Patent ID: 8057522
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a plate having first and second spaced apart surfaces and at least first and second apertures extending through the surfaces of the plate, each aperture for receiving a respective fixation element for coupling the plate to one or more bones of a patient; and at least one retention element having an elongate member coupled to the plate at least at a first end, a plurality of intermediate positions, and a second end thereof, wherein: the plurality of intermediate positions of the elongate member include at least a first intermediate position and a second intermediate position that are fixed in position, the elongate member, between the first end and the first intermediate position, extends along the first surface of the plate, the elongate member, between the first and second intermediate positions, extends along the second surface of the plate, the elongate member, between the second intermediate position and the second end, extends along the second surface of the plate, and the first and second ends of the elongate member are operable to rotate about the respective first and second intermediate positions such that: (i) at least first and second portions of the elongate member overlie portions of the first and second apertures, respectively, when the respective first and second ends are in one or more first rotational positions, respectively, to retain respective fixation elements in the first and second apertures, and (ii) the first and second portions of the elongate member do not substantially overlie the first and second apertures, respectively, when the first and second ends are in one or more second rotational positions, respectively, to permit the fixation elements to enter or exit the first and second apertures.