Abstract:
A device to maintaining temporary engagement with a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first biased appendage positioned opposite a second biased appendage, the first and second biased appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines an interior region; (b) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second biased appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including a through hole open to the interior region; and, (c) a first tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the first tab extending into the interior region to engage a bone plate.

Description:
RELATED ART 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to devices used to initially position and retain a bone plate with respect to a bone and, more specifically, includes a clip-on device for use with a volar bone plate to retain the bone plate in position with respect to a radius. 
         [0003]    2. Brief Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    In the context of distal radius fractures, a bone plate (known as a volar plate) is commonly mounted to the radius (also include radius bone segments resulting from the fracture) in order to ensure the radius is in a proper orientation to promote bone growth at the fracture site(s). It is often desirable for a surgeon when mounting the volar plate to the radius to temporarily hold the volar plate in the appropriate position before retention screws are concurrently mounted to the volar plate and the radius or radius segments. 
         [0005]    In the past, ratcheting forceps were utilized to concurrently scaffold the volar plate and the radius. One of the primary problems with ratcheting forceps is that the forceps tend to be bulky and obstruct an unnecessary amount of the surgeon&#39;s working area. Moreover, ratcheting forceps are sometimes difficult to apply and loosen during the surgical procedure. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative to ratcheting forceps that may be used to temporarily secure a bone plate to a bone. 
       INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present disclosure is directed to devices used to initially position and retain a bone plate with respect to a bone. More specifically, the disclosure includes embodiments characterized as clip-on devices that partially circumscribe a bone in order to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to a bone. While the exemplary embodiment is explained with respect to a volar plate, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be used to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to any number of bones. Thus, the disclosure is by no means limited to radius fractures and volar plates. 
         [0008]    It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a device to maintain temporary engagement with a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first biased appendage positioned opposite a second biased appendage, the first and second biased appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines an interior region; (b) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second biased appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including a through hole open to the interior region; and, (c) a first tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the first tab extending into the interior region and adapted to engage a bone plate. 
         [0009]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the device further includes a third biased appendage positioned opposite a fourth biased appendage, the third and fourth biased appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines the interior region, wherein the first and third biased appendages are spaced apart in a proximal-to-distal direction, and wherein the first and second biased appendages are spaced apart in a medial-to-lateral direction perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction. In yet another more detailed embodiment, at least one of the first and second biased appendages and the platform includes a K-wire hole. In a further detailed embodiment, at least one of the first and second biased appendages and the platform include a plurality of K-wire holes. In still a further detailed embodiment, the platform includes an arcuate medial-to-lateral profile, and the first and second biased appendages seamlessly extend from the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, the platform includes at least one K-wire hole extending into the interior region, and the through hole of the platform comprises an oblong through hole sized to receive a threaded fastener. In a more detailed embodiment, the first tab extends from a bottom surface of the platform, the bottom surface of the platform includes a second tab spaced apart from the first tap in a medial-to-lateral direction, the first biased appendage is spaced apart from the second biased appendage in the medial-to-lateral direction, and the first and second tabs cooperate to decrease a widthwise gap in the interior region extending in the medial-to-lateral direction. In another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a second tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the second tab extending into the interior region and adapted to engage the bone plate, where the second tab is spaced apart from the first tap in the medial-to-lateral direction, and the first and second tabs cooperate to decrease a first widthwise gap in the interior region extending in the medial-to-lateral direction. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a second tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the second tab extending into the interior region and adapted to engage the bone plate, a third tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the third tab extending into the interior region and adapted to engage the bone plate, and a fourth tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the fourth tab extending into the interior region and adapted to engage a bone plate, where the second tab is spaced apart from the first tab in the medial-to-lateral direction and cooperate to decrease a first widthwise gap in the interior region extending in the medial-to-lateral direction, where the fourth tab is spaced apart from the third tab in the medial-to-lateral direction and cooperate to decrease a second widthwise gap in the interior region extending in the medial-to-lateral direction and where the first tab is spaced apart from the third tab in the proximal-to-distal direction. 
         [0010]    In yet another more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first tab extends from the first biased appendage, a second tab extends from the second biased appendage, a third tab extends from the third biased appendage, and a fourth tab extends from the fourth biased appendage. In still another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a drill guide block operatively coupled to at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the drill guide block including at least one through orifice. In a further detailed embodiment, the drill guide block includes a through orifice partially defined by a plurality of arcuate walls. In still a further detailed embodiment, the drill guide block is integrally formed with at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform are integrally formed, and the drill guide block is integrally formed with the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, the drill guide block is shaped to conform to a volar bone plate. In another more detailed embodiment, the through hole of the platform comprises an oblong through hole adapted to receive a threaded fastener, and at least a portion of the oblong through hole is delineated by an oblong ring upstanding from a top surface of the platform. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a first arcuate flange mounted to a distal portion of the platform, and a second arcuate flange mounted to a proximal portion of the platform. 
