BONE FIXATION APPARATUS

A bone fixation apparatus comprises a plurality of boundary portions. Each boundary portion defines and surrounds an opening for a fastener. The bone fixation apparatus also comprises a plurality of interconnecting portions. Each interconnecting portion has two opposed ends and a length extending between the opposed ends. Each interconnecting portion is joined at one of its opposed ends to a first boundary portion and at the other of its opposed ends to a second boundary portion so as to extend radially from the first and second boundary portions. Each boundary portion is joined only to at least one interconnecting portion and is free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than the at least one interconnecting portion. Three of the plurality of boundary portions and two of the interconnecting portions are arranged in a zigzag configuration with one of the three boundary portions being located in a central position. The two interconnecting portions extend radially from the boundary portion in the central position to two different ones of the three boundary portions. The boundary portion in the central position is disposed in a first plane. The two different ones of the three boundary portions are disposed in a second plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a bone fixation apparatus10in accordance with an example of the present invention. The bone fixation apparatus10comprises a bone plate12that includes a plurality of boundary portions14. Each boundary portion14defines and surrounds an opening16that is configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener, such as a bone screw (not shown). The bone plate12of the bone fixation apparatus10also includes plurality of interconnecting portions18that join two boundary portions14to one another. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the bone fixation apparatus10may be applied to a bone20to reduce and stabilize a fracture22in the bone. In the bone20, the fracture22is a spiral fracture that has caused the cortical portion of the bone to split along a spiral line.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of boundary portions14in the bone plate12comprises six boundary portions14a,14b,14c,14d,14e,and14f.The plurality of interconnecting portions18in the bone plate12comprises five interconnecting portions18a,18b,18c,18d,and18e.Each of interconnecting portions18a-18ehas two opposed ends and a length extending between the opposed ends. Each of the interconnecting portions18a-18eis joined at one of its opposed ends to a first boundary portion14and at the other of its opposed ends to second boundary portion. For example, the interconnecting portion18ais joined at one end to the boundary portion14aand at its other end to the boundary portion14c.The six boundary portions14and the five interconnecting portions18are all formed in one piece from a homogeneous material. The material is a relatively rigid bio-compatible material, such as medical grade stainless steel or titanium.

The boundary portions14and interconnecting portions18are joined together in an array that provides the bone plate12with a generally zigzag configuration. At one end of the bone plate12, the boundary portions14aand14bare disposed adjacent opposite sides of the bone20. As a consequence, the boundary portions14aand14bare spaced apart by the thickness or width of the bone20between the boundary portions. The boundary portions14aand14bare also presented generally toward one another. The boundary portion14cis positioned laterally between the boundary portions14aand14band is spaced longitudinally from the boundary portions14aand14balong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20. The boundary portion14calso extends laterally in a plane24transverse to the planes in which the boundary portions14aand14bextend.

As previously described, the interconnecting portion18aextends between and joins together the boundary portion14aand the boundary portion14c.The interconnecting portion18bextends between and joins together the boundary portion14band the boundary portion14c.Because the boundary portion14clies in a plane24that extends transverse to the planes in which the boundary portions14aand14blie, the interconnecting portions18aand18bcurve or bend around the bone20. In addition, because the boundary portion14cis spaced apart from the boundary portions14aand14balong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20, the interconnecting portions18aand18bextend across an exterior surface36of the bone at angles to the longitudinal central axis28of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 1, the interconnecting portion18azigs to the right, and the interconnecting portion18bzags to the left.

The boundary portion14dis spaced from the boundary portion14calong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20and is disposed in a plane26adjacent the right side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 1. The interconnecting portion18cextends between and joins together the boundary portion14cand the boundary portion14d.Because the boundary portion14dlies in a plane26that extends transverse to the plane24in which the boundary portion14clies, the interconnecting portion18ccurves or bends around the bone20. In addition, because the boundary portion14dis spaced apart from the boundary portion14calong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20, the interconnecting portion18cextends across the exterior surface36of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis28of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 1, the interconnecting portion18czigs to the right.

