Source: http://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/3024804/summary.html
Timestamp: 2019-12-15 08:48:29
Document Index: 113378357

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 929', 'art 929', 'arts 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art\n929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'arts 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'art 929', 'arts 929', 'arts 929']

Patent 3024804 Summary - Canadian Patents Database
Canadian Patents Database / Patent 3024804 Summary
(11) CA 3024804
PLAQUE DE FUSION ORTHOPEDIQUE ET VIS DE COMPRESSION
TAYLOR, ALAN G. (United States of America)
WAHL, REBECCA H. (United States of America)
LITKE, RONALD G. (United States of America)
WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC. (United States of America)
61/730,433 United States of America 2012-11-27
13/828,358 United States of America 2013-03-14
A fusion plate (10) for compressing bone material at an interface between a
bone part (929A) and a second bone part (929B) comprises (i) a first end (12)
first thickness (464); (ii) a thickened region (250) that is spaced apart from
(12), the thickened region (250) having a second thickness (466) that is
first thickness (464); and (iii) a compression aperture (22) that extends
thickened region (250) at a compression angle (224) relative to a planar axis
(246). The
compression angle (224) can be between approximately thirty and fifty-five
relative to the planar axis (246). The first end (12) includes a top surface
(26), and the
thickened region (250) extends farther away from the bone parts (929A, 929B)
top surface (26) when the fusion plate (10) is implanted substantially
adjacent to the bone
parts (929A, 929B).
1. A fusion plate for compressing bone material at an interface between a
bone part and a second bone part, the fusion plate including a planar axis
along a length of the fusion plate, the fusion plate comprising:
one or more plate lifters that are positioned along and extend away from the
bottom surface of the fusion plate, the one or more plate lifters adapted to
at least one of the bone parts when the fusion plate is implanted
adjacent to the bone parts, the one or more plate lifters having a buttress
2. The fusion plate of claim 1 further comprising a compression aperture
extends through the top surface and the bottom surface at a compression angle
to the planar axis.
3. The fusion plate of claim 2 wherein the compression angle is between
approximately thirty and fifty-five degrees relative to the planar axis.
4. The fusion plate of claim 2 further comprising a first end having a
thickness; and a thickened region that is spaced apart from the first end, the
region having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness; and
compression aperture extends through the thickened region.
5. The fusion plate of claim 4 wherein the top surface extends at least
first end to the thickened region, and wherein the top surface at the
extends farther away from the bone parts than the top surface at the first end
fusion plate is implanted substantially adjacent to the bone parts.
6. The fusion plate of claim 4 wherein the second thickness is at least
approximately 1.0 millimeters greater than the first thickness.
7. The fusion plate of claim 4 further comprising (i) a second end that is
apart from the first end, the thickened region being positioned within a
substantially between the first end and the second end, (ii) a first fixation
aperture that
extends through the fusion plate near the first end, and (iii) a second
fixation aperture that
extends through the fusion plate near the second end.
A combination comprising the fusion plate of any one of claims 2 to 7, and
a compression screw that extends through the compression aperture, the
screw being adapted to extend into the first bone part and the second bone
part when the
COMPRESSION SCREW". This application also claims priority on U.S. Application
No. 13/828,358 filed on March 14, 2013, entitled "ORTHOPEDIC FUSION PLATE AND
An orthopedic fusion plate (also referred to herein simply as a "fusion
plate") can
be utilized in conjunction with a compression screw (or other suitable
attacher") to increase compression at a bone interface. Moreover, a fusion
compression attacher can function to stabilize bones or bone parts relative to
so as to cause fusion. In certain applications, fusion plates and/or
compression attachers
can be used to fuse bones and/or bones parts in the foot, the ankle, the hand,
wrist of the human body. Additionally and/or alternatively, fusion plates
compression attachers can be used in different portions of the body to
stabilize and/or
fuse bones or bone parts relative to each other.
CA 3024804 2018-11-21
The present invention is directed toward a fusion plate for compressing bone
material at an interface between a first bone part and a second bone part, the
including a planar axis that extends along a length of the fusion plate. In
embodiments, the fusion plate comprises (i) a first end having a first
thickness; (ii) a
thickened region that is spaced apart from the first end, the thickened region
second thickness that is greater than the first thickness; and (iii) a
compression aperture
that extends through the thickened region at a compression angle relative to
axis. In some such embodiments, the compression angle is between approximately
and fifty-five degrees relative to the planar axis.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the first end includes a top surface, and
thickened region extends in a generally upward direction away from the top
that the thickened region extends farther away from the bone parts than the
when the fusion plate is implanted substantially adjacent to the bone parts.
embodiment, the second thickness is at least approximately 1.0 millimeters
Further, in one embodiment, the fusion plate further comprises one or more
lifters that are positioned along and extend away from a bottom surface of the
fusion plate,
the one or more plate lifters being adapted to engage at least one of the bone
the fusion plate is implanted substantially adjacent to the bone parts.
In certain embodiments, the fusion plate further comprises a first fixation
that extends through the fusion plate near the first end. In one such
fusion plate further comprises a second end that is spaced apart from the
second fixation aperture that extends through the fusion plate near the second
Additionally, in such embodiment, the thickened region is positioned within a
region substantially between the first end and the second end.