         [0011]    In yet another more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the first and second biased appendages comprises a first closed loop. In still another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a first biased detent extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the first biased detent including a range of motion at least partially overlapping a through passage delineated by the first closed loop. In a further detailed embodiment, the first biased appendage includes a first closed loop, and the second biased appendage includes a second closed loop. In still a further detailed embodiment, the device further includes a first biased detent extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the first biased detent including a range of motion at least partially overlapping a through passage delineated by at least one of the first closed loop and the second closed loop. In a more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a first biased detent extending from the first biased appendage and including a range of motion at least partially overlapping a through passage delineated by the first closed loop, and a second biased detent extending from the second biased appendage and including a range of motion at least partially overlapping a through passage delineated by the second closed loop. In a more detailed embodiment, the first and second biased detents cooperate to decrease a widthwise gap in the interior region extending in a medial-to-lateral direction, and the first and second loops extend in a proximal-to-distal direction perpendicular to the medial-to-lateral direction. In another more detailed embodiment, the arcuate profile of the first biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the arcuate profile of the second biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, and the concave side of the first biased appendage faces the concave side of the second biased appendage. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the arcuate profile of the first biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the arcuate profile of the second biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the arcuate profile of the third biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the arcuate profile of the fourth biased appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the concave side of the first biased appendage faces the concave side of the second biased appendage, and the concave side of the third biased appendage faces the concave side of the fourth biased appendage. In still a further detailed embodiment, at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform includes a projection extending into the interior region, the projection spaced apart from the tab and having a longitudinal arcuate surface exposed to the interior region. 
         [0012]    It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a device to maintaining temporary engagement with a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first biased appendage having a vertical arcuate profile that bows outward in a medial direction; (b) a second biased appendage positioned opposite the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage having a vertical arcuate profile that bows outward in a lateral direction, opposite the medial direction; (c) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second biased appendages, the platform cooperates with the first biased appendage and the second biased appendage to partially define an interior region, the platform including an oblong through hole open to the interior region, where at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform includes a K-wire hole extending therethrough. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view, from the front, of a first exemplary bone plate scaffold. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a frontal view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a left side, profile view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1  coupled to a bone plate. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate scaffold of  FIG. 1  coupled to a bone plate and a bone. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an elevated perspective view, from the front, of a second exemplary bone plate clip. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an overhead view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a profile view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  mounted to a bone plate and a bone. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  with an exemplary block. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  with the exemplary block. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a right side profile view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  with the exemplary block. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a left side profile view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  with the exemplary block. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 8  with the exemplary block being mounted to a bone and a bone plate. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is an elevated perspective view, from the front, of a second exemplary bone plate clip. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a frontal view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a profile view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an overhead view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone plate clip of  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass devices utilized to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to a bone and associated methods. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-5 , an exemplary scaffold  100  includes a generally arcuate shape to partially circumscribe a bone. This arcuate shape is partially defined by four arcuate arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  (lateral proximal, lateral distal, medial proximal, medial distal) that seamlessly extend respectively from lateral and medial walls  110 ,  112 . Interposing the lateral and medial walls  110 ,  112  is a base  114 , which seamlessly transitions into the medial and lateral walls. 
         [0040]    On one side of the scaffold  100 , the lateral proximal arm  102  is longitudinally spaced apart from the lateral distal arm  104  by a predetermined space  116 . The lateral proximal arm  102  includes an arcuate outer surface  120  and arcuate interior surface  122 . A peripheral surface  124  bridges the outer and inner surfaces  120 ,  122 . The outer surface  120  is convex, while the interior surface  122  is concave. In exemplary form, each arm  102 ,  104  includes a rounded end  128  that, moving arcuately toward the base  114 , progressively becomes wider until reaching the lateral wall  110 . The peripheral surface  124  on the proximal side  124 P of the proximal arm  102  is substantially vertical, whereas the peripheral surface  124 D on the distal side of the proximal arm is non-vertical and takes on an arcuate, convex shape in the proximal-to-distal direction. The peripheral surface  124 D seamlessly transitions into a peripheral wall surface  130 , which is part of the lateral wall  110 . 
         [0041]    The peripheral wall surface  130  of the lateral wall  110  seamlessly transitions into a peripheral surface  136  extending around the lateral distal arm  104 . As with the lateral proximal arm  102 , the lateral distal arm includes an arcuate outer surface  140  and arcuate interior surface  142 . The outer surface  140  is convex, while the interior surface  142  is concave. The peripheral surface  136  on the distal side  136 D of the distal arm  104  is substantially vertical, whereas the peripheral surface  136 P on the proximal side of the distal arm is non-vertical and takes on an arcuate, convex shape in the distal-to-proximal direction until transitioning into the peripheral wall surface  130  of the lateral wall  110 . 
