide centerline CL_G. Contacts 108 and 110 may be sufficiently sharp to penetrate or partially penetrate bone B. Cleats 112 and 114 may engage the surface of bone B and resist rotation about guide centerline CL_G. Base 102 may support any suitable number of contacts in any suitable pattern or location. Base 102 may support an arrangement of contacts that extends in a direction that is substantially oblique or transverse to guide centerline CL_G.

[0287] In some embodiments, base 102 may include a flange (not shown) that saddles bone B. The flange may include any suitable number of contacts in any suitable pattern, including an arrangement of contacts that extends in a direction that is substantially oblique or transverse to guide centerline CLG.

[0288] Alignment members 104 and 106 may extend from base 102 to align guide centerline CLG of guide 100 with bone centerline CLBS of the top surface of bone B (shown in FIG. 2). Each of alignment members 104 and 106 include continuous alignment edges 1004 and 1006. Edge 1004 is supported by substantially vertical struts 1007 and 1008. Edge 1006 is supported by substantially vertical struts 1010 and 1012. Edges 1004 and 1006 are substantially parallel to centerline CLG.

[0289] In some embodiments, alignment members may be or may include tines that correspond to struts 1007, 1008, 1010 and 1012. One or more of the tines may extend straight down from base 102. One or more of the tines may extend down and in the proximal direction relative to base 102. One or more of the tines may extend down and in the distal direction relative to base 102.

[0290] In embodiments that include one or more tines (not shown), edges 1004 and 1006 may be absent. In those embodiments, the tines may flex independently of each other. One or more of the tines may be biased away from guide centerline CLG. One or more of the tines may be biased toward guide centerline CLG. One or more of the tines may be curved or arcuate.

[0291] Some embodiments may include a bushing (not shown) in guide tube 120. The bushing may provide stability for a K-wire in procedures in which the K-wire is used as a drill to provide preliminary access to the inside of a bone.

[0292] FIG. 11 shows illustrative saw 1100. Saw 1100 may be used to cut an access hole at site H′ or site I′ (shown in FIG. 2) or any other suitable hole. Saw 1100 may be guided by guide 100 (shown in FIG. 1), guide 900 (shown in FIG. 9), guide 1900 (shown in FIG. 19) or any other suitable guide.

[0293] Saw 1100 may include wire 1102. Wire 1102 may be a K-wire or any other suitable wire. Saw 1100 may include centering sleeve 1104. Centering sleeve 1104 may be made of polymer, alloy or any other suitable material. Saw 1100 may include cutting member 1106. Cutting member 1106 may include teeth 1108, vents 1110 and cylindrical member 1112. Vents 1110 may provide chip clearance, side-cutting, reduced heating or other properties, among others. Saw 1100 may include torque adapter 1114. Torque adapter 1114 may transmit rotation from a rotation source to one or both of K-wire 1102 and cutting member 1106.

[0294] Wire 1102 may form an angled pilot hole in bone B. The hole may be formed at angle δ between saw axis L_s and bone axis L_B. After wire 1102 penetrates bone B, saw 1100 may be advanced distally until teeth 1108 engage bone B and being to cut. Teeth 1108 will engage bone B first at point p, in the crotch between wire 1102 and bone B. Teeth 1108 may therefore be subjected to a contact force from bone B that is oblique to a plane defined by teeth 1108. Centering sleeve 1104 may support teeth 1108 against the oblique force and maintain teeth 1108 at a substantially constant radius from axis L_s during the formation of an access hole.

[0295] A spring 1116 (shown in FIG. 13) may urge centering sleeve 1104 distally to keep centering sleeve 1104 at or near bone B as teeth 1108 penetrate into bone B.

[0296] FIG. 12 shows that centering sleeve 1104 may be coaxially arranged within cutting member 1106. Wire 1102 may be coaxially arranged within centering sleeve 1104. Collar 1202 of centering sleeve 1104 may be provided at a distal end of centering sleeve 1104 to provide a close tolerance between wire 1102 and centering sleeve 1104.

[0297] FIG. 13 shows spring 1116 compressed between proximal face 1302 of centering sleeve 1104 and distal face 1304 of torque adapter 1114.

[0298] In some embodiments, wire 1102 may be used to drill a pilot hole in bone B without apparatus such as centering sleeve 1104 and cutting member 1106. In such embodiments, a bushing (not shown) may be provided in a guide tube such as guide tube 120 (shown in FIG. 1). Wire 1102 may be placed through the bushing and driven by a torque adapter such as 1114. The bushing may have a bore that is sized to stabilize a K-wire driven in rotation by a surgical drill.

[0299] It may be desirable thereafter to cut in the bone a hole that is substantially coaxial with the K-wire. After the K-wire is drilled into the bone, in such embodiments, the bushing (not shown) may be removed from the guide tube to allow a coring saw to advance through the guide tube.

[0300] FIG. 14 shows illustrative apparatus 1400 for cutting in bone B a hole that is substantially coaxial with wire 1402. FIG. 14 shows a relevant portion of coring saw guide 1450. Coring saw guide 1450 may include contacts 1452 for engaging a surface of bone B (shown in FIG. 2). Coring saw guide 1450 may include handle-mounting recesses such as 1454. A centering sleeve (not shown) may be disposed coaxially between wire 1402 and cutting member 1406. In some embodiments, a cutting member such as 1406 may be engaged by a collar (not shown) that is configured for delivery of torque.

[0301] A proximal end of wire 1402 may be engaged in a hand drill fitting and rotatingly driven into the bone as it is advanced distally through saw guide 1450.

[0302] FIG. 15 shows wire 1402. Distal end 1502 of wire 1402 may have a first diameter. Proximal end 1504 of wire 1402 may have a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. Step 1506 between the first diameter and the second diameter may be used as a stop to limit the extent to which wire 1402 may be driven into bone B.

[0303] Proximal end 1504 of a wire such as 1402 may extend along and through a cannula in an A-O type adapter while the adapter drives a cutting member such as 1408 distally into a bone.

[0304] In some embodiments, step 1506 may be used to distally eject a bone plug from the interior of distal end 1405 of cutting member 1406 after a hole is cut and cutting member 1406 is withdrawn from the bone.

[0305] In some embodiments, a soft-tissue protector (not shown) may be provided to keep soft tissue proximate the access hole from becoming engaged by rotating apparatus. The protector may include a cannula for guiding the rotating apparatus into the hole. The protector may include a flange that “funnels” the apparatus into the cannula and blocks the soft tissue from approaching the apparatus.

[0306] FIG. 16 shows a portion of illustrative cutting member 1106 from region 16 of FIG. 11. A circumferential tooth 1602 may extend into one or more of vents 1110 to engage bone on the inside of the cutter.

[0307] Tooth 1602 may provide friction between cutting member 1106 and the bone plug and may facilitate removal of the bone plug upon with drawal of cutting member 1106 from the access hole. The distal end of the bone plug may not be severed from bone B native tissue by cutting member 1106. Tooth 1602 may provide one or both of torsional and axial force to sever the plug from bone B. Vents 1110 may include vent edges 1604. Vent edges 1604 may cut a wall of the access hole.

