Abstract:
An orthopedic implant has a plate and bone screws. Configured bone screw pockets of the plate provide variable angling and positional locking of a received bone screw relative. Each bone screw includes distal threads, a neck, and a dual threaded head. The plate has a bone screw pocket on a distal end, a bone screw pocket on a proximal end, and a strut extending between the two bone screw pockets. The bone screw pockets are at least generally cup shaped for receipt of a bone screw. The lower periphery of the opening of each bone screw pocket has an arrangement of configured prongs with configured openings to receive threading on the underside of the dual threaded head of the bone screw. The prongs can preferably, but not necessarily, deform slightly and grab onto the threading of the bone screw head to lock the bone screw in the bone screw pocket. Each prong can act independently.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/214,954 filed Sep. 5, 2015 titled “Variable Angle Locking Screws and Plates,” U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/261,053 filed Nov. 30, 2015, titled “Variable Angle Locking Screw and Plate Implants for Orthopedics,” and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/362,089 filed Jul. 14, 2016, titled “Orthopedic Implants With Variable Angle Bone Screw Locking,” the entire contents of each of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to artificial implants for orthopedics such as locking plates and screws and, particularly, to implants that allow variable angle locking of bone screws. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are various reasons why surgical intervention may be required with respect to bones of the body. Bone issues such as trauma, disease, acquired or congenital deformity can necessitate the use of one or more orthopedic implant in order to mend, join, and/or fix one or more bones and/or bone portions of the body. One type of orthopedic implant consists of a plate and bone screws to attach the plate to the one or more bones or bone portions. 
         [0004]    One issue with plate and screw type orthopedic implants is how to allow for angulation of an attachment bone screw in order to accommodate a patient&#39;s anatomy while positively fixing its position once installed. Another issue is how to prevent reverse rotation (back out) of the attachment bone screw once installed. A further issue is the need to minimize the number of components of the implant. While various plate and screw implants have been developed in an attempt to overcome these issues, they fall short of achieving the goal. 
         [0005]    Given the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an orthopedic implant that allows variable angle bone screw locking. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention is an orthopedic implant characterized by a plate and bone screws, the plate providing variable angling and positional locking of a received bone screw relative to the plate. The present orthopedic implant is used to treat a wide variety of bone issues of the spine, foot, and hand, as well as other bones of the body. 
         [0007]    Each bone screw includes distal threads, a neck, and a dual threaded head. They may be configured as both locking and non-locking. 
         [0008]    The plate has a bone screw pocket on a distal end, a bone screw pocket on a proximal end, and a strut extending between the two bone screw pockets. The bone screw pockets are at least generally conical shaped, cup shaped, or the like to allow for receipt of both locking and non-locking bone screws. The lower periphery of the opening of each bone screw pocket has an arrangement of configured lips, tangs, projections, ledges, protrusions, or the like (collectively, lips) with configured cutouts, slots, openings or the like (collectively, slots) configured to receive threading on the underside of the dual threaded head of the bone screw. The lips can preferably, but not necessarily, deform slightly and grab onto the threading of the bone screw head to lock the bone screw in the bone screw pocket. Each lip can act independently. 
         [0009]    In a form, the screw pockets have a plurality of equidistant cutouts that define a plurality of tangs. These tangs mesh with the threading of the bone screw, preventing it from moving. This locks the bone screw into position. 
         [0010]    The variable angle locking screw and plate implant may include a third component, whereby the present orthopedic implant consists of three main components: an orthopedic plate; an insert preferably, but not necessarily made of PEEK; and a variable angle locking screw. The orthopedic plate has two screw pockets, each having an undercut that is used to capture the insert, and which is also keyed to prevent the insert from rotating. The insert is an annular member having a race, ledge or projection proximate the lower edge thereof that prevents the insert from dislodging from the screw pocket. The insert is also keyed to fit into the keyed screw pocket to prevent rotation. The screw includes distal threads, a neck, and a dual threaded head. While the screw is inserted, the threads on the head of the screw engage with the insert and lock the screw into the plate, preventing any further angulation. Other configurations of the pocket and/or insert that key the insert in the pocket or otherwise retains the insert into the pocket are contemplated. 