         [0042]    The lateral wall  110  takes on a gentle S-shaped profile when viewed from a vertical cross section. A longitudinal depression  150  is formed into an exterior surface  152  of the lateral wall. The longitudinal depression  150  operates to delineate a lower portion  152 L of the surface that has the same arcuate profile as the lateral arms  102 ,  104  from an upper portion  152 U of the surface having its own arcuate profile. Two orifices  154 ,  156  extend through the lower portion  152 L of the exterior surface and also through an interior surface  160  of the lateral wall  110 . The lateral proximal orifice  154  is positioned above the lateral proximal arm  102 , whereas the lateral distal orifice  156  is positioned above the lateral distal arm  104 . Each orifice  154 ,  156  is sized to accommodate a K-wire (not shown). Two other orifices  164 ,  166  extend through the upper portion  152 U of the exterior surface and also through the interior surface  160  of the lateral wall  110 . One orifice  164  is positioned above the lateral proximal orifice  154 , whereas the other orifice  166  is positioned above the lateral distal orifice  156 . Each orifice  164 ,  166  is sized to accommodate a K-wire (not shown) extending beyond the interior surface  160 . 
         [0043]    The interior surface  160  includes a pair of raised tabs  168 ,  169  that are located between corresponding orifices  154 ,  156 ,  164 ,  166 . As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the tabs  168 ,  169  cooperate with the other pair of raised tabs  228 ,  229  to temporarily retain a bone plate in relative position while fasteners are concurrently mounted to the bone and bone plate. 
         [0044]    Opposite the lateral side of the scaffold  100 , the medial proximal arm  106  is longitudinally spaced apart from the medial distal arm  108  by a predetermined space  176 . The medial proximal arm  106  includes an arcuate outer surface  180  and arcuate interior surface  182 . A peripheral surface  184  bridges the outer and inner surfaces  180 ,  182 . The outer surface  180  is convex, while the interior surface  182  is concave. In exemplary form, each arm  106 ,  108  includes a rounded end  188  that, moving arcuately toward the base  114 , progressively becomes wider until reaching the medial wall  170 . The peripheral surface  184  on the proximal side  184 P of the proximal arm  106  is substantially vertical, whereas the peripheral surface  184 D on the distal side of the proximal arm is non-vertical and takes on an arcuate, convex shape in the proximal-to-distal direction. The peripheral surface  184 D seamlessly transitions into a peripheral wall surface  190 , which is part of the medial wall  170 . 
         [0045]    The peripheral wall surface  190  of the medial wall  170  seamlessly transitions into a peripheral surface  196  extending around the medial distal arm  108 . As with the medial proximal arm  106 , the medial distal arm includes an arcuate outer surface  200  and arcuate interior surface  202 . The outer surface  200  is convex, while the interior surface  202  is concave. The peripheral surface  196  on the distal side  196 D of the distal arm  108  is substantially vertical, whereas the peripheral surface  196 P on the proximal side of the distal arm is non-vertical and takes on an arcuate, convex shape in the distal-to-proximal direction until transitioning into the peripheral wall surface  190  of the medial wall  170 . 
         [0046]    The medial wall  170  takes on a gentle S-shaped profile when viewed from a vertical cross section. A longitudinal depression  210  is formed into an exterior surface  212  of the medial wall. The longitudinal depression  210  operates to delineate a lower portion  212 L of the surface that has the same arcuate profile as the medial arms  106 ,  108  from an upper portion  212 U of the surface having its own arcuate profile. Two orifices  214 ,  216  extend through the lower portion  212 L of the exterior surface and also through an interior surface  220  of the medial wall  170 . The medial proximal orifice  214  is positioned above the medial proximal arm  106 , whereas the medial distal orifice  216  is positioned above the medial distal arm  108 . Each orifice  214 ,  216  is sized to accommodate a K-wire (not shown). Two other orifices  224 ,  226  extend through the upper portion  212 U of the exterior surface and also through the interior surface  220  of the medial wall  170 . One orifice  224  is positioned above the medial proximal orifice  214 , whereas the other orifice  226  is positioned above the medial distal orifice  216 . Each orifice  224 ,  226  is sized to accommodate a K-wire (not shown). The interior surface  220  includes a pair of raised tabs  228 ,  229  that are located between corresponding orifices  214 ,  216 ,  224 ,  226 . 
         [0047]    Interposing the medial and lateral sides of the scaffold  100  is the base  114 . The base  114  comprises a top, planar surface  230  that is opposite a bottom, planar surface  232 . Two orifices  240 ,  242  (proximal and distal) extend through the top surface  230  and through the bottom surface  232 . Each orifice  240 ,  242  is sized to receive a respective K-wire (not shown). It should be noted that the proximal K-wire orifices  240 ,  154 ,  164 ,  214 ,  224  all lay along a first arcuate path, while the distal K-wire orifices  242 ,  156 ,  166 ,  216 ,  226  all lie along a second arcuate path. These arcuate paths are parallel to one another and are longitudinally spaced from one another. In between these arcuate paths, extending through the base is an elongated hole  250 . This elongated hole  250  is sized to allow throughput of a variable angle locking screw or a compression screw (not shown) in order to interface one or more orifices associated with a bone plate. 
