System and method for locating of distal holes of an intramedullary nail

摘要

The present invention relates to alignment systems and methods for detecting a distal hole of an intramedullary nail. A jig is attached to the proximal end of the nail and also mounted on the bone. The jig has an adjustable positioning head that includes a drill axis hole along with an alignment pin. The alignment pin includes reference marks that are visible in X-ray images and helps to align the positioning head drill axis with the distal hole of the intramedullary nail. A light source is insertable into the nail in order to shine light out of the distal hole to illuminate a spot on the bone surface as an alignment aid. Viewing optics are mountable on the positioning head for viewing the illuminated spot created by the light source in the intramedullary nail.