Periprosthetic bone plate
Inventors
Rakes, Jordan • Watanabe, Kohsuke • Zysk, Adam
Assignees
Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc
Publication Number
US-12357358-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2041-05-17
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Abstract
Periprosthetic bone plates are disclosed including, for example, a periprosthetic distal femur plate. In use, the bone plate is configured for use in periprosthetic fractures. That is, the bone plate includes one or more features to facilitate positioning and securement of the bone plate to a patient's bone that previously received a surgically implanted orthopedic implant such as, for example, an intramedullary nail, a hip prosthesis, a knee prosthesis, etc. In use, the one or more features are designed and configured to facilitate avoidance of the previous surgically implanted orthopedic implant. In addition, the bone plate is configured to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the bone plate against the patient's bone while minimizing soft tissue irritation. In addition, and/or alternatively, the bone plate is configured to provide improved contouring to facilitate better positioning of the bone plate against the patient's bone (e.g., better contouring adjacent patient's greater trochanter).
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed relates to orthopedic bone plates arranged and configured for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures, which are fractures surrounding a patient's bone that previously had a surgically implanted orthopedic device such as an intramedullary nail, hip prosthesis, or knee prosthesis. The bone plate is specifically designed to be used in these challenging scenarios, where interference from the prior implant can complicate positioning and securement of a subsequent bone plate to stabilize the fracture.
The disclosed bone plates include features that provide increased flexibility for surgeons to position and secure the plate adjacent to existing orthopedic implants. This includes variable angled screw holes arranged to avoid interference with previous implants and a contoured profile that facilitates better anatomical positioning. Additionally, the bone plate is designed for easier, percutaneous insertion along the patient's femur, minimizing soft tissue irritation by incorporating features like a tapered proximal end, a concave leading edge, and a chamfer.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims eleven main inventive features centered on a periprosthetic distal femur bone plate, including its structural design and screw hole configurations.
Concave leading edge with chamfer
The periprosthetic distal femur bone plate includes a shaft portion with a proximal end defining a leading edge that has a concave, inwardly arcuate or curved surface, along with a chamfer extending from this leading edge that mimics the concave curvature.
Longitudinal taper facilitating percutaneous insertion
The shaft portion features a longitudinal taper extending from the leading edge to a position spaced approximately 3 inches away, designed to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the bone plate against the patient's femur by reducing thickness towards the leading edge.
Concave bone contacting surface
The lower surface of the bone plate includes a concave bone contacting surface along its longitudinal length arranged to approximate the contours of the patient's femur when implanted.
Combination of locking screws and variable angled fastener openings
The shaft portion includes a plurality of threaded locking screw openings positioned near the central longitudinal axis for locking screws, and variable angled fastener openings positioned along the outer periphery for polyaxial bone fasteners.
Different diameters for locking and variable angled openings
The locking screw openings have a larger diameter than the variable angled fastener openings, allowing the reception of larger locking screws (e.g., 4.5 mm) and smaller variable angled screws (e.g., 3.5 mm).
Distribution of variable angled openings in shaft regions
The shaft portion is divided into first and second regions; variable angled openings in the first region adjacent the head are non-transversely aligned alternating sides, while in the second region adjacent the leading edge, the openings are transversely aligned in rows across both sides of the shaft.
Greater number of variable angled openings in proximal second region
The second region of the shaft portion near the proximal end includes a greater number of variable angled fastener openings than the first region, providing increased options for screw placement around previous implants.
Undercuts coincident with variable angled openings
The lower surface of the shaft includes a plurality of undercuts that coincide with the variable angled openings, allowing clearance for cables beneath the bone plate.
Head portion with locking screw openings only
The head portion of the bone plate includes a plurality of locking screw openings and is completely devoid of any variable angled screw openings.
Detailed taper dimensions and configurations
The longitudinal taper extends from the proximal end with an increased thickness at about 3 inches from the leading edge of approximately 0.225 inches and a reduced thickness at the leading edge of approximately 0.145 inches.
Proximal end designed for contouring and soft tissue protection
The bone plate proximal end's concave leading edge and chamfer facilitate better positioning adjacent to the greater trochanter and minimize soft tissue irritation during insertion.
The claims collectively cover a periprosthetic distal femur bone plate distinguished by a uniquely tapered and contoured proximal end, a combination of locking and variable angled screw holes strategically positioned along the shaft to accommodate previous implants, and surface features to facilitate percutaneous insertion and anatomical contouring, thereby addressing the challenges of securing bone plates near existing orthopedic implants.
Stated Advantages
Provides increased options for securing a bone plate across fractures adjacent to previous surgically implanted orthopedic devices.
Facilitates easier percutaneous insertion of the bone plate along a patient's femur while minimizing soft tissue irritation.
Improves contouring of the bone plate for better positioning against the patient's bone, especially adjacent to the greater trochanter.
Reduces the number of different plate sizes needed in surgical sets due to adaptable hole patterns and plate flexibility.
Documented Applications
Use in stabilizing periprosthetic fractures adjacent to surgically implanted orthopedic implants such as hip or knee replacement prostheses or intramedullary nails.
Percutaneous insertion of bone plates along the femur to minimize soft tissue irritation during fixation.
Fixation of fractures on various bones including femur, tibia, humerus, fibula, ulna, radius, and bones of the foot or hand.
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