Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the profile of a bone fixation plate while, preventing backing out of screws is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one section of relief and sections of engagement. The plate has at least two openings though which two screws can pass through bony tissue. As the screw is tightened, it will begin to lag the plate to the bone. When the screw head interferes with the plate at the interference point, there is a slight resistance that insertion forces can overcome. When the screw is advanced further, it snaps into the sliding fit area and is allowed to move freely. The forces that cause the screw to back out from the plate are preferably not strong enough to pass the screw head back past the interference section. It may be desirable to include a set screw to help prevent backout.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a central longitudinal axis, at least one fixation hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces and comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is disposed in at least a portion of the undercut, with the at least one clip having a pair of generally parallel sides and an end tab. At least one fastener is provided and comprises a head and a threaded shaft, with the head comprising a perimetral groove extending around at least a portion thereof and an instrument receiving portion. The at least one clip is configured and dimensioned to seat in the undercut with the end tab extending within the passage, and the at least one fastener is configured and dimensioned to be received in the at least one fixation hole and securable therein when the at least one clip abuts the perimetral groove of the head.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a central longitudinal axis, at least one fixation hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces and comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is disposed in at least a portion of the undercut, with the at least one clip having a pair of generally parallel sides and an end tab. At least one fastener is provided and comprises a head and a threaded shaft, with the head comprising a perimetral groove extending around at least a portion thereof and an instrument receiving portion. The at least one clip is configured and dimensioned to seat in the undercut with the end tab extending within the passage, and the at least one fastener is configured and dimensioned to be received in the at least one fixation hole and securable therein when the at least one clip abuts the perimetral groove of the head.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate comprising at least one fixation hole comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is disposed in at least a portion of the undercut, with the at least one clip having a pair of generally parallel sides and an end tab. At least one fastener is provided and comprises a head and a threaded shaft, with the head comprising a perimetral groove extending around at least a portion thereof and an instrument receiving portion. The at least one clip is configured and dimensioned to seat in the undercut with the end tab extending within the passage, and the at least one fastener is configured and dimensioned to be received in the at least one fixation hole and securable therein when the at least one clip abuts the perimetral groove of the head.

Abstract: A bone fixation system including a bone plate and surgical drill guide is provided. The drill guide assembly includes one or more alignment drill tubes that are remotely aligned with corresponding fastener holes in the bone plate, and a plate holder to engage a hole in the bone plate. The surgical drill guide is releasably lockable to the plate holder.

Abstract: A surgical drill-guide assembly can be releasably attached to a part of a bone-fixation system, for example, a plate. The surgical drill-guide assembly is used for example, to guide a drill, screw, bone fastener, or other instrument or fastener into bone.