[0308] Tooth 1602 may provide friction between cutting member 1106 and centering sleeve 1104. The friction may resist proximal motion of centering sleeve 1104.

[0309] FIG. 17 shows illustrative teeth 1108 of cutter member 1106 (shown in FIG. 11). Illustrative tooth 1702 may include cutting edge 1704, face 1706 and back 1708. Face 1706 and back 1708 may partially define adjacent gullets 1710 and 1712, which intervene between tooth 1702 and neighboring teeth 1714 and 1716, respectively. Tooth 1702 may have thickness t. Tooth 1702 may be circumferentially set apart from neighboring tooth 1716 by pitch P_t. Cutting edge 1704 may be angled relative to saw radial direction R_s by bevel angle φ (shown on a different tooth). Cutting edge 1704 is shown with φ=0°, but any suitable φ may be used. Face 1706 may have longitudinal rake angle ρ.

[0310] Larger rake angles (e.g., positive) may produce lower forces, but smaller included tooth angles, and therefore lower heat capacity. Smaller rake angles (e.g., negative) may increase heat capacity and increase heat generated in shearing but increase cutting forces.

[0311] Face 1706 is shown with ρ=0°, but any suitable ρ may be used. Gullet 1710 may have gullet depth D_g.

[0312] In some embodiments, tooth 1702 may include facet 1718 (shown in broken line). When facet 1718 is present, tooth face 1706 may be shortened by distance h. Facet 1718 may have a normal (not shown) that is oriented at any suitable angle relative to axis L_s and radius R_s.

[0313] FIG. 18 shows teeth 1108 (shown in FIG. 11) as viewed along lines 18-18 (shown in FIG. 17). Cutting edge 1704 forms angle θ with saw outer wall 1802. Cutting edge 1704 is shown with θ≈90°, but any suitable θ may be used. For example, a tooth formed by cutting along chord Ch₁ may create a cutting edge having θ>90°. A tooth formed by cutting along chord Che may create a cutting edge having θ<90°.

[0314] In some embodiments, a cutting member may have bi-directionally cutting teeth. Each tooth such tooth may have a right and a left cutting edge. When the coring saw rotates clockwise, a right edge cuts. When the coring saw rotates counterclockwise, a left edge cuts.

[0315] FIG. 19 shows illustrative instrument guide 1900. Illustrative instrument guide 1900 may have one or more features in common with one or more of guide 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and guide 900 (shown in FIG. 9). Guide 1900 may be used to guide an instrument into bone B at a site such as H′ or I′ (shown in FIG. 2).

[0316] Guide 1900 may include base 1902. Base 1902 may be placed against bone B (shown in FIG. 2) at site H′. Base 1902 may include contacts (not shown), alignment members (not shown), cleats (not shown) or any other suitable features. Grip 1918 may extend from base 1902. Base 1902 may include pivot 1904. Pivot 1904 may pivotably support guide tube 1920. Guide tube 1920 centerline CL_GT′ may be positioned at any suitable angle α′ relative to axis L_H′ so that saw 1950 may be advanced through bone B (not shown) at angle α′. The intersection of axis L_H′ and CL_GT′ may substantially coincide with site H′ or site I′ for different values of α′. A practitioner may change angle α′ before or during penetration of saw 1950 into bone B. For example, a practitioner may initiate a pilot hole at α′≈0° and then change α′ to obtain the desired angle for the access hole.

[0317] Saw 1950 may include teeth 1952, flutes 1954, cannula 1956 or any other suitable features, including the features described and shown herein in connection with other saws.

[0318] FIG. 20 shows a view of a distal portion of broach 700 taken along lines 20-20 (shown in FIG. 7). Pin 703 may be located near the distal end of bracket 720. Pin 703 may fix the position of the distal end of broaching member 704. Pin 703 may support cylindrical form 705. Cylindrical form 705 may be coaxially mounted on pin 703. Cylindrical form 705 may support a spiral segment of broaching member 704. One or more distal portions of broaching member 704 may be welded or otherwise suitably fixed to cylindrical form 705.

[0319] Cylindrical form 705 may constrain or partially constrain the orientation of distal portions of broaching member 704. Cylindrical form 705 may be fixed relative to bracket 720. Cylindrical form 705 may be rotatable relative to bracket 720.

[0320] Broach head 702 may include end cap 701. Broaching member 704 may remove tissue that is generally proximal end cap 701. In some embodiments, member 704 may expand in such a manner as to extend distally of end cap 701. In such embodiments, the broaching member may remove tissue that is distal of end cap 701.

[0321] Reducing or minimizing the distance between the distal end of broaching member 704 and end cap 701 may allow broaching member 704 to remove tissue that is more immediately proximal end cap 701. End cap 701 may be positioned at the distal end of bracket 720. End cap 701 may be configured to have a smooth, atraumatic surface. Bracket 720 may be attached to drive shaft 730.

[0322] Shaft assembly 714 may include drive shaft 730. Drive shaft 730 may support bracket 720 at union 732. Drive shaft 730 may be secured to bracket 720 by pin 734. Drive shaft 730 may provide rotation to broach head 702.

[0323] Proximal ends 736 and 738 of broaching member 704 may be fixed to slide 740, which may be a tube. Proximal end 738 may be threaded through or keyed into windows 742 and 744 in slide 740. Proximal end 736 may be threaded through or keyed into slots 746 and 748 in slide 740. Slide 740 may slide relative to drive shaft 730 to expand and contract broaching member 704. Slide 740 is shown in the “contract” state, in which broaching member 704 is drawn close to bracket 720. Slide cover 750 may slide with slide 740. One or both of slide 740 and slide cover 750 may be translated along axis L_c by control hub 710 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other suitable position controller.

[0324] Slide cover 750 may remain stationary relative to drive shaft 730 when slide 740 slides relative to drive shaft 730. In embodiments in which slide cover 750 remains stationary when slide 740 moves, distal end 752 of slide cover 750 may limit the radial position of broaching member 704 at a fixed distance along drive shaft 730 and thus affect the deformation of broaching member 704 in the expanded state.

[0325] Broaching member 704 may undergo one or both of elastic and plastic deformation.

[0326] FIG. 21 shows a view of a distal portion of broach 700 taken along lines 20-20 (shown in FIG. 7) when broaching member 704 is in an expanded state. Broaching member 704 is shown as mainly circular. However, any desired shape may be able to be imparted in the expanded state such as but not limited to: square, triangular, oval, ellipsoid, teardrop, football, or any other suitable shape.

[0327] Different shapes may be obtained using several methods, such as utilizing a pre-set shape in a shape memory alloy, modifying the geometry of the member cross-section (along the member length) such that it preferentially bends in a desired manner, constraining broaching member 704 (e.g., in force, shear or moment) in a way that forces the expansion to take desired shape, having the final shape be that of the expanded geometry and the reduced or collapsed geometry be that of a higher strain configuration, and/or any other suitable method of forming a desired shape.