         [0011]    Each lip of an arrangement of lips may have a generally blunt or flat end. In a form, each lip of an arrangement of lips has a generally rounded or curved end. 
         [0012]    Other configurations are contemplated, as well as arrangements of lips of different end configurations. 
         [0013]    Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the following description of forms of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other forms of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects without departing from the inventive concept. The following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The components, features and functions of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate forms of the invention, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of components of an orthopedic implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 1 , assembled; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a plate component of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of one end of the plate of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a sectional side view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of one end of the sectional side view of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the variable angle locking screw of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the variable angle locking screw of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of components of another orthopedic implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 , assembled; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a sectional side view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged top plan view of an end of the plate of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged side sectional view of the end of the plate of  FIG. 12  taken along line  13 - 13  thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged side view of one side of the insert of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the insert of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged side view of another side of the insert of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the variable angle locking screw of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the variable angle locking screw of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the assembled orthopedic implant of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a sectional side view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of components of an orthopedic implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 21 , assembled; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the plate of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged view of one end/bone screw pocket of the plate of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a sectional side view of the assembled orthopedic implant of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged sectional view of one end/bone screw pocket of the sectional side view of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  is an exploded view of components of another orthopedic implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 27 , assembled; 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the plate of the orthopedic implant of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 30  is an enlarged view of one end/bone screw pocket of the plate of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 31  is a sectional side view of the assembled orthopedic implant of  FIG. 28 ; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 32  is an enlarged sectional view of one end/bone screw pocket of the sectional side view of  FIG. 31 . 
       
    
    
       [0047]    It should be appreciated that dimensions of the components, structures, and/or features of the present variable angle locking screw and plate implants may be altered or configured as desired while maintaining the principles of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is depicted an exemplary form of the present orthopedic implant comprising a configured plate and variable angle locking screw implant, construct, device or the like, generally designated  10 . The variable angle locking screw and plate implant (implant or orthopedic implant)  10  is made from a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy of titanium or steel, or other biocompatible material. The implant  10  is designed for orthopedics use but other bodily uses are contemplated.  FIG. 1  shows the two (2) components of the variable angle locking screw and plate implant  10  namely, a variable angle locking bone screw  80  and a plate  12 , in an exploded state, while  FIG. 2  depicts the components of the variable angle locking bone screw implant  10  in an assembled state. 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , the plate  12  is characterized by a generally elliptical body  14  having a first rounded end  18  and a second rounded end  22 , the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary here and throughout. A strut  16  extends between the first rounded end  18  and the second rounded end  22 . The body  14  is generally flat as best illustrated in  FIG. 5  having a generally flat upper side  32  and lower side  33 , but may have a curvature along the major axis or another long axis of the body  14  and/or along the minor axis or another short axis of the body  14 . A first open pocket, configured opening, or the like  19  is provided in the first end  18 , while a second open pocket, configured opening, or the like  23  is provided in the second end  22 . 
         [0050]    The first pocket  19  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 4-5 ) has a generally conical inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like  27  formed in the inlet sidewall of the pocket  19 . The plurality of cutouts  27  define a plurality of tangs, ledges or the like  26 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the formed tangs  26  are likewise equidistant from one another. Additionally, seven (7) cutouts and seven (7) are the currently preferred mode, but other numbers of cutouts and tangs both odd and even are contemplated to be used. The second pocket  23 , (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 5-6 ) likewise has a generally conical inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like  29  formed in the inlet sidewall of the pocket  23 . The plurality of cutouts  29  define a plurality of tangs, ledges or the like  28 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the formed tangs  28  are likewise equidistant from one another. Additionally, seven (7) cutouts and seven (7) are the currently preferred mode, but other numbers of cutouts and tangs both odd and even are contemplated to be used. Preferably, but not necessarily, the number of cutouts and tangs for each pocket  19 ,  23  are the same. These tangs mate with the dual thread of the bone screw  80  (as described below), preventing the bone screw  80  from moving, thus locking the bone screw  80  into position relative to the plate  12 . 