         [0048]    Each of the raised tabs  169 ,  168   228 ,  229  includes an arcuate inclined surface  260  that rounds over to form a ledge  262  that is substantially parallel with the top planar surface  230 . As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the ledge  262  is adapted to rest against the top surface of the bone so that the bone is sandwiched by the ledge and the interior surface  122 ,  142 ,  182 ,  202  proximate the rounded ends  128 ,  188  of the arcuate arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 . 
         [0049]    In this exemplary embodiment, the scaffold  100  described above is fabricated from injection molded thermoplastic. As a result, the components and features of the scaffold  100  described above are integrated into a single piece structure thus giving the material some inherent elasticity and flexibility. But it should also be noted that the scaffold  100  need not be fabricated from a thermoplastic material or injection molded. Instead, the scaffold  100  may be fabricated from a metal such as, without limitation, aluminum. 
         [0050]    It should also be understood that the dimensions of the scaffold as described herein are exemplary in nature and may be changed to accommodate various sizes and shapes of bones and bone plates. For example, the scaffold  100  may be enlarged for use as a femoral fracture device. 
         [0051]    The first exemplary scaffold  100  may include a block (not shown) that may be a separate component or may be integrally formed as part of the scaffold. The block operates to aid surgeons in aligning threaded drill guides (not shown) with holes extending through the bone plate. In exemplary form, the block includes an outline that tracks the shape of a portion of a volar bone plate (see  FIG. 6 ). More specifically, the block includes a series of angled through orifices that at least partially overlap with one another. The walls that partially define the through orifices are correspondingly angled so that when the drill guide (not shown) is aligned with a respective through hole of the bone plate, the drill guide can only be axially inserted in a single angle. In this manner, the drilled hole in the bone is assured to be axially aligned with the respective through hole. Those skilled in the art are familiar with drill guides and understand the principle of the block without further explanation. 
         [0052]    The block includes a pair of proximal projections that overhang from the remainder of the block. These projections are received within respective distal through holes  166 ,  226  of the scaffold  100  to form a snap-fit between the block and scaffold. In this manner, the block is mounted to the scaffold  100  after the bone plate is in position with respect to the bone. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in order to use the scaffold  100 , a surgeon clips the scaffold to the volar bone plate  304  while the volar bone plate is located outside of the patient&#39;s body. This is accomplished by aligning an elongated hole  320  of the bone plate  304  with the elongated hole  250  of the scaffold  100 . Thereafter the bone plate  304  is raised to pass between the rounded ends  128 ,  188  of the arcuate arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 . In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing between the arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  is wide enough so that the width of the bone plate  304  can pass therebetween. But the medial-to-lateral distance between the tabs  168 ,  169 ,  228 ,  229  is not great enough to allow the bone place to pass therebetween. Instead, the medial-to-lateral spacing is slightly smaller than the width of the bone plate  304 . In this manner, the tabs  168 ,  169 ,  228 ,  229  of the scaffold  100  are temporarily deformed by pushing the bone plate  304  in between the tabs, thereby forcing the bone plate between the tabs and the bottom surface. Because the scaffold  100  is fabricated from a polymer, such as polyethylene, the tabs are somewhat elastic and return to their original position to retain the bone plate. In other words, the tabs  168 ,  169 ,  228 ,  229  operate to retain the bone plate  304  until the bone plate is mounted to the bone  310 . 
         [0054]    After the bone plate  304  is mounted to the scaffold  100 , the bone plate and scaffold are positioned on the bone  310 . Depending upon the fracture point and other factors, the surgeon tentatively positions the bone plate  304  on top of the bone  310 , in this case a distal radius. Positioning of the bone plate  304  and scaffold  100  is accomplished by increasing the medial-to-lateral spacing between the rounded ends  128 ,  188  of the arcuate arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  so that the bone is able to pass therebetween. After the bone passes beyond the rounded ends  128 ,  188  of the arcuate arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , the elastic nature of the arms attempts to return the rounded ends to their default position, which is operative to clamp the bone  310  in between the arms. In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing of the arms is such that the arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  need to be deformed to increase the medial-to-lateral spacing therebetween. But the partially elastic nature of the arms provides a spring force attempting to return the arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  to their original position. This spring force is sufficient to retain the scaffold  100  in position with respect to the bone  310 , which also operates to retain the general position of the bone with respect to the bone plate  304 . At this time, the surgeon can drill holes through the bone plate  304  and into the bone  310  in order to more securely mount the bone plate to the bone. After one or more holes have been drilled and one or more fasteners have been secured to the bone  310  and bone plate  304 , the scaffold  100  may be removed by deforming the arms  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  in order to pass beyond the widest part of the bone, while at the same time deforming the tabs  168 ,  169 ,  228 ,  229  to allow the bone plate to pass therebetween and discontinue the engagement between the scaffold and bone plate. 