[0328] For example, largely or substantially preventing radial movement of broaching member proximal ends 736 and 738, and allowing movement of the distal end of broaching member 704 generally about pin 703 while elastically deforming broaching member proximal ends 736 and 738, due to reducing the distance between the distal end and proximal ends 736 and 738 of broaching member 704, may modify the geometry of broaching member 704 from a generally straight configuration to a generally eggbeater shape.

[0329] The deformation may relatively increase the distance between (a) sections 760 and 762 and (b) bracket 720. As this distance is increased, the swept-out volume of broaching member 704, as broaching member 704 rotates generally about an axis such as Lc (shown in FIG. 8), is increased.

[0330] In some embodiments, a broach may include a broaching member that includes one or more stiff tines (not shown) that is joined to a drive shaft. The drive shaft may have a longitudinal axis. The tine may be joined to the drive shaft radially close to the axis at a proximal end of the tine. The tine may have a distal end that is spaced radially apart from the axis. The distal end of the tine may be distal of the distal end of the drive shaft. There may be numerous tines on the drive shaft. Such embodiments may be appropriate for rotation in intramedullary space IS of bone B (shown in FIG. 2) using high torque at low rotational speeds.

[0331] FIG. 22 shows broaching member 704 in partial cross section from view lines 22-22 (shown in FIG. 21). Broaching member 704 may have leading edges 2202 and 2204 that may be rotated in direction ω_c by drive shaft 730 (shown in FIG. 21). Broaching member 704 may sweep out a space in bone B (shown in FIG. 2) based on radius R_c, which corresponds to sections 760 and 762 (shown in FIG. 21).

[0332] Leading edge 2202 may be beveled at angle α_c1. Angle α_c1 may be any suitable angle, including an angle from about 5° to about 75°. Angle α_c1 may cause leading edge 2202 to be generally sharp or knife-like. This may aid in the broaching member's ability to remove tissue.

[0333] Leading edge 2204 may be beveled at angle α_c2. Angle α_c2 may be any suitable angle, including an angle from about 5° to about 75°. Angle α_c2 may cause leading edge 2204 to be generally sharp or knife-like. This may aid in the broaching member's ability to remove tissue.

[0334] As broaching member 704 is rotated clockwise generally about axis L_c leading edges 2202 and 2204 may generally be the first portion of sections 760 and 762 to come in contact with tissues such as relatively less dense cancellous bone B_CA (shown in FIG. 2). Sections 760 and 762 may be configured to be sufficiently flexible such that if either of sections 760 and 762 contacts relatively more dense materials, such as diaphysis, metaphysis and epiphysis bone, sections 760 and 762 may deflect generally radially in direction −ω_o about axis L_c and/or in the linear direction towards axis L_c at any location along the length of sections 760 and 762 or any other portion of broaching member 704. Deflection or deformation of sections 760 and 762 may have the affect of not disturbing the more dense tissues.

[0335] Leading edges 2202 and 2204 may be offset from axis L_c by offsets Δ₁ and Δ₂ respectively. Appropriate magnitudes of offsets Δ₁ and Δ₂ may be selected. In some embodiments, offsets Δ₁ and Δ₂ may be constrained by the collapsed diameter (overall diameter of broach head 702 in a plane transverse to axis L_c when broaching member 704 is collapsed, e.g., for deployment) of the configuration and the desired expanded engagement (radius R_c) of broaching member 704 with the tissue. Offsets Δ₁ and Δ₂ may aid in the broaching member's efficiency at displacing tissue.

[0336] FIG. 22A shows broach head 704 in intramedullary space IS of bone B and illustrates how flexible broaching members can broach bone of a relatively lower density and be deflected by bone of a relatively higher density. Sections 760 and 762 have displaced or removed some of cancellous bone B_CA from bone B by rotating in direction ω_c about axis L_c. Sections 760 and 762 may be sufficiently stiff to remove cancellous bone to radius R_c from axis Lc in the “top” portion of bone B. Because of the placement of axis L_c relative to the bottom portion of bone B, sections 760 and 762 contact cortical bone BCO at the bottom of bone B. Sections 760 and 762 may be sufficiently flexible to be deflected by cortical bone BCO. Section 760 is shown deflected in direction −ω_c by bone BCO. Sections 760 and 762 thus remove bone only to radius R_c′ in the “bottom” portion of bone B.

[0337] The cavity created by broach 700 may thus be bounded in part by cancellous bone BCA and in part by cortical bone BCO. The shape of the cavity portion that is bounded by cancellous bone BCA may be governed substantially by the geometry and mechanical properties of broach 700. The shape of the cavity portion that is bounded by cortical bone BCO may be governed substantially by the native anatomy of bone B.

[0338] FIG. 23 shows a view of broach 700 along lines 23-23 (shown in FIG. 20). Broach 700 is in the contracted state. Slide cover 750 has been removed. Slots 746, 748 and 2302 in slide 740 may be configured to coincide with features on proximal end 736 (shown in FIG. 21) of broaching member 704. When proximal end 736 is engaged with slots 746, 748 and 2302, slots 746, 748 and 2302 may restrict movement of proximal end 736 in either direction generally along axis L_c. Slots 746, 748 and 2302 may have any suitable geometry that allows for the engagement and axial translation of proximal end 736.

[0339] Slots 746, 748 and 2302 may be of sufficient depth that, when proximal end 736 is engaged in slots 746, 748 and 2302, slide cover 750 (shown in FIG. 20) has adequate radial clearance with respect to proximal end 736 and slide 740 to slide over slide 740 and slots 746, 748 and 2302. An inner surface of slide cover 750 may prevent movement of proximal end 736 from moving in a direction generally away from axis L_c.

[0340] Slide 740 may include slots (not shown) that correspond to proximal end 738 (shown in FIG. 20) and have one or more features in common with, slots 746, 748 and 2302.

[0341] Broach head 720 may include broaching member wrap section 2304. Pin 703 may be integrated into wrap section 2304. Wrap section 2304 may be separate from pin 703. Wrap section 2304 may be configured to allow wrapping of broaching member 704 generally around wrap section 2304. Broaching member 704 may be looped in wrap section 2304. Broaching member 704 may be wrapped (as shown in FIG. 23) at least one full turn in wrap section 2304. Wrapping about wrap section 2304 may bias segments 760 and 762 (shown in FIG. 21) away from axis L_c.

[0342] FIG. 24 shows a cross section, viewed along lines 24-24 (shown in FIG. 8) of a portion of broach control 706 (shown in FIG. 7). Expansion control hub 710 is shown with base 2402 at position p_e. This may correspond to the expanded state of broaching member 704, as shown in FIG. 8. Base 2402 may be moved distally to position p_c. This may correspond to the contracted state of broaching member 704, as shown in FIG. 7. Expansion control hub 710 may operate in connection with body 2408. Body 2408 may include control shaft 712 and distal stop 2410. Control shaft 712 may include threads 2418.