         [0051]    The underside of each pocket  19 ,  23  is configured as shown in  FIG. 6  where the underside  30  of the pocket  23  of the second end  22  is illustrated. The underside  30  is angled to receive threading of the bone screw  80 . This aids in locking the angle and position of the bone screw  80  relative to the plate  12 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the variable angle locking bone screw  80  is shown. The variable angle locking bone screw  80  is characterized by a threaded shank  82  having a preferably, but not necessarily, pointed tip  83  at a distal end of the threaded shank  82 , a neck  88  at a proximate end of the threaded shank  82 , and a head  84  at the end of the neck  88 . A socket  86  is provided in the top of the head  84  that is configured to receive a like configured driving tool (not shown). While the socket  86  is configured as a hexagon for receipt of a hexagon driving tool (not shown), other socket configurations and thus driver tools may be used. The underside of the head  84  has dual threads or threading  88 . The dual threading underside  88  of the head  84  meshes and/or engages with the tangs of a pocket of the plate  12  to angularly position and fix the screw  80  relative to the plate  12 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to New  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is depicted another exemplary form of the present orthopedic implant comprising a variable angle locking screw and plate implant, construct, device or the like, generally designated  40 . The variable angle locking screw and plate implant  40  is made from a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy of titanium or steel, or other biocompatible material. The implant  40  is designed for orthopedics use but other bodily uses are contemplated.  FIG. 9  shows the three (3) different components of the variable angle locking screw and plate implant  40  namely, a variable angle locking bone screw  80 , two identical inserts  60 , and a plate  42 , in an exploded state, while  FIG. 10  depicts the components of the variable angle locking bone screw implant  40  in an assembled state. 
         [0054]    As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the plate  42  is characterized by a generally elliptical body  44  having a first rounded end  48  and a second rounded end  50 , the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary here and throughout. A strut  46  extends between the first rounded end  48  and the second rounded end  50 . The body  44  is generally flat as seen in  FIGS. 11, 19, 20  having a generally flat upper side  72  and lower side  73 , but may have a curvature along the major axis or another long axis of the body  44  and/or along the minor axis or another short axis of the body  44 . A first open pocket, configured opening, or the like  49  is provided in the first end  48 , while a second open pocket, configured opening, or the like  51  is provided in the second end  50 . 
         [0055]    The first pocket  48  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9 and 12 ) has a generally conical inlet wall  52  with an annular slot  54  formed in the side wall  52  of the pocket  48 , the annular undercut, slot or the like  54  forming a seat, ledge or the like to capture the insert  60  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). A first notch or keyway  53   a  is provided in the side wall  52  of the pocket  48  and in communication with the annular undercut  54 . A second notch  53   b  is provided in the side wall  52  of the pocket  48  and is in communication with the annular undercut  54 . The two keyways  53   a ,  53   b  provide for the pocket  48  to be keyed for the insert  60 . In the current form, the keyways  53   a ,  53   b  are disposed diametrically opposite one another. It should be appreciated however, that the keyways  53   a ,  53   b  may be spaced differently as well as shaped differently and of different number. Preferably, but not necessarily, the keyways are spaced equidistant from one another about the undercut  54 . 
         [0056]    While not shown, the second pocket  50  of the body  44  has the same features and functions as the first pocket  48 , including, but not limited to, a generally conical inlet wall with an annular slot formed in the side wall of the pocket  50 , the annular undercut, slot or the like forming a seat, ledge or the like to capture the insert  60 . A first notch or keyway is provided in the side wall of the pocket  50  and in communication with the annular undercut. A second notch is provided in the side wall of the pocket  50  and is in communication with the annular undercut. The two keyways  53   a ,  53   b  provide for the pocket  50  to be keyed for the insert  60 . In the current form, the keyways  53   a ,  53   b  are disposed diametrically opposite one another. It should be appreciated however, that the keyways may be spaced differently as well as shaped differently and of different number. Preferably, but not necessarily, the keyways are spaced equidistant from one another about the undercut  54 . 
         [0057]    The underside of each pocket  48 ,  50  is configured as shown in  FIG. 13  where the underside  56  of the pocket  48  is illustrated. The underside  56  is angled to receive threading of the bone screw  80   a . This aids in locking the angle and position of the bone screw  80   a  relative to the plate  42 . 