The present invention is further directed toward a combination comprising the
fusion plate as described above, and a compression attacher, e.g., a
compression screw,
that extends through the compression aperture, the compression attacher being
to extend into the first bone part and the second bone part when the fusion
implanted substantially adjacent to the bone parts. In one embodiment, the
attacher includes (i) a threaded region including a plurality of threads
width, and (ii) an attacher width, and wherein the threaded width is greater
attacher width.
Additionally, in one application, the present invention is directed toward a
plate for compressing bone material at an interface between a first bone part
second bone part, the fusion plate including a planar axis that extends along
the fusion plate, the fusion plate comprising (i) a top surface; (ii) an
opposed bottom
surface; and (iii) one or more plate lifters that are positioned along and
the bottom surface of the fusion plate, the one or more plate lifters adapted
to engage at
least one of the bone parts when the fusion plate is implanted substantially
the bone parts, the one or more plate lifters having a buttress design. In
the fusion plate can further comprise a compression aperture that extends
top surface and the bottom surface at a compression angle relative to the
planar axis.
Further, in one application, the present invention is further directed toward
combination for compressing bone material at an interface between a first bone
a second bone part, combination comprising (A) a fusion plate including (i) a
having a top surface and a first thickness, (ii) an opposed second end that is
from the first end, (iii) a thickened region that is positioned within a
substantially between the first end and the second end, the thickened region
a generally upward direction away from the top surface, such that the
extends farther away from the bone parts than the top surface when the
implanted substantially adjacent to the bone parts, the thickened region
thickness that at least approximately 1.0 millimeters greater than the first
(iv) a compression aperture that extends through the thickened region at a
angle of between approximately thirty and fifty-five degrees relative to the
planar axis;
and (B) a compression screw that extends through the compression aperture, the
compression screw being adapted to extend into the first bone part and the
part when the combination is implanted substantially adjacent to the bone
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as
structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying
taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Figure 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a fusion plate having features of
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line X-X in Figure
Figure 3 is an end view of the fusion plate illustrated in Figure 1, and a
fixation attachers and a compression attacher that can be used with the fusion
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the fusion plate and the plurality of fixation
and the compression attacher taken on line A-A in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the fusion plate and the plurality of fixation
and the compression attacher illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fusion plate as indicated by
and arrow A-A in Figure 4;
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fusion plate as indicated by
and arrow B-B in Figure 4;
Figure 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a compression attacher having
features of the present invention;
Figure 8B is a sectional view of the compression attacher taken on line B-B in
Figure 8C is a top end view of the compression attacher illustrated in Figure
Figure 8D is a bottom end view of the compression attacher illustrated in
Figure 8E is an enlarged view of a portion of the compression attacher as
by circle and arrow E-E in Figure 8B;
Figure 8F is an enlarged view of a portion of the compression attacher as
by circle and arrow F-F in Figure 8B;
Figure 9 is a simplified schematic illustration of a first bone part, a second
part, and an embodiment of the fusion plate, the fixation attachers and the
attacher having features of the present invention that are utilized to hold
the bone parts
Figure 10A is a top view of another embodiment of a fusion plate having
Figure 10B is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line B-B in Figure
Figure 11A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fusion plate having
Figure 11B is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line B-B in Figure
Figure 11C is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line B-B in Figure
and another embodiment of a compression attacher;
Figure 12A is a top view of yet another embodiment of a fusion plate having
Figure 12B is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line B-B in Figure
Figure 13A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fusion plate having
Figure 13B is a sectional view of the fusion plate taken on line B-B in Figure
Figure 14A is a top view of still yet another embodiment of a fusion plate
features of the present invention, and a plurality of fixation attachers and a
attacher that can be used with the fusion plate; and
Figure 14B is a sectional view of the fusion plate, the fixation attachers and
compression attacher taken on line B-B in Figure 14A.
Figure 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a fusion plate 10 having features
present invention. The design of the fusion plate 10 can be varied. As shown
1, the fusion plate 10 can include a first end 12, an opposed second end 14,
region 16 that extends between and connects the first end 12 and the second
Additionally, in this embodiment, the fusion plate 10 includes (i) one or more
apertures 18 positioned near the first end 12 of the fusion plate 10 (two are
Figure 1) with any appropriate positioning relative to one another, wherein
fixation aperture 18 may extend at a slight angle completely through the
fusion plate 10;
(ii) one or more second fixation apertures 20 positioned near the second end
fusion plate 10 (two are illustrated in Figure 1) with any appropriate
positioning relative to
one another, wherein each second fixation aperture 20 may extend at a slight
completely through the fusion plate 10; and (iii) a compression aperture 22
within the middle region 16 of the fusion plate 10, the compression aperture
22 extending
at a compression angle 224 (illustrated in Figure 2) completely through the
It should be noted that the use of the terms "first" and "second" to describe
ends and fixation apertures of the fusion plate 10 is merely for purposes of
ease of description and is not intended to be limiting in any manner. Further,
and/or either fixation apertures can equally be titled as "first" or "second"
the breadth and scope of the present invention
Additionally, it should be noted that as utilized herein, the concept of the
18, 20, 22 extending completely through the fusion plate 10 signifies that the
18, 20, 22 extend through both a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28
(illustrated most
clearly in Figure 5) of the fusion plate 10. Further, as utilized herein, the
is the surface of the fusion plate 10 that faces away from the bones or bone
parts, e.g., a
first bone part 929A and a second bone part 929B (illustrated in Figure 9),
when the fusion
plate 10 is implanted, and the bottom surface 28 is the surface of the fusion
plate 10 that
faces toward the bone parts 929A, 929B when the fusion plate 10 is implanted.