The boundary portion14eis spaced from the boundary portion14dalong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20and is disposed in a plane30adjacent the left side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 1. The plane30is spaced laterally apart from the plane26by the width of the bone plate12and the thickness or width of the bone20, but the planes26and30are substantially parallel to one another. The interconnecting portion18dextends between and joins together the boundary portion14dand the boundary portion14e.Because the boundary portion14elies in a plane30that is spaced laterally from the plane26in which the boundary portion14dlies, the interconnecting portion18ccurves or bends around the bone20. In addition, because the boundary portion14eis spaced apart from the boundary portion14dalong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20, the interconnecting portion18dextends across the exterior surface36of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis28of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 1, the interconnecting portion18dzags to the left.

The boundary portion14fis spaced from the boundary portion14dand the boundary portion14ealong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20and is disposed in the plane26adjacent the right side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 1. The interconnecting portion18eextends between and joins together the boundary portion14eand the boundary portion14f.Because the boundary portion14elies in a plane30that is spaced laterally from the plane26in which the boundary portion14flies, the interconnecting portion18ecurves or bends around the bone20. In addition, because the boundary portion14fis spaced apart from the boundary portion14ealong the length of the bone plate12and the bone20, the interconnecting portion18eextends across the exterior surface36of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis28of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 1, the interconnecting portion18ezigs to the right.

As viewed inFIG. 1, boundary portion14eis located in a central position relative to the boundary portions14dand14falong the length of the bone plate12and the length of the bone20. The interconnecting portions18dand18eextend radially from the boundary portion14e.Each of the boundary portions14a-14fis joined only to one or more of the interconnecting portions18a-18e.Each of the boundary portions14a-14fis free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than one or more of the interconnecting portions18a-18e.

Although the bone plate12has a zigzag configuration and at least partially wraps around the bone20, the bone plate maintains an inward facing surface32configured to be presented toward the external surface36of the bone20. Opposite the inward facing surface32is an outward facing surface34, which is configured to be presented away from the external surface36of the bone20. The openings16defined by the boundary portions14all extend from the outward facing surface34completely through the bone plate12to the inward facing surface32. As mentioned above, the openings16are configured and dimensioned to receive fasteners (not shown), such as bone screws, to help secure the bone plate12to the bone20.

In use, the bone plate12of the bone fixation apparatus10is first placed against an external surface of a fractured bone. With particular reference toFIGS. 1-2, the bone plate12is placed against the bone20such that the inward facing surface32of the bone plate contacts the external surface36of the bone. The position of the bone plate12is then adjusted to facilitate attachment of the bone plate to the bone20and to facilitate desired placement of the bone plate. After the desired position of the bone plate12is determined, the bone plate may be moved to allow the bone20to be drilled and/or otherwise prepared to receive the bone plate. After the bone20has been prepared, the bone plate12is moved to its desired position and fasteners (not shown), such as bone screws, are installed to attach the bone plate to the bone.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate a bone fixation apparatus100in accordance with a second example of the present invention. The bone fixation apparatus100comprises a bone plate112that includes a plurality of boundary portions114. Each boundary portion114defines and surrounds an opening116that is configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener, such as a bone screw (not shown). The bone plate112of the bone fixation apparatus100also includes plurality of interconnecting portions118that join two boundary portions114to one another. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the bone fixation apparatus100may be applied to a bone120to reduce and stabilize a fracture122in the bone. In the bone120, the fracture122is a spiral fracture that has caused the cortical portion of the bone to split along a spiral line.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of boundary portions114in the bone plate112comprises eight boundary portions114a,114b,114c,114d,114e,114f,114g,and114h.The plurality of interconnecting portions118in the bone plate112comprises eight interconnecting portions118a,118b,118c,118d,118e,118f,118g,and118h.Each of interconnecting portions118a-118hhas two opposed ends and a length extending between the opposed ends. Each of the interconnecting portions118a-118his joined at one of its opposed ends to a first boundary portion114and at the other of its opposed ends to second boundary portion. For example, the interconnecting portion118ais joined at one end to the boundary portion114aand at its other end to the boundary portion114c.The eight boundary portions114and the eight interconnecting portions118are all formed in one piece from a homogeneous material. The material is a relatively rigid bio-compatible material, such as medical grade stainless steel or titanium.

