METHOD OF SECURING A PLATE TO A BONE AT A FRACTURE SITE UTILIZING A DETACHABLE INSERTER

摘要

The combination of a plate and inserter for the plate. The plate is configured to be operatively placed at a bone fracture site and secured with at least one fastener to stabilize bone portions between which a fracture is located. Structure cooperating between the plate and inserter is configured to releasably maintain the plate operatively engaged with the inserter. The operatively engaged plate is movable together with the inserter whereby a user can manipulate the operatively engaged plate through the inserter. The plate has a leading end with a tapered configuration to facilitate dissection of soft tissue from a bone surface to allow a surface on the plate that trails the advancing leading end to be operatively placed against the bone surface across the bone fracture site.

主权项

1. In combination:
a) a plate configured to be operatively placed at a bone fracture site and secured with at least one fastener to stabilize bone portions between which a fracture is located, the plate having a tapered leading end; and b) an inserter, there being structure cooperating between the plate and inserter configured to releasably maintain the plate operatively engaged with the inserter, the operatively engaged plate movable together with the inserter whereby a user can reorient and advance the operatively engaged plate through the inserter, wherein with the plate operatively engaged with the inserter, the plate and inserter are configured so that by manipulating the inserter the tapered leading end can be advanced to dissect soft tissue along a bone surface to allow a surface portion on the plate that trails the advancing leading end to be operatively placed against the bone surface across the bone fracture site.