         [0058]    The insert  60  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 13-16  and reference is made thereto. The insert  60  is preferably, but not necessarily, made from PEEK but other materials may be used. The insert  60  is characterized by a generally round, annular body  62  defining an opening  63  having a generally conical side wall  64  and a flat, annular top  65 . The body  62  is sized to fit into the pockets  48 ,  50  of the plate  42 . The body  62  has a generally conical outer side wall  66  and a flat annular bottom  69 . A race, ledge, projection or the like  68  is disposed along an outer circumference of the outer side wall  66  of the body  62  proximate the bottom  69 . The race  68  abuts the annular slot of the pocket when the insert  60  is received in the pocket in order to prevent the insert  60  from dislodging from the screw pocket. 
         [0059]    The insert is also keyed to fit into the keyed screw pocket to prevent rotation. A first projection or key  70   a  is provided in the outer side wall  66  of the body  62  and in communication with the race  68 . A second projection or key  70   b  is provided in the outer side wall  66  of the body  62  and is in communication with the race  68 . The two keys  70   a ,  70   b  provide for the insert  60  to be keyed to the pocket via its keyways  53   a ,  53   b . In the current form, the keys  70   a ,  70   b  are disposed diametrically opposite one another. It should be appreciated however, that the keys may be spaced differently as well as shaped differently and of different number, corresponding to the shape, number and spacing of the keyways of the pocket. Preferably, but not necessarily, the keys are spaced equidistant from one another about the race  68  in like manner as the keyways of the pockets. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show the variable angle locking screw and plate implant  40  assembled with the inserts  60  situated in the pockets  49 ,  51  of the plate  42 , with the variable angle locking screws  80   a  in the inserts  60 .  FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the assembled implant  40  that particularly shows the inserts  60  keyed into the pockets  49 ,  51  with the variable angle locking screws  80   a  locked into the inserts  60 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the variable angle locking bone screw  80   a  is shown. The variable angle locking bone screw  80   a  is characterized by a threaded shank  82   a  having a preferably, but not necessarily, pointed tip  83   a  at a distal end of the threaded shank  82   a , a neck  88   a  at a proximate end of the threaded shank  82   a , and a head  84   a  at the end of the neck  88   a . A socket  86   a  is provided in the top of the head  84   a  that is configured to receive a like configured driving tool (not shown). While the socket  86   a  is configured as a hexagon for receipt of a hexagon driving tool (not shown), other socket configurations and thus driver tools may be used. The underside of the head  84   a  has dual threads or threading  88   a . The dual threading underside  88   a  of the head  84   a  engages the insert  60  in a pocket of the plate  42  to angularly position and fix the screw  80   a  relative to the plate  42 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , there is depicted an exemplary form of the present orthopedic implant, construct, device or the like, generally designated  100 , comprising two bone screws  80  and a plate  120  providing variable angle bone screw locking. The orthopedic implant  100  is made from a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy of titanium or steel, or other biocompatible material, and is designed for use with various bones of the body such as, but not limited to, vertebrae of the spine.  FIG. 21  shows the two (2) components of the orthopedic implant  100  namely, the configured bone screw  80  and a variable angle bone screw locking plate (plate)  120 , in an exploded or unassembled state, while  FIG. 21  depicts the components of the orthopedic implant  100  in an un-exploded or assembled state. 
         [0063]    As seen in  FIG. 23 , the plate  120  is characterized by a generally elongated elliptical body  140  having a first rounded end  180  and a second rounded end  220 , the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary here and throughout. A strut  160  extends between the first rounded end  180  and the second rounded end  220 . The body  140  is generally flat, having a generally flat upper side  320  and a generally flat lower side  330 , but may have a curvature along the major axis or another long axis of the body  140  and/or along the minor axis or another short axis of the body  140 . A first pocket, configured opening, or the like  190  is provided in the first end  180 , while a second pocket, configured opening, or the like  230  is provided in the second end  220 . 