The boundary portions114and interconnecting portions118are joined together in an array that provides the bone plate112with a longitudinal series of configurations shaped like X's or, viewed differently, with a pair of zigzag configurations. In particular, the boundary portions114aand114bare disposed adjacent opposed sides of the bone120. As a consequence, the boundary portions114aand114bare spaced apart by the thickness or width of the bone120between the boundary portions. The boundary portions114aand114bare also presented generally toward one another. The boundary portion114cis positioned laterally between the boundary portions114aand114band is spaced longitudinally from the boundary portions114aand114balong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120. The boundary portion114calso extends laterally in a plane124transverse to the planes126and128in which the boundary portions114aand114b,respectively, extend.

As previously described, the interconnecting portion118aextends between and joins together the boundary portion114aand the boundary portion114c.The interconnecting portion118bextends between and joins together the boundary portion114band the boundary portion114c.Because the boundary portion114clies in a plane124that extends transverse to the planes126and128in which the boundary portions114aand114blie, the interconnecting portions118aand118bcurve or bend around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114cis spaced apart from the boundary portions114aand114balong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, the interconnecting portions118aand118bextend across an exterior surface140of the bone at angles to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118azigs to the right, and the interconnecting portion118bzags to the left.

The boundary portion114dis spaced from the boundary portion114calong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120and is disposed in the plane126adjacent the left side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 3. The interconnecting portion118cextends between and joins together the boundary portion114cand the boundary portion114d.Because the boundary portion114dlies in a plane126that extends transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114clies, the interconnecting portion118ccurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114dis spaced apart from the boundary portion114calong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, the interconnecting portion118cextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118czags to the left.

The boundary portion114eis spaced longitudinally from the boundary portion114calong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120and is disposed in the plane128adjacent the right side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 3. The boundary portion114eis spaced laterally from the boundary portion114dacross the width of the bone plate112and the thickness or width of the bone120but is aligned with the boundary portion114dlongitudinally along the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, as can be seen inFIG. 3. The plane128in which the boundary portion114eis disposed is spaced laterally apart from the plane126in which the boundary portion114dis disposed by the width of the bone plate112and thickness or width of the bone120, but the planes126and128are substantially parallel to one another. The plane128in which the boundary portion114eis disposed is transverse, however, to the plane124in which the boundary portion114cis disposed.

The interconnecting portion118dextends between and joins together the boundary portion114cand the boundary portion114e.Because the boundary portion114elies in a plane128that is transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114clies, the interconnecting portion118dcurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114eis spaced apart from the boundary portion114calong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, the interconnecting portion118dextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118dzigs to the right.

The boundary portion114fis spaced from the boundary portions114dand the boundary portion114ealong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120and is disposed in the plane124in which the boundary portion114cis disposed. The interconnecting portion118eextends between and joins together the boundary portion114dand the boundary portion114f.Because the boundary portion114dlies in a plane126that is transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114flies, the interconnecting portion118ecurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114fis spaced apart from the boundary portion114dalong the length of the bone plate112and the bone120, the interconnecting portion118eextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118ezigs to the right.

The interconnecting portion118fextends between and joins together the boundary portion114eand the boundary portion114f.Because the boundary portion114elies in a plane128that is transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114flies, the interconnecting portion118fcurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114fis spaced apart from the boundary portion114ealong the length of the bone plate112and the bone120, the interconnecting portion118fextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118fzags to the left.

The boundary portion114gis spaced longitudinally from the boundary portion114falong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120and is disposed in a plane132adjacent the left side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 3. The plane132is generally parallel to, but spaced laterally from the plane126. The interconnecting portion118gextends between and joins together the boundary portion114fand the boundary portion114g.Because the boundary portion114glies in a plane132that extends transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114flies, the interconnecting portion118gcurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114gis spaced apart from the boundary portion114falong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, the interconnecting portion118gextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118gzags to the left.

The boundary portion114his spaced longitudinally from the boundary portion114falong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120and is disposed in a plane134adjacent the right side of the bone plate and the bone, as viewed inFIG. 3. The plane134is generally parallel to, but spaced laterally from the plane128. The boundary portion114his spaced laterally from the boundary portion114gacross the width of the bone plate112and the thickness or width of the bone120but is aligned with the boundary portion114glongitudinally along the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, as can be seen inFIG. 3. The plane134in which the boundary portion114his disposed is spaced laterally apart from the plane132in which the boundary portion114gis disposed by the width of the bone plate112and the thickness or width of the bone120, but the planes132and134are substantially parallel to one another. The plane134in which the boundary portion114his disposed is transverse, however, to the plane124in which the boundary portion114fis disposed.