In certain embodiments, each of the apertures 18, 20, 22 can be internally
threaded. Alternatively, the apertures 18, 20, 22 can be designed such that
of the apertures 18, 20, 22 are not internally threaded.
Additionally, each of the fixation apertures 18, 20 is adapted to receive a
attacher 30 (as illustrated, for example, in Figure 3), e.g., a screw, and the
aperture 22 is adapted to receive a compression attacher 32 (as illustrated,
in Figure 4), e.g., a compression screw.
Further, the number of first fixation apertures 18 and the number of second
apertures 20 can be varied. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, the
fusion plate 10
can include two first fixation apertures 18 and two first fixation apertures
20. Alternatively,
the fusion plate 10 can include greater than two or less than two first
fixation apertures
18 (e.g., zero, one or three first fixation apertures 18); and/or the fusion
plate 10 can
include greater than two or less than two second fixation apertures 20 (e.g.,
three second fixation apertures 20).
As an overview, the fusion plate 10 is designed to be fixed relative to the
part 929A and the second bone part 929B via the attachers 30, 32 that are
through and/or extend through the apertures 18, 20, 22 in the fusion plate 10.
example, (i) the fixation attachers 30 that are threaded through and/or extend
first fixation apertures 18 can be threaded into the first bone part 929A;
(ii) the fixation
attachers 30 that are threaded through and/or extend through the second
apertures 20 can be threaded into the second bone part 929B; and (iii) the
attacher 32 that is threaded through and/or extends through the compression
can be threaded into both the first bone part 929A and the second bone part
929B.
Additionally, the fusion plate 10 is designed to enable the effective
compression and/or
to increase the compression of bone material at a bone interface between the
929A, 929B. This compression is accomplished by extending the compression
32, e.g., the compression screw, through the compression aperture 22 at the
angle 224 and into the bone parts, i.e. into both the first bone part 929A and
bone part 929B, to compress the bone parts 929A, 929B together.
Further, the fusion plate 10 is designed to provide increased stability in the
parts 929A, 929B relative to one another such as to cause fusion. Importantly,
plate 10 is able to accomplish these goals without the need for removal of any
material to allow for the proper implantation, installment or insertion of the
fusion plate 10.
Moreover, as detailed herein below, the fusion plate 10 further includes one
or more plate
lifters 434 (illustrated in Figure 4) along the bottom surface 28 of the
fusion plate 10, which
have a unique buttress design for relieving compression along the surfaces of
parts 929A, 929B, but which engage into the bone parts 929A, 929B and help fix
parts 929A, 929B in place for successful fusion.
Moreover, as detailed herein below, the compression attacher 32 can be
designed to allow for a low profile attacher-to-plate interface. For example,
compression attacher 32 can include a unique conical shape and/or a tapered
head 836
(illustrated in Figure 8A) so as to enable such a low profile attacher-to-
plate interface.
Further, in certain embodiments, the compression attacher 32 can have threads
(illustrated in Figure 8A) that are larger than the head 836. In such
embodiments, threads
40 can be formed into the compression aperture 22 to accommodate the size of
threads 838 of the compression attacher 32, and the smaller head 836 can be
pass completely through the compression aperture 22 when and if desired, e.g.,
fusion plate 10 is to be removed, but it is desired to maintain the
compression attacher
32 implanted within the bone parts 929A, 929B.
During proper implantation, installment or insertion of the fusion plate 10,
one or more fixation attachers 30 are initially extended, e.g., threaded,
fixation apertures 18 at the first end 12 or the second fixation apertures 20
end 14, and attached to one of the bone parts 929A, 929B. Subsequently, the
compression attacher 32 is extended, e.g., threaded, through the compression
22 and from the first bone part 929A to the second bone part 929B, to compress
the bone parts 929A, 929B together. Then, the remaining fixation apertures 30
extended through the remaining fixation apertures 18, 20 and into the
respective bone
parts 929A, 929B so that the fusion plate 10 is fixedly secured in place.
Further, as shown in Figure 1, the fusion plate 10 can have a longitudinal
axis 42,
and a portion of the fusion plate 10, e.g., the second end 14 of the fusion
plate 10, can
further be angled at a valgus angle 44 relative to the longitudinal axis 42 to
for any valgus deformities that may exist in the bone parts 929A, 929B into
adjacent to which the fusion plate 10 is implanted. For example, in certain
the fusion plate 10 can have a valgus angle 44 of between approximately zero
degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 42. More specifically, in certain
alternative embodiments, the fusion plate 10 can have a valgus angle 44 of
two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve or fourteen degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis 42.
Alternatively, the fusion plate 10 can have a valgus angle 44 relative to the
axis 42 that is different than the dimensions specifically mentioned above.
the fusion plate 10 can have a valgus angle 44 of zero degrees (i.e. no valgus
greater than fifteen degrees, or some other value between zero and fifteen
relative to the longitudinal axis 42.
