Method and apparatus for use of a compressing plate
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9924987-B2
Publication Date
2018-03-27
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
The invention relates to a fixation system having a plate with a first end portion defining a first screw hole and a second end portion defining a second screw hole, and at least one arm disposed between the first and second end portions. The at least one arm is movable to configure the plate between a first shape and a second shape, including an open shape and a compressed shape.
An insertion tool is provided with a platform including a first guide hole and a second guide hole that align with the first screw hole and the second screw hole when the plate is in its first shape. A retention spacer adjacent the platform inserts between the first and second end portions of the plate when the plate is in its first shape and abuts the first and second end portions to retain the plate in its first shape.
In further embodiments, the fixation system includes a first guide tube and a second guide tube configured to pass through corresponding guide holes of the platform and engage corresponding screw holes of the plate. Locating pins pass through the guide tubes to create pilot holes in first and second bones, with depth marks indicating depth of insertion and retaining the plate at each bone.
After affixation, components of the insertion tool are removed so the plate transitions from the first shape to the second shape to provide compression across a bone fusion interface.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive features focus on a movable-arm plate configured between two shapes, an insertion tool with guide-hole alignment, and a retention spacer that retains the plate in the first shape while alignment is established.
Movable-arm plate between first shape and second shape
A plate including a first end portion defining a first screw hole, a second end portion defining a second screw hole, and at least one arm disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein the at least one arm is movable to configure the plate between a first shape and a second shape.
Insertion tool with platform guide-hole alignment
An insertion tool including a platform including 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 first shape.
Retention spacer retains plate in first shape
A retention spacer adjacent the platform, wherein the retention spacer inserts between the first and second end portions of the plate when the plate is in its first shape and abuts the first and second end portions such that the retention spacer retains the plate in its first shape.
Open shape versus compressed shape using arms
First and second arms disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein the first and second arms are movable to configure the plate between a first shape and a second shape.
Method transitioning plate from second shape to first shape with retention
Providing a plate and an insertion tool, moving the plate from its second shape to its first shape, and inserting the retention spacer between the first and second end portions such that the retention spacer abuts the first and second end portions to retain the plate in its first shape, with the first guide hole aligning with the first screw hole and the second guide hole aligning with the second screw hole.
The claim coverage centers on maintaining plate alignment using platform guide holes, holding the plate in a first shape using a retention spacer that abuts the end portions, and configuring the plate between first and second shapes via movable arms. The method claim further specifies moving the plate from the second shape to the first shape while inserting the retention spacer under aligned guide-hole conditions.
Stated Advantages
Provides compression across a bone fusion interface after transition from the first shape to the second shape.
Documented Applications
Compression at a bone fusion interface using an orthopedic fixation system having a shape-memory plate.
Interested in licensing this patent?