Bone fixation system including an implant having a plate portion and a mesh portion

A bone fixation system is configured to be implanted and secured to a bone so as to stabilize a bone. The bone fixation system includes an implant having a plate portion configured to be secured to a first segment of the bone by a first bone anchor, and a second segment of the bone by a second one anchor. The implant further includes a mesh portion configured to abut a third segment of the bone to prevent movement of the third segment relative to both the first segment and the second segment. The implant defining an outer perimeter defined in part by the plate portion and in part by the mesh portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to bone fixation, and in particular relates to a bone fixation system provides compression to enhance the stabilization of bone fractures.

BACKGROUND

Many types of bone fixation systems are conventionally available to stabilize bone fragments following bone fractures to promote bone healing. Bone fixation systems typically include a bone plate that is placed against the bone across the fracture location. Bone anchors, typically configured as bone screws, are driven through bone fixation holes of the bone plate and into the respective underlying bone fragments. The bone fragments are thus stabilized with respect to the bone plate and each other. The bone fragments can be compressed toward each other prior to reduce the fracture prior to fixation of the bone anchors.

Bone screws are conventionally available as locking screws or non-locking screws (also known as compression screws). Locking screws are configured to lock to the bone plate. For instance, locking screws typically can be externally threaded at the screw head, and the bone plate typically includes threading in the fixation hole. The locking screw is inserted through the fixation hole of the bone plate, and rotated to gain purchase with the underlying bone as it is driven into the bone. The locking screw is rotated until the screw head is inserted into the fixation hole, at which point the threading of the screw head purchases with the threading in the fixation hole. Thus, the locking screw is locked to the bone plate, thereby creating a fixed angle construct and preventing back out of the bone screw.

Alternatively, the bone screws can be configured to compress the bone plate against the underlying bone. In particular, the external surface of the bone screw can be unthreaded. Accordingly, the bone screw is driven into the underlying bone until the screw head bears against the bone plate (typically in the fixation hole). Continued rotation of the bone screw causes the screw head to compress the bone plate against the underlying bone. This can be useful when it is desired to compress two or more bone fragments against each other to promote bone healing. Unfortunately, conventional locking screws are not also configured to cause compression of the bone plate against the underlying bone.

Unfortunately, many high-energy fractures produce highly comminuted fractures that are not easily addressed with conventional bone plating techniques. Intra-articular and juxta-articular fractures typically result in highly comminuted fractures. In particular, the small bone fragments associated with highly comminuted fractures are too small to receive bone screws. As a result, these bone fragments are often left untreated.

It is therefore desirable to provide a bone plate that is configured to stabilize highly comminuted bone fractures.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the application discloses an implant including a plate portion and a mesh portion, wherein the implant defines an outer perimeter defined at least partially by the plate portion and further defined at least partially by the mesh portion.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the application discloses a method of stabilizing a bone, the bone including a first bone fragment, a second bone fragment, a third bone fragment, a first defect between the first bone fragment and the second bone fragment, and a second defect between the second bone fragment and the third bone fragment. The method includes the step of moving an implant toward the bone, the implant includes a plate portion, a mesh portion, and an outer perimeter defined in part by the plate portion and in part by the mesh portion. The method further includes the step of inserting a bone anchor through a first bone fixation hole defined by the plate portion, and into the first bone segment, inserting a second bone anchor through a second bone fixation hole defined by the plate portion, and into the second bone segment, and abutting the mesh portion with the third bone segment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “proximally” and “distally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the surgeon using the medical device. The words, “anterior”, “posterior”, “superior”, “inferior” and related words and/or phrases designate preferred positions and orientations in the human body to which reference is made and are not meant to be limiting. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, unless specified otherwise. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. The terms “a portion” and “at least a portion” of a structure include the entirety of the structure. Certain features of the disclosure, which are described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 2, many typical bone fractures result in a bone having a first bone segment separated from a second bone segment by a defect in the bone, for example the fracture. Sometimes a bone fractures, or splinters into more than two fragments. This type of fracture or splinter of a bone can be referred to as a comminuted fracture. A comminuted fracture of a bone2can result in a first bone segment4, a second bone segment6separated from the first bone segment4by a defect6, and at least one additional bone segment10. The at least one additional bone segment10can be much smaller than each of the first bone segment4and the second bone segment6. While an implant can be secured to both the first bone segment4and the second bone segment6, for example through the use of a bone anchor such as a bone screw, the small size of the additional bone segment10may discourage the use of a bone anchor being inserted into the additional bone segment10to secure the additional bone segment10to the implant.