Moreover, as illustrated, in certain embodiments, the compression aperture 22
extend substantially along and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis 42.
compression aperture 22 can be formed into the fusion plate 10 such that the
compression aperture 22 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis
Additionally, in various embodiments, the fusion plate 10 can be made from
titanium, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a cobalt-chromium
alloy, or
another suitable material.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the fusion plate 10 taken on line X-X in
Figure 1. As
illustrated in Figure 2, the fusion plate 10 has a planar axis 246 that
length of the fusion plate 10. Additionally, the fusion plate 10 includes a
flexion angle 248
for dorsal flexion (or dorsiflexion) that is measured relative to the planar
axis 246. For
example, in certain embodiments, the fusion plate 10 can have a flexion angle
between approximately zero and ten degrees in either direction relative to the
planar axis
246. Stated in another manner, the second end 14 can flex and/or extend
upward or downward from the planar axis 246 between approximately zero and ten
degrees relative to the remainder of the fusion plate 10. More specifically,
exclusive alternative embodiments, the fusion plate 10 can have a flexion
angle 248 of
approximately zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or
relative to the planar axis 246. Alternatively, the fusion plate 10 can have a
248 relative to the planar axis 246 that is different than the dimensions
mentioned above. For example, the fusion plate 10 can have a flexion angle 248
greater than ten degrees, or some other value between zero and ten degrees
the planar axis 246.
Moreover, as shown in Figure 2, the compression aperture 22 extends completely
through the fusion plate 10 at a compression angle 224 relative to the planar
axis 246.
For example, in certain embodiments, the compression aperture 22 can extend
completely through the fusion plate 10 at a compression angle 224 of between
approximately 30.0 and 55.0 degrees relative to the planar axis 246. More
in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the compression aperture 22
extend completely through the fusion plate 10 at a compression angle 224 of
approximately 30.0, 32.5, 35.0, 37.5, 40.0, 42.5, 45.0, 47.5, 50.0, 52.5 or
relative to the planar axis 246. Alternatively, the compression aperture 22
completely through the fusion plate 10 at a compression angle 224 that is
the dimensions specifically mentioned above. For example, the compression
can extend completely through the fusion plate 10 at a compression angle 224
than 55.0 degrees, less than 30.0 degrees, or some other value between 30.0
and 55.0
degrees relative to the planar axis 246.
Further, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the fusion plate
can include a thickened region 250 within the middle region 16 of the fusion
plate 10, and
the compression aperture 22 can extend through the thickened region 250 of the
plate 10. As illustrated, the thickened region 250 can be formed into the
such that the thickened region 250 extends in a generally upward direction
top surface 26, i.e. extends farther away from the bone parts 929A, 929B when
plate 10 is implanted. Stated in another manner, the additional thickness
thickened region 250 is at least primarily, if not entirely, added onto the
and extends upwardly away from the top surface 26 of the remainder of the
10. Additionally and/or alternatively, at least a portion of the additional
by the thickened region 250 can extend away from the bottom surface 28 of the
The thickness of the thickened region 250 relative to the remainder of the
plate 10 can be varied depending on the size of the head, e.g., the head 836
in Figure 8A) or head 436 (illustrated in Figure 4), of the compression
attacher 32. In
certain embodiments, the thickened region 250 can be between approximately 0.5
millimeters (approximately 0.02 inches) and 1.5 millimeters (approximately
0.06 inches)
thicker than the remainder of the fusion plate 10. For example, in certain non-
alternative embodiments, the thickened region 250 is at least approximately
0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5 millimeters thicker than the
remainder of the fusion
plate 10. Alternatively, the thickened region 250 can be greater than 1.5
millimeters, less
than 0.5 millimeters, or some other value between 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters
remainder of the fusion plate 10.
So as not to create a soft tissue irritation, with this design, the
attacher 32 (illustrated in Figure 4) can be positioned within and extend
compression aperture 22 with no portion of the head, e.g., the head 836, or
the head 436,
of the compression attacher 32 extending above the top surface 26 of the
or below the bottom surface 28 of the fusion plate 10. Stated in another
additional thickness of the thickened region 250 and the positioning of the
aperture 22 through the thickened region 250 of the fusion plate 10 enables
head 436, 836 of the compression attacher 32 to be flush with the top surface
effectively hidden within the fusion plate 10 during use. Accordingly, the
can be implanted, installed or inserted into the patient, with the compression
attacher 32
extending through the compression aperture 22 at the compression angle 224,
any unnecessary discomfort for the patient, and without the need to remove any
material from the bone parts 929A, 929B (illustrated in Figure 9) which are
compressed and/or fused together by the fusion plate 10.
Figure 3 is an end view of the fusion plate 10 illustrated in Figure 1, and a
of attachers, i.e. the fixation attachers 30 and the compression attacher 32,
used with the fusion plate 10. In this embodiment, each of the fixation
attachers 30 can
be threaded and/or extend through one of the first fixation apertures 18
Figure 1) or through one of the second fixation apertures 20 (illustrated in
Figure 1), and
the compression attacher 32 can be threaded or extend through the compression
aperture 22 (illustrated in Figure 1).
Additionally, Figure 3 further illustrates that the fusion plate 10 can be
arched from a first side 352 to a second side 354 to enable a more snug fit to
parts 929A, 929B (illustrated in Figure 9), which are being compressed and/or
together by the fusion plate 10. The degree or extent of curvature of the
from the first side 352 to the second side 354 can be varied as necessary to
specific design requirements of the fusion plate 10.
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the fusion plate 10 and the attachers 30, 32
on line A-A in Figure 3. More particularly, Figure 4 illustrates a
longitudinal sectional view
of the fusion plate 10 and the attachers 30, 32 that cuts fully through the
attacher 32.