[0343] Expansion control hub 710 may include outer member 2412 and inner member 2414. Outer member 2412 and inner member 2414 may be fixed to each other. Slide pin 2404 may be captured between outer member 2412 and inner member 2414. Inner member 2414 may include threads 2416 for engagement with threads 2418 on control shaft 712. Slide pin 2404 may travel in slots 2405 and 2407 in body 2408.

[0344] Expansion control hub 710 may be moved along axis L_c by applying force to expansion control hub 710. In some embodiments, expansion control hub 710 may be advanced axial generally along axis L_c by applying rotational force generally about axis L_c to expansion control hub 710 such that threads 2416 move advance or retreat through threads 2418.

[0345] Axial movement of expansion control hub 710 relative to body 2408 may be transferred to slide 740 and slide cover 750 while drive shaft 730 remains axially fixed to body 2408 by pin 2406. Slide 740 may include cut-outs 2430 and 2432. Slide cover 750 may include cut-outs 2434 and 2436. Cut-outs 2430, 2432, 2434 and 2436 may provide clearance of pin 2406 when slide 740 and slide cover 750 travel axially.

[0346] When expansion control hub 710 is moved axially, proximal ends 736 and 738 (shown in FIG. 20) of broaching member 704 thus move axially. Distal end 780 (shown in FIG. 7) of broaching member 704 may be axially fixed to drive shaft 730, which may be fixed to body 2408. Thus, when expansion control hub 710 moves distally, the distance between (a) proximal ends 736 and 738 and; (b) distal end 780 decreases and broaching member 704 expands. When expansion control hub 710 moves proximally, the distance between (a) proximal ends 736 and 738; and (b) distal end 780 increases and broaching member 704 contracts.

[0347] Distal stop 2410 and proximal stop 2420 may limit axial movement of expansion control hub 710. Although proximal stop 2420 is shown as being part of handle 708, proximal stop 2420 may be separate from handle 708.

[0348] Handle 708 may transfer rotational motion generally about axis L_c to control shaft 712. Control shaft 712 may transfer the rotation to slide pin 2404 and drive shaft pin 2406. Slide pin 2404 may transfer the rotation to slide 740 and slide cover 750. Drive shaft pin 2406 may transfer the rotation to drive shaft 730, which may drive broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 21).

[0349] Distal stop 2410 is shown as being integral with body 2408, but distal stop may be a separate element that is attached to control shaft 712 or a different part of body 2408.

[0350] Pin 2406 may extend into recess feature 2422. Recess feature 2422 may be a through-hole. Pin 2406 may extend through the through hole to a location external to body 2408.

[0351] Pin 2404 may extend into recess feature 2424. Recess feature 2424 may be a through-hole. Pin 2404 may extend through the through-hole to a location external to body outer member 2412. Recess feature may extend circumferentially about axis L_c. If recess feature 2424 extends circumferentially about axis L_c, expansion control hub 710 may rotate about axis L_c substantially without restricting, or being restricted by, pin 2404.

[0352] Body 2408 may include circumferential recess 2426. Recess 2426 may be sized to engage O-ring 2428. Recess 2426 may prevent axial movement between body 2408 and O-ring 2428 generally along axis L_c. O-ring 2428 may be sized to provide an interference fit with outer member 2412. The interference fit may produce friction between O-ring 2428 and expansion control hub 710. The friction may allow expansion control hub 710 to be lightly locked at any rotational position relative to body 2408, generally about axis L_c.

[0353] FIG. 25 shows illustrative cavity preparation apparatus 2500. Apparatus 2500 may include broach 2550. Broach 2550 may have one or more features in common with broach 950 (shown in FIG. 9). Broach 2550 may include one or more of broach head 2525, elevator ribbon 2552 and control body 2560. Apparatus 2500 may include guide 2502. Guide 2502 may guide broach 2550 or any other suitable apparatus through an access hole such as H or I (shown in FIG. 2). Guide 2502 may retain soft tissue at a distance from the access hole to prevent engagement of the soft tissue by an instrument that is present in guide 2502.

[0354] FIGS. 26-29 show features of different portions of apparatus 2500.

[0355] FIG. 26 shows in partial cross section illustrative broach head 2525 and illustrative elevator ribbon 2552.

[0356] Broach head 2525 may be driven about axis L_E by rotating drive shaft 2540. Broach head 2525 may include broaching member 2524, which may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7). Broach head 2525 may include distal hub 2526 and proximal hub 2528. One or both of distal hub 2526 and proximal hub 2528 may transfer rotation to broaching member 2524. One or both of distal hub 2526 and proximal hub 2528 may support broaching member 2524.

[0357] Drive shaft 2540 may extend within broach sheath 2527. Drive shaft 2540 may be supported in rotation by bushing 2530 at the end of broach sheath 2527.

[0358] Illustrative elevator ribbon 2552 may be anchored to broach sheath 2527 at fixation 2532. When axial compressive force, generally along axis L_E, is applied to elevator ribbon 2552, elevator ribbon 2552 may buckle along its length. For example, elevator ribbon 2552 may buckle at or near section 2534. Section 2536 may be used to support broach sheath 2527 at an elevation relative to cancellous bone B_CA or cortical bone B_CO in bone B (shown in FIG. 2).

[0359] Portions of elevator ribbon 2552 may extend inside broach sheath 2527 and pass through slots 2542 and 2544 to section 2534. In some embodiments, there may be contact between drive shaft 2540 and elevator ribbon 2552. In some embodiments, there may be no contact between drive shaft 2540 and elevator ribbon 2552.

[0360] Elevator ribbon 2552, when compressed, may apply tension to adjacent portion 2538 of broach sheath 2527 and compression to opposite portion 2540 of broach sheath 2527. One or both of the tension of adjacent portion 2538 and the compression of opposite portion 2540 may cause broach sheath 2527 to curve generally about an axis such as L_F.

[0361] One or both of adjacent portion 2538 and opposite portion 2540 may include stress-relief features that allow bending under tension and compression. The stress-relief features may include slots or slot patterns. The stress-relief features may be provided using laser-cutting. The stress-relief may provide an equilibrium curvature such that broach sheath 2527 is curved at rest.

[0362] The stress-relief features may include sintered particles. The particles may include metal, polymer, composite or any other suitable material.

[0363] FIG. 27 shows illustrative laser-cut pattern 2700 for a broach sheath such as 927 (shown in FIG. 9) or 2527 (shown in FIG. 26). Pattern 2700, which is shown flat for illustration, may be cut in a cylindrical tube to relieve compression on one side of the tube and relieve tension on the other side of the tube. For example, compression relief pattern 2740 may be provided along opposite portion 2540 of broach sheath 2527. Tension relief pattern 2738 may be provided along adjacent portion 2538 of broach sheath 2527. Tension and compression relief may be increased by lengthening lengths L_p1 and L_p2, respectively. Bending stiffness may be reduced by increasing pattern widths w₁ and w₂. Increasing kerf and decreasing inter-cut spacing may also decrease bending stiffness. In some embodiments, the tube may have an outer diameter of 0.108 in. In some embodiments, the tube may have an outer diameter of 0.125 in. Any suitable outer diameter may be used.