A bone fixation system12is configured to be implanted and secured to a bone2so as to stabilize a first bone segment4of the bone2with respect to a second bone segment6of the bone2, the first bone segment4separated from the second bone segment6by a defect8. The bone fixation system12is further configured to stabilize additional bone segments10with respect to the first bone segment4and the second bone segment6. In one example, the bone2is a tibia. It should be appreciated, however, that the bone2can be any bone in the human or animal anatomy suitable for bone plate fixation. Further, while the bone2is illustrated having first and second bone segments4and6, it is appreciated that the bone2can include any number of defects or bone segments as desired that are configured for fixation using the bone fixation system12.

The bone fixation system12can include an implant20and a plurality of bone anchors80that are configured to fix the bone plate20to the underlying bone2, and in particular to each of the first and second bone segments4and6. The bone anchors80include a head82and a shaft84that extends out with respect to the head82along a central anchor axis86. The shaft84can extend directly from the head82, or can extend from a neck that is disposed between the head82and the shaft84. The shaft84can be threaded, such that the bone anchor80is configured as a bone screw88whose shaft84extends out relative to the head82along the central anchor axis86, which can also be referred to as a central screw axis. The threaded shaft84can be configured to threadedly purchase in the underlying bone2. For instance, one or more up to all of the bone screw88can be configured as a cortical screw whose threaded shaft84is designed and configured to threadedly mate to cortical bone. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the bone screws88can be configured as a cancellous screw whose threaded shaft84is designed and configured to threadedly mate to cancellous bone. It is appreciated that cancellous bone screws have threads that have a greater pitch than threads of cortical bone screws. Further, the threads of cancellous bone screws typically extend out from the shaft84of the bone screw88a greater radial distance than the threads of cortical bone screws.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 to 5, the implant20includes a plate portion22and a mesh portion23. The plate portion22defines a plate body24. The plate body24, and thus the plate portion22, defines an inner plate surface26configured to face the underlying bone2, and an outer plate surface28that is opposite the inner plate surface26. The plate portion22further defines a plurality of bone fixation holes30that extend through the plate body24from the inner plate surface26to the outer plate surface28. The bone fixation holes30may include holes configured to receive a permanent fixation device, for example bone screws, nails, etc. The bone fixation holes30may further include holes configured to receive a temporary fixation device, for example a K-wire. In particular, the plate body24, and thus the plate portion22, includes a plurality of internal surfaces32that each extend from the outer plate surface28to the inner plate surface26and that each define a respective one of the bone fixation holes30. Each of the bone fixation holes30can extend from the outer plate surface28to the inner plate surface26along a central hole axis34. The central hole axis34can be oriented normal to each of the inner plate surface26and the outer plate surface28. It should be appreciated, of course, that the central hole axis34of any of the bone fixation holes30can be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the inner plate surface26and outer plate surface28as desired.

During a surgical procedure using the bone fixation system12, the shaft84of the bone screw88can be inserted through a respective one of the bone fixation holes30and into the underlying bone2. The bone screw88can then be rotated, for example about the central anchor axis86, so as to cause the threaded shaft84to be driven into the underlying bone2as the threaded shaft84threadedly purchases with the underlying bone2. The threaded shaft84can be driven into the underlying bone until the head82engages the implant20.

One or more up to all of the bone screws88can be configured as a compression screw whose head82is configured to bear against the implant20so as to apply a compressive force against the implant20toward the underlying bone2when the shaft84is driven further into the underlying bone2after the head82has contacted the internal surface32. The shaft84can be driven into the underlying bone a sufficient distance until the desired compressive force has been imparted onto the implant20. The head82of the compression screw is often unthreaded. Similarly, at least a portion up to an entirety of the internal surface32can be unthreaded.