The design of the fixation attachers 30 can be varied, in the embodiment shown
Figure 4, each of the fixation attachers 30 has a design that is substantially
design of each of the other fixation attachers 30. For example, as
illustrated, each of the
fixation attachers 30 is substantially fully threaded from a head 456 to a tip
458 of the
fixation attacher 30. Alternatively, one or more of the fixation attachers 30
design that is different from the other fixation attachers 30, e.g., one or
more of the fixation
attachers 30 can include less threading as compared to the fixation attachers
specifically illustrated in Figure 4.
Additionally, the design of the compression attacher 32 can also be varied. In
embodiment shown in Figure 4, the compression attacher 32 includes only a
small, threaded region 460 near a tip 462 of the compression attacher 32, with
threading being located near the head 436 of the compression attacher 32.
the compression attacher 32 can include more threading or less threading
threading) as compared to the compression attacher 32 specifically illustrated
Further, the specific design of the head 436 can also be varied. For example,
shown in Figure 4, the head 436 of the compression attacher 32 can be
e.g., the compression attacher 32 can be a flat-head screw. Alternatively, the
of the compression attacher 32 can have a different design. For example, in
exclusive alternative embodiments, the head 436 of the compression attacher 32
rounded and/or the head 436 can be tapered.
Moreover, as shown in Figure 4 and as noted above, when the compression
attacher 32 is positioned within the compression aperture 22 (illustrated more
Figure 1), the head 436 of the compression attacher 32 does not extend above
surface 26 or below the bottom surface 28 of the fusion plate 10 due to the
aperture 22 extending through the thickened region 250 of the fusion plate 10.
Additionally, as illustrated, the majority of the fusion plate 10 has a plate
464 and the thickened region 250 has a maximum region thickness 466 that is
than the plate thickness 464. In certain embodiments, the majority of the
can have a plate thickness 464 of between approximately 0.03 and 0.06 inches,
thickened region 250 can have a maximum region thickness 466 of between
approximately 0.08 and 0.13 inches. For example, in certain non-exclusive
embodiments, the majority of the fusion plate 10 has a plate thickness 464 of
approximately 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055 or 0.06 inches, and the
region 250 has a maximum region thickness 466 of approximately 0.08, 0.085,
0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.11, 0.115, 0.12, 0.125 or 0.13 inches. In one specific
example, the majority of the fusion plate 10 has a plate thickness 464 of
0.047 inches, and the thickened region 250 has a maximum region thickness 466
approximately 0.105 inches. As such, the difference between the plate
thickness 464
and the maximum region thickness 466 is approximately 0.058 inches. Thus, in
embodiment, the maximum region thickness 466 is approximately one hundred
three percent greater than the plate thickness 464. Alternatively, the plate
can be greater than 0.06 inches, less than 0.03 inches, or some other value
and 0.06 inches; and/or the maximum region thickness 466 can be greater than
inches, less than 0.08 inches, or some other value between 0.08 and 0.13
Further, Figure 4 also illustrates the one or more plate lifters 434 along the
surface 28 of the fusion plate 10. As illustrated, the plate lifters 434 have
buttress design, which enable the plate lifters 434 to relieve compression
along the bone
surfaces of the bone parts 929A, 929B (illustrated in Figure 9), but also to
the bone parts 929A, 929B and help fix the bone parts 929A, 929B in place for
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the fusion plate 10 and the attachers 30, 32
in Figure 3. In particular, Figure 5 illustrates the attachers 30, 32
extending through and
away from the bottom surface 28 of the fusion plate 10. Additionally, Figure 5
illustrates how each of the fixation attachers 30 can extend through and away
bottom surface 28 at an angle that is different than each of the other
fixation attachers
30. In one embodiment, the angles at which each of the individual fixation
attachers 30
extend through and away from the bottom surface 28 can relate to the curvature
arching of the fusion plate 10 from the first side 352 to the second side 354
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fusion plate 10 as indicated
circle and arrow A-A in Figure 4. In particular, Figure 6 illustrates an
portion of the connection between the bottom surface 28 of the fusion plate 10
plate lifters 434.
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fusion plate 10 as indicated
circle and arrow B-B in Figure 4. In particular, Figure 7 illustrates an
another portion of the connection between the bottom surface 28 of the fusion
and the plate lifters 434.
Figure 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a compression attacher 832 having
features of the present invention. The design of the compression attacher 832
varied to suit the specific requirements of the fusion plate 10 (illustrated
in Figure 1) and/or
the specific procedure being performed. In certain embodiments, the
attacher 832 is uniquely designed to enable a low profile attacher-to-plate
the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8A, the compression attacher 832 includes
threaded region 860, a shaft 868, a tapered region 870, and a head 836.
The threaded region 860 is located near or substantially adjacent to a tip 862
the compression attacher 832. The threaded region 860 is threaded, i.e.
plurality of threads 838, to enable the compression attacher 832 to be screwed
thus retained within the bone parts 929A, 929B (illustrated in Figure 9). The
threaded region 860, the number and size of the threads 838, and/or the pitch
threads 838 can be varied depending on the specific requirements of the
attacher 832.
The shaft 868 extends between the threaded region 860 and the tapered region
870 of the compression attacher 832. In certain embodiments, the shaft 868 can
substantially cylinder shaped to enable the shaft 868 to fit comfortably
parts 929A, 929B upon insertion of the compression attacher 832.
Alternatively, the shaft
868 can have another suitable shape.
