Modular intramedullary nail

Claim 1

A modular intramedullary nail, comprising: a) a proximal nail component; b) a distal nail component; c) a central nail component having proximal and distal end portions that are respectively connected during use to the proximal and distal nail components to define therewith upon assembly a modular intramedullary nail unit having a generally smooth continuous outer surface of generally uniform outer diameter and that is free of sharp curves, enabling the assembled nail unit to be surgically inserted into a patient's intramedullary canal; d) connecting portions for securing the proximal and distal nail components to the respective proximal and distal end portions of the central nail component, the connecting portions including corresponding male and female conical connector sections, the conical connector sections being tapered at about the same angle so they can be fitted and secured together; e) the connecting portions including self orienting interlocking portions on the proximal and distal nail components adjacent the conical sections for resisting relative rotational movement between the components; f) said interlocking portions comprising at least in part a plurality of flat surfaces carried by the male conical connector section and a correspondingly shaped plurality of flat surfaces carried by the female connector section; and wherein the central nail component is much larger than either of the proximal or distal nail components.