In another example, one or more up to all of the bone screw88can be configured as locking screws that are configured to lock to the implant20. In particular, the head82can be externally threaded. The internal surface32can be similarly threaded so as to be configured to threadedly mate with the threaded head82. Accordingly, during operation, the shaft84can be inserted through the fixation hole30and driven into the underlying bone2as described above. In particular, when the bone screw88is a locking screw, rotation of the screw88causes the threaded head82to threadedly mate with the internal surface32. As a result, the screw head82fastens the implant20to the underlying bone2without applying a compressive force onto the implant20against the underlying bone2. The implant20can be spaced from the underlying bone2when locked to the head82. Alternatively, the implant20can abut the underlying bone2when locked to the head82. At least a portion of the internal surface32is typically tapered so as to extend in an axially inward direction, for example toward the central hole axis34, as the internal surface32extends from the outer plate surface28toward the inner plate surface26. Thus, the internal surface32is configured to prevent the head82from passing completely through the fixation hole30. The head82can define at least one external thread that is circumferentially continuous about the central anchor axis86. It should be appreciated, however, that the head82can be alternatively constructed in any manner desired so as to threadedly mate with the internal surface32as described herein.

According to one embodiment, one or more of the fixation holes38of the bone plate30can be configured as a variable angle locking hole that is configured to threadedly mate with the bone screw88at different orientations of the bone screw88with respect to the central hole axis34. That is, when the fixation hole30is configured as a variable angle locking hole, the plate body24, and thus the plate portion22, includes at least one thread that projects out from the internal surface32into the fixation hole30.

The bone screw88can be configured to be inserted into the fixation hole30such that the central anchor axis86is at one of a plurality of orientations with respect to the central hole axis34within a range of orientations at which the threaded head82is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread in the fixation hole30. For instance, the bone screw88can be configured to be inserted into the fixation hole30such that the central anchor axis86is at one of a plurality of angles within a range of angles defined by the central anchor axis86and the central hole axis34at which the threaded head82is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread in the fixation hole30. The range of angles can be from approximately zero degrees to approximately fifteen degrees. Thus, the range of angles can define a cone of up to approximately thirty degrees. Thus, it can be said that the at least one thread is configured to threadedly mate with the threaded screw head82while the bone screw88is inserted into the fixation hole30such that the central anchor axis86is oriented at a first angle with respect to the central hole axis34, and the at least one thread is further configured to threadedly mate with the threaded screw head82when the bone screw88is inserted into the fixation hole30such that the central anchor axis86is oriented at a second angle with respect to the central hole axis34that is different than the first angle. At least one or both of the first and second angles can be non-zero angles. Alternatively, the central anchor axis86can be coincident with the central hole axis34in one of the orientations in the range of orientations.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the at least one thread in the fixation hole30and the threads of the head82are defined prior to insertion of the bone screw88into the variable angle locking hole. That is, the internal surface32is not designed or configured to cut threads into the bone screw head82. Similarly, the bone screw head82is not designed or configured to cut threads into the internal surface32. According to another embodiment, the threads of the head82are configured to cut threads into the internal surface32when the central anchor axis86is not coincident with the central hole axis34.

According to one embodiment, one or more of the fixation holes38of the bone plate30can be configured as a combination hole that includes a first portion configured to receive a compressive force from a compression screw, and a second portion configured to threadedly mate with a locking screw, a variable angle locking screw, or both. The first portion and the second portion of the combination hole can be open to one another. One or both of the first portion and the second portion may define a substantially circular shape.

The plate body24, and thus the plate portion22, can include a shaft portion36and a head portion38. In one example, the shaft portion36is configured to overlie a first bone segment, and the head portion38is configured to overlie a second bone segment. The shaft portion36is elongate along a central shaft axis40, which may be substantially straight, or may include twists and curvatures to correspond to the shape of a bone to which the implant20is to be secured. The head portion38is elongate along a central head axis42, which may be substantially straight, or may include twists and curvatures to correspond to the shape of the bone to which the implant20is to be secured. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plate portion22is configured such that the central shaft axis40is angularly offset with respect to the central head axis42by about ninety degrees. The plate portion22may be configured to correspond to an anterolateral distal tibia.