The interconnecting portion118hextends between and joins together the boundary portion114fand the boundary portion114h.Because the boundary portion114hlies in a plane134that is transverse to the plane124in which the boundary portion114flies, the interconnecting portion118hcurves or bends around the bone120. In addition, because the boundary portion114his spaced apart from the boundary portion114falong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120, the interconnecting portion118hextends across the exterior surface140of the bone at an angle to the longitudinal central axis130of the bone plate and the bone. As viewed inFIG. 3, the interconnecting portion118hzigs to the right.

As viewed inFIG. 3, boundary portion114cis located in a central position relative to the boundary portions114a,114b,114d,and114ealong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120. The interconnecting portions118a,118b,118c,and118dextend radially from the boundary portion114c.The boundary portions114a,114b,114c,114d,and114eand the interconnecting portions118a,118b,118c,and118dare thus arranged in a configuration shaped like an “X”. In addition, the boundary portions114a,114c,and114dand the interconnecting portions118aand118care arranged in a zigzag configuration. Further, the boundary portions114b,114c,and114eand the interconnecting portions118band118dare arranged in a zigzag configuration that is opposed to the zigzag configuration of the boundary portions114a,114c,and114dand the interconnecting portions118aand118c.Each of the boundary portions114a-114eis joined only to one or more of the interconnecting portions118a-118f.Each of the boundary portions114a-114eis free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than one or more of the interconnecting portions118a-118f.

Similarly, as viewed inFIG. 3, boundary portion114fis located in a central position relative to the boundary portions114d,114e,114g,and114halong the length of the bone plate112and the length of the bone120. The interconnecting portions118e,118f,118g,and118hextend radially from the boundary portion114f.The boundary portions114d,114e,114f,114g,and114hand the interconnecting portions118e,118f,118g,and118hare thus arranged in a configuration shaped like an “X”. In addition, the boundary portions114d,114f,and114gand the interconnecting portions118eand118gare arranged in a zigzag configuration. Further, the boundary portions114e,114f,and114hand the interconnecting portions118fand118hare arranged in a zigzag configuration that is opposed to the zigzag configuration of the boundary portions114d,114f,and114gand the interconnecting portions118eand118g.Each of the boundary portions114d-114his joined only to one or more of interconnecting portions118c-118h.Each of the boundary portions114d-114his free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than one or more of interconnecting portions118c-118h.

Although the bone plate112at least partially wraps around the bone120, the bone plate maintains an inward facing surface136configured to be presented toward the external surface140of the bone120. Opposite the inward facing surface136is an outward facing surface138, which is configured to be presented away from the external surface140of the bone120. The openings116defined by the boundary portions114all extend from the outward facing surface138completely through the bone plate112to the inward facing surface136. As mentioned above, the openings116are configured and dimensioned to receive fasteners (not shown), such as bone screws, to help secure the bone plate112to the bone120.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate a bone fixation apparatus200in accordance with a third example of the present invention. The bone fixation apparatus200comprises a bone plate212that includes a plurality of boundary portions214. Each boundary portion214defines and surrounds an opening216that is configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener, such as a bone screw (not shown). The bone plate of the bone fixation apparatus also includes plurality of interconnecting portions218that join two boundary portions214to one another. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the bone fixation apparatus200may be applied to a bone220to reduce and stabilize one more fractures222in the bone.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the arrangement of boundary portions214and interconnecting portions218in the bone plate212may resemble the arrangement of the bone plate12ofFIGS. 1 and 2or the arrangement of the bone plate112ofFIGS. 3 and 4or any other arrangement of boundary portions and interconnecting portions. Unlike the arrangement of boundary portions14and interconnecting portions18in the bone plate12or the arrangement of boundary portions114and interconnecting portions118in the bone plate112, however, each of the boundary portions214is not free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than one or more of the interconnecting portions218. Specifically, certain of the boundary portions214have tabs240that extend away from the boundary portions and that may wrap around a bone220to an extent that the tabs overlie or are overlain by other portions of the bone plate212, as shown, for example, inFIG. 6.