[0364] FIG. 28 shows illustrative elevator control body 2860. Elevator control body 2860 may support the proximal end of broach sheath 2527. Drive shaft 2540 may extend through control body 2860 to torque adapter 2808. Torque adapter 2808 may be cannulated. Torque adapter 2808 may be a cannulated A-O type adapter. Torque adapter 2808 may have a “D”-shaped extension for engagement by a D-shaped chuck.

[0365] Torque adapter 2808 may be torqued by any suitable source of rotational energy.

[0366] Control body 2860 may include housing 2862 and actuator 2866. Handle 2864 may be used to rotate actuator 2866 through angle δhd E about axis L_TE relative to housing 2862. When actuator moves through angle δ_E, shaft 2868 may drive shuttle 2870 in slot 2872. The distal end of elevator ribbon 2552 may be fixed to the shuttle, for example, by screw 2874. When the shuttle is in a distal position, elevator ribbon 2552 is expanded (as shown in FIG. 26). When the shuttle is in a proximal position, elevator ribbon 2552 is contracted toward axis L_E.

[0367] Actuator 2866 may include face member 2890. Face member 2890 may be fixed relative to housing 2862. Face member 2890 may include recess 2892. Recess 2892 may “catch” a projection such as 2894 to act as a detent. Projection 2894 may be one of several projections that provide detent positions. For example, three detent positions may be provided: forward, neutral and back. In the forward position, elevator ribbon 2552 is extended. In the back position, elevator ribbon 2552 is compressed. In the neutral position, elevator ribbon 2552 is in a partially compressed state.

[0368] Housing 2862 may be configured to house a torque limiter (not shown). The torque limiter may couple torque adapter 2808 to drive shaft 2540 and may be used to limit the torque that is applied to broach head 2525 (shown in FIG. 25). If broach head 2525 were to jam in bone B (shown in FIG. 2), the torque limiter may cap or reduce the torque on broaching head 2525 to prevent damage to broaching head 2525, other elements of apparatus 2500, other involved apparatus or bone B.

[0369] FIG. 29 shows illustrative guide 2502. Guide 2502 may include cannula 2904 and funnel 2906. Funnel 2906 may facilitate insertion of a broach head such as 2525 (shown in FIG. 25) into a hole such as H (shown in FIG. 2).

[0370] Guide 2502 may be “preloaded” on broach sheath 2527. A practitioner may insert a broach head into hole H (shown in FIG. 2) and then position guide 2520 in hole H. Funnel 2906 may protect soft tissue outside bone B. Cannula 2904 may guide the broach head through hole H when broach head is withdrawn from hole H (for example, at the conclusion of a cavity preparation procedure).

[0371] Outer wall 2908 of cannula 2904 may be of an appropriate diameter to substantially fill hole H. Funnel 2906 may include ledge 2910. Ledge 2910 may limit the extent to which cannula 2904 may extend into intramedullary space IS.

[0372] Cannula 2904 may support detent 2912. Detent 2912 may be present to catch on the inside of cortical bone B_CO wall W to retain cannula 2904 in position in hole H. Detent 2912 may be have a tapered profile so that it can engage walls W of different thickness. In some embodiments, detent 2912 may be passive. In passive embodiments, detent 2912 may be resilient, biased or rigid. In some embodiments, detent 2912 may be active. In active embodiments, detent 2912 may be actuated. For example, detent 2912 may be actuated by a manual control that causes detent 2912 to extend away from tube cannula 2904 a desired distance or a preset distance. Cannula 2904 may include more than one detent.

[0373] Mouth 2914 of funnel 2906 may have any suitable shape transverse to axis L_E. The shape may be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, tear-drop, splayed, circular and any other suitable shape.

[0374] Funnel 2906 may include a skiving-curved section (not shown). The skiving-curved section may be at the distal end of funnel 2906.

[0375] Guides for rotatable broaches may include a body that has a cannula. The body may support a broach sheath in alignment with the cannula. A drive shaft may pass through the cannula and extend distally through the broach sheath. A rotation source may be connected to the drive shaft proximal the body. The body may be hand-held. The body may have no adaptations to mate with a hole such as H (shown in FIG. 2).

[0376] FIG. 30 shows apparatus 2500 (shown in FIG. 25) with control 2864 at a larger angle δ_E and elevator ribbon 2552 in the contracted state close to broach sheath 2527. Stress-relief features such as those shown in flat model 2700 (shown in FIG. 27) are shown in portions 2538 and 2540 of broach sheath 2527.

[0377] FIG. 31 shows illustrative broaching member 3102. Broaching member 3102 may be mounted by fixture 3104 to hub 3106 at the distal end of a broach shaft 3108. Broach shaft 3108 may have one or more features in common with broach shaft 2527 (shown in FIG. 26) or any other broach shaft discussed or shown herein. For example, broach shaft 3108 may include stress-relief features 3110 and 3112.

[0378] Hub 3106 may have one or more features in common with hub 2528 (shown in FIG. 26).

[0379] Broaching member 3102 may be a self expanding structure. Broaching member 3102 may be constructed from laser-cut tube stock that is expanded into a suitable shape, such as that shown. Broaching member 3102 may include broaching members such as 3114. Broaching member 3102 may include numerous interconnected cells such as cell 3116. The cells may be defined by one or more broaching members. Some cells may be defined by structures other than broaching members. The cells may be arranged in a network. The cells may be linked such that when the structure is stressed (e.g., compressed) at a point the stress is distributed to nearby cells. Broaching member 3102 may thus rotate in a bone cavity that has an irregular shape, for example, nonround, oblong, or angular. The cavity may be smaller than a diameter of broaching member 3102, such as expanded diameter D_E.

[0380] Broaching member 3102 may include broaching members that included braided wire (not shown). Broaching member 3102 may include broaching members that included braided ribbon (not shown).

[0381] In some embodiments, each cell arm may be a broaching member. When a large number (i.e., when the circumferential density of broaching members is high) of broaching members are present during the rotation of a broaching head, a relatively lower torque is required to drive the broaching head.

[0382] FIG. 32 shows illustrative broach 3200 inserted in bone B. Broach 3200 may include broaching head 3202. Flexible rotating drive shaft 3204 may drive broaching head 3202 in rotation in directions ρ′ or −ρ′. Drive shaft 3204 may be driven by a rotation source such as handle 3206. In some embodiments, the rotation source may include a surgical hand drill, a dremel motor or any other suitable rotational power source.

[0383] Drive shaft 3204 may be sheathed in a flexible cannula (apart from broach sheath 3210, which is described below).

