Abstract: A plate (1) includes blocking elements (4b, 5, 6) including: at least one slot (5) comprising a first portion opening into the hole (2) and a second portion extending over a section of this hole (2), at a distance from the edge defining this hole (2), this slot (5) thereby isolating a portion of material (6); this portion (6) has a first part (6a) with a radially increased thickness and a second part (6b) having a radially reduced thickness; this part (6b) has a thickness such that the portion (6) may be radially mobile between a withdrawn position and an active position; a pad (4b) engaged in the slot (5), able to be moved in such a way as to bring the portion of material (6) from its withdrawn position to its active position.

Abstract: A system for bone fixation is provided including a biodegradable polymer screw and corresponding driver element. The screw is provided with a head having at least two regularly spaced notches. The driver element is provided with a distal end having at least two regularly spaced notches. The outer surface of the driver can correspond to the outer perimeter of the screw head and the notches and prongs are adapted to securably couple in a displacement fit to allow the drive to apply the screw into bone.

Abstract: Osteosynthesis constructs for treating bone fractures and bone screws for use in such systems are disclosed. The bone screws include a threaded front section configured for engagement with cortical bone, a threaded mid-section and an unthreaded neck section configured for limited movement within the near cortex of the bone. Osteosynthesis constructs of the type disclosed promote secondary healing by allowing for substantially parallel motion at the near and far cortex within the effective motion range for callus formation.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for fixating bone parts includes a set of one or more bone fixation pins for engaging a bone piece, an elongated fixator body having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots in the fixator body, and a pin-holder received within the fixator body and configured to removably hold the set of one or more bone fixation pins. The pin-holder is longitudinally movable within the fixator body for controlling the position of the set of bone fixation pins within the fixator body. The fixator body also can be configured to removably hold a second set of one or more bone fixation pins at a location fixed along the fixator body.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a plurality of vertebrae of the human spine has at least two pedicle screws, each having an annular head with an opening therewithin and including a slot therewithin. Each slot extends into the corresponding opening and includes internal threaded portions. A securing screw to be screwed in each slot is provided. A relatively stiff threaded rod is also provided and is to be inserted into the opening in the head of each of the pedicle screws and to be secured by the securing screws. Adjusting nuts are screwed on the rod and at least one cooperates with each head.

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: 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 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: The invention provides a proximal radius locking plate having a body comprising an elongate shaft portion and a head portion. The plate may have a gentle S-shape and a proximal twist. The shaft portion is adapted for receiving bone screws to fix the bone plate to a shaft of the radius. The head portion includes a first head section and a second head section. The first and second head sections extend laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion in generally opposite directions, generally forming a T-shape. The first and second head sections are configured and arranged to secure a plurality of bone screws divergently implanted in the head of proximal radius. The shaft portion is thinner proximally in order to preserve the biceps tendon. Moreover, the plate of the present invention can be used as a guide in reducing the fracture prior to fixation since the plate has a precontoured shape matching the shape of an unfractured proximal radius.

Abstract: A plate system for controlling relative positions of adjacent bone portions. The plate system has a plate with first and second spaced through bores, an insert consisting of first and second insert pieces in the first bore, and a first fastener. The first plate bore, first and second insert pieces, and first fastener are configured so that advancing of the first fastener into the first bore and one of the adjacent bone portions causes the first fastener to be fixed in a selected one of a plurality of different potential angular orientations for the first fastener. The system further has a second fastener for direction through the second bore and into the other of the adjacent bone portions.

Abstract: Systems for repairing acetabulum fractures can include a bone plate that has openings therein and one or more bolts sized to fit through the openings. The bone plate can cooperate with the head portions of the bolts to prevent them from spinning within the holes as screws are attached to the bolts. Such arrangements can assist in reverse implantation methods in which the bone plate is introduced into the true pelvis of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved distal radius locking plate having a body comprising a shaft portion and a head portion. The shaft portion is adapted for receiving bone screws to fix the bone plate to a shaft of the radius. The head portion includes a first head section and a second head section. The first and second head sections extend laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion in generally opposite directions, generally forming a T-shape. The first and second head sections are configured and arranged to secure a plurality of bone screws in the radius. Further, the plate may be configured with one or more prongs that can attach to small bone fragments. The plate of the present invention can be used as a guide in reducing the fracture prior to fixation since the plate has a precontoured shape matching the shape of an unfractured distal radius. The plate of the present invention may be sized and configured to match the contour of the palmar lip of the lunate facet.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