More particularly, the bone plate212includes seven boundary portions214. Only five boundary portions214a-214eof the seven boundary portions214are visible inFIG. 5. The bone plate212also includes eight interconnecting portions218. Only four interconnecting portions218a-218dare visible inFIG. 5. Boundary portions214cand214dare wider than boundary portions214aand214b.Similarly, interconnecting portions218cand218dare wider than interconnecting portions218aand218b.Tab240aextends radially from boundary portion214b,and tab240bextends radially from boundary portion214d.Various boundary portions214and interconnecting portions218are joined together in an array with a generally zigzag configuration. For example, boundary portions214b,214c,and214dand interconnecting portions218band218care joined together in an array with a generally zigzag configuration.

As can be seen inFIG. 6, boundary portion214clies in a plane224. Boundary portion214f(visible only inFIG. 6) is disposed in a plane226adjacent the left side of the bone plate212and the bone220, as viewed inFIG. 6, and oriented transverse to the plane224in which the boundary portion214cis disposed. Boundary portion214ddisposed in a plane228adjacent the right side of the bone plate212and the bone220, as viewed inFIG. 6. The boundary portion214dis also spaced laterally from boundary portion214facross the width of the bone plate212and the thickness or width of the bone220but is aligned with the boundary portion214flongitudinally along the length of the bone plate212and the length of the bone220. The plane228in which the boundary portion214dis disposed is spaced laterally apart from the plane226in which the boundary portion214fis disposed by the width of the bone plate212and thickness or width of the bone220, but the planes226and228are substantially parallel to one another. The plane228in which the boundary portion214dis disposed is transverse, however, to the plane224in which the boundary portion214cis disposed. on a side of the bone220opposite the boundary portion214d.

Tab240cextends radially from boundary portion214fand is disposed in the plane226. Tab240csimply extends radially from the boundary portion214fand does not extend to any side of the bone220other than the side adjacent the boundary portion214f.Tab240b,on the other hand, wraps around the bone220so that the tab240bis disposed partially in the plane228and partially in a plane230that is transverse to the plane228. The tab240bis thus disposed on a side of the bone opposite the boundary portion214c.The plane230in which the tab240bis partially disposed is substantially parallel to the plane224in which the boundary portion214cis disposed. Boundary portion214cthus overlies or is overlain by tab240b.

Although the bone fixation apparatus10is shown inFIGS. 1-2as having six boundary portions14and five interconnecting portions18and although the bone fixation apparatus100is shown inFIGS. 3-4as having eight boundary portions114and eight interconnecting portions118, other numbers of boundary portions14and114and other numbers of interconnecting portions18and118, either more or fewer, may be used. By way of example,FIG. 7illustrates a bone fixation apparatus300in accordance with a fourth example of the present invention.FIG. 8illustrates a bone fixation apparatus300′ that is a modified version of the bone fixation apparatus300. Both the bone fixation apparatus300and the bone fixation apparatus300′ comprise a bone plate312,312′ that includes a plurality of boundary portions314. Each boundary portion314defines and surrounds an opening316that is configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener, such as a bone screw (not shown). The bone plate312,312′ of the bone fixation apparatus300,300′ also includes plurality of interconnecting portions318that join two boundary portions314to one another. Both the bone fixation apparatus300and the bone fixation apparatus300′ may be applied to a bone (not shown) to reduce and stabilize one or more fractures in the bone.

The boundary portions314and interconnecting portions318are joined together in an array that provides the bone plate312with a longitudinal series of configurations shaped like X's or, viewed differently, with a pair of zigzag configurations. In particular, the boundary portions314aand314bare spaced apart by a distance that will accommodate the thickness or width of a bone (not shown) disposed between the boundary portions. The boundary portions314aand314bare also presented generally toward one another. The boundary portion314cis positioned laterally between the boundary portions314aand314band is spaced longitudinally from the boundary portions314aand314balong the length of the bone plate312. The boundary portion314calso extends laterally in a plane transverse to the planes in which the boundary portions314aand314bextend.

As previously described, the interconnecting portion318aextends between and joins together the boundary portion314aand the boundary portion314c.The interconnecting portion318bextends between and joins together the boundary portion314band the boundary portion314c.Because the boundary portion314clies in a plane that extends transverse to the planes in which the boundary portions314aand314blie, the interconnecting portions318aand318bcan curve or bend around a bone (not shown). In addition, because the boundary portion314cis spaced apart from the boundary portions314aand314balong the length of the bone plate312, the interconnecting portions318aand318bextend across the bone plate at angles to a longitudinal central axis330of the bone plate. As viewed inFIG. 7, the interconnecting portion318azigs to the right, and the interconnecting portion318bzags to the left.

