Abstract:
A bone plate for treating clavicle fractures. The bone plate may include an elongated body having one or more curved portions that roughly conform to the surface and/or anatomical curvature of the clavicle. One or more openings may be provided for receiving an anchoring member, such as a bone screw, for fastening at least a portion of the bone plate onto the clavicle. The bone plate may provide at least one rail member extending along a portion of the body of the bone plate. The bone plate, when affixed to the clavicle, permits the rail member to rest upon the outer surface of the clavicle, thus providing an area defining a cavity formed between an outer surface of the clavicle and a bottom surface of the body of the bone plate, and thus allowing blood to circulate against and around the clavicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/312,245 filed Mar. 10, 2010 which is now expired. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to bone treatment devices, and more particularly to bone plates for stabilizing clavicle fractures. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The clavicle is a doubly curved short bone that connects the arm (i.e., the upper limb) to the body (i.e., the trunk), located directly above the first rib and is often referred to as a collarbone. Unfortunately, clavicle fractures are common occurrences. Clavicle fractures, that is a broken collarbone, can occur in children and adolescents, athletes, or during many types of accidents and falls. Often clavicle fractures are treated using a plate-and-screw fixation or intramedullary devices. The plate-and-screw devices typically include a flat steel bone plate that is affixed along the superior aspect of the collar bone via several screws. In some cases, the plate may be removed after healing, but this is rarely required (e.g., based on nerve interaction or tissue aggravation), and typically considered an elective procedure. 
         [0006]    A drawback of some of the known clavicle bone plates is that they are typically composed of relatively thick metallic plates that, after being attached to the fractured clavicle, may be clearly visible against the underside of the skin of the patient. This outcome is not aesthetically pleasing, especially for individuals that need to expose their upper chest areas (e.g., models, actors, swimmers, divers, and/or the like) for vocational or professional purposes. Additionally, the entire support surface of many of the known clavicle bone plates, after being attached, contact the clavicle, thus lessening the amount of blood, and correspondingly the oxygen and other bone nutrients contained therein, that flows over the clavicle, especially in the area of the fracture. This situation may potentially delay the healing of the fracture, as well as impair the overall health of the clavicle itself. 
         [0007]    The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A bone plate for affixation to a bone for treating bone fractures, especially clavicle fractures. The clavicle bone plate may include an elongate body having a first end portion at a proximal end and a second end portion toward a distal end. The clavicle bone plate may include one or more curved portions that roughly conform to the surface and/or anatomical curvature of the clavicle, especially the surface and/or anatomical curvature of the shaft of the clavicle. One or more openings may be provided in the body, the first end portion, and/or the second end portion for receiving an anchoring member, such as a bone screw, for fastening at least a portion of the clavicle bone plate onto the clavicle, especially in proximity to the fracture site. The clavicle bone plate may also provide at least one, and more preferably at least two spaced and opposed rail members extending along at least a portion of the body of the clavicle bone plate. The rail member may provide enhanced durability and strength to the clavicle bone plate, while also permitting the reduction of the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the clavicle bone plate, thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the clavicle bone plate. The clavicle bone plate, when affixed to the clavicle, permits the rail member to rest upon the outer surface of the clavicle. The clavicle bone plate thus may provide an area defining a cavity formed between an outer surface of the clavicle and a bottom surface of the body of the clavicle bone plate, thus allowing blood to circulate against and around the clavicle, especially in proximity to the fracture site. 
         [0009]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a bone plate in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line C-C of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 1  affixed to a superior aspect of a clavicle bone; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along line D-D of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a bone plate in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along line E-E of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a bone plate in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of a bone plate in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along line H-H of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken along line I-I of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view taken along line J-J of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a sectional view taken along line K-K of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a front elevational view of a bone plate affixed to an anterior aspect of a bone in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a bottom plan view of a bone plate in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a bone plate affixed to a superior aspect of a clavicle bone in accordance with a sixth alternative of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26A  is a bottom perspective view of a bone plate in accordance with a seventh alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26B  is a bottom perspective view of a bone plate in accordance with an eighth alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26C  is a bottom perspective view of a bone plate in accordance with a ninth alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the bone plate depicted in  FIG. 26B  affixed to an anterior aspect of a clavicle bone in accordance with a tenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0041]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of these principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. 
         [0042]    Before the present apparatus and methods for treating a bone fracture are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0043]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, as used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, “characterized by” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In addition, the term “at” when referring to the location or placement of an element or object means in, near or by the area or location occupied by the particular structure or element referred to. 