The tapered region 870 extends between the shaft 868 and the head 836 of the
compression attacher 832. In certain embodiments, the tapered region 870 can
outward from the shaft 868 at a taper angle 874 of between approximately 2.0
degrees. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the
region 870 can angle outward from the shaft 868 at a taper angle 874 of
2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 or 8.0 degrees.
tapered region 854 can angle outward from the shaft 852 at a tape angle 874 of
than 8.0 degrees, less than 2.0 degrees, or some other value between 2.0 and
The head 836 of the compression attacher 832 is designed to be engaged by an
insertion tool (not illustrated). Additionally, the head 836 is designed to
low profile to enable a low profile attacher-to-plate interface. For example,
embodiments, the head 836 of the compression attacher 32 can have threads 872
are larger (i.e. wider in circumference) than the head 836. In such
smaller head 836 can be allowed to pass completely through the compression
22 (illustrated in Figure 1) when and if desired, e.g., if the fusion plate 10
is to be removed,
but it is desired to maintain the compression attacher 832 implanted within
929A, 929B.
In certain embodiments, the compression attacher 832 can have an overall
876 of between approximately 0.7 inches and 1.6 inches depending on the
requirements of the bone parts 929A, 929B into which the fusion plate 10
Figure 1) is being inserted.
For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative
embodiments, the length 876 of the compression attacher 832 can be
approximately 0.7,
0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 or 1.6 inches. Alternatively, the
length 876 of the
compression attacher 832 can be greater than 1.6 inches, less than 0.7 inches,
other value between 0.7 and 1.6 inches.
Additionally, in various embodiments, the compression attacher 832 can be made
from titanium, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a cobalt-
chromium alloy, or
Figure 8B is a sectional view of the compression attacher 832 taken on line B-
Figure 8A. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 8B, the head 836 can
engagement aperture 878 that is adapted to receive the insertion tool (not
during insertion of the compression attacher 832. The shape and depth of the
engagement aperture 878 can be varied to suit the specifications of the
insertion tool. In
one non-exclusive embodiment, the engagement aperture 878 can be substantially
hexagon-shaped and can extend into the tapered region 870 of the compression
832. Alternatively, the engagement aperture 878 can have a different shape.
example, the engagement aperture 878 can be circle-shaped, oval-shaped,
shaped, square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, pentagon-shaped, octagon-shaped, or
Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 8B, the engagement aperture 878 can
additional features, e.g., an extended and narrowed region that extends
tapered region 870 of the compression attacher 832, depending on the specific
of the insertion tool.
Further, Figure 8B also illustrates certain additional dimensions of the
attacher 832. For example, Figure 8B illustrates a threaded length 880 and a
width 882 of the threaded region 860, as well as an attacher width 884, which
defined as the maximum width of the compression attacher 832 aside from the
region 860.
In certain embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a threaded length 880
of between approximately 0.30 and 0.70 inches. For example, in certain non-
alternative embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a threaded length
approximately 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 or 0.70 inches.
some embodiments, the threaded length 880 can be between approximately 25.0
50.0 percent of the overall length 876 (illustrated in Figure 8A) of the
attacher 832. Alternatively, the threaded length 880 can be greater than 0.70
inches, less
than 0.30 inches, or another value between 0.30 and 0.70 inches.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a
width 882 of between approximately 0.125 and 0.150 inches. For example, in
non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a
width 882 of approximately 0.125, 0.1275, 0.130, 0.1325, 0.135, 0.1375, 0.140,
0.145, 0.1475 or 0.150 inches. Alternatively, the threaded width 882 can be
0.150 inches, less than 0.125 inches, or another value between 0.125 and 0.150
Further, in some embodiments, aside from the threaded region, the compression
attacher 832 can have a maximum attacher width 884 of between approximately
and 0.120 inches. For example, in some non-exclusive alternative embodiments,
compression attacher 832 can have an attacher width 884 of approximately
0.0975, 0.100, 0.1025, 0.105, 0.1075, 0.110, 0.1125, 0.115, 0.1175 or 0.120
Alternatively, the attacher width 884 can be greater than 0.120 inches, less
than 0.095
inches, or another value between 0.095 and 0.120 inches.
Figure 8C is a top end view, i.e. looking straight on at the head 836, of the
compression attacher 832 illustrated in Figure 8A. In particular, Figure 8C
illustrates certain aspects or features of the compression attacher 832. For
Figure 8C illustrates the general shape of the engagement aperture 878 in the
of the compression attacher 832. In this embodiment, the engagement aperture
878 is
substantially hexagon-shaped in order to receive and engage a substantially
shaped insertion tool (not illustrated). Alternatively, the engagement
aperture 878 can
have a different shape to receive and engage a different shaped insertion
Additionally, Figure 8C further illustrates how the threads 838 of the
region 860 can extend out wider than the head 836 of the compression attacher
noted above, the smaller head 836 is designed to have a relatively low profile
a low profile attacher-to-plate interface, and to allow the head 836 to pass
through the compression aperture 22 (illustrated in Figure 1) when and if
Figure 8D is a bottom end view, i.e. looking straight on at the tip 862, of
compression attacher 832 illustrated in Figure 8A. In particular, Figure 8D
illustrates certain aspects or features of the tip 862 and/or the threaded
region 860 of the
compression attacher 832.
Figure 8E is an enlarged view of a portion of the compression attacher 832 as
indicated by circle and arrow E-E in Figure 8B. In particular, Figure 8E
enlarged view of the head 836, including the engagement aperture 878, and a
the tapered region 870 of the compression attacher 832. Figure BE further more
illustrates certain features or aspects of the compression attacher 832. For
Figure 8E illustrates an aperture depth 886, an aperture width 888 and a pilot
angle 890
of the engagement aperture 878.
