Implantable bone fracture reduction apparatus having a polymeric applicator

摘要

An implantable apparatus ( 10 ) for attaching bone fragments in a bone fracture reduction procedure comprises a bone affixation plate ( 12 ) and a polymeric applicator ( 18 ) having a deflectable portion ( 22 ) that is deflectable to engage a portion ( 16 ) of the plate to attach the applicator to the plate. The applicator ( 18 ) is thereafter deflectable to disengage from the portion ( 16 ) of the plate ( 12 ) to remove the applicator from the plate. The applicator ( 18 ), when attached to the plate ( 12 ), enables the plate to be handled and manipulated during the bone fracture reduction procedure. The applicator ( 18 ) may includes information ( 24 ) for identifying the plate ( 12 ).