         [0064]    The first pocket  190  has a generally conical or cup-shaped inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like (cutouts)  270  formed about the lower periphery of the pocket opening  190 . The plurality of cutouts  270  define a plurality of lips, tangs, ledges or the like (lips)  260 . Each lip  260  has a generally rounded, curved or arched tip or end. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts  270  are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the lips  260  are likewise equidistant from one another. The number of cutouts  270  and lips  260  both odd and even are contemplated to be used. The second pocket  230  likewise has a generally conical or cup-shaped inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like (cutouts)  290  formed about the lower periphery of the pocket opening  230 . The plurality of cutouts  290  define a plurality of lips, tangs, ledges or the like (lips)  280 . Each lip  280  has a generally rounded, curved or arched tip or end. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the formed lips  280  are likewise equidistant from one another. The number of cutouts  290  and lips  280  both odd and even are contemplated to be used. Preferably, but not necessarily, the number of cutouts and lips for each pocket  190 ,  230  are the same. These lips threadedly engage with the dual thread of the bone screw  80  (as described below), preventing the bone screw  80  from moving, thus locking the bone screw  80  into position relative to the pocket and thus the plate  120 . 
         [0065]    The underside of each pocket  190 ,  230  is configured as shown in  FIG. 6  where the underside  300  of the pocket  230  of the second end  220  is illustrated. The underside  300  is angled to receive threading of the bone screw  80 . This aids in locking the angle and position of the bone screw  80  relative to the plate  120 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , there is depicted another exemplary form of the present orthopedic implant, construct, device or the like, generally designated  400 , comprising two bone screws  80   a  and a plate  420  providing variable angle bone screw locking. The orthopedic implant  400  is made from a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy of titanium or steel, or other biocompatible material, and is designed for use with various bones of the body such as, but not limited to, vertebrae of the spine.  FIG. 27  shows the two (2) components of the orthopedic implant  400  namely, a configured bone screw  80   a  and a variable angle bone screw locking plate (plate)  420 , in an exploded or unassembled state, while  FIG. 28  depicts the components of the orthopedic implant  400  in an un-exploded or assembled state. 
         [0067]    As seen in  FIG. 29 , the plate  420  is characterized by a generally elongated elliptical body  440  having a first rounded end  480  and a second rounded end  500 , the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary here and throughout. A strut  460  extends between the first rounded end  480  and the second rounded end  500 . The body  440  is generally flat as best seen in  FIG. 31 , having a generally flat upper side  620  and a generally flat lower side  630 , but may have a curvature along the major axis or another long axis of the body  440  and/or along the minor axis or another short axis of the body  440 . A first pocket, configured opening, or the like  490  is provided in the first end  48 , while a second pocket, configured opening, or the like  510  is provided in the second end  500 . 
         [0068]    The first pocket  490  has a generally conical or cup-shaped inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like (cutouts)  570  formed about the lower periphery of the pocket opening  490 . The plurality of cutouts  570  define a plurality of lips, tangs, ledges or the like (lips)  560 . Each lip  560  has a generally blunt, straight or flat tip or end. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts  570  are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the lips  560  are likewise equidistant from one another. The number of cutouts  570  and lips  560  both odd and even are contemplated to be used. The second pocket  500  likewise has a generally conical or cup-shaped inlet with a plurality of cutouts, slots or the like (cutouts)  590  formed about the lower periphery of the pocket opening  510 . The plurality of cutouts  590  define a plurality of lips, tangs, ledges or the like (lips)  580 . Each lip  580  has a generally blunt, straight or flat tip or end. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutouts are spaced equidistant from one another about the annular conical inlet, such that the formed lips  580  are likewise equidistant from one another. The number of cutouts  590  and lips  580  both odd and even are contemplated to be used. Preferably, but not necessarily, the number of cutouts and lips for each pocket  490 ,  510  are the same. These lips threadedly engage with the dual thread of the bone screw  80   a  (as described below), preventing the bone screw  80   a  from moving, thus locking the bone screw  80   a  into position relative to the pocket and thus the plate  420 . 
         [0069]    The underside of each pocket  490 ,  510  is configured as shown in  FIG. 32  where the underside  600  of the pocket  510  of the second end  500  is illustrated. The underside  60  is angled to receive threading of the bone screw  80   a . This aids in locking the angle and position of the bone screw  80   a  relative to the plate  420 . 
         [0070]    It should be appreciated that dimensions of the components, structures, and/or features of the present orthopedic implant can be altered as desired.