Method and apparatus for use of a compressing plate
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9408647-B2
Publication Date
2016-08-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
An orthopedic bone plate constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from an open shape to a compressed shape and create compression on two bones or bone fragments to encourage healing. The plate may be any number of shapes, with two or more screws anchoring the plate to bone. The plate is affixed to bone in a sequence of steps that involve first placing the plate on an insertion tool, attaching drill guide tubes, placing the plate over bone, drill holes in bone, and then attaching the plate to the bone via screws. The insertion tool can then be removed at the surgeon's convenience allowing compression on the two bones.
Core Innovation
An orthopedic fixation system uses a shape-memory compressing bone plate to compress a bone fusion interface between a first bone and a second bone. The plate includes a first end portion defining a first screw hole, a second end portion defining a second screw hole, and first and second arms disposed between the end portions. The first end portion, second end portion, and the arms define a central opening, and the arms expand to configure the plate in an open shape and contract to configure the plate in a compressed shape.
An insertion tool is used to locate and retain the plate while the plate is affixed with screws to the first bone and the second bone. The insertion tool includes a platform having a first guide hole that aligns with the first screw hole and a second guide hole that aligns with the second screw hole when the plate is in its open shape. A retention spacer adjacent the platform is adapted for insertion into the central opening when the plate is in its open shape so that the retention spacer abuts the first and second end portions and retains the plate in its open shape.
After affixation, release or decoupling from the insertion tool allows the plate to move from its open shape to its compressed shape, thereby compressing the first bone with the second bone. The system further includes alignment features for affixing, including drill guide tubes and locating pins that create pilot holes and position the plate for screw placement. The document also notes optional sterile packaging in which the plate and guide tubes are held so the plate remains in its open shape while on the insertion tool.
Claims Coverage
The document contains three independent claims. The coverage centers on a plate configurable between an open shape and a compressed shape using expandable and contractible arms, and an insertion tool with a platform and retention spacer that maintains alignment while affixing bones with screws before allowing contraction to compress the bone fusion interface.
Expandable and contractible compressing plate with central opening
A plate having first and second end portions defining a first screw hole and a second screw hole, and first and second arms disposed between the end portions, wherein the end portions and arms define a central opening, and wherein the arms expand to configure the plate in an open shape and contract to configure the plate in a compressed shape.
Insertion tool with platform guide holes and retention spacer
An insertion tool including a platform with a first guide hole aligning with the first screw hole and a second guide hole aligning with the second screw hole when the plate is in its open shape, and a retention spacer adjacent the platform adapted for insertion into the central opening when the plate is in its open shape such that the retention spacer abuts the first and second end portions to retain the plate in its open shape.
Release after affixation to compress bones
Release of the plate from the insertion tool after affixation of the plate with the first bone and the second bone allows the plate to move from its open shape to its compressed shape, thereby compressing the first bone with the second bone.
Method retention of open-shape plate using spacer alignment
Providing a plate configurable between open shape and compressed shape; providing an insertion tool having a platform with a first guide hole and a second guide hole and a retention spacer adjacent the platform; moving the plate from its compressed shape to its open shape; inserting the retention spacer into the central opening so the spacer abuts the first and second end portions to retain the plate in its open shape; and aligning the first guide hole with the first screw hole and the second guide hole with the second screw hole.
Method steps to retain an open-shape plate and affix with screws
Providing a plate having first and second arms configurable between an open shape and a compressed shape; providing an insertion tool having a platform with first and second guide holes and a retention spacer; moving the plate from its compressed shape to its open shape; inserting the retention spacer into the plate central opening so the spacer abuts the first and second end portions to retain the plate in its open shape while the first guide hole aligns with the first screw hole and the second guide hole aligns with the second screw hole; engaging drill guide tubes with the screw holes; placing the plate onto first and second bones; inserting locating pins to drill pilot holes; removing locating pins and drill guide tubes; inserting first and second screws through the plate screw holes into the bones; removing a second guide tube and locating pin; and decoupling the insertion tool from the plate such that the plate moves to its compressed shape.
Across the independent claims, the coverage focuses on a plate that can be expanded into an open shape and contracted into a compressed shape, an insertion tool that maintains open-shape retention and alignment via platform guide holes and a retention spacer inserted into the central opening, and a release or decoupling action after screw affixation that permits the plate to contract and compress the first and second bones.
Stated Advantages
Compresses the first bone with the second bone by moving the plate from its open shape to its compressed shape after affixation.
Documented Applications
Orthopedic fixation using a shape-memory compressing bone plate to generate compression between a first bone and a second bone at a bone fusion interface.
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