Abstract: Embodiments of bony region stabilization are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthopedic surgery for fixation of bone has a shaft region and a head region, both including a plurality of holes for receiving bone fasteners. The head region of the implant has a central screw hole and threaded surrounding screw holes surrounding the central screw hole in a defined configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioabsorbable surgical osteosynthesis plate, operable to be secured by at least one fastener through at least one fastener opening formed in the plate to a bone. The osteosynthesis plate has first and second surfaces, and it is formed to one piece from a bioabsorbable polymer material that is oriented multiaxially and is substantially rigid and substantially deformable at a first thermochemical state. The plate comprises an oblique (diagonal) orientation gradient in relation to the direction of a reference axis of the plate.

Abstract: Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.

Abstract: A calcaneus plate provided with two vertically-spaced plate sections, with corner-located screw holes. An intermediate wall connects the plate sections. An arcuate protrusion extends from the intermediate wall and contains an internal sliding mechanism for a compression screw. The sliding mechanism includes an arc-shaped compression hole with an elongated opening that includes a ridge upon with the compression screw head can slide.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a radius fixation plate includes a body portion configured to conform to a radius bone between a first extensor compartment and a second extensor compartment and dimensioned such that the body portion does not violate the first extensor compartment or the second extensor compartment. A first fixation device is configured to traverse through a first opening of the body portion and engage at least part of a radial styloid of the radius bone.

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: A coupling assembly may include an anchor member, a receiver member, and a seat member. The receiver member may have an anchor member end that cooperates with the anchor member and may have an implant receiving aperture for receiving an implant. The seat member may be disposable within the receiver member between the anchor member and the implant receiving aperture. First and second rotation-limiting features may be engageable to limit rotation of the seat member relative to the receiver member.

Abstract: A bone fixation system that may be configured to move at least one of a first bone segment and a second bone segment relative to the other, is disclosed. The system may include a first lever and a second lever pivotally coupled to the first lever. The first lever may include a first handle, a first jaw extending from the first handle, and an aperture extending through the first jaw. The aperture may be configured to receive a fixation element to thereby fixedly couple the first lever to a bone plate. The second lever may include a second handle, a second jaw extending from the second handle, and an aperture extending through the second jaw. The aperture may be configured to receive a temporary fixation element to operatively couple the second lever to the second bone segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support (1) for receiving at least one surgical object, in particular at least one bone screw (2), in a receiving position (A). Said support (1) comprises at least one supporting surface (3) which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a supporting area (5) of the object can be brought into contact with the supporting surface (3) in the receiving position (A). Said object can be removed from the receiving position (A) in the direction of removal (E). The direction of removal (E) extends at an angle of a maximum 45°, preferably a maximum 20°, more particularly essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the object housed in the receiving position (A). Said support (1) comprises at least one mounting surface (4) that can be moved in relation to the base body (23) and which is designed and arranged in such a manner that the object can be maintained by means of the mounting surface (4) in the receiving position (A), in particular in a clamped manner.

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: A method for performing a high tibial, dome osteotomy to adjust the lateral and/or angular disposition of the tibial plateau relative to the lower portion of the tibia, the method comprising: forming an arcuate osteotomy cut in the tibia to subdivide it into upper and lower portions; manipulating the upper and lower portions to adjust their lateral and/or angular dispositions relative to one another; forming a pair of keyholes along the osteotomy cut; forming a keyhole slot to connect the two keyholes; forming a fixation hole in the tibia for each keyhole; providing an implant comprising a pair of keys connected by a bridge, each key comprising a bore for receiving a fixation screw therein; inserting the implant so that the keys are disposed in the keyholes, and so that the bores of the keys are aligned with the fixation holes; and inserting fixation screws through the bores of the keys and into the fixation holes of the keyholes so as to stabilize the upper and lower portions of the tibia.

