Patent ID: 8992583
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for flexible plate fixation of a bone fracture, the method comprising: approximately aligning two or more fractured bone members; applying a bone plate across the fracture with a plurality of fixation elements that rigidly connect to receiving holes in the plate, each of the receiving holes including at least one surface projection for engagement with the fixation elements, wherein the bone plate comprises a plurality of flexible elements connecting the receiving holes to the plate, each of the flexible elements formed by one or more slots extending through the plate and at least partially surrounding a periphery of one of the receiving holes; and rigidly fixing the fixation elements to the receiving holes in the plate; wherein the flexible elements are configured to permit axial translation relative to the receiving holes within a plane parallel to an upper or lower plane of the bone plate, after the fixation elements have been rigidly fixed to the receiving holes in the plate; and wherein the flexible elements are configured to substantially prevent translation of the bone plate relative to the receiving holes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper or lower plane of the bone plate.