Abstract: A vertebral implant is provided that includes a distraction member having a first end configured to pivotally couple to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second end configured to mate with a base member configured to couple to a second cut portion of the vertebra. The distraction member can move relative to the base member to create a force effective to adjust a distance between the first and second cut portions of the vertebra.

Abstract: An occipital plate for use in an occipito-cervico-thoracic (OCT) construct is mounted to a patient's occipital bone. The occipital plate includes an elongate central section aligned with a midline of the base and a pair of angled sections that project away from the central section and include attachment assemblies for securing a rod to the occipital plate. The attachment assemblies have multi-adjustability features. At least a portion of the attachment assemblies is rotatable with respect to the base so that the rods may be coupled to the occipital plate at a variety of angles with respect to the midline. The angular adjustability may accommodate any misalignments in the rods. Additionally, the position of the attachment assemblies relative to the midline of the occipital plate is adjustable to thereby provide for medial-lateral adjustability when attaching the rods to the occipital plate as part of the OCT construct.

Abstract: In some embodiments, provided is an apparatus including a first elongated member, the first elongated member including a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the first elongated member is coupled to a first bone portion during use. The apparatus further includes a second elongated member including a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the second elongated member is coupled to a second bone portion during use. The proximal end of the second elongated member comprises a surface that is shaped complementary to a surface of the proximal end of the first elongated member. The apparatus still further includes a locking mechanism coupling the proximal end of the first elongated member to the proximal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A bone plate mounted on a bone. The bone plate has at least one opening for receiving a flush mounted cam. A through-bore passes from a side surface to opposing side surface of the bone plate. The through-bore has a diameter sized to allow insertion of a cable. A portion of the through-bore intersects with a peripheral portion of the opening. A second opening also passes from the side surface to opposing side surface. A cable may be inserted in the second opening, wrapped around the bone and its free end inserted in the through-bore. The cable may be tightened around the bone. The flush mounted cam can be rotated in place. Rotation of the cam results in the cam surface squeezing the cable between concave cam surface and walls of the opening, thereby locking the cable in the tightened state.

Abstract: A vertebral fixation plate assembly for insertion into the resection site between two vertebrae of a patients vertebral column and fixation to front or lateral side of the two adjacent vertebral bodies above and below the resection site by means of surgical implantation is disclosed to include a fixation plate that has a plurality of round holes and elongated holes and an opening on the middle, a plurality of bone screws respectively inserted through the round holes and elongated holes for fastening the fixation plate to the patient's vertebral column, and a cage affixed to the opening on the fixation plate and holding holes cut through the periphery for bone fusion and grow. The cage is linked to a vertebral spacer for artificial vertebrae by means of bone fusion to prevent vertebral sinking or slipping of the vertebral spacer and to improve bone fusion efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spine stabilization system and method for stabilizing the spine. In particular, the present invention is directed to a spinal stabilization system having an occipital plate configured with a central portion and at least two extension portions extending from the central portion. At least two rod receivers are positioned on each one of the at least two extension portions and the at least two rod receivers are adapted and configured to receive at least two elongated rods. At least two locking assemblies are adapted and configured to retain the at least two elongated rods within the at least two rod receivers. The occipital plate further includes a plurality of holes for receiving bone fasteners and includes a slot for receiving each one of the at least two rod receivers, and the rod receivers being capable of translating and rotating within the slots.

Abstract: In a sternum closure device for fixing two sternum portions to be connected to one another, comprising an inner contact element for abutment on the inner surface of the sternum, at least one clamping element fixed to this contact element and projecting transversely from it and at least one outer contact element for abutment on the outer side of the sternum which can be clamped against the inner contact element by means of the clamping element guided through the intermediate space between the sternum portions, it is suggested in order to hinder the separation of the sternum as little as possible during any renewed operation that the inner contact element consist of two parts which are separate from one another and each of which is designed to abut on one of the two sternum portions and that connecting means be provided for the releasable connection of the two parts arranged next to one another.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A bone plate for treating clavicle fractures. The bone plate may include an elongated body having one or more curved portions that roughly conform to the surface and/or anatomical curvature of the clavicle. One or more openings may be provided for receiving an anchoring member, such as a bone screw, for fastening at least a portion of the bone plate onto the clavicle. The bone plate may provide at least one rail member extending along a portion of the body of the bone plate. The bone plate, when affixed to the clavicle, permits the rail member to rest upon the outer surface of the clavicle, thus providing an area defining a cavity formed between an outer surface of the clavicle and a bottom surface of the body of the bone plate, and thus allowing blood to circulate against and around the clavicle.

