Abstract:
A distal radius plate according to the invention is ergonomically formed to be more easily centered on the radius bone. The distal radius plate has two main portions: an elongated portion that attaches to the body of the radius and a distal radius portion that attaches to the lower most, wider portion of the radius bone. Because of its ergonomic shape the distal radius plate is fast and easy to center on the radius and install. In another embodiment, the distal radius plate may include a metal support that is partially or entirely covered with a plastic to eliminate or reduce detailed machining of the metal, which reduces part cost and manufacturing time.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/163,912 entitled “DISTAL RADIUS PLATE,” filed on May 19, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The forearm has two large bones, the radius and the ulna, which run parallel to one another. The proximal end of the radius is at the lateral side of the elbow and extends all the way to the thumb side of the wrist which is the distal end of the radius (from a reference position in which the palm of the hand faces forward). The radius can also be divided in its other dimensions. For example the palm side of the radius bone is called the “volar” and the other side is called “dorsal.” The volar distal radius therefore refers to the palm side of the distal radius. The most prominent region (the part that sticks out like a ridge line) of the volar distal radius is called the “watershed line.” A distal radius fracture is a common bone fracture of the distal end of the radius in the forearm. 
         [0003]    Surgical implantation of a fixation (called a radius plate herein) plate to secure a broken radius has significantly helped revolutionize treatment of distal radius injuries. The plate may be fixed adjacent to the bone to be healed and is held in place using screws. There are many different techniques for treating distal radius fractures including dorsal plating, fragment specific fixation, non-spanning external fixation, volar plating, spanning internal fixation plates. 
         [0004]    Locked volar plating is a commonly used technique that has significantly improved the value of treatment. The volar plate has holes and is affixed by screws that run through holes in the plate. 
         [0005]    Notwithstanding its value, a well-known complication of volar plating is irritation and/or rupture of the tendons, especially flexor tendons. The idea is to keep the bone fragments of the fracture together securely without causing irritation or rupture of the tendons. The most common way to position the volar plate is to position it at or just proximal to the watershed line of the distal radius. 
         [0006]    Other prior art devices for securing are known that affix solely to the radius. These devices normally have an elongated section that extends along the body part of the radius prior to its distal end near the wrist. At the distal end, which is wider than the body, a plate connected to the elongated portion is affixed, normally by screwing into place. 
         [0007]    Some common problems with the aforementioned prior art devices are (1) they are difficult to center on the radius bone, (2) they sometimes rotate out of being centered after first being affixed, (3) they are not shaped like the distal end of the radius and may not secure it properly, and (4) they are not shaped properly, and do not have the proper screw holes or locations, to cover every size arm/hand (or at least a large range of arm/hand sizes). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    As used herein with respect to the radius bone, “body” or “body portion” means the long part of the radius bone extending up the arm from the distal radius. “Distal radius” means the part of the radius bone at its distal end, near the wrist and thumb. The “elongated portion” of a distal radius plate is the portion that is affixed to the body of the radius bone. The “distal radius portion” or “radius portion” of a distal radius plate is the portion that affixes to the distal radius. 
         [0009]    There are two aspects of the invention. One is a distal radius plate formed entirely of metal, such as stainless steel. The other is a distal radius plate with a metal support for strength and rigidity, which is overlaid with plastic. The plastic overlay forms, or eliminates the need for, complex shapes that must be machined into the metal, thereby reducing the cost of making and the cost and time to manufacture the distal radius plate. 
         [0010]    A distal radius plate according to invention has two basic portions, an elongated portion and a distal radius portion. Each is ergonomically designed to follow the shape of the radius bone. The distal radius portion is asymmetric and follows the outline of the distal radius over preferably 80 percent of its lower-most part. This helps center the entire distal radius plate and better aligns with the radius bone to secure the bone when affixed to it. 
         [0011]    A distal radius plate according to aspects of the invention may have a straight line down at least the top surface elongated portion, and preferably along both the elongated and distal radius portion to enable a surgeon to determine quickly when the plate is centered on the radius bone. 
         [0012]    When installing a distal radius plate, the incision in the arm/wrist is sometimes small and it can be difficult to determine the exact plate alignment. Therefore, the ability for a surgeon to quickly and accurately center the distal radius plate on the radius bone is desirable. 