Each of the shaft portion36and the head portion38can include at least one up to a plurality of the bone fixation holes30. The shaft portion36may be configured such that the central shaft axis40intersects one or more, up to all, of the bone fixation holes30in the shaft portion36. The head portion38may be configured such that the central head axis42intersects one or more, up to all, of the bone fixation holes30in the head portion38. The plate portion22defines an outer plate perimeter44that encloses all of the bone fixation holes30.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plate body24defines a side plate surface46that extends between the inner plate surface26and the outer plate surface28, for example from the inner plate surface26to the outer plate surface28, such that the side plate surface46defines at least a portion of the outer plate perimeter44of the plate portion22. The side plate surface46can be described as facing radially outward with respect to the central hole axis34of any of the bone fixation holes30, while the internal surface32can be described as facing radially inward with respect to the central hole axis34of the bone fixation hole30defined by the internal surface32.

The plate body24defines a height H1measured from the outer plate surface28to the inner plate surface26along a first direction D1. The first direction D1can be parallel to the central hole axis34of the bone fixation hole30that is closest to the location where the height H1is being measured. The first direction D1can vary based on the location within the plate body24at which the height H1is being measured, due to twists or curvature of the plate body24. In one example, the height H1can be measured at a location48that is between two of the bone fixation holes30, and that intersects the central shaft axis40. The plate body24further defines a length L1measured along a second direction D2that can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1. In one example, the second direction D2is substantially parallel to the central shaft axis40. The plate body24further defines a width W1measured along a third direction D3that can be substantially perpendicular to both the first direction D1and the second direction D2. In one example, the third direction D3is substantially parallel to the central head axis42. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plate portion22can be configured such that the plate body24defines a maximum value for the length L1, a maximum value for the width W1, and a maximum value for the height H1, wherein the maximum value for the length L1is greater than the maximum value for the width W1, and the maximum value for the width W1is greater than maximum value for the height H1.

The plate portion22may be configured to resist bending by hand. According to one embodiment, the plate portion22defines a stiffness that is sufficient to prevent changing the shape of the plate portion22by hand. The plate portion22may further be configured to define a stiffness that allows the shape of the plate portion22to be changed with the use of tools, but prevents changing the shape of the plate portion22by hand.

The mesh portion23defines a mesh body25. The mesh portion23is configured to cradle, or support, the additional bone segment(s)10without the use of bone fixation elements (such as bone screws) being inserted into each of the additional bone segments10. The mesh body25, and thus the mesh portion23, defines an inner mesh surface27configured to face an underlying bone, and an outer mesh surface29that is opposite the inner mesh surface27. In one example, the mesh portion23can define at least one aperture31, such as a plurality of apertures31, which extends through the mesh body25from the outer mesh surface27to the inner mesh surface29.

The apertures31can include a plurality of inner apertures33that extend through the mesh body25along a fourth direction D4from the outer mesh surface27to the inner mesh surface29. The apertures31, according to one embodiment, are smaller than the bone fixation holes30of the plate portion22. According to one embodiment, the apertures31are sized such that the apertures31are too small to receive a K-wire. Thus, the apertures31are not configured to receive one of the bone anchors80that the bone fixation hole30are configured to receive. According to one embodiment, the apertures31are not configured to receive any bone anchors. According to another embodiment, the apertures31are configured to receive a bone anchor that is much smaller than the bone anchor80, for example a bone anchor that is smaller in diameter than a K-wire.

The mesh portion23may include a mesh outer perimeter35defined by the mesh body25. According to one embodiment, the mesh body25includes a side mesh surface37that extends between the inner mesh surface27and the outer mesh surface29such that the side mesh surface37defines at least a portion of the mesh outer perimeter25. At least some up to all of the inner apertures33can be fully enclosed about their respective perimeters by the mesh body25, for example the side mesh surface37.

The apertures31can combine so as to define linkages39. The linkages39can be interconnected, elastic, flexible, or any combination thereof. Further, the linkages39can be monolithic with each other. The linkages39in combination with the apertures31are configured to abut multiple, small bone segments and retain the segments in place while the bone heals resulting in reconnection of the multiple, small bone segments.

The mesh portion23can be configured to be flexible, resilient, or both. The linkages39and apertures31can combine to define an elastically flexible region of the mesh body25. The mesh portion23can include as many or as few apertures31as desired.