[0384] Control body 3208 may be used to insert broaching head 3202 through a hole at site H′. During insertion, broaching head 3202 may be withdrawn into flexible broach sheath 3210. Proximal end 3212 of flexible broach sheath 3210 may be fixed to distal end 3214 of control body 3208. Actuator 3216 may engage drive shaft 3204 and may slide relative to control body 3208. Actuator 3216 may thus translate drive shaft 3204 along axis L_M within guide sheath 3210.

[0385] In some embodiments, broaching head 3202 may be compressible and expandable. Broaching head 3202 may be compressed within guide sheath 3210. Broaching head 3202 may be expanded outside of guide sheath 3210. In some embodiments, broaching head 3202 may self-expand in bone B after being pushed out of guide sheath 3210 by drive shaft 3204. In some embodiments, broaching head 3202 may be outside guide sheath 3210 when broaching head 3202 is delivered into bone B.

[0386] Broaching head 3202 may include one or more broaching members 3218 that have sufficient rigidity to displace cancellous bone, but sufficient resilience to deform when brought into contact with cortical bone and thus leave the cortical bone substantially in place.

[0387] Broaching members 3218 may be formed from loops. The loops may be fixed to distal hub 3220. The loops may be fixed to proximal hub 3222. One or both of distal hub 3220 and proximal hub 3222 maybe axially fixed to drive shaft 3204. One or both of distal hub 3220 and proximal hub 3222 maybe rotationally fixed to drive shaft 3204. Broaching head 3202 may include any suitable number of loops. Broaching members 3218 may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other broaching member described or shown herein.

[0388] FIG. 33 shows illustrative broaching head 3300. Broaching head 3300 may include broaching members 3302. Each of broaching members 3302 may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other broaching member shown or described herein. Broaching head 3300 may have any suitable number of broaching members 3302. For example, broaching head 3300 may have one broaching member, 2-6 broaching members, 7-20 broaching members, more than 20 broaching members or any suitable number of broaching members.

[0389] Broaching head 3300 may be contracted toward drive shaft 3310 and withdrawn into an outer sheath (not shown). The outer sheath may be inserted in a hole such as H (shown in FIG. 2). Broaching head 3300 may then be deployed by retracting the sheath. Broaching members 3302 may be sufficiently resilient to be contracted and may expand away from drive shaft 3310 when the sheath is retracted.

[0390] Broaching members 3302 may be supported by distal hub 3304. Distal hub 3304 may be absent and broaching members 3302 may have free distal ends. Broaching members with free distal ends may be supported at their proximal ends near the central axis of broaching head 3300. The broaching members may be angled radially away from the central axis of broaching head 3300.

[0391] Broaching members with free distal ends may have suitable shape at the distal ends, such as pointed, forked, rounded, blunt or truncated.

[0392] Broaching members 3302 may be supported by proximal hub 3306. Proximal hub 3306 may be supported by broach sheath 3308. Broach sheath 3308 may have one or more features in common with broach sheath 127 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0393] Drive shaft 3310 may drive broaching head 3300 in rotation. Drive shaft 3310 may extend distally to distal hub 3304. Drive shaft 3310 may extend through broach sheath 3308 to a proximal rotation source (not shown).

[0394] One or both of distal hub 3304 and proximal hub 3306 maybe axially fixed to drive shaft 3310. One or both of distal hub 3304 and proximal hub 3306 maybe rotationally fixed to drive shaft 3310.

[0395] One or more of broaching members 3302 may include a hoop segment such as 3312. Segment 3312 may support one or more reinforcements such as 3314.

[0396] Segment 3312 may be rigid. Segment 3312 may be resilient. Segment 3312 may have any suitable pre-set curvature or be substantially linear. Segment 3312 may be a closed loop. The loop may be asymmetric.

[0397] Segment 3312 may include a length of wire, ribbon, cable, stranded wire, or any other suitable form or structure. Segment 3312 may include polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material. Segment 3312 may be constructed of a mesh cut from metal tube.

[0398] Reinforcement 3314 may be a tube. Reinforcement 3314 may be formed from polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material. One or more reinforcements such as 3314 may be sized and positioned to support segment 3312 in a desired contour. One or more reinforcements such as 3314 may provide bone-broaching abrasiveness, momentum or both.

[0399] FIG. 34 shows illustrative broaching head 3400. Broaching head 3400 may include broaching members 3402. Each of broaching members 3402 may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other broaching member shown or described herein. Broaching head 3400 may have any suitable number of broaching members 3402. For example, broaching head 3400 may have one broaching member, 2-6 broaching members, 7-20 broaching members, more than 20 broaching members or any suitable number of broaching members.

[0400] Broaching members 3402 may be supported by distal hub 3404. Broaching members 3402 may be supported by proximal hub 3406. Proximal hub 3406 may be supported by drive shaft 3410. Drive shaft 3410 may have one or more features in common with drive shaft 730 (shown in FIG. 20) or any other drive shaft that is shown or described herein.

[0401] Drive shaft 3410 may drive broaching head 3400 in rotation. Drive shaft 3410 may extend distally to distal hub 3404. Drive shaft 3410 may extend to a proximal rotation source (not shown).

[0402] One or both of distal hub 3404 and proximal hub 3406 maybe axially fixed to drive shaft 3410. One or both of distal hub 3404 and proximal hub 3406 maybe rotationally fixed to drive shaft 3410.

[0403] One or more of broaching members 3402 may include a hoop segment such as 3412. Reinforcement 3414 may support one or more segments such as 3412.

[0404] Segment 3412 may be rigid. Segment 3412 may be resilient. Segment 3412 may include a length of wire, ribbon, cable, stranded wire or any other suitable form or structure. Segment 3412 may include polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material.

[0405] Reinforcement 3414 may be a brace. Reinforcement 3414 may be formed from polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material. One or more reinforcements such as 3414 may be sized and positioned to support segment 3412 in a desired contour. One or more reinforcements such as 3414 may provide bone-broaching abrasiveness, momentum or both.

[0406] The brace may reduce material fatigue in segment 3412. The brace may help segment 3412 retain its shape under forces of rotation and broaching resistance. The brace may include loops such as 3418 and 3416. The loops may pass around the circumference of segment 3412. In some embodiments, loops 3418 and 3416 may encompass only a portion of the circumference. In some embodiments, the brace may be fixed to segment 3412, for example, by crimping, welding or press-fit.

[0407] The brace may support broaching edges for displacing bone material in bone B (shown in FIG. 2). The broaching edges may have any suitable form, such as serrated, saw-tooth, knife-edge, rectilinear edge or any other suitable form.

[0408] The brace may be formed from a pattern that is cut into a metal tube.

[0409] FIG. 35 shows illustrative broaching head 3500. Broaching head 3500 may include broaching member 3502. Broaching member 3502 may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other broaching member shown or described herein.

