Patent ID: 9510881
Filing Date: 2016-12-06
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A method of stabilizing a fracture of a bone, the bone having a diaphyseal portion and a metaphyseal portion and having a concave articular surface at the end of the metaphyseal portion and a rim extending at least partially about the articular surface, the method comprising: a) providing a bone plate having a bone contacting surface, an opposite surface, a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of fastener holes to secure the shaft portion relative to the diaphyseal portion of the bone, and a head portion angled relative to the shaft portion to secure the head portion relative to the metaphyseal portion of the bone, the head portion having a first side and an opposing second side and a plurality of fastener holes provided therein adapted to receive fasteners therethrough, the first side of the head portion tapering to a distal edge and being free and absent of any tab, the second side of the head portion provided with a reorientable tab unitary with the head portion which extends longitudinally beyond the distal edge of the first side of the head portion, a recess provided between the tab and a junction with the head portion in alignment with the distal edge of the first side; b) positioning the plate on the bone such that first side of the head portion seats proximally below the rim of the metaphyseal portion, and the tab extends over the rim of the metaphyseal portion, the recess reducing a cross-sectional area moment of inertia at the junction; and c) reorienting the tab to contour to the rim.