The mesh body25defines a height H2measured from the outer mesh surface29to the inner mesh surface27along the fourth direction D4. The height H2can be measured at a location41within the mesh portion23, for example on one of the linkages39. The fourth direction D4can be parallel to first direction D1, or alternatively, can be oblique to the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4can be normal to the outer mesh surface29at the location at which the depth D4is being measured.

The mesh body25further defines a length L2measured along a fifth direction D5that can be substantially perpendicular to the fourth direction D4. In one example, the fourth direction D4is substantially parallel to the second direction D2. The mesh body25further defines a width W2measured along a sixth direction D6that can be substantially perpendicular to both the fourth direction D4and the fifth direction D5. In one example, the sixth direction D6is substantially parallel to the third direction D3. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mesh portion23can be configured such that the mesh body25defines a maximum value for the length L2, a maximum value for the width W2, and a maximum value for the height H2, wherein the maximum value for the height H2is less than each of the maximum value for the length L1and the maximum value for the width W1. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the maximum value for the height H2of the mesh portion23can be less than the maximum value for the height H1of the plate portion22. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the maximum value for the height H2of the mesh portion23may be between about 0.25 and about 1.0 mm, and the maximum value for the height H1of the plate portion22may be between about 1.25 mm to about 4.5 mm. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the implant20defines a ratio of the maximum value for the height H1of the plate portion22to the maximum value for the height H2of the mesh portion23of about 5:1.

The mesh portion23can be configured to be less stiff than the plate portion22. For example, the mesh portion23can be configured to be bent by hand, while the plate portion22can be configured to resist bending by hand.

The implant20includes the plate portion22and the mesh portion23, the mesh portion attached to the plate portion22. The mesh portion23can extend from the plate portion22. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mesh portion23extends from a portion of the plate portion22such that the implant20defines an outer implant perimeter50that is defined partially by the plate portion22and partially by the mesh portion23. For example, the outer implant perimeter50may be partially defined by the outer plate perimeter44and partially by the outer mesh perimeter35.

The plate portion22may be monolithic with the mesh portion23such that the plate portion22and the mesh portion23form a single member, and cannot be separated without plastically deforming the implant20. The mesh portion23may extend from a portion, less than the entirety, of the side plate surface46. According to one embodiment, the mesh portion23extends only from the head portion38of the plate portion22. The maximum value of the width W2of the mesh portion23may be equal to or less than the maximum value of the width W1of the plate portion22, the maximum value of the length L2of the mesh portion23may be less than the maximum value of the length L1of the plate portion22, the maximum value of the height H2of the mesh portion23may be less than the maximum value of the height H1of the plate portion22, or any combination thereof.

Referring toFIG. 6, according to one embodiment the apertures31can include at least one outer aperture43, which is defined by the side mesh surface37and open to an exterior of the implant20. The at least one outer aperture43of the apertures31can include a plurality of outer apertures43. In one example, each of the outer apertures43can be configured as a slot that that extends into the mesh body25toward the plate portion22. The outer apertures43can be spaced from each other, for example along the sixth direction D6. The outer apertures43can be equidistantly spaced from each other, or alternatively, the outer apertures43can be spaced from each other at different distances.

Thus, the outer apertures43can divide the mesh body25into a plurality of petals45that extend in a direction, for example the second direction D2, the fifth direction D5, or both. Each one of the petals45can be moved independently of the other petals45. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of petals45can define a continuous body, for example such that each of the petals45extends from a common base portion47of the mesh body25. The base portion47can be attached directly to the plate portion22. Alternatively, one or more of the petals45may be separate from one another such that each of the petals45extends from a separate portion of the plate body24.

Referring toFIGS. 7 to 9, the mesh portion23can include one or more bone fixation holes49configured to receive a bone anchor, for example a bone anchor configured to be received by the bone fixation hole30, to secure the mesh portion23to an underlying bone segment. The bone fixation hole49can be surrounded by a combination of the linkages39and the apertures31, for example the inner apertures33. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the mesh portion23may be configured such that the linkages39are flexible to allow the mesh portion23to be contoured to match an underlying bone without altering the integrity of the bone fixation hole49such that the bone fixation hole49is able to receive a bone fixation element to secure the implant20to the bone2. Thus, the mesh portion23may include the linkages39that are contourable and the bone fixation hole49that is configured to receive a bone fixation element to secure the implant20to the bone2before and after the linkages39have been contoured.

