Abstract: The insertion tool and pusher system of the present invention includes a bone screw having a head and a shaft. An annular washer is adapted to be mounted on the bone screw shaft. An insertion tool having a longitudinally extending shaft with an axial bore therethrough is provided for receiving the bone screw. The shaft has a first end with a washer retention surface surrounding the insertion tool cannulated shaft bore. The washer is held on the retention surface which positions the washer to receive the bone screw shaft. Pin-like spring elements are used to hold the washer in position. A plate is mounted on an outer surface at the first end of the inserter shaft, the plate having a bone contacting surface.

Abstract: A bone plate has a first frame portion with a plurality of apertures. The apertures may have central axes angled with respect to a bone contacting surface adjacent thereto at an angle of other than 90°. The plate has a second plate portion comprising a plurality of apertures therethrough and has a first end connected to the first plate portion. The plate has a third plate portion having first and second ends respectively connected to a second end of the second plate portion and to the first plate portion at a point thereon closer to a center of the first plate portion than the first end of the second plate portion to the first plate portion. The first, second and third plate portions having an arcuate shape capable of conforming to an arcuate bone surface, the bone contacting surface forming a concave portion of the arcuate shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of fusing fractures of a femoral neck using a bone plate including the steps of: placing a bone plate on the femur; inserting an assembly of a bone screw and a locking ring in an opening in the plate; simultaneously threading the locking ring and the bone screw in the femur; threading the bone screw in the femur to compress the fracture; creating a space between the locking ring and the bone screw; and allowing the bone screw to move towards the locking ring when the femur is loaded. In another embodiment, the present invention is a bone plating system including a bone plate having a plurality of openings; at least one bone screw capable of being received through the opening and into a bone; at least one end cap fixedly insertable in the opening; and a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head.

Abstract: A bone plate having a plurality of openings for receiving a compression bone screw or a cortical screw. An end cap, threadably insertable in the opening and having a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head such that the compression of the polymeric material would allow slight axial movement of the screw. Alternatively, a locking ring adapted to attach to the head of the screw and having shape complimentary to the features formed on the head. The locking ring and the bone screw being assembled together and being insertable in the bone simultaneously using a dedicated instrument. Compression may be applied to a bone fracture by turning the bone screw alone after the locking ring has reached its final axial position.

Abstract: The insertion tool and pusher system of the present invention includes a bone screw having a head and a shaft. An annular washer is adapted to be mounted on the bone screw shaft. An insertion tool having a longitudinally extending shaft with an axial bore therethrough is provided for receiving the bone screw. The shaft has a first end with a washer retention surface surrounding the insertion tool cannulated shaft bore. The washer is held on the retention surface which positions the washer to receive the bone screw shaft. Pin-like spring elements are used to hold the washer in position. A plate is mounted on an outer surface at the first end of the inserter shaft, the plate having a bone contacting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pelvic or scapular bone plate implant having a planar or curved outer frame portion. The frame has a surface which can be aligned with a surface of a bone to which the bone plate is to be implanted. The plate has a flap portion, the outer frame portion at least partially surrounds the flap portion such that the bone contacting surface the flap portion is located within the outer boundary of the frame portion. The flap portion is connected with the outer frame portion via a material interconnection which allows the flap to be bent with respect to the frame. A method for implanting such a bone plate implant is also taught.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pelvic or scapular bone plate implant having a planar or curved outer frame portion. The frame has a surface which can be aligned with a surface of a bone to which the bone plate is to be implanted. The plate has a flap portion, the outer frame portion at least partially surrounds the flap portion such that the bone contacting surface the flap portion is located within the outer boundary of the frame portion. The flap portion is connected with the outer frame portion via a material interconnection which allows the flap to be bent with respect to the frame. A method for implanting such a bone plate implant is also taught.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: A bone plate having a plurality of openings for receiving a compression bone screw or a cortical screw. An end cap, threadably insertable in the opening and having a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head such that the compression of the polymeric material would allow slight axial movement of the screw. Alternatively, a locking ring adapted to attach to the head of the screw and having shape complimentary to the features formed on the head. The locking ring and the bone screw being assembled together and being insertable in the bone simultaneously using a dedicated instrument. Compression may be applied to a bone fracture by turning the bone screw alone after the locking ring has reached its final axial position.