Patent ID: 8343195
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting a bone screw comprising the steps of: (a) providing a drill guide including a shaft having a front end, a rear end, and a bore therethrough, and a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and an alignment portion, the proximal end being coupled to the shaft, the housing further including a slot extending from the distal end of the housing to form a gap between the distal end of the housing and the distal end of the shaft, the slot terminating in an enlarged opening, and providing a bone plate having a first fixation hole for receiving a bone screw, a first drill guide key and a first retention mechanism for engaging a first bone screw; (b) associating the drill guide with the plate at a desired angle including: (c) inserting an instrument into the bore; (d) removing the instrument from the bore; (e) inserting a bone screw into the bore; and (f) engaging the first bone screw with the first retention mechanism without substantially displacing the drill guide relative to the bone plate.