The petals45can each include zero, one, or a plurality of the bone fixation holes49. In one example, each of the petals45can include the same number of the bone fixation holes49. Alternatively, different ones of the petals45can include a different number of the bone fixation holes49. As shown inFIG. 8, the bone fixation holes49may be connected to the plate portion22by an arm51and separated from surrounding linkages39. The arm51may have a width greater than that of the linkages39in the mesh portion23. As shown inFIG. 9, the bone fixation holes49may be connected directly to one or more of the linkages39.

Two or more of the bone fixation holes49can be aligned with respect to one or more of the second direction D2, the third direction D3, the fifth direction D5, and the sixth direction D6. As shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the mesh portion23includes a first bone fixation hole49aand a second bone fixation hole49bthat are aligned with respect to the third direction D3, and the sixth direction D6. As shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the mesh portion23includes the first bone fixation hole49a, the second bone fixation hole49b, a third bone fixation hole49c, and a fourth bone fixation hole49d. The first bone fixation hole49aand the second bone fixation hole49bare aligned with respect to the third direction D3, and the sixth direction D6, the third bone fixation hole49cand the fourth bone fixation hole49dare aligned with respect to the third direction D3, and the sixth direction D6, the first bone fixation hole49aand the third bone fixation hole49bare aligned with respect to the second direction D2, and the fifth direction D5, and the second bone fixation hole49band the fourth bone fixation hole49dare aligned with respect to the second direction D2, and the fifth direction D5. It will be appreciated that other numbers and arrangements of the bone fixation holes49can be provided.

Referring toFIG. 10, the bone fixation system12may include an implant120configured to be secured to a calcaneus bone to repair a defect in the calcaneus bone. The implant120includes a number of features similar to those described above in reference toFIGS. 1 to 9such that the description ofFIGS. 1 to 9applies to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, except where differences are highlighted below. Similar elements inFIGS. 1 to 9andFIG. 10are identified with reference numbers increased by 100. Thus, for example, the description of the bone fixation holes30also applies to bone fixation holes130as described herein.

The implant120includes a plate portion122and a plurality of mesh portions123. The plate portion122includes a plate body124that defines a serpentine shape. The plate portion122includes a plurality of bone fixation holes130arranged along the serpentine shape. The plate body124may include one or more extensions152from the serpentine shape. The extensions152can include another of the bone fixation holes130.

The plurality of mesh portion123extend from spaced locations of the plate portion122, such that the plurality of mesh portions123are spaced from each other by portions of the plate portion122. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first mesh portion123ais spaced from a second mesh portion123bby a first extension152aof the plate portion122. The implant120can further include a third mesh portion123cspaced from the second mesh portion123bby a second extension152bof the plate portion122. The second extension152bis spaced from the first extension152aby the second mesh portion123b. Thus, the implant120defines an outer implant perimeter150defined by alternating portions of the plate122and mesh portions123. As shown the outer implant perimeter150, starting at a location154and going counter-clockwise, is defined by the plate portion122, the first mesh portion123a, the plate portion122, the second mesh portion123b, the plate portion122, and the third mesh portion123c, and the plate portion122.

The implant120can include one or more tabs154configured to be bent to correspond to a shape of an underlying bone. The tabs154can be devoid of bone fixation holes130. The plate portion122, one or more of the mesh portions123, or both can include one or more of the tabs154.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the bone fixation system12may include an implant220configured to be secured to a tibia bone to repair a distal tibia pilon fracture. The implant220includes a number of features similar to those described above in reference toFIGS. 1 to 9such that the description ofFIGS. 1 to 9applies to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, except where differences are highlighted below. Similar elements inFIGS. 1 to 9andFIGS. 11 to 12are identified with reference numbers increased by 200. Thus, for example, the description of the bone fixation holes30also applies to bone fixation holes230as described herein.

The implant220includes a plate portion222and a mesh portion223. The plate portion222includes a plate body224, the plate body224including a shaft portion236and a head portion238. In one example, the shaft portion236is configured to overlie a first bone segment, and the head portion238is configured to overlie a second bone segment. The shaft portion236is elongate along a central shaft axis240, which may be substantially straight, or may include twists and curvatures to correspond to the shape of a bone to which the implant220is to be secured. The head portion238is elongate along a central head axis242, which may be substantially straight, or may include twists and curvatures to correspond to the shape of the bone2to which the implant220is to be secured. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plate portion222is configured such that the central shaft axis240is angularly offset with respect to the central head axis242by about ninety degrees.

