Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates
Inventors
Austin, Gene Edward • Harmon, Jon A. • Petteys, Timothy J. • Russell, Thomas A. • Tornetta, Paul • Ricci, William M.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12343053-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
2026-07-25
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Abstract
Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.
Core Innovation
Certain embodiments of the invention provide bone plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced bone contouring. These plates are designed to more closely conform to bone anatomy and can achieve buttressing effects or reinforcement modes. They allow locking fasteners to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the plate, unlike traditional locking screws which are unidirectional.
The problem being solved is that existing bone plating systems limit a surgeon’s ability to both lock a fastener to the plate and vary the fastener’s angle. Traditional locking screws fix the angle rigidly but only along a single predetermined direction, while non-locking screws allow angle variation but do not provide stable fixation with the plate. Existing systems that offer polyaxial options are either cumbersome, only partially locking with risk of distortion under load, or incompatible with non-locking screws and fail to provide the desired stability and flexibility.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include three independent claims focusing on a polyaxial bone fixation system and orthopedic implant system with specific opening and fastener structures. The claims cover inventive features related to the structural design of plate openings with fins that secure fasteners at varied angles and deformably engage threaded fastener heads.
Polyaxial opening with non-circumferential fins
The opening in the bone plate includes multiple non-circumferential fins with base portions aligned in a plane and tip portions configured to move independently toward the upper or lower surface of the plate to secure the fastener at any angle among multiple angles.
Fins adapted to interlock with threaded fastener heads
The fins are concavely indented and inwardly protruding, adapted to interlock with threads on the fastener head to secure angular position of the fastener relative to the plate.
Deformable and deflectable fins engaging fastener threads
The fins are arranged to deflect or deform so that each fin is positioned between the threads of the fastener upon insertion, providing rigid locking at varying angles through fin deformation in the plate opening.
Orthopedic implant opening with jagged circumference due to fins
The opening features a round circumference at one surface and a jagged circumference at the opposing surface formed by protruding fins, providing a unique structure facilitating polyaxial locking and deformation-based engagement with fastener threads.
Fastener with non-circumferential fins engaging threaded plate openings
An orthopedic implant system includes fasteners whose heads possess fins arranged to move independently for interlocking with threads inside threaded openings in the implant, allowing secure fixation at varied angles without additional components.
The independent claims define a polyaxial bone fixation system and orthopedic implant system that achieve secure locking of fasteners at variable angles by uniquely shaped deformable fins within the plate openings and fastener heads, enabling stable angular fixation through deformable engagement of threaded components.
Stated Advantages
Combination of polyaxial fixation with a thinner, low-profile plate design that closely conforms to bone anatomy.
Enhanced options for surgeons to secure fragments at variable angles while maintaining stable, rigid fixation.
Ability to achieve a buttressing effect by compressing mid-portions of the plate against bone, aiding fracture stabilization.
Increased intraoperative flexibility without requiring additional implants or steps for locking screws at multiple angles.
Low profile and contoured plates minimize soft tissue irritation and promote fracture healing in periarticular and non-weight bearing fractures.
Documented Applications
Treatment of periarticular fractures and non-full body weight bearing fractures including fractures of the tibia, fibula, metatarsals, calcaneous, ankle and foot bones, humerus, radius, ulna, spine, and maxillofacial bones.
Use in partial articular fractures, especially AO/OTA classification type B fractures, including distal and proximal tibia fractures.
Application with fractures that require buttressing effect or reinforcement mode fixation in metaphyseal areas with enhanced plate contouring.
Incorporation in plates designed for bones such as lateral distal fibula, posterolateral distal fibula, lateral proximal tibia, posteromedial proximal tibia, medial distal tibia, anterior distal tibia, posterior distal tibia, and tubular plates for various smaller bones.
Use in conjunction with intramedullary nails, external fixators, or other devices where the plate stabilizes fragments and assists fracture healing rather than full load-bearing.
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