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Flexible to rigid long bone intramedullary nail

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The team has been tasked with the creation of a flexible intramedullary nail, allowing surgeons to position the nail more effectively upon implantation.

Project Overview

The client, Dr. Jeffery Henstenburg, from the Orthopedic Surgery department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has requested the creation of a flexible intramedullary nail, allowing surgeons to position the nail more effectively upon implantation. Intramedullary nails are used in surgical intervention when treating diaphyseal fractures of long bones. Traditionally, intramedullary nails are rigid rods made from stainless steel or a titanium alloy with material properties meant to mimic that of cortical bone. While this method offers strong mechanical fixation, it increases the risk of various complications such as inoperative fractures, malreduction, or anterior cortical penetration. In children, flexible nails are used to accommodate their growing bones and growth plates, allowing for continued development. While these nails provide stabilization by relying on elastic support, they are unable to support complete weight-bearing loads. The designed device must be flexible upon insertion then become rigid inside the bone, offering a stable, weight-bearing alternative for patients.

Team Picture

From Left to Right: Brandon Drew, Roy Ram Klein, Logan Nicoll, Kai McClellan, Jackson Jarrett
From Left to Right: Brandon Drew, Roy Ram Klein, Logan Nicoll, Kai McClellan, Jackson Jarrett

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