[0410] Broaching head 3500 may have any suitable number of broaching members such as broaching member 3502. For example, broaching head 3400 may have one broaching member, 2-6 broaching members, 7-20 broaching members, more than 20 broaching members or any suitable number of broaching members. When more than one broaching member is included, the broaching members may have different sizes or other features.

[0411] Broaching member 3502 is illustrated as a single solid hoop. Broaching member 3502 may include one or more members that are stranded or braided. Broaching member 3502 may include wire, strip stock, sheet stock, strand, ribbon, polymer, composite, ceramic, sintered material or any other suitable material. Broaching member 3502 may have one or more of a variety of cross sections, such as square, rectangular, octagonal, contours with sharp edges, stranded cable, or other suitable configurations to facilitate bone displacement.

[0412] Broaching member 3502 may include stainless steel, Nitinol (shapeset, superelastic or other Nitinol) or any other suitable substance.

[0413] Broaching member 3502 may be a substantially continuous structure. Broaching member 3502 may pass through channel 3512 in distal hub 3504. Broaching member 3502 may be fastened to distal hub 3504 in channel 3512.

[0414] Broaching member 3502 may be supported by distal hub 3504. Broaching member 3502 may be supported by proximal hub 3506. Proximal hub 3506 may be supported by broach sheath 3508. Broach sheath 3508 may have one or more features in common with broach sheath 127 (shown in FIG. 1) or any other broach sheath that is shown or described herein.

[0415] Drive shaft 3510 may drive broaching head 3500 in rotation. Drive shaft 3510 may extend distally to distal hub 3504. Drive shaft 3510 may extend to a proximal rotation source (not shown).

[0416] One or both of distal hub 3504 and proximal hub 3506 maybe axially fixed to drive shaft 3510. One or both of distal hub 3504 and proximal hub 3506 maybe rotationally fixed to drive shaft 3510.

[0417] Distal hub 3504 may be constructed of metal, stainless steel, laser-cut tube, polymer, ceramic or any other suitable material.

[0418] The distal end of drive shaft 3510 may extend into a channel (not shown) in distal hub 3504. Distal hub 3504 may be free to move axially with respect to drive shaft 3510. The channel in distal hub 3504 may be keyed for receiving a complementarily keyed distal end of drive shaft 3510. Drive shaft 3510 may thus drive broaching member 3502 distal portions 3518 and 3520.

[0419] During rotation, broaching member 3502 may elongate axially, along axis L_G and push distal hub 3504 distally relative to drive shaft 3510. Such motion may contract broaching member 3502. During rotation, broaching member 3502 may expand axially along axis L_G and draw distal hub 3504 proximally relative to drive shaft 3510. Contraction may occur, for example, when distal hub 3504 encounters resistant material.

[0420] Distal hub 3504 may be fixed to drive shaft 3510. Broaching member 3502 may be driven rotationally by application of torque to proximal ends 3514 and 3516 of broaching member 3502. Broaching member 3502 may be driven rotationally by application of torque to distal portions 3518 and 3520 of broaching member 3502.

[0421] Proximal ends 3514 and 3516 of broaching member 3502 may be affixed to drive shaft 3510 by proximal hub 3506. Proximal hub 3506 may engage proximal ends 3514 and 3516 by crimping, welding, set-screw, snap fit or any other suitable fastening.

[0422] Proximal hub 3506 may include or rotate with respect to a bearing (not shown). The bearing may be seated in the distal end of broach sheath 3508. Thus, when drive shaft 3510 rotates broaching member 3502, broach sheath 3508 and the bearing do not rotate. The orientation at which proximal ends 3514 and 3516 of broaching member 3502 are fixed to proximal hub 3506 may provide or retain a shape of broaching member 3502.

[0423] Distal hub 3504 may extend a distance E in the distal direction away from distal portions 3518 and 3520 of broaching member 3502. Distal hub 3504 may thus contact bone material inside bone B (shown in FIG. 2) before distal portions 3518 and 3520 contact the material. If the material is dense, such as cortical bone, the material may resist distal advancement of distal hub 3504. Broaching member 3502 may thus be prevented from broaching or interacting with the material.

[0424] Distal hub 3504 may include flutes 3522 and 3524. Broaching edges 3526, 3528, 3530, 3532, 3534 and 3536 may displace material inside bone B. Flutes 3522 and 3524 may intersect with each other at the distal end of distal hub 3504.

[0425] Distal hub 3504 may have a blunt distal end without flutes. This may prevent broaching member 3502 from interacting with material that resists distal advancement of distal hub 3504. The distal end of distal hub 3504 may be any suitable shape.

[0426] Distal hub 3504 may be absent from broaching head 3500.

[0427] FIG. 36 shows illustrative broach 3600. Broach 3600 may include broaching head 3602, control shaft assembly 3604 and actuator 3606.

[0428] Broaching head 3602 may include linked blades 3608, 3610, 3612 and 3613. Linked blades 3608 and 3610 may have broaching edges 3630 and 3632, respectively. The broaching edges may broach bone inside bone B (shown in FIG. 2) when broach head 3602 is rotated about axis L_I.

[0429] The blades may positioned radially by a locking mechanism. The blades may be positioned radially by a resilient mechanism such that the blades may interact with bone tissue with sufficient pressure to displace bone tissue of certain densities, but insufficient pressure to substantially displace bones of a higher density.

[0430] Linked blades 3608, 3610, 3612 and 3613 may be linked by one or more linkages such as linkages 3614, 3616, 3618 and 3620. Linkage 3618 (and corresponding linkage 3619, not shown) may be supported by elongated members such as fixed struts 3622 and 3624. Fixed struts 3622 and 3624 may be fixed with respect to axis L_I. Fixed struts 3622 and 3624 may be joined by distal tip 3634.

[0431] Linkage 3614 may be supported by one or more elongated members, such as pull struts (not shown) that extend axially within control shaft assembly 3604. The pull struts may cause radial extension and contraction of the blades by changing the axial distance between (a) linkage 3614 and (b) linkages 3618 and 3619 (not shown).

[0432] Control shaft assembly 3604 may include fixed struts 3622 and 3624, the one or more pull struts (not shown), housing members 3626 and 3628, one or more filler members (not shown) and other suitable members (not shown).

[0433] Actuator 3606 may include elements for creating an offset between elongated members such as the fixed struts and the puller struts. Actuator 3606 may include elements for rotating broaching head 3602 about axis L_I.

[0434] FIG. 37 shows broaching head 3602 and a portion of control shaft assembly 3604 with housing members 3626 and 3628 removed. Pullers 3702 and 3704 may be present in control shaft assembly 3604 to move linkage 3614 axially relative to linkages 3618 and 3619.

[0435] FIG. 38 shows illustrative portion 3800 of linkage 3614. Portion 3800 may be a pin channel that spans pull struts 3702 and 3704 and blades 3608 and 3610. A pin (not shown) may traverse the pin channel to axially align holes 3802, 3804, 3808 and 3810, of strut pull 3702, strut 3704, blade 3608 and blade 3610, respectively.

