Patent ID: 9078713
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of fusing a joint, the method comprising: spanning first and second bones separated by a joint with a bone plate, such that a first hole of the bone plate is aligned with a first bone of the joint and a second hole of the bone plate is aligned with a second bone of the joint; inserting a first fixation member through the first hole of the plate and into the first bone of the joint; inserting a second fixation member through the second hole of the plate and into the second bone of the joint; and inserting a third fixation member through a fixation pathway of the plate, into the first bone, across the joint, and into the second bone, wherein the fixation pathway extends from a top surface of the plate and towards the second bone, and wherein the fixation pathway is arranged at least partially through an extension, at least a portion of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the plate and between first and second sides of the plate, wherein the fixation pathway terminates at an exit hole, and insertion of the third fixation member through the fixation pathway results in the third fixation member extending through the exit hole, across the joint, and into the second bone.