         [0055]    Though not specifically discussed, it should be noted that at any time during the procedure, the surgeon may use one or more K-wires (not shown) to align the scaffold  100  with respect to the bone  310 . An exemplary circumstance would be initially positioning one or more K-wires into the bone  310  and thereafter sliding the K-wire(s) through respective orifices  154 ,  156 ,  164 ,  166  (see  FIGS. 1 and 5 ) of the scaffold  100  in order to align the scaffold with respect to the bone. Those skilled in the art would be familiar with such a technique in light of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-13 , a second exemplary clip  400  includes a generally arcuate shape to partially circumscribe a bone. The clip  400  comprises two mirror image halves  402 ,  404  that are seamlessly connected. For purposes of brevity, the explanations concerning the features of both halves have been consolidated as an explanation concerning one of the halves is equally applicable for the other half. 
         [0057]    Each half includes an appendage  406  that seamlessly extends from an opposing side of a platform  408 . The appendage  406  comprises a closed loop having a vertical cross-section with an arcuate profile. Each appendage  406  tapers in medial-to-lateral thickness ML along the arcuate path so that the thickness increases from a bottom edge  412  until reaching the platform  408 . Likewise, each appendage  406  tapers outward in proximal-to-distal PD length until reaching a shoulder  414  just prior to reaching the platform  408 . In this manner, the length of the appendage increases from the bottom edge  412  until reaching the shoulder  414 , where the length remains constant until reaching the platform  408 . A cutout  418  creates an opening extending through the appendage  406 , through the shoulder  414 , and through a portion of the platform  408 . 
         [0058]    The appendage  406  includes four exterior surfaces. A first exterior surface  420  is smooth, arcuate, and convex. This first exterior surface faces laterally outward from the remainder of the clip  400 . A second exterior surface  422 , is generally opposite the first exterior surface  420 , and is smooth, arcuate, and concave. This second exterior surface  422  faces toward the interior of the clip  400  where the bone and bone plate are located when the clip is utilized. As discussed previously, the appendage  406  tapers in medial-to-lateral thickness ML, which results in both exterior surfaces  420 ,  422  having a trapezoidal appearance with a pair of rounded, corners  424  that a connected by a linear bottom edge  426 . Opposite the linear edge  426 , both surfaces  420 ,  422  include a pair of branches  428 P,  428 D that are interposed by the cutout  418 . Each branch  428 P,  428 D increases in proximal-to-distal length as that portion of the branch gets closer and closer to the shoulder  414 . A third exterior surface  430  is generally smooth and extends at a right angle with respect to the first and second exterior surfaces  420 ,  422 . However, the width of the third exterior surface  430  is not constant, but rather changes indicative of the fact that the overall thickness of the appendage changes from top to bottom. More specifically, the third exterior surface  430  includes proximal and distal segments  430 P,  430 D that include rounded over sections transitioning to a linear, constant diameter section  430 C comprising part of the bottom edge  412 , which is opposite the shoulder  414 . Finally, a fourth exterior surface  432  is smooth and takes on a U-shaped appearance. This U-shaped exterior surface  432  includes a pair of sections  432 P,  432 D that are generally opposite one another, but not in parallel. Rather the sections  432 P,  432 D are acutely angled with respect to one another and obtusely angled with respect to a third, intervening section  432 C. 
         [0059]    The shoulder  414  comprises two segments that are mirror images of one another. Each shoulder includes a smooth, arcuate top surface  440  that bridges a top, arcuate surface  442  of the platform  408  with the first exterior surface  420  of the appendage  406 . 
         [0060]    Opposite the arcuate surface  440  is a smooth, planar surface  444  extending between the second exterior surface  422  of the appendage  406  and a bottom surface  446  of the platform  408 . Interposing the arcuate surface  440  and the planar surface  444  are corresponding proximal and distal surfaces  450 P,  450 D. Both of these surfaces  450 P,  450 D extend at a right angle with respect to the arcuate surface  440 , the planar surface  444 , and the bottom surface  446 . 
         [0061]    The bottom surface  446  of the platform  408  is multifaceted and partially defines the boundaries of an interior of the clip  400 . In particular, the bottom surface  446  of each half  402 ,  404  includes a raised, flat surface  454  that intersects the shoulder  414  surfaces. This raised surface  454  includes two arcuate projections that cooperate with respective arcuate walls  456  to form a pair partial cylindrical projections (two for each half  402 ,  404 ) extending into the interior of the clip  400 . Each arcuate wall  456  is bordered by a vertical wall  460  and an arcuate wall  462  that partially defines a detent  470  occupying a portion of the cutout  418 . 
         [0062]    The detent  470  is integrally formed and extends from the platform  408 . In exemplary form, the detent  470  includes a pointed end  476  that extends into the interior of the clip  400 . Extending away from the end  476  is a flat bottom surface  478  and a flat declined surface  480 . The declined surface  480  terminates in an interior surface  482  that vertically tracks the general shape of the vertical wall  460  and an arcuate wall  462 . Corresponding gaps  484  occur proximally and distally on both sides of the detent  470 , thereby effectively forming a peninsula mounting at one end to the platform. Because only one end of the detent  470  is mounted to any fixed structure, the detent is repositionable within the cutout  418  in the lateral and medial directions. The detent  470  also includes parallel, vertical proximal and distal walls  492 ,  494  that are formed at right angles to a pair of exterior surfaces  496 ,  498 . The first exterior surface  496  generally tracks the curvature of the top, arcuate surface  442  of the platform  408 , while the second exterior surface  498  is vertically oriented. 