Abstract: Bone treatment plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprise spring structures assembled to bone treatment plates. The spring structure comprises elongate bands, and springs between the bands, urging the bands against structure of the plate. Spring width is less than spring height and/or one or more protuberances extending from the band or bands cooperate with one or more detents in the plate thereby to arrest longitudinal movement of the spring structure with respect to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a clavicle. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and wither one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate for use in repair of a fibula. The plate has a Y-shaped profile which has the contour of a spoon where the bowl includes a terminal pair of arms that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other, but do not impinge so as to provide-multiplanar fixation.

Abstract: Template systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in conjunction with corresponding spinal fusion plates. Preferred templates are slotted to allow for use with distractor pins and a distractor. Additionally preferred templates include windows to allow the operating surgeon to have more visibility of the intervertebral area, including the graft. After the appropriate sized template has been placed against the targeted vertebrae, holding pins can be placed into the vertebral bodies to help guide the fusion plate and to compress the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A bone fixation device bone fixation device includes a first construct comprising a plurality of first flexible plates configured to bend when a first threshold force is applied to the first construct and the plurality of first flexible plates are in an unlocked relationship and a second construct including a plurality of second flexible plates. The plurality of second flexible plates are configured to bend when a second threshold force is applied to said second construct and the plurality of second flexible plates are in an unlocked relationship. The device also includes a first locking member configured to compress first flexible plates and second flexible plates together and into a locked relationship, wherein the first threshold force applied to the first construct and the second threshold force applied to the second construct is insufficient to bend the first flexible plates and second flexible plates in the locked relationship.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.

Abstract: A system for fixation of bone, including a bone plate with an opening comprising threads made of a first material and a fastener with a head at least partially comprising a polymeric material that is softer than the first material. In some embodiments, when the fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the polymeric material on the head of the fastener and secure the fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening. The first opening additionally accepts a fastener with a substantially spherical head for compression of a fracture, or a fastener with a threaded head that engages with the threads of the threaded opening. In some embodiments the first opening includes a substantially frustoconical-shaped top portion. In other embodiments there may be a second opening that is either non-threaded or comprises a plurality of protruding fins.

Abstract: Laminoplasty plates are engageable to at least one portion of a divided lamina to maintain a desired spacing relative to the spinal canal. The laminoplasty plates include a spacer portion having a first end and a second end that spans a gap formed by at least one of a divided lamina portion. The laminoplasty plates can include a lamina engagement portion at one end for engagement with the divided lamina portion.

Abstract: An anterior transpedicular bone fixation device (100) includes a first plate (105) having at least one fastener hole (120a) configured to receive at least a portion of a first bone fastener and a first rotatable eccentric member (112). The first eccentric member has a first aperture (106) for receiving at least a portion of a central fastener (108). A second plate (110) has at least one fastener hole (120c) configured to receive at least a portion of a second bone fastener and a second rotatable eccentric member (114) with a second aperture (107) for receiving at least a portion of the central fastener, wherein the first and second rotatable eccentric members enable the first plate and second plate to translation with respect to one another. The orientation of the first plate with respect to the second plate can be fixed by advancing the central fastener through the apertures.

Abstract: An implantable bone plate for use with a plurality of attachment screws for treating a fracture of a bone in a mammalian body is provided. The implantable bone plate includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and having substantially parallel outer and inner surfaces. A plurality of holes is spaced longitudinally along the elongate body and extended between the first and second surfaces. The plurality of holes is adapted to receive the plurality of attachment screws. The inner surface of the elongate body is provided with at least one recess for receiving an eluting material that treats the mammalian body after implantation of the elongate body in the mammalian body. Additionally, the elongate body is provided with at least one access hole extending through the outer surface to the at least one recess for permitting introduction of the eluting material into the at least one recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape including a central trunk portion including one or more screw holes along a longitudinal axis and a set of divergent upper and an oppositely extending set of divergent lower arms, each arm including screw holes which are placed at a radially equal distance but which diverging asymmetrically from the longitudinal axis relative to its paired upper or lower mate. The screws of the system are self-starting, self-tapping screws including the option of partial or full cannulation.