         [0013]    A distal radius plate according to the invention may also have a stop, which can be a piece of metal attached to the elongated portion and that extends around the side of the plate on the thumb side. This prevents over rotation of the plate. The stop is preferably at the most proximal end of the distal radius plate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view of a device according to aspects of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top, x-ray view of the device of  FIG. 1  attached to a radius bone. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1  attached to a radius bone. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows top views of a metal support and plastic overlay that can be used to form a different embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows the plastic overlay of  FIG. 8  attached to a metal support. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Turning now to the drawings wherein the purpose is to describe a preferred embodiment of the invention and not to limit same.  FIG. 1  shows a top, perspective view of a distal radius plate  10  in accordance with aspects of the invention. Distal radius plate  10  is preferably comprised of metal, such as stainless steel. Plate  10  has two main portions: elongated portion  100  and distal radius portion  200 . Elongated portion  100  has a top side  102 , a bottom side  104  and a distal end (or end)  106 . Top side  102  is smooth and has a centerline  108  stamped or otherwise formed therein, or centerline  108  could be printed. A slot  110  is formed in portion  100  and has an upper opening  112 , which is large enough to receive and retain a screw head, and a lower opening  114 , which is large enough for a screw body to pass through and thread into the body of the radius bone, but too small for the screw head to pass through. 
         [0024]    Between slot  112  and end  106  are three first openings  116  shown as being centered in elongated portion  100 . Although three openings  116  are shown, one or more first openings  116  may be utilized. The purpose of openings  116  is for screws to pass through and screw into the radius body thus affixing elongated portion  100  to the elongated body. Openings  116  are preferably formed at angles so that openings  116 A and  116 C are skewed in one direction by 5°-10°, and preferably 10°, or from 5°-20°. Opening  116 B is preferably skewed in the opposite direction by the same amount. This skewing forces the screws going through the respective openings to enter the radius body at different angles, which makes it more difficult for the elongated portion  100 , and distal radius plate  10 , from rotating. 
         [0025]    End  106  is tapered to a rounded edge  106 A and has an inner stop  106 B that prevents it from rotating on the radius body. Stop  106 B is shaped like a hook so if the distal radius plate rotates, the outer edge of the stop presses against the body of the radius bone preventing further rotation. 
         [0026]    Bottom side  104  is concave to more easily be fit to and centered on the radius body. 
         [0027]    There is preferably an intermediate section  118  with an elongated portion  100  and the distal radial portion  200 . Intermediate portion also widens into portion  200 . Considering the upward bend in the intermediate portion  118 , portion  200  is preferably about ¼″ to ½″ offset from (or higher than) elongate portion  100 . 
         [0028]    Distal radius portion  200  is wide relative elongated portion  100  and is preferably shaped to approximate the shape of the distal radius part of the radius bone. As used herein, the distal radius portion refers to the lower most portion of the radius bone, which is near the wrist. Portion  200  is lower on the radius bone and arm when installed. 
         [0029]    Portion  200  has a top surface  202 , a bottom surface  204 , an aperture  206  and a plurality of second openings  208 . Openings  208  as shown are in three sets formed at three different angles. There is a first set  208 A (for large distal radiuses), a second set  208 B for smaller distal radiuses and a third set  208 C for further anchoring to a distal radius of appropriate sizes. Fasteners  210  fit through the respective openings and are affixed to the distal radius preferably by being threaded into the bone and the fastener heads are countersunk into the openings. A surgeon can determine which openings to place fasteners through depending on the size of the distal radius. Further, the angles of the second openings may permit the fasteners to crisscross, which provides compressive strength. 
         [0030]    Portion  200  has an end  212 , a side  214 , and a side  216 . End  212 , side  214  and side  216  are preferably the same shape of the distal radius for at least 50% of the distance from portion  100  moving towards end  212 , or for at least 75% of the distance from portion  100  moving towards end  212 , or for at least 80% of the distance from portion  100  moving towards end  212 . 
         [0031]    The distal radius plate according to various aspects of the invention can be quickly centered and attached, and one size fits most or all radius bones. 