         [0063]    The arcuate walls  462  on the interior of the clip  400  are interposed by a generally planar horizontal surface  500  that is substantially rectangular in shape. This horizontal surface  500  includes three through holes  502 ,  504 ,  506  that extends through the platform  408 . The first and third holes  502 ,  506  are circular in horizontal cross-section and dimensioned to each accommodate a K-wire (not shown), whereas the second hole  504  is oblong in horizontal cross-section and dimensioned to accommodate a compression screw (not shown) inserted through the top of the second hole. 
         [0064]    At the top, arcuate surface  442  of the platform  408 , a ring cap  490  partially defines the second through hole  504 . The ring cap  490  is generally oblong in shape and extends vertically above the top, arcuate surface  442  and a top planar surface  508  of the platform  408 . The base of the ring cap  490  tapers upward, away from the surfaces  442 ,  508  until reaching a horizontal ring surface  510 . The horizontal ring surface  510  is oriented perpendicular to a vertical, oblong wall  512  that delineates the interior of the second through hole  504 . Each of the K-wire holes  502 ,  506  lies generally along the centerline delineating the halves  402 ,  404  and respectively interposes the base of the ring cap  490  and a raised flange  514 ,  516  at the proximal and distal ends. 
         [0065]    The raised flanges  514 ,  516  are mirror images of one another and take on a generally U-shaped profile. Each flange  514 ,  516  includes a planar vertical wall  520  that is perpendicular to an arched wall  522 . The vertical height of the top of the arched wall  522  is slightly above the vertical height of the ring surface  510  and above the top, arcuate surface  442  of the platform  408 . An arcuate wall  526  bridges between the top, arcuate surface  442  and the arched wall  522 . In exemplary form, a portion of the arcuate wall  526  and a portion of the arcuate surface  442  delineate the circular top of each K-wire hole  502 ,  506 . 
         [0066]    In this exemplary embodiment, the clip  400  is fabricated from injection molded thermoplastic. As a result, the components and features of the clip  400  described above are integrated into a single piece structure thus giving the material some inherent elasticity and flexibility. But it should also be noted that the clip  400  need not be fabricated from a thermoplastic material or injection molded. Instead, the clip  400  may be fabricated from a metal such as, without limitation, aluminum. 
         [0067]    Referencing  FIGS. 8-14 , using the exemplary clip  400  may include mounting a volar bone plate  530  while the volar bone plate is located outside of the patient&#39;s body. This is accomplished by aligning an elongated hole  532  of the bone plate  530  with the elongated hole  504  of the clip  400 . Thereafter the bone plate  530  is raised to pass between the bottom edges  412  of the appendages  406 . In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing between the bottom edges  412  of the appendages  406  is enough so that the width of the bone plate  530  can pass therebetween. But the default medial-to-lateral distance between the ends  476  of the detents  470  is not great enough to allow the bone place to pass therebetween. Instead, the medial-to-lateral spacing of the detent ends  476  is slightly smaller than the width of the bone plate  530 . In order to elevate the bone plate  530  into the interior of the clip  400 , the detents  470  are temporarily deformed by pushing the bone plate  530  in between the detents, thereby forcing the bone plate between the detents, which causes the detents to move outward away from the interior of the bone plate. Because the clip  400  is fabricated from a somewhat resilient material, such as a polymer or deformable metal, the detents  470  are somewhat elastic and return to their original position to retain the bone plate  530  after the bone plate passes into the interior and beyond the ends  476  of the detents. In this manner, the detents  470  operate to retain the bone plate  530  in a coupled engagement with the clip  400  until the bone plate is mounted to the bone  540 . 
         [0068]    After the bone plate  530  is mounted to the clip  400 , the bone plate and clip are positioned on the bone  540 . Depending upon the fracture point and other factors, the surgeon tentatively positions the bone plate  530  on top of the bone  540 , in this case a distal radius. Positioning of the bone plate  530  and clip  400  is accomplished by increasing the medial-to-lateral spacing between the bottom edges  412  of the appendages  406  so that the bone is able to pass therebetween. After the bone passes beyond the bottom edges  412  of the appendages  406 , the elastic nature of the appendages attempts to return the bottom edges to their default position, which is operative to clamp the bone  540  in between the appendages. In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing of the appendages  406  is such that the appendages need to be deformed to increase the medial-to-lateral spacing therebetween. But the partially elastic nature of the appendages  406  provides a spring force attempting to return the appendages to their original position. This spring force is sufficient to retain the clip  400  in position with respect to the bone  540 , which also operates to retain the general position of the bone with respect to the bone plate  530 . At this time, the surgeon can drill holes through the bone plate  530  and into the bone  540  in order to more securely mount the bone plate to the bone. After one or more holes have been drilled and one or more fasteners have been secured to the bone  540  and bone plate  530 , the clip  400  may be removed by deforming the appendages  406  in order to pass beyond the widest part of the bone, while at the same time deforming the detents  470  to allow the bone plate to pass therebetween and discontinue the engagement between the clip and bone plate. 