Abstract: A bone plate is described which is adapted for use in situ to fix a spatial relationship of at least two bone parts. The bone plate has at least one pair of the bone screw apertures that are adjoined by a relief-space contiguous with the open space of the screw apertures themselves. An adjoined aperture pair forms a complex aperture and has a center-to-center distance d of the apertures along an axis running through the centers of the apertures. The center-to-center distance d is equal to or greater than the sum of the radii (r1+r2) of the heads of the individual bone screw used with the aperture pair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopaedic implant, such as a bone plate, for the fixation of bone where the implant also has at least one microchip and at least one sensor connected to the microchip. The sensor or sensors are configured to receive physical stimulus from a portion of the implant or the patient's tissue such as temperature, pressure, and strain. The information received from the sensor or sensors is gathered by the microchip and transmitted to a receiver, such as a personal computer, outside the patient. This information enables doctors to diagnose the useful life of the implant, the load sharing of the bone plate, and possible complications typically associated with orthopaedic implants such as infection, fracture non-union, and fatigue. The implant may also have one or more electrodes located on its surface which emit an electric current to stimulate healing of the broken or fractured bone.

Abstract: In the field of canine humeral osteotomy, an osteotomy plate including a proximal plate portion lying substantially in a first plane for application to the humerus. The proximal plate portion has a bottom surface adapted for application to the surface of the humerus, and the proximal plate portion has at least one overlapping hole formed therein. The osteotomy plate also includes a distal plate portion lying substantially in a second plane for application to the humerus. The distal plate portion has a bottom surface adapted for application to the surface of the humerus, and the distal plate portion has at least one overlapping hole formed therein. The osteotomy plate also includes a transition region connecting the proximal plate portion to the distal plate portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant provides a simple yet effective retention system requiring no additional components beyond the implant and the associated fastener(s). A plurality of anti-rotation protrusions on the fastener or screw head that match recesses in the implant. The protrusions engage the recesses to prevent the fastener from reversing direction, thereby assuring that the associated fastener does not backout during normal motion of the spine and other anatomical structures. A land on the fastener screw thread assures the fastener will not disengage from the implant should it strip out of the bone. Preventing the fastener from backing out assures it will not detach from the implant or staple, assuring that the implant will remain in place until all fasteners in the system have catastrophically failed. The anti-backout features of the invention provide feedback as they engage, allowing the surgeon to move quickly when placing a fastener without the concern for inadvertent over-tightening.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bone plate for stabilizing bony structures. More particularly, the invention is directed to bone plates having an elongate body to which an integrated rod is formed. Integrated rod portion may be captured by a bone anchor with a receiving member. The bone plate is movable from a first position to a second position and may have an aperture for lagging the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bony fixation system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a plate dimensioned to be situated between adjacent bony structures, such as adjacent vertebrae. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to be inserted into a bony structure and to lock against each other to retain the screws and consequently secure the plate in place against the bony structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully contoured calcaneal plate having substantially no planar surfaces except at the origin. The contoured plate includes radiused sections, one extending inferior to superior is curved inferior to superior in a shape which is close to cylindrical and which approximates the shape of the cuboid bone. The second radiused section is curved in the vicinity of the anterior strut, and in particular at the inferior portion of the plate, to accommodate the peroneal tubercle. The plate has a rectangular or modified ovoid body section and a dog boned shaped tail with triangular placed holes for fixation.

Abstract: An anterior lumbar plate for attachment with bone screws to selected vertebrae of a person's spine is combined: (a) with separate L5 and S1 drill guides separately and removably attachable to the lumbar plate, and (b) with lock plates removably attachable to the lumbar plate to prevent unscrewing of installed bone screws. This invention further provides a method for implanting and locking in place the L5 and S1 bone screws. This invention is adaptable for L4-L5, L4-L5-S1, and L5-S1 lumbar plates.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod and system for introducing it into a longitudinally extending bore in the bone of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a guide tube, a cutter assembly and the intramedullary rod. The guide tube has a central passageway and a plurality of longitudinally extending slots and is arranged to be located within the bore in the bone. The cutter assembly includes a body member having a plurality of blades extending outward therefrom and is arranged to be moved along the central passageway of the guide tube so that the blades extend outward through the slots to produce a respective grooves in the bore of the bone of the patient.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a fixation procedure. For example, a system is provided that includes a bone plate having a first plurality of apertures and a targeting arm having a second plurality of apertures. Each of the second plurality of apertures of the targeting arm are configured for targeting of a bone fastener to one of first plurality of apertures. An imaginary targeting line extends from a first aperture of the first plurality of apertures to a first aperture of the second plurality of apertures. The system includes a mounting member, which includes a first end secured to the bone plate and a second end secured to the targeting arm. The second end of the mounting member is offset from the first end such that the second end is spaced from the imaginary targeting line.