         [0032]    In use, an opening is made in the arm and the distal radius plate is centered on the radius bone using concave surface  104  and centerline  108 . Then a fastener is positioned through slot  110  and screwed into the radius body. Distal radius plate  10  can be moved back and forth along slot  110  to properly position portion  200  over the distal radius. The slot also permits limited side-to-side movement to center the distal radius plate. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a distal radius plate according to the invention has a metal support and plastic overlay. The metal support preferably comprises steel, such as stainless steel. The plastic overlay can be comprised of any suitable material, such as PEEK. The advantage of the plastic overlay is that it reduces production time and costs little or no complex machining of the metal need be performed. Specific embodiments of a distal radius plate with a plastic overlay are described below and shown in some of the attached drawings. 
         [0034]    By using a plastic overlay, the metal support can simply be stamped using a stamping tool. The smooth edges, the distal edge of the elongated portion and the shape of the distal radius portion can be formed in the plastic made by an injection molding process or another suitable process. Furthermore, the first openings and second openings need not be machined at angles—they can be punched straight through the metal support. The plastic can partially fill the openings and a surgeon can thread a fastener through the plastic and into the radius bone at any angle he/she desires. 
         [0035]    A plastic overlay may be manufactured separately and attached to the metal support, for example, by pressure fitting them together. Or, the plastic may be formed over the metal support. 
         [0036]    Having thus described preferred embodiments of the invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written description or claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may be performed in any order capable of yielding the desired result. Some specific, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below.
   1. A distal radius plate having:
       (a) an elongated portion with one or more first openings, the elongated portion for being attached to the body portion of the radius bone; and   (b) a distal radius portion with one or more second openings, wherein at least some of the openings are formed at outward angle; wherein screws passing through the one or more first openings are received in the body portion and screws passing through the one or more second openings are received in the distal radius.   
       2. The distal radius plate of example 1 wherein there is a upward bend between the elongated portion and the radius portion.   3. The distal radius plate of example 2 wherein the radius portion is ¼″ to ½″ above the elongated portion.   4. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-3 that includes a slot in the elongated portion, the slot for receiving a screw to anchor and center the elongated portion on the body portion.   5. The distal radius plate of example 4 wherein the slot is between ½″ and 1½″ in length.   6. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-5 wherein there are multiple first openings.   7. The distal radius plate of example 6 wherein the elongated portion has an end distal the distal radius portion and an end proximal the distal radius portion and each of the first openings is between the distal end and the slot.   8. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-7 wherein the elongated portion has a visible center line to assist in centering the distal radius plate on the radius bone.   9. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-8 wherein the elongated portion has an end distal the distal radius portion and the distal end is tapered to form a rounded edge.   10. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-9 wherein the distal radius portion has different second openings formed at different angles in order to accommodate different-sized distal radiuses.   11. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-10 wherein the distal radius portion has an enlarged opening between the second openings and the elongated portion.   12. The distal radius plate of example 10 wherein there is a first set of second openings to fit one sized hand and a second set of second openings to fit a different sized hand, wherein the first set of second openings are formed at different angles than the second set of second openings.   13. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-12 wherein each of the second openings has a locking mechanism to hold a fastener in place.   14. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-13 wherein the shape and size of the distal radius portion enables it to self center on the distal radius bone.   15. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-13 wherein the distal radius portion has the shape of the distal radius.   16. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-15 wherein the at least two second openings are positioned such that at least one bone portion in the distal radius can be engaged by at least two fasteners.   17. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-15 wherein the second openings are positioned such that more than one bone portion in the distal radius can be engaged by more than one fastener.   18. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-17 wherein the elongated portion has a top surface, and a bottom surface that rests against the body of the radius bone, the bottom surface being concave.   19. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-18 wherein the elongated portion has an end distal the distal radius portion and the distal end has a flange.   20. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-19 wherein there is a first set of second openings to fit one sized hand and a second set of second openings to fit a different sized hand, wherein the first set of openings are positioned farther from the center of the distal radius portion than the second set of openings.   21. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-20 wherein at least the upper half of the distal radius portion is shaped the same as the distal radius bone.   22. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-20 wherein at least the upper 75% of the distal radius portion is shaped the same as the distal radius.   23. The distal radius plate of any of examples 1-22 wherein the bottom of the elongated portion has a stop including a ridge to prevent rotation.   24. The distal radius plate of example 23 wherein the stop is at the end of the elongated portion distal from the distal radius portion.   25. The distal radius plate of example 4 wherein the slot accepts a screw that is threaded into the radius bone body and the distal radius plate can slide along the radius bone with the screw maintaining the side-to-side position of the distal radius plate.