         [0069]    Though not specifically discussed, it should be noted that at any time during the procedure, the surgeon may use one or more K-wires (not shown) to align the clip  400  with respect to the bone  540 . An exemplary circumstance would be initially positioning one or more K-wires into the bone  540  and thereafter sliding the K-wire(s) through respective orifices  502 ,  506  of the clip  400  in order to align the scaffold with respect to the bone. Those skilled in the art would be familiar with such a technique in light of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0070]    It should also be understood that the dimensions of the clip  400  as described herein are exemplary in nature and may be changed to accommodate various sizes and shapes of bones and bone plates. For example, the clip  400  may be enlarged for use as a femoral fracture device. 
         [0071]    Referencing  FIGS. 15-19 , the second exemplary clip  400  may include a hole template  550  that may be a separate component or may be integrally formed as part of the clip. The hole template  550  operates to aid surgeons in aligning threaded drill guides (not shown) with holes extending through a bone plate  530  mounted to a bone  540 . In exemplary form, the hole template  550  includes an outline that tracks the shape of a distal portion of a volar bone plate  530 . More specifically, the hole template  550  includes a through orifice  556  delineated by a series of conjoined arcuate walls  558 . Each of the walls  558  that partially defines the through orifice  556  is correspondingly angled so that when the drill guide (not shown) is aligned with a respective through hole of the bone plate  530 , the drill guide can only be axially inserted at a single angle. In this manner, the drilled hole in the bone  540  is assured to be axially aligned with the respective through hole. Those skilled in the art are familiar with drill guides and understand the principle of the template  550  to drill holes in the bone  540  without further explanation. 
         [0072]    The hole template  550  includes an enlarged head  560  that extends from a proximal end of the clip  400  by way of a neck  562 . Extending through the neck  562  is a through hole  564  that at least partially overlaps one of the arcuate walls  558  of the through orifice  556 . The enlarged head  560  tapers outward, extending distally, from the neck  562  to increase the medial and lateral dimensions of the head. In exemplary form, the head  560  includes a substantially planar top surface  568  and a cupped bottom surface  570  that is interposed by a circumferential surface  572 . A distal tab  574  extends from the circumferential surface  572 . Lateral and medial rims  576 ,  578  on the bottom surface  570  extend below the remainder of the bottom surface in order to provide medial and lateral bookends for the distal end of the volar plate. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 20-25 , a third exemplary scaffold or clip  600  includes a generally arcuate shape to partially circumscribe a bone. The clip  600  comprises two mirror image halves  602 ,  604  that are seamlessly connected. For purposes of brevity, the explanations concerning the features of both halves  602 ,  604  have been consolidated as an explanation concerning one of the halves, which is equally applicable for the other half. 
         [0074]    Each half includes an appendage  606  that seamlessly extends from an opposing side of a platform  608 . The appendage  606  includes an arcuate, vertical profile. Each appendage  606  tapers in medial-to-lateral thickness ML along the vertical, arcuate path so that the thickness increases from a bottom edge  612  until reaching the platform  608 . Likewise, each appendage  606  tapers outward in proximal-to-distal PD length until reaching the platform  608 . 
         [0075]    The appendage  606  includes four exterior surfaces. A first exterior surface  620  is smooth, arcuate, and convex. This first exterior surface  620  faces laterally outward from the remainder of the clip  600  and rounds over at the bottom edge  612  to interface a second exterior surface  622 . This second exterior surface is generally opposite the first exterior surface  620 , and is smooth, arcuate, and concave. This second exterior surface  622  faces toward the interior of the clip  600  where the bone and bone plate are located when the clip is utilized. On the proximal and distal ends of the clip  600  are corresponding planar side surfaces  624 ,  626  that extend between the first and second exterior surfaces  620 ,  622 . 
         [0076]    A bottom surface  646  of the platform  608  is multifaceted and partially defines the boundaries of an interior of the clip  600 . In particular, the bottom surface  646  of each half  602 ,  604  includes a raised, flat surface  654 . This raised surface  654  includes two arcuate projections that cooperate with respective arcuate walls  656  to form a pair of semicircular projections (two for each half  602 ,  604 ) extending into the interior of the clip  600 . Each arcuate wall  656  is partially bordered by a vertical wall  660  and a rounded wall  662  with a horizontal ledge  664 . Adjacent the pair of projections and vertical wall  660  is an arcuate wall  668  that transitions into a planar roof  670 . This roof  670  includes three through holes  682 ,  684 ,  686  that extends through to the platform  608 . The first and third holes  682 ,  686  are circular in horizontal cross-section and dimensioned to each accommodate a K-wire (not shown), whereas the second hole  684  is oblong in horizontal cross-section and dimensioned to accommodate a compression screw (not shown) inserted through the top of the second hole. 