The mesh portion223extends from the head portion238in a plurality of directions. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the head portion238can be surrounded by mesh portion223except for where the shaft portion236joins to the head portion238. The mesh portion223can extend from the head portion238in both directions that make up a lateral direction A, for example the mesh portion223can extend out from one portion260of a side plate surface246, and can further extend out from another portion262of the side plate surface246that is opposite the one portion260with respect to the lateral direction A. The mesh portion223can extend from the head portion238in both directions that make up a longitudinal direction L, for example the mesh portion223can extend out from one portion264of the side plate surface246, and can further extend out from another portion266of the side plate surface246that is opposite the one portion264with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The mesh portion223can define a maximum dimension, for example a maximum width W2greater than a maximum width W1of the plate portion222. As shown the maximum width W2and the maximum width W1can be measured along the lateral direction A. The mesh portion223may be configured to be cut, such that sections of the mesh portion223may be removed to allow the remaining portion of the mesh portion223to have an improved fit with the underlying bone.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14the bone fixation system12may include an implant320configured to be secured to a radius bone to repair a distal radius fracture. The implant320includes a number of features similar to those described above in reference toFIGS. 1 to 9such that the description ofFIGS. 1 to 9applies to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, except where differences are highlighted below. Similar elements inFIGS. 1 to 9andFIGS. 13 to 14are identified with reference numbers increased by 300. Thus, for example, the description of the bone fixation holes30also applies to bone fixation holes330.

The implant320includes a plate portion322and a mesh portion323. The plate portion322includes a plate body324, the plate body324including a shaft portion336and a head portion338. In one example, the shaft portion336is configured to overlie a first bone segment, and the head portion338is configured to overlie a second bone segment. The shaft portion336is elongate along a central shaft axis340, which may be substantially straight, or may include twists and curvatures to correspond to the shape of a bone to which the implant320is to be secured. The head portion338is generally aligned with the shaft portion336, and the head portion338is enlarged, or wider than the shaft portion336to accommodate a plurality of bone fixation holes330. The mesh portion323extends from the plate portion322, for example, the head portion338in a direction substantially parallel to the central shaft axis340.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 14, a method of use of the bone fixation system12is described below. Reference is made to the implant20, the plate portion22, and the mesh portion23but it will be understood that the steps below may also be performed with any of the implants120,220, and320. A method of stabilizing a fractured bone2may include the step of selecting an implant20including a plate portion22and a mesh portion23, the plate portion22configured to be secured to both a first bone segment4of the bone2, a second bone segment6of the bone2that is separated from the first bone segment4by a defect8in the bone2, and the mesh portion23configured to abut at least one additional segment10of the bone2.

The method can include the step of positioning the implant20adjacent the bone2such that a shaft portion36of the plate portion22faces the first bone segment4and a head portion38of the plate portion22faces the second bone segment6. The positioning step can further include the step of abutting the mesh portion23with the at least one additional segment10of the bone2. The shaft portion36includes a first bone fixation hole30and the head portion38includes a second bone fixation hole30. The method can include the steps of inserting a first bone anchor80through the first bone fixation hole30and into the first bone segment4, and inserting a second bone anchor80through the second bone fixation hole30and into the second bone segment6.

According to one embodiment, the method does not include the step of inserting a bone anchor through the mesh portion23, for example through an aperture31of the mesh portion23.

LIST OF EXAMPLES

A non-exhaustive list of examples of the bone fixation system12, the implants20,120,220, and320, and methods of use of the bone fixation system12and the implants20,120,220, and320described above is provided below.

An implant configured to be secured to a bone, the implant comprising: a plate portion; and an implant portion, wherein the implant defines an outer perimeter defined by at least partially by the plate portion and further defined at least partially by the mesh portion.

The implant of example 1, wherein the plate portion includes a plate body that defines an inner plate surface and an outer plate surface, the inner plate surface configured to face the bone, the outer plate surface opposite the inner plate surface.