         [0044]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “end,” “left,” “right,” and/or the like, are used herein solely for reference purposes and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0045]    As used herein, the term “proximal” shall refer broadly to the concept of a nearest portion. 
         [0046]    As used herein, the term “distal” shall generally refer to the opposite of proximal, and thus to the concept of a further portion, or a furthest portion, depending upon the context. 
         [0047]    As used herein, the term “anterior” shall refer broadly to the concept of the front side of the body. 
         [0048]    As used herein, the term “superior” shall refer broadly to the concept of the portion of the body closest to the head. 
         [0049]    As used herein, the term “acromial” shall refer broadly to the concept of area of the clavicle nearest to or proximate the acromion. 
         [0050]    As used herein, the term “sternal” shall refer broadly to the concept of area of the clavicle nearest to or proximate the sternum. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a bone plate is generally shown at  10 . The bone plate  10  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  10  may be used to repair fractures of other bones, including those of humans and/or other mammals. 
         [0052]    The bone plate  10  includes a top surface  14 , a bottom surface  16 , a first side surface  18  and a spaced and an opposed second side surface  20 , and a first end portion  22  and a spaced and opposed second end portion  24 . At least one, and more preferably, a plurality of through bores  26  are formed which extend from the top surface  14  to the bottom surface  16 . The walls  26   a  of the through bores  26  can be substantially vertical, see  FIG. 3 , and/or angled, see  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The walls  26   a  of the through bores  26 , which are shown as being smooth, are intended to receive anchoring or fastening members  28 , which may include bone screws and/or the like. It should be appreciated that the walls  26   a  of the through bores  26  can also be threaded. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 1 and 6  illustrate the bone plate  10 , in a top plan view, as being curved so as to mimic or correspond to the anatomical curvature of a shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 , for example.  FIG. 5  shows the bone plate  10 , in a side elevational view, as being substantially planar so as to mimic or correspond to a substantially planar bone surface of the shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 . In this case, the bone plate  10  is very suitable for affixation to a bone, such as a clavicle, that has an anatomical curvature in one plane, while also having a substantially planar portion in another plane. For example, the bone plate  10  would be very suitable for affixation to the area proximate to the midpoint of the shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 , on either an anterior or superior aspect thereof. 
         [0054]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 2-5 , and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one, and more preferably, at least two rail members  32 ,  34  are provided for on or near the first and second side surfaces  18 ,  20 , respectively. The rail members  32 ,  34  extend from an inboard point  22   a  proximate to a first end portion  22 , which may be substantially planar, to an inboard point  24   a  proximate to the second end portion  24 , which may also be substantially planar. As shown, the rails members  32 ,  34  need not extend the entire length of the bone plate  10 ; however, it is contemplated that the rails members  32 ,  34 , may extend the entire length of the bone plate  10 . The rail members  32 ,  34 , may be integral to the body  36  of the bone plate  10 ; however, the rail members  32 ,  34 , may be attached through a suitable process such as fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  36  of the bone plate  10 . In the present embodiment the rail members  32 ,  34 , provide enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  10 . Additionally, use of the rail members  32 ,  34  enables configuration of the bone plate  10  in a manner that reduces the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  10 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  10 . 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the rail members  32 ,  34 , respectively, enable the bone plate  10 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface  16  above at least a portion of the outer surface  38  of the bone, so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween. Furthermore, it is understood that the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as to enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0056]    With respect to affixation of the bone plate  10  to the bone, it is known in the art; i.e., once the bone plate  10  is properly positioned on the bone, to insert at least one of the fastening members  28  through at least one of the through bores  26  of the bone plate  10 , whereupon the fastening member  28  is screwed, or otherwise driven, into the bone, in this case, the clavicle  12 . 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11 , a first alternative bone plate is generally shown at  100 . As with the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-7 , the bone plate  100  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  100  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  shows the bone plate  100 , in a top plan view, as being curved so as to mimic or correspond to the anatomical curvature of a shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 .  FIG. 11  shows the bone plate  100 , in a side elevational view, as including a first portion  102  being substantially planar and a second portion  104  being curved so as to mimic or correspond to a substantially curved bone surface of the shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 . In this case, the bone plate  100  is very suitable for affixation to a bone, such as a clavicle, that has an anatomical curvature in one plane, while also having an anatomical curvature in another plane. Accordingly, the bone plate  100  is suitable for affixation to the area proximate to the acromial and/or sternal portions of the clavicle  12 , e.g., on either an anterior or superior aspect thereof. 