In certain non-exclusive embodiments, the aperture depth 886 can be between
approximately 0.03 and 0.45 inches depending on the specific size of the
(not illustrated) with which the compression attacher 832 may be used.
aperture depth 886 can be greater than 0.045 inches or less than 0.03 inches.
Additionally, in certain non-exclusive embodiments, the aperture width 888,
diameter, can be between approximately 0.04 and 0.05 inches. Alternatively,
width 888 can be greater than 0.05 inches or less than 0.04 inches.
Additionally, in some non-exclusive embodiments, the engagement aperture 878
can have a pilot angle 890 of between approximately ninety and one hundred
degrees. Alternatively, the engagement aperture 878 can have a pilot angle 890
greater than one hundred thirty degrees or less than ninety degrees.
Figure 8F is an enlarged view of a portion of the compression attacher 832 as
indicated by circle and arrow F-F in Figure 8B. In particular, Figure 8F
enlarged view of a portion of the threaded region 860 of the compression
attacher 832
that illustrates certain features or aspects of the threads 838. For example,
illustrates a thread spacing 892 and a thread angle 894 of the threads 838 of
In certain embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a thread spacing 892
of between approximately 0.035 and 0.055 inches. For example, in certain
alternative embodiments, the threaded region 860 can have a thread spacing 892
approximately 0.035, 0.037, 0.039, 0.041, 0.043, 0.045, 0.047, 0.049, 0.051,
0.053 or
0.055 inches. Alternatively, the thread spacing 892 can be greater than 0.055
less than 0.035 inches, or some other value between 0.035 and 0.055 inches.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, the thread angle 894 of the threads 838
be between approximately 25.0 and 45.0 degrees. For example, in certain
alternative embodiments, the thread angle 894 of the threads 838 can be
25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, 35.0, 37.5, 40.0, 42.5 or 45.0 degrees. Alternatively,
angle 894 can be greater than 45.0 degrees, less than 25.0 degrees, or some
between 25.0 and 45.0 degrees.
Figure 9 is a simplified schematic illustration of a first bone part 929A, a
bone part 929B, and an embodiment of the fusion plate 10, the fixation
attachers 30 and
the compression attacher 32 having features of the present invention that are
hold the bone parts 929A, 929B together.
As illustrated in Figure 9, the fusion plate 10 is positioned substantially
a surface of the first bone part 929A and the second bone part 929B.
Additionally, a pair
of fixation attachers 30 extend through the first fixation apertures 18
first end 12 of the fusion plate 10 and into the first bone part 929A, and a
pair of fixation
attachers 30 extend through the second fixation apertures 20 positioned near
end 14 of the fusion plate 10 and into the second bone part 929B. Further, the
compression attacher 32 extends through the compression aperture 22 and into
through both the first bone part 929A and the second bone part 929B, i.e.
portion of the first bone part 929A and into the second bone part 929B. With
the fusion plate 10 and compression attacher 32 cooperate to enable the
compression and/or to increase the compression of bone material at a bone
between the bone parts 929A, 929B, i.e. to compress the bone parts 929A, 929B
Figure 10A is a top view of another embodiment of a fusion plate 1010 having
features of the present invention. As illustrated, the fusion plate 1010 is
similar to the fusion plate 10 illustrated and described above. Accordingly,
features and aspects of the fusion plate 1010 will not be described in detail
However, in this embodiment, the fusion plate 1010 includes a compression
aperture 1022 that is somewhat different than the compression aperture 32
detail above. For example, in this embodiment, the compression aperture 1022
directed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 1042 of the fusion
plate 1010.
Additionally, as shown, the compression aperture 1022 also does not include
With this design, the compression attacher, e.g., the compression attacher 32
compression attacher 832 illustrated herein above, can be merely extended
not threaded through, the compression aperture 1022.
Additionally, in this embodiment, the fusion plate 1010 is designed without a
angle, e.g., the valgus angle 44 illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 10B is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1010 taken on line B-B in
Figure 10A. Figure 10B illustrates that the fusion plate 1010 again includes a
region 1050, with the compression aperture 1022 being the non-threaded
extends through the thickened region 1050 of the fusion plate 1010.
Figure 11A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fusion plate 1110
features of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11A, the fusion plate
substantially similar to the fusion plate 1010 illustrated and described above
Figure 10A. For example, the compression aperture 1122 is again a nonthreaded
aperture for receiving the compression attacher, e.g., the compression
attacher 32 and/or
the compression attacher 832 illustrated herein above. However, in this
compression aperture 1022 is directed substantially along and/or parallel to
longitudinal axis 1142.
Figure 11B is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1110 taken on line B-B in
Figure 11A. Figure 10B illustrates that the fusion plate 1110 again includes a
region 1150, with the compression aperture 1122 being the non-threaded
extends through the thickened region 1150 of the fusion plate 1110.
Figure 11C is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1110 taken on line B-B in
11A, and another embodiment of a compression attacher 1132. In particular,
illustrates the compression attacher 1132, e.g., a compression screw,
the non-threaded compression aperture 1122. In this embodiment, the
attacher 1132 includes a threaded region 1160 that extends from the tip 1162
head 1136. Additionally, the head 1136 in this embodiment is somewhat
the previous embodiments. For example, as illustrated, the head 1136 is
However, it should be noted that even with the rounded head 1136, the head
1136 of the
compression attacher 1132 does not extend above the top surface 1126 or below
bottom surface 1128 of the fusion plate 1110 due to the compression aperture
extending through the thickened region 1150 of the fusion plate 1110.