The implant of example 2, wherein the inner plate surface is spaced from the outer plate surface with respect to a first direction, and the plate portion defines a plate height measured from the inner plate surface to the outer plate surface along the first direction.

The implant of example 3, wherein the mesh portion includes a mesh body that defines an inner mesh surface and an outer mesh surface, the inner mesh surface configured to face the bone, the outer mesh surface opposite the inner mesh surface.

The implant of example 4, wherein the inner mesh surface is spaced from the outer mesh surface with respect to a second direction, the mesh portion defines a mesh height measured from the inner mesh surface to the outer mesh surface along the second direction, and the mesh height is less than the plate height.

The implant of example 5, wherein the first direction is parallel to the second direction.

The implant of example 5, wherein the first direction is non-parallel to the second direction.

The implant of any one of examples 5 to 7, wherein the plate portion includes a bone fixation hole that extends through the plate body between the inner plate surface and the outer plate surface, and the bone fixation hole is configured to receive a bone anchor to secure the implant to the bone.

The implant of example 8 wherein plate body defines a central hole axis, and the bone fixation hole extends along the central hole axis between the inner plate surface and the outer plate surface.

The implant of example 9, wherein the central hole axis is parallel to the first direction.

The implant of any one of example 8 to 10, wherein the bone fixation hole is a first bone fixation hole, the plate portion includes a second bone fixation hole that extends through the plate body between the inner plate surface and the outer plate surface.

The implant of example 11, wherein the plate height is measured at a location between the first bone fixation hole and the second bone fixation hole.

The implant of example 12, wherein the plate body defines a side plate surface that extends between the inner plate surface and the outer plate surface such that the side plate surface, and the side plate surface defines an outer plate perimeter that encloses all of the bone fixation holes of the implant that are configured to receive a bone anchor configured to secure the implant to the bone.

The implant of example 13, wherein the mesh portion extends out from a portion of the side plate surface.

The implant of any one of examples 13 to 14, wherein the mesh portion defines an aperture that extends through the mesh body between the inner mesh surface and the outer mesh surface.

The implant of example 15, wherein the aperture is smaller than all of the bone fixation holes of the implant such that the aperture is not configured to receive the bone anchor.

The implant of example 16, wherein the mesh portion defines a plurality of apertures, the mesh body includes a side mesh surface that extends between the inner mesh surface and the outer mesh surface, and the side mesh surface defines an outer mesh perimeter that encloses the plurality of apertures.

The implant of example 17, wherein the plurality of apertures includes an inner aperture and an outer aperture, the inner aperture including a fully enclosed perimeter defined by the mesh body, and the outer aperture extends into the mesh body toward the plate portion.

The implant of example 18, wherein the mesh portion includes a first petal and a second petal, the first petal separated from the second petal by the outer aperture such that the first petal is independently flexible relative to the second petal.

The implant of any one of examples 1 to 19, wherein the mesh portion is a first mesh portion, the implant includes a second mesh portion separated from the first mesh portion by the plate portion.

The implant of example 20, wherein the implant includes a third mesh portion separated from the second mesh portion by the plate portion.

The implant of any one of examples 1 to 21, wherein the mesh portion is more flexible than the plate portion.

The implant of any one of example 1 to 22, wherein the plate portion is configured to be secured to a first segment of a tibia by a first bone anchor, the plate portion is configured to be secured to a second segment of the tibia by a second bone anchor, and the mesh portion is configured to abut a third segment of the tibia.

The implant of any one of example 1 to 22, wherein the plate portion is configured to be secured to a first segment of a calcaneus by a first bone anchor, the plate portion is configured to be secured to a second segment of the calcaneus by a second bone anchor, and the mesh portion is configured to abut a third segment of the calcaneus.

The implant of any one of example 1 to 22, wherein the plate portion is configured to be secured to a first segment of a radius by a first bone anchor, the plate portion is configured to be secured to a second segment of the radius by a second bone anchor, and the mesh portion is configured to abut a third segment of the radius.

A kit comprising: the implant of any one of claims1to23; and a plurality of bone anchors configured to secure the implant to the bone.

The kit of example 24, wherein the plurality of bone anchors includes a plurality of bone screws.

The kit of example 25, wherein the plurality of bone screws includes compression screws, locking screws, variable angle locking screws, and any combination thereof.