Abstract: Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and a plurality of holes extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces for receiving bone screws are disclosed. Each hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone plate. Provisional fixation of a bone plate to a bone may be accomplished using provisional fixation pins through the screw-receiving holes of the bone plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a bone fixation plate may include a metaphysis portion, a central column portion, and a lateral column portion. The metaphysis portion is configured to conform to a metaphysis of a volar side of a radius bone. The central column portion is configured to conform to a central column of a diaphysis of the volar side of the radius bone. The lateral column portion is configured to conform to a lateral column of the diaphysis of the volar side of the radius bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a bone plate, bone anchors, temporary fixation members, and forceps. The temporary fixation members are configured to be inserted through apertures in the bone plate and into underlying bone segments that are separated by a bone gap. The forceps are configured to apply a force to the temporary fixation members that causes at least one of the underlying bone segments to translate with respect to the other bone segment, thereby reducing or distracting the bone segments without interfering with final fixation by screws of bone segments.

Abstract: A device for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures including at least two fixation means (5, 6), a securing plate (4) and at least one securing means (23) for the fixation means.

Abstract: The plate is fixed by screws (3) engaged in holes (1a) formed in the thickness of the plate which is designed in such a way as to ensure an adjustable compression effort, created by a screwing effect, which brings the two bone parts closer together. The design consists of at least one recess (1b) having a cross-section defining a plurality of separate areas (1b1), (1b2) and (1b3) that can co-operate with a screw (3) in order to generate a progressive translational movement of the screw (3) during the screwing action, corresponding to a movement of at least one of the bone parts, and causing the compression effort. Said plate (1) comprises a recess (1c) for the introduction of a spindle (4) on the side of one of the bone parts, and another recess (1d) for the introduction of a spindle (5) on the side of the other bone part, one of said recesses (1c) consisting of a circular hole having a diameter which essentially corresponds to that of the spindle (4), and the other recess (1d) consisting of an oblong hole.

Abstract: A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium.

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: The invention relates to an implant system having at least one component (6, 24, 33, 39) comprising an elongated body (15, 25, 34, 40) having at least one segment at which it can be connected to an attachment system (2, 3; 42) of the implant system, such as a pedicle screw or a brace. The elongated body (15, 25, 34, 40) is made of a plastic transparent to X-rays and is fixedly connected to a substantially harder part (16, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 41) in the at least one segment named above, said harder part forming an interface to said attachment element (2, 42).

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: Endosseous screw (1) for fixing a plate (102) to a bone site (300), comprising an at least partially threaded shaft (2), insertion means for inserting the screw into a bone site and a distal portion (33) provided for engaging said plate to fasten it to said bone site and comprising a head (3) having facets (30) defining an external peripheral profile provided for engagement with a tubular manipulating wrench, to allow the screw (1) to be extracted from the bone site (300) into which it has been inserted, wherein the facets (30) are curvilinear and the external peripheral profile defined by same facets (30) has a convex barrel-like shape, in order to allow a stable coupling between the tubular manipulating wrench and said profile, which is maintained during the untightening phase of screw from plate, even when said tubular manipulating wrench is oriented in an inclined direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (x) of the endosseous screw (1).

Abstract: Methods and devices for stabilizing ligaments of the canine stifle joint are described. In one embodiment, a device for promoting stability of the stifle joint in a canine subject is provided. The device includes a buttress comprising an intra-articular portion and an extra-articular portion, where the intra-articular portion of the buttress is fenestrated. The device also includes a keel coupled to the extra-articular portion of the buttress, and one or more fasteners configured to attach the device to the stifle joint.

Abstract: A distal radius plate having a head with a complex palm shaped profile which flares from the sides of the plate to a leading edge that includes a central oblique linking area that helps to mark the placement of the plate relative to the radius. Further, the plate includes an oblique depression that extends from the rounded pinky side of the head and gradually morphs into the elevated styloid prominence in one diagonal direction, and rises less gradually upward into the lunate prominence on the other side of the head. A proximal plate portion mimics the spiral of the radial bone as it spirals along the longitudinal axis, and includes a tighter radial bend. The head includes holes or bores for pegs which extend into the distal portion of the radius to lock fragments into position. In the first embodiment, the angles of the pegs are fixed. In a second embodiment, one or more of the peg holes are provided with a variable axis locking mechanism assembly and the remaining holes are fixed.