Figure 12A is a top view of yet another embodiment of a fusion plate 1210
features of the present invention. As illustrated, the fusion plate 1210 is
similar to the fusion plate 1010 illustrated and described in relation to
Figure 10A. For
example, the fusion plate 1210 again includes a non-threaded, compression
1222 that is directed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 1242 of
the fusion plate
Figure 12B is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1210 taken on line B-B in
Figure 12A. In particular, Figure 12B illustrates certain features of the
fusion plate 1210
that are different from the previous embodiments. For example, as illustrated
Figure 12B, the second end 1214 of the fusion plate 1210 flexes in a generally
direction at a flexion angle 1248 relative to the planar axis 1246.
Figure 13A is a top view of still another embodiment of a fusion plate 1310
features of the present invention. As shown in this embodiment, the fusion
plate 1310 is
substantially similar to the fusion plates 1010, 1210 illustrated and
described in relation
to Figures 10A and 12A, respectively. For example, the fusion plate 1310 again
a non-threaded, compression aperture 1322 that is directed at an angle
longitudinal axis 1342 of the fusion plate 1310.
Figure 13B is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1310 taken on line B-B in
Figure 13A. As shown in Figure 13B, the fusion plate 1310 is substantially
flat. However,
the fusion plate 1310 includes a small stepped region 1396 substantially
compression aperture 1322. In particular, in this embodiment, the second end
1314 is
stepped slightly in an upward direction relative to the first end 1312.
Alternatively, in other
embodiments, the second end 1314 can be stepped slightly in a downward
relative to the first end 1312. The stepped region 1396 can be utilized to
certain abnormalities in the bone structure in the area where the fusion plate
1310 is to
be inserted. As shown in Figure 13B, the stepped region 1396 can include a
1397 and a step height 1398.
In certain embodiments, the step length 1397 can be between approximately 0.65
and 1.00 inches. Alternatively, the step length 1397 can be greater than 1.00
less than 0.65 inches.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the step height 1398 can be between
approximately 0.02 and 0.06 inches. Alternatively, the step height 1398 can be
than 0.06 inches or less than 0.02 inches, depending on the severity or degree
abnormality that makes the stepped region 1396 necessary.
having features of the present invention, and a plurality of fixation
attachers 1430 and a
compression attacher 1432 that can be used with the fusion plate 1410. In this
embodiment, the fusion plate 1410 has a different shape than the previous
In particular, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figure 14A, the
fusion plate 1410
is substantially rectangle-shaped with rounded ends, i.e. the first end 1412
second end 1414 are both rounded, or semicircular, in shape.
Additionally, the fusion plate 1410 can include one or more first fixation
1418 positioned near the first end 1412, and one or more second fixation
apertures 1420
positioned near the second end. Further, the first fixation apertures 1418 and
fixation apertures 1420 are substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis
1442. In this
embodiment, the fusion plate 1410 includes two first fixation apertures 1418
second fixation apertures 1420. Alternatively, the fusion plate 1410 can
than two or less than two first fixation apertures 1418, and/or more than two
two second fixation apertures 1420.
Figure 14B is a sectional view of the fusion plate 1410, the fixation
attachers 1430
and the compression attacher 1432 taken on line B-B in Figure 14A. As shown in
14B, the fixation attachers 1430 extend in a generally vertical direction,
i.e. perpendicular
to the fusion plate 1410.
Additionally, the compression attacher 1432 includes a head 1436 in this
embodiment is somewhat different than in the previous embodiments. For
illustrated, the head 1436 is flat. As with the previous embodiments, it
that the head 1436 of the compression attacher 1432 again does not extend
top surface 1426 or below the bottom surface 1428 of the fusion plate 1410 due
compression aperture 1422 extending through the thickened region 1450 of the
plate 1410.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a fusion plate 10 and
a compression attacher 832 have been shown and disclosed herein above, those
in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and
combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the fusion plate 10 and
compression attacher 832 shall be interpreted to include all such
permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit
and no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design
(22) Filed 2013-10-15
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2014-06-05
Examination Requested 2018-11-21
Last Payment 2019-09-26 $200.00
Next Payment if small entity fee 2020-10-15 $100.00
Next Payment if standard fee 2020-10-15 $200.00
Request for Examination $800.00 2018-11-21
Filing $400.00 2018-11-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2015-10-15 $100.00 2018-11-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2016-10-17 $100.00 2018-11-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2017-10-16 $100.00 2018-11-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2018-10-15 $200.00 2018-11-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2019-10-15 $200.00 2019-09-26
Abstract 2018-11-21 1 23
Description 2018-11-21 22 1,203
Claims 2018-11-21 2 58
Drawings 2018-11-21 6 131
Office Letter 2018-11-27 1 49
Correspondence Related to Formalities 2018-12-05 2 98
Divisional - Filing Certificate 2019-02-18 1 75
Divisional - Filing Certificate 2019-02-26 1 149
Representative Drawing 2019-03-19 1 6
Representative Drawing 2019-04-26 1 5
Cover Page 2019-04-26 1 39
Maintenance Fee Payment 2019-09-26 1 53
Examiner Requisition 2019-10-16 5 186