Method and apparatus for use of a compressing plate

摘要

An orthopedic bone plate constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from an open shape to a compressed shape and create compression on two bones or bone fragments to encourage healing. The plate may be any number of shapes, with two or more screws anchoring the plate to bone. The plate is affixed to bone in a sequence of steps that involve first placing the plate on an insertion tool, attaching drill guide tubes, placing the plate over bone, drill holes in bone, and then attaching the plate to the bone via screws. The insertion tool can then be removed at the surgeon's convenience allowing compression on the two bones.

主权项

1. A fixation system, comprising:
a plate, comprising:
a first end portion defining a first screw hole,a second end portion defining a second screw hole, andfirst and second arms disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein the first and second end portions and the first and second arms define a central opening, further wherein the first and second arms expand to configure the plate in an open shape and contract to configure the plate in a compressed shape, and an insertion tool, comprising:
a platform including a first guide hole that aligns with the first screw hole and a second guide hole that aligns with the second screw hole when the plate is in its open shape, anda retention spacer adjacent the platform, the retention spacer being adapted for insertion into the central opening when the plate is in its open shape such that the retention spacer abuts the first and second end portions of the plate to retain the plate in its open shape, wherein the insertion tool allows locating of the plate for affixing a first bone and a second bone, further wherein release of the plate from the insertion tool after affixation of the plate with the first bone and the second bone allows the plate to move from its open shape to its compressed shape, thereby compressing the first bone with the second bone.