         [0077]    A top, arcuate surface  642  of the platform  608  includes an oblong, raised ring  690  that partially defines the second through hole  684 . The raised ring  690  extends vertically above the top, arcuate surface  442  and a top planar surface  700  of the platform  608 . The raised ring  690  includes a vertical, circumferential surface  702  that is adjacent and angled perpendicularly to a horizontal surface  704 . Each of the K-wire holes  608 ,  686  and the screw through hole  684  lie generally along a centerline delineating the halves  602 ,  604  and interpose raised flanges  708 ,  710  at the proximal and distal ends of the clip  600 . 
         [0078]    The raised flanges  708 ,  710  are mirror images of one another and take on a generally U-shaped profile. Each flange  708 ,  710  includes a planar vertical wall  714  that is perpendicular to an arched wall  716 . The vertical height of the top of the arched wall  716  is slightly above the vertical height of the ring surface  690  and above the top, arcuate surface  642  of the platform  608 . A second vertical wall  718  bridges between the top, arcuate surface  642  and the arched wall  716 . 
         [0079]    In this exemplary embodiment, the clip  600  is fabricated from injection molded thermoplastic. As a result, the components and features of the clip  600  described above are integrated into a single piece structure thus giving the material some inherent elasticity and flexibility. But it should also be noted that the clip  600  need not be fabricated from a thermoplastic material or injection molded. Instead, the clip  600  may be fabricated from a metal such as, without limitation, aluminum. 
         [0080]    Use of the exemplary clip  600  is very similar to utilization of the first exemplary bone plate  100 . In exemplary form, a surgeon clips the clip  600  to a volar bone plate (not shown) while the volar bone plate is located outside of the patient&#39;s body. This is accomplished by aligning an elongated hole of the bone plate with the elongated hole  684  of the clip  600 . Thereafter the bone plate is raised to pass between the appendages  606  and into the interior of the clip  600 . In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing between the appendages  606  is wide enough so that the width of the bone plate can pass therebetween. But the medial-to-lateral distance between the semicircular projections is not great enough to allow the bone place to pass therebetween. Instead, the medial-to-lateral spacing is slightly smaller than the width of the bone plate. In this manner, the semicircular projections of the clip  600  are temporarily deformed by pushing the bone plate in between the projections, thereby forcing the bone plate between the projections and the roof  670 . Because the clip  600  is fabricated from a polymer, such as polyethylene, the semicircular projections are somewhat elastic and return to their original position to retain the bone plate. In other words, the semicircular projections operate to retain the bone plate until the bone plate is mounted to a bone. 
         [0081]    After the bone plate is mounted to the clip  600 , the bone plate and clip are positioned on a bone. Depending upon the fracture point and other factors, the surgeon tentatively positions the bone plate on top of the bone, in this case a distal radius for example. Positioning of the bone plate and clip  600  is accomplished by increasing the medial-to-lateral spacing between the bottom edges  612  of the appendages  606  so that the bone is able to pass therebetween. After the bone passes beyond the bottom edges  612  of the appendages  606 , the elastic nature of the appendages attempts to return the appendages to their default position, which is operative to clamp the bone in between the appendages. In exemplary form, the medial-to-lateral spacing of the appendages  606  is such that the appendages need to be deformed to increase the medial-to-lateral spacing therebetween. But the partially elastic nature of the appendages  606  provides a spring force attempting to return the appendages to their original position. This spring force is sufficient to retain the clip  600  in position with respect to the bone, which also operates to retain the general position of the bone with respect to the bone plate. At this time, the surgeon can drill holes through the bone plate and into the bone in order to more securely mount the bone plate to the bone. After one or more holes have been drilled and one or more fasteners have been secured to the bone and bone plate, the clip  600  may be removed by deforming the appendages  606  in order to pass beyond the widest part of the bone, while at the same time deforming the semicircular projections to allow the bone plate to pass therebetween and discontinue the engagement between the clip and bone plate. 
         [0082]    Though not specifically discussed, it should be noted that at any time during the procedure, the surgeon may use one or more K-wires (not shown) to align the clip  600  with respect to the bone. An exemplary circumstance would be initially positioning one or more K-wires into the bone and thereafter sliding the K-wire(s) through respective orifices  682 ,  686  (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) of the clip  600  in order to align the clip with respect to the bone. Those skilled in the art would be familiar with such a technique in light of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0083]    It should also be understood that the dimensions of the clip and scaffold as described herein are exemplary in nature and may be changed to accommodate various sizes and shapes of bones and bone plates. For example, the clip and scaffold may be enlarged for use as a femoral fracture device. As used herein, the term scaffold is synonymous with clip and vice versa. 
         [0084]    Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly, stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.