Abstract: In a sternum closure device for securing two sternum parts to be connected to one another, comprising an inner contact element to abut the inner face of the sternum, at least one clamping element secured thereto and projecting transversely therefrom, and comprising an outer contact element for abutment on the outer side of the sternum and which can be clamped by means of the clamping element guided through the intermediate space between the sternum parts against the inner contact element, in order to reduce the obstruction by the sternum closure device in the event of a renewed separation of the sternum parts, it is proposed that the inner contact element consists at least partially of a biocompatible plastics material.

Abstract: A dynamic bone fixation element for securing an elongated fixation element such as, a longitudinal rod or bone plate, to a patient's bone, preferably a vertebra. The dynamic bone fixation element preferably includes a bone fixation element and a flexible element for connecting the bone fixation element to the elongated fixation element. The flexible element preferably permits the elongated fixation element to move with respect to the bone fixation element and hence with respect to the bone affixed thereto. The flexible element preferably permits extension and/or compression of the elongated fixation element with respect to the bone fixation element and polyaxially movement of the elongated fixation element with respect to the bone fixation element. The flexible element is preferably in the form of a spring or a spring-like flexible element.

Abstract: An orthopedic device and method for correcting angular deformation of a bone structure having a growth plate. The device includes first and second hinge members connected together at a hinge joint. The device is adapted for mounting the orthopedic device to the bone structure with the pivot joint positioned over the growth plate. Alignment of the pivot joint with the growth plate promotes asymmetric growth of the growth plate to thereby correct the angular deformation.

Abstract: A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.

Abstract: A bone plate has a main body configured to position adjacent bones with respect to each other. The main body includes a plurality of separate layers bonded together. Each layer is comprised of a radiolucent material and has a first aperture and a second aperture that extend through the layer. The layers are all stacked such that the first apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other and the second apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other. An insert can be positioned within the first aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus configured to strengthen and support a portion of a bone, such as the femoral head of the proximal femur, for example. The apparatus may include a housing or base member and a movable support member connected to the housing and configured to move between a first, undeployed position in which the support member is disposed proximate the housing or base such that the apparatus may be inserted into bone, and a second, deployed position in which the support member extends away from the housing or base for supporting the femoral head. The support member may be a rod, one or more wires, a leaf spring, a bladder, or an expandable mesh material, for example.

Abstract: A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A bone plate includes (a) a body having a first surface which, in an operative configuration, faces away from a bone on which the plate is to be mounted and a second surface, which in the operative configuration, faces the bone, the body including a first section extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second section extending along a second longitudinal axis angled with respect to the first longitudinal axis; (b) a first hole extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface and defining a first hole axis, the first hole being structured to lockingly engage a head of a first bone anchor inserted therein such that a shaft of the first bone anchor extends along the first hole axis; and (c) a second hole extending through the body and spaced apart from the first hole. The second hole defines a second hole axis and is structured to lockingly engage a head of a second bone anchor inserted therein such that a shaft of the second bone anchor extends along the second hole axis.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for making, using, implanting, and visualizing portions of a medical implant are provided. One such implant includes a bone plate at least partially of a radiolucent material having at least one aperture, and a fastener at least partially of a radiolucent material to extend through the aperture. The fastener has a distal end and a proximal end, with at least a portion of the proximal end is of a radiopaque material. A fastener lock is included to engage the fastener proximal end to maintain the fastener position relative to the bone plate. At least a portion of the fastener lock is of a radiopaque material. In this manner, at least a portion of the implant is adapted to be visible on a radiographic image.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fastening plate to be used in bones, more specifically, to a plate whose shape and arrangement of screws promote the fastening and keeping of fractured bones or bones that have undergone osteotomy in adequate position, angle and inclination.