[0436] FIG. 39 shows pin channel 3902 of linkage 3618 and pin channel 3904 of linkage 3619. Pin channel 3902 traverses blade 3612, housing member 3622 and pin fastener 3906. Pin channel 3904 traverses blade 3613, housing member 3624 and pin fastener 3908.

[0437] A pin (not shown) may be present in channel 3902 to axially fix linkage 3618 to housing member 3622. A pin (not shown) may be present in channel 3904 to axially fix linkage 3619 to housing member 3624. Linkages 3619 and 3618 may be offset from axis L_I by offsets Δ₃ and Δ₄.

[0438] When broach head 3602 is rotated in bone B (shown in FIG. 2) in direction ω_I or −ω_I, with blades 3608 and 3610 positioned as shown, broaching edges 3630 and 3632 (shown in FIG. 36) will sweep out a space of radius R_IMAX, which is the maximum radius for broach head 3602. If linkage 3614 (shown in FIG. 36) were moved from the axial position shown, broaching edges 3630 and 3632 would sweep out a space of R_I.

[0439] FIG. 40 shows the radial extent of tip 4002 of blade 3610 for different axial positions of linkage 3614. When linkage 3614 is in a most-proximal position, tip 4002 may be at R_I=R_I0. At R_I0, broaching edge 3622 may be disengaged from bone B (shown in FIG. 2). When linkage 3614 is in an intermediate axial position, tip 4002 may be at R_I=R_I1. At R_I1, broaching edge 3622 may be engaged with bone B. At R_I=R_IMAX, broaching edge 3622 may be engaged with bone B at a maximum radius from axis L_I.

[0440] Filler members such as filler 4004 may be placed in spaces between pull struts. The filler members may be placed proximate blades that are actuated by the pull struts. The filler members may provide lateral stability to the pull struts.

[0441] FIG. 41 shows illustrative broaching head 4100. Broaching head 4100 may include broaching members 4102. Each of broaching members 4102 may have one or more features in common with broaching member 704 (shown in FIG. 7) or any other broaching member shown or described herein. Broaching head 4100 may have any suitable number of broaching members 4102. For example, broaching head 4100 may have one broaching member, 2-6 broaching members, 7-20 broaching members, more than 20 broaching members or any suitable number of broaching members.

[0442] Broaching head 4100 may be contracted toward drive shaft 4110 and withdrawn into a broach sheath (not shown). The broach sheath may be inserted in a hole such as H (shown in FIG. 2). Broaching head 4100 may then be deployed by retracting the broach sheath. Broaching members 4102 may be sufficiently resilient to be contracted and may expand away from drive shaft 4110 when the broach sheath is retracted.

[0443] Broaching members 4102 may include free distal ends such as distal end 4104. Broaching members with free distal ends may be supported at their proximal ends near the central axis of broaching head 4100.

[0444] Distal end 4104 may have any suitable shape, such as pointed, forked, rounded, blunt or truncated.

[0445] Broaching members 4102 may be supported proximally by one or more of drive shaft 4110, a proximal hub (not shown), and a broach sheath. The broach sheath may have one or more features in common with broach sheath 127 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0446] Drive shaft 4110 may drive broaching head 4100 in rotation. The rotation may be in direction ω_s. The rotation may be in direction −ω_s. Drive shaft 4110 may extend through the broach sheath (not shown) to a proximal rotation source (not shown).

[0447] Broaching members 4102 may be rotated at high angular speed to break up cancellous bone, such as bone B_CA (shown in FIG. 2). One or both of stiffness of broaching members 4102 and angular speed may be chosen to select a bone density threshold above which broaching members 4102 will have reduced or substantially no effect and below which broaching members 4102 will break up the cancellous bone.

[0448] One or more of broaching members 4102 may include a spiral segment such as 4106. Segment 4106 may be supported by one or more reinforcements such as 4108.

[0449] Segment 4106 may be rigid. Segment 4106 may be resilient. Segment 4106 may have any suitable pre-set curvature. Segment 4106 may include a substantially linear portion (not shown).

[0450] Segment 4106 may include a length of wire, ribbon, cable, stranded wire, or any other suitable form or structure. Segment 4106 may include polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material. Segment 4106 may be constructed of a mesh cut from metal tube.

[0451] Reinforcement 4108 may be a tube. A reinforcement 4108 may be formed from polymer, metal, alloy or any other suitable material. One or more reinforcements such as 4108 may be sized and positioned to support segment 4106 in a desired contour. One or more reinforcements such as 4108 may provide bone-broaching abrasiveness, momentum or both.

[0452] Reinforcement 4108 may be a brace.

[0453] Spiral segment 4112 may “spiral” in the same direction as spiral segment 4106. Spiral segment 4112 may “spiral” in the opposite direction from spiral segment 4106 such that distal tips 4104 and 4114 “face” in opposite circumferential directions.

[0454] Broaching members 4102 may be absent from broaching head 4100. Reinforcements such as 4108 may be present in broaching head 4100 to perform as broaching members.

[0455] FIG. 42 shows illustrative intramedullary tool 4200. Tool 4200 may include handle 4202, elongated support 4204 and probe 4206.

[0456] A practitioner may use handle 4202 to insert probe 4206 into intramedullary space IS of bone B (shown in FIG. 2). Probe 4206 may be used to determine the spatial distribution of cancellous bone B_CA (shown in FIG. 2) in intramedullary space IS. Probe 4206 may be used to apply force to a bone fragment such as fragments P_h and P_a (shown in FIG. 2) to position the bone fragment for provisional reduction of a fracture such as F_h and F_a (shown in FIG. 2). Probe 4206 may be viewed in situ via fluoroscopic imagery or any other suitable type of imagery during operation of tool 4200.

[0457] Probe 4206 may include distal face 4208. Distal face 4208 may be rounded, conical, faceted or any other suitable shape. Probe 4206 may include a wire loop.

[0458] Probe 4206 may include polymer, alloy or any other suitable material.

[0459] Elongated support 4204 may include one or more straight portions such as portion 4208. Elongated support 4204 may include one or more curved portions such as portion 4210. Elongated support 4204 may be shaped such that probe 4206 may be inserted into an angled access hole such as H or I (shown in FIG. 2) and advanced substantially along bone axis LB toward distal end D of bone B (shown in FIG. 2).

[0460] Elongated support 4204 may include one or more rigid sections. Elongated support 4204 may include one or more flexible sections. A flexible section may help probe 4206 negotiate a turn from the angled access hole into the intramedullary space. A flexible section may help probe 4206 deflect away from high density bone, such as high density cancellous bone or cortical bone, during advancement substantially along bone axis L_B (shown in FIG. 2).

[0461] Elongated support 4204 may have one or more solid sections. Elongated support 4204 may have one or more cannulated sections.

[0462] Elongated support 4204 may include polymer, alloy or any other suitable material.

[0463] Thus, apparatus and methods for fracture repair have been provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. The present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.