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Flexible nail removal from stabilized fractures

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We are tasked with designing a tool for the efficient access and removal of flexible nails.

Project Overview

Flexible intramedullary nails have been utilized in bone fractures since the 1930s and continue to prove to be advantageous to aid the healing of long bones in children and adults[1,2]. The flexible nails are inserted into the metaphysis of the damaged bone and bent to stabilize the fracture [2]. Once the bone has healed, flexible nail removal is a difficult task with no firmly established method. The current methods for removal involve using different grasping devices such as pliers, that require a larger incision site for nail removal than for nail insertion [1]. The device will be used to efficiently access the flexible nail and bend it out of the bone so that it may be grasped and removed with a minimally-sized incision and with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

[1] S. T. Ferry and L. E. Dahners, “Flexible intramedullary nail removal using a broken screw removal set,” Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 351–353, 2006.

[2] M. Barry and J. M. Paterson, “Flexible intramedullary nails for fractures in children,” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, vol. 86-B, no. 7, pp. 947–953, Sep. 2004

Team Picture

Top (Left to Right): Francisco O'Neill Rodriguez, Chase Hansen, Josephine Hall; Bottom (Left to Right): Mary Laudon, Lucas Pinkerton
Top (Left to Right): Francisco O'Neill Rodriguez, Chase Hansen, Josephine Hall; Bottom (Left to Right): Mary Laudon, Lucas Pinkerton

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Lucas Pinkerton - Co-Team Leader
  • Mary Laudon - Co-Team Leader & BPAG
  • Chase Hansen - Communicator
  • Francisco O'Neill Rodriguez - BSAC
  • Josephine Hall - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Colleen Witzenburg - Advisor
  • Dr. Ken Noonan - Client

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