Monobloc Flexible Reamer System
Michael Blauth, Hiroaki Minehara
Fig 1 Monobloc Flexible Reamer System. Monobloc Flexible Reamers: Innovation from the AOTK Intramedullary Nailing Expert Group
The AOTK is proud to announce the recent approval of the Monobloc Flexible Reamer System (Fig 1). Originally designed in response to a clinical need for reaming in the humeral shaft, this monobloc system has been engineered to facilitate reaming procedures prior to nail insertion and provides an extension to the existing Flexible Reamer Systems. The flexible shafts and deeply fluted reamer heads (Fig 2) function to reduce intramedullary pressure and increase the flow of bone debris and marrow during reaming.
Currently available in 0.5 mm increments and in 10 reamer diameters between 6.0 mm and 10.5 mm, there are potential plans to expand the range to include larger diameters. Each flexible shaft has a front-cutting head and is constructed from a single piece of laser-cut stainless steel (Fig 3). As with all other reamer systems, the monobloc flexible reamers are compatible with the 2.5 mm ball tipped reaming rod.
The reamers have been an ongoing project within the Intramedullary Nailing Expert Group (INEG) for a number of years. The system has been thoroughly tested during prototype anatomical specimen labs with AOTKs primary industrial partner (Fig 4).
Design
The flexible shafts and deeply fluted reamer heads (Fig 2) function to reduce intramedullary pressure and increase the flow of bone debris and marrow during reaming.
Currently available in 0.5 mm increments and in 10 reamer diameters between 6.0 mm and 10.5 mm, there are potential plans to expand the range to include larger diameters. Each flexible shaft has a front-cutting head and is constructed from a single piece of laser-cut stainless steel (Fig 3). As with all other reamer systems, the monobloc flexible reamers are compatible with the 2.5 mm ball tipped reaming rod.
The reamers have been an ongoing project within the Intramedullary Nailing Expert Group (INEG) for a number of years. The system has been thoroughly tested during prototype anatomical specimen labs with AOTKs primary industrial partner (Fig 4).
Fig 2 The system features flexible shafts and deeply fluted reamer heads. 
Fig 3 Shafts are made of laser-cut stainless steel. 
Fig 4a-c X-ray images of the reamers being tested in a humerus during an INEG prototype lab. Humeral reaming from distal approaches (a-b). Image of the ball tipped reaming rod and reamer in situ at the proximal humerus (c). 
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