Abstract: In order to improve a bone screw with a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and with a head which can be brought into engagement with a bone screw receiving means of a bone plate for the releasable connection of the bone screw to the bone plate, wherein a securing element for securing a connection between the bone screw and the bone plate is provided, wherein the bone screw can be brought from a position of engagement, in which the bone screw is held on the bone plate, into a release position, in which the bone screw can be released from the bone plate, wherein the securing element can be brought from a non-securing position, in which the bone screw can be brought into the release position, into a securing position for securing the connection between the bone screw and the bone plate, in which the bone screw takes up the position of engagement, such that a bone plate can be fixed to bone parts more easily and more securely it is suggested that the securing element be supported on the bone screw so as to be mov

Abstract: Ceramic precursor compositions and chemically bonded ceramic (CBC) materials, especially Ca-based, and a composite biomaterial suitable for orthopaedic applications. The CBC-system includes a binding phase (chemical cement) and additional phases with specified chemistry imparting to the biomaterial the ability of initial strength followed by interaction with the body tissue including body liquid, to form a resorbable or partly resorbable biomaterial. The ceramic precursor composition includes at least one silicate with Ca as the main cation with a resorption rate less or equal to that of the bone in-growth rate. The silicate will form the binding phase of the cured material. Implants and surface coated devices are also disclosed. The cured material exhibits a compressive strength exceeding 100 MPa.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising: an object to be secured to bone, the object comprising an opening extending therethrough; and a sleeve/expander construction for securing the object to bone, the sleeve/expander construction comprising: a sleeve adapted for positioning through the opening in the object and into the bone, the sleeve comprising: a shank having a distal end and a proximal end and an opening extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the opening narrows toward the distal end of the shank, and further wherein the distal end of the shank is slit so as to form a plurality of radially-expandable segments; and an enlarged head formed at the proximal end of the shank, the enlarged head being formed so as to be radially-expandable; and an expander adapted for positioning through the opening in the sleeve, the expander being sized so as to (i) radially expand the distal end of the sleeve so that the sleeve is secured to the bone, and (ii) radially expand the enlarged head of the sleeve

Abstract: An anti-subsidence, anti-translocation, fusion compression cervical plate system with interface visualization, drill guide and temporary pin is provided. In one embodiment the invention provides a vertebral plate for minimizing the ability of an inter-body cage, filled with bone (or BMP-soaked sponges, etc.), to telescope into the vertebral body and to minimize failure due to cages that telescope into adjacent vertebral bodies on a delayed basis after surgery, as well as creation of reverse lordosis due to such telescoping. Another embodiment provides method to reduce the gap between the inter-body cage and the vertebral body end plate intra-operatively using compression from the plate caused by an offset between the screw bores on the plate and the drill holes, as established with an asymmetric drill guide.

Abstract: A provisional bone plate formed of an implantable plastic and having a length corresponding to the longest bone plate in a particular family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate includes a head contoured to match the head of a particular bone as well as a shaft for placement adjacent the bone shaft. The provisional bone plate includes a plurality of circumferential notches surrounding the elongate body or shaft of the bone plate. The circumferential notches are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and define frangible portions of the bone plate which can be removed from the distal end thereof to alter the length of the provisional periarticular bone plate to correspond to the length of the various bone plates in a family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate is constructed of a biologically suitable plastic, is radiographic, and melts at a temperature less than 200° Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A bone fixation implant is provided that includes a bone fixation plate and a plurality of fasteners. The bone fixation plate corresponds generally to stress lines imparted onto the mandible during anatomical function of the mandible. Thus, the bone fixation plate includes a primary leg and an auxiliary leg extending obliquely out from the primary leg.

Abstract: A method of percutaneously implanting a first component and a second component of an orthopaedic assembly into a body of a patient includes the steps of securing a first instrument to the first component, and advancing the first component into the body of the patient. The first instrument is advanced into the body of the patient such that a portion of the first instrument extends out of the body. A second instrument is secured to the second component, and the second component is advanced into the body of the patient. The second instrument is advanced into the body of the patient such that a portion of the second instrument extends out of the body. A third instrument is advanced into contact with both the first instrument and the second instrument so as to position the first component and the second component in a predetermined position relative to one another. An instrument assembly for percutaneously implanting an orthopaedic assembly is also disclosed.