Abstract: A cervical fixation system and method for repairing odontoid fractures includes securing an anterior plate to caudal portion of C2 body below the odontoid neck. The anterior plate houses lag screw within a posterior shaft. A cannulated fixation device crosses the fracture site with fixation into the cephalad fragment. The lag screw can be pulled caudally into the plate with a compression screw to apply a compression force across the fracture site.

Abstract: A bone plate comprises a first surface and a second surface in combination with a first hole extending through the bone plate from the first surface to the second surface, the hole including a compression portion and a variable angle portion open to one another by a connecting space. The compression portion includes a sloping surface adapted to engage a head of a bone fixation element inserted thereinto so that the bone fixation element imparts a force to the bone plate to move the bone plate laterally relative to a portion of bone into which the bone fixation element is inserted. The variable angle portion includes a plurality of columns positioned about a circumference of a wall of the variable angle portion. The columns are separated from one another by a plurality of positioned between adjacent pairs of columns and including a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward therefrom.

Abstract: A compression plate kit that allows for manual compression of a bone discontinuity includes a bone plate, two or more reduction fasteners in the form of screws or pins, for example, and a compression clamp. The compression clamp can include engagement members configured to engage the reduction screws or pins, thereby allowing a practitioner to compress a bone discontinuity by manually closing the compression clamp. One or more implementations of a kit of the present invention can provide a practitioner with physical or tactile feedback during the compression of a bone discontinuity, and thus, provide the practitioner with the ability to better control the compression and spacing of bone portions during a reduction. One implementation of the kit includes a coupler for coupling the upper portions of the reduction fasteners together for selective fine tuning adjustments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to facilitate fixation of a fracture are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured by a plurality of fasteners across a reduced fracture to fixate a reduced fracture. The bone plate is configured to flex in situ to conform to the surface of the bone while providing sufficient stiffness in the plane of the device to resist forces and moments in the plane. Methods of use of the present invention include fastening the bone plate to a first side of the fracture, flexing portions of the bone plate to bias against the bone surface on the second side of the fracture, fastening the portions of the bone plate so biased to the second side of the fracture, thereby fixating the fracture by fastening the bone plate to the second side of the fracture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member. The coupling member includes an extended post with a proximal removable portion. The extended post facilitates placement of the plate member in position relative to the anchor assembly when engaged to the patient and be employed to reduce the plate member toward the anchor assembly when engaged to a vertebra.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the lateral malleolus. The bone fixation plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. Each hook member curves back upon a bottom surface of the elongated body, back towards a second end of the elongated body, and terminating in a pointed prong region. The elongated body includes a first region, a second region, and an angled region disposed between the first and second region. The prong region has a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the angled region of the elongated body of the bone plate.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone, comprises a bone plate extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending therethrough and a first hook member including a head sized and shaped to be lockingly received within a first one of the openings, the first hook member further including a spiked portion extending distally from the head to a sharp bone engaging distal end which, when the head is lockingly received within the first opening, projects distally from the bone plate toward a first target portion of bone to be engaged thereby to temporarily maintain the first target of bone in a desired spatial relation to the bone plate.

Abstract: A spine implant, in particular a stabilization or distraction device, is provided with an adjustable length. The implant has first and second portions for coupling to a first bony portion of a first vertebra and a second bony portion of a second vertebra, respectively, where the second bony portion is located at an oblique angle to the first bony portion. The spinal implant permits movement between the first bony portion and the second bony portion and is adjustable to change an amount of said movement between said first bony portion and said second bony portion after the implant is implanted.

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: 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: A bone fixation apparatus may include a bone fixation plate having a fixation hole and a fastener shaft received in the fixation hole. The fastener shaft may include a first portion having an outer surface defining a first cam and a second bone-engaging portion. An annular member may be received in the fixation hole and may include an inner surface defining a second cam for cooperating with the first cam to selectively move the annular member in a radial direction between an unexpanded position permitting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole and an expanded position restricting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole. The annular member may be moved between the expanded position and the unexpanded position by rotation of the annular member relative to the fastener shaft following insertion of the fastener shaft into a bone.