Abstract: A bone plate system and method for implanting the bone plate. The bone plate may include a head portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of discrete aperture clusters. Each aperture cluster may include a non-threaded, non-locking bone fastener aperture configured to provide a polyaxial compressive construct and at least one threaded, locking bone fastener aperture. Once aligned with the bone, a first bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the non-threaded apertures in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, compressing the bone along the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the bone plate. A second bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the threaded, locking bone fastener apertures in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis and securing the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A bone plate system and method for implanting the bone plate. The bone plate may include a head portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of discrete aperture clusters. Each aperture cluster may include a non-threaded, non-locking bone fastener aperture configured to provide a polyaxial compressive construct and at least one threaded, locking bone fastener aperture. Once aligned with the bone, a first bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the non-threaded apertures in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, compressing the bone along the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the bone plate. A second bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the threaded, locking bone fastener apertures in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis and securing the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A bone plate system and method for implanting the bone plate. The bone plate may include a head portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of discrete aperture clusters. Each aperture cluster may include a non-threaded, non-locking bone fastener aperture configured to provide a polyaxial compressive construct and at least one threaded, locking bone fastener aperture. Once aligned with the bone, a first bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the non-threaded apertures in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, compressing the bone along the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the bone plate. A second bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the threaded, locking bone fastener apertures in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis and securing the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A plate is provided with feet located laterally of adjacent compression screw holes and absent from about threaded locking holes so as to suspend the plate segment having the threaded locking holes from over the bone. This forces a minimum gap between the threaded holes and the bone, and allows the plate thereat to deflect under loads that can be practically delivered by the locking screws. By allowing the plate to deflect, the threads on the head of the locking screw can be aligned, or timed, with the threads of the threaded plate hole to reduce the required torque to insert the locking screw into the locking hole and the bone.

Abstract: A disposable single indication orthopedic trauma surgical kit has no bone plates other than a single bone plate precountoured and sized to match an anatomic shape of a portion of a bone of a patient's extremity. The single bone plate has a plurality of fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a plurality of fasteners with heads that are dimensioned to mate with the fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a disposable torque driver adapted to engage the fastener heads. The foregoing components are contained in a sterile sealed container.

Abstract: A plate is provided with feet located laterally of adjacent compression screw holes and absent from about threaded locking holes so as to suspend the plate segment having the threaded locking holes from over the bone. This forces a minimum gap between the threaded holes and the bone, and allows the plate thereat to deflect under loads that can be practically delivered by the locking screws. By allowing the plate to deflect, the threads on the head of the locking screw can be aligned, or timed, with the threads of the threaded plate hole to reduce the required torque to insert the locking screw into the locking hole and the bone.

Abstract: A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided for assembling screw and washer assembled units.

Abstract: A bone plate system and method for implanting the bone plate. The bone plate may include a head portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of discrete aperture clusters. Each aperture cluster may include a non-threaded, non-locking bone fastener aperture configured to provide a polyaxial compressive construct and at least one threaded, locking bone fastener aperture. Once aligned with the bone, a first bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the non-threaded apertures in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, compressing the bone along the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the bone plate. A second bone fastener is inserted into the bone through at least one of the threaded, locking bone fastener apertures in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis and securing the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A disposable single indication orthopedic trauma surgical kit has no bone plates other than a single bone plate precountoured and sized to match an anatomic shape of a portion of a bone of a patient's extremity. The single bone plate has a plurality of fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a plurality of fasteners with heads that are dimensioned to mate with the fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a disposable torque driver adapted to engage the fastener heads. The foregoing components are contained in a sterile sealed container.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.

Abstract: A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided for assembling screw and washer assembled units.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone includes a bone plate with threaded holes and two types of guides threadedly connected within the threaded holes. One guide is taller and smaller in diameter, whereas the other guide is shorter and wider in diameter. The guides provide guidance for drilling a hole through the guide and screw hole, and optional bending of the plate at the guide. The guides have structure allowing the guides to be individually removed through rotation.

Abstract: A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of an elbow joint of a patient includes at least one bone plate, each bone plate having a plurality of holes and generally configured to fit an anatomical surface of the fractured bone. The at least one plate is adapted to be customized to the shape of a patient's bone. The system also includes a plurality of fasteners including at least one locking fastener for attaching the bone plate to the bone. At least one of the holes is a threaded hole. Guides for plate benders, drills, and/or K-wires can be pre-assembled to the threaded holes, and the locking fastener can lock into any of the threaded holes after the guides are removed.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of an elbow joint of a patient includes at least one bone plate, each bone plate having a plurality of holes and generally configured to fit an anatomical surface of the fractured bone. The at least one plate is adapted to be customized to the shape of a patient's bone. The system also includes a plurality of fasteners including at least one locking fastener for attaching the bone plate to the bone. At least one of the holes is a threaded hole. Guides for plate benders, drills, and/or K-wires can be pre-assembled to the threaded holes, and the locking fastener can lock into any of the threaded holes after the guides are removed.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.

Abstract: A pair of plate benders are provided for bending a bone plate. Each bender includes a lever arm having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a fulcrum for placement on the upper surface of the plate, and a foot insertable through the oblong screw hole to contact the lower surface of the plate. The second end includes a cut-out with a central divider. The cut-out has a length dimensioned to extend widthwise about the plate at the location of the oblong screw hole with the divider extending into the oblong screw hole for stability. The second end may also be provided with a deep slot that accommodates the thickness of the plate. In use, plate benders with such structure can be used in pairs to longitudinal bend the plate; bend the plate in plane; or twist the plate along its axis.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one fragment plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one fragment plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and fragment plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.

Abstract: A polyaxial locking screw system includes a bone plate defining a plate hole with an inner spherical surface and a relatively harder split polyaxial bushing with a outer spherical surface provided within the plate hole for receiving a bone screw. In one embodiment, the plate is formed from titanium alloy, while the bushing is formed from a cobalt chrome alloy. The outer surface of the polyaxial bushing includes a plurality of spikes. When the screw is inserted into the bushing, since the bushing material is considerably harder than the plate material, the forceful expansion of the bushing during screw insertion causes the spikes to penetrate into the inner spherical surface of the hole, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing to the plate to lock the screw at a desired angle.