The boundary portion314dis spaced from the boundary portion314calong the length of the bone plate312and is disposed in the same plane, adjacent the left side of the bone plate, as the boundary portion314a.The interconnecting portion318cextends between and joins together the boundary portion314cand the boundary portion314d.Because the boundary portion314dlies in a plane that extends transverse to the plane in which the boundary portion314clies, the interconnecting portion318ccan curve or bend around a bone. In addition, because the boundary portion314dis spaced apart from the boundary portion314calong the length of the bone plate312, the interconnecting portion318cextends across the bone plate at an angle to the longitudinal central axis330of the bone plate. As viewed inFIG. 7, the interconnecting portion318czags to the left.

The boundary portion314eis spaced longitudinally from the boundary portion314calong the length of the bone plate312and is disposed in the same plane, adjacent the right side of the bone plate, as the boundary portion314b.The boundary portion314eis spaced laterally from the boundary portion314dacross the width of the bone plate312but is aligned with the boundary portion314dlongitudinally along the length of the bone plate312, as can be seen inFIG. 7. The plane in which the boundary portion314eis disposed is spaced laterally apart from the plane in which the boundary portion314dis disposed by the width of the bone plate312, but the planes are substantially parallel to one another. The plane in which the boundary portion314eis disposed is transverse, however, to the plane in which the boundary portion314cis disposed.

The interconnecting portion318dextends between and joins together the boundary portion314cand the boundary portion314e.Because the boundary portion314elies in a plane that is transverse to the plane in which the boundary portion314clies, the interconnecting portion318dcan curve or bend around a bone. In addition, because the boundary portion314eis spaced apart from the boundary portion314calong the length of the bone plate312, the interconnecting portion318dextends across the bone plate at an angle to the longitudinal central axis330of the bone plate. As viewed inFIG. 7, the interconnecting portion318dzigs to the right.

As viewed inFIG. 7, boundary portion314cis located in a central position relative to the boundary portions314a,314b,314d,and314ealong the length of the bone plate312. The interconnecting portions318a,318b,318c,and318dextend radially from the boundary portion314c.The boundary portions314a,314b,314c,314d,and314eand the interconnecting portions318a,318b,318c,and318dare thus arranged in a configuration shaped like an “X”. In addition, the boundary portions314a,314c,and314dand the interconnecting portions318aand318care arranged in a zigzag configuration. Further, the boundary portions314b,314c,and314eand the interconnecting portions318band318dare arranged in a zigzag configuration that is opposed to the zigzag configuration of the boundary portions314a,314c,and314dand the interconnecting portions318aand318c.Each of the boundary portions314a-314eis joined only to one or more of interconnecting portions318a-318f.Each of the boundary portions314a-314eis free of any structure extending radially from the boundary portion other than one or more of interconnecting portions318a-318f.

The remaining boundary portions314fthrough314kand interconnecting portions318ethrough318lare joined together in an array that is an extension of the array in which the boundary portions314a-314eand the interconnecting portions318a-318dare joined together. As previously described, the overall pattern is an array that provides the bone plate312with a longitudinal series of configurations shaped like X's or, viewed differently, with a pair of zigzag configurations.

The bone fixation apparatus300′ is identical to the bone fixation apparatus300in all respects except that the bone plate312′ of the bone fixation apparatus300′ lacks boundary portions314ithrough314kand interconnecting portions318ithrough318l.The bone fixation apparatus300′ and the bone plate312′ are thus different in length than, i.e., shorter than, the bone fixation apparatus300and the bone plate312. This difference in lengths may be either predetermined or determined at the time the bone fixation apparatus300′ is placed in use. Specifically, a surgeon implanting the bone plate312in a patient may cut out or trim away boundary portions314ithrough314kand interconnecting portions318ithrough318lfrom the bone plate312to produce the bone plate312′ and the bone fixation apparatus300′. The surgeon may elect to cut or trim any number of boundary portions314and/or interconnecting portions318as required to have the bone plate312fit a particular bone or bone fracture. The number of boundary portions314and interconnecting portions318cut out or trimmed away may be greater or smaller than the number shown inFIG. 8and described above.

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes, and/or modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.