         [0059]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one, and more preferably, two rail members  106 ,  108  are provided for on or near side surfaces  110 ,  112 . The rail members  106 ,  108  extend from an inboard point  114   a  proximate a first end portion  114 , which may be substantially planar, to an inboard point  116   a  proximate to the relatively thick or wide second end portion  116 , which may also be substantially planar. That is, the rails members  106 ,  108  do not necessarily extend the entire length of the bone plate  100 ; however, it should be appreciated that the rails members  106 ,  108  may extend the entire length of the bone plate  100 . The rail members  106 ,  108  may be integral to the body  118  of the bone plate  100 ; however, it should be appreciated that the rail members  106 ,  108  may be attached by fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  118  of the bone plate  100 . The rail members  106 ,  108  provide enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  100 . Additionally, use of the rail members  106 ,  108  enables configuration of the bone plate  100  in a manner that reduces the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  100 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  100 . 
         [0060]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 10 , the rail members  106 ,  108  enable the bone plate  100 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface  120  above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 , a second alternative bone plate is generally shown at  200 . As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-11 , the bone plate  200  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  200  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0062]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 8-11  and the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 12-14  is that the second end portion  202  shown in  FIG. 13  has a relatively thinner or narrower profile than that of the second end portion  116  shown in  FIG. 11 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 14 , the rail members  204 ,  206  are clearly seen. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15-21 , a third alternative bone plate is generally shown at  300 . As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-14 , the bone plate  300  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  300  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0064]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-14  and the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 15-21  is that the bone plate  300  is substantially straight in the top plan view but also has a curvature in the sectional views, see  FIGS. 16 ,  19  and  21 , so as to mimic or correspond to both an anatomical curvature and a curved bone surface of the shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 . By way of example, the bone plate  300  would be very suitable for affixation to the area proximate to the midpoint of the shaft portion  30  of the clavicle  12 , e.g., on an anterior aspect thereof. 
         [0065]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 17-20 , and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one, and more preferably, two rail members  302 ,  304  are provided for on or near side surfaces  306 ,  308 . The rail members  302 ,  304  may extend the entire length of the bone plate  300 . The rail members  302 ,  304  may be integral to the body  310  of the bone plate  300 ; however, it is understood that the rail members  302 ,  304  may be attached by fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  310  of the bone plate  300 . The rail members  302 ,  304  may provide enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  300 . Additionally, the rail members  302 ,  304  may provide a bone plate  300  configuration that reduces the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  300 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  300 . As with the previously described embodiments, the rail members  302 ,  304  enable the bone plate  300 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface  312  above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0066]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 15 ,  17 ,  18  and  21 , the through bores  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c  provided in the bone plate  300  may be offset with respect to one another, i.e., arranged in a non-linear configuration, so as to allow the orthopedic surgeon the freedom to place fastening members  28 , such as bone screws, in the precise location(s) indicated. 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIGS. 22-23 , a fourth alternative bone plate is generally shown at  400 . As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-21 , the bone plate  400  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  400  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0068]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-21  and the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 22-23  is that the bone plate  400  includes at least one, and preferably at least first and second pairs of notch portions  402 ,  404  including notches  402   a  and  402   b  and notches  404   a  and  404   b , formed in the body  406  of the bone plate  400 . These notch portion pairs  402 ,  404 , respectively, allow the orthopedic surgeon the freedom to manipulate the bone plate  400 , via an appropriate tool (not shown) so as to achieve an acceptable position of the bone plate  400  on the bone surface. 
         [0069]    As with the previously described embodiments, and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one, and more preferably, two rail members  408 ,  410  are provided for on or near side surfaces  412 ,  414 . The rail members  408 ,  410  may extend the entire length of the bone plate  400 . The rail members  408 ,  410  may be integral to the body  406  of the bone plate  400 ; however, it should be appreciated that the rail members  408 ,  410  may be attached by fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  406  of the bone plate  400 . The rail members  408 ,  410  provide enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  400 . Additionally, the rail members  408 ,  410  provide a bone plate  400  that may be configured to reduce the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  400 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  400 . As with the previously described embodiments, the rail members  408 ,  410  enable the bone plate  400 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as to enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 24 , a fifth alternative bone plate is generally shown at  500 . As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-23 , the bone plate  500  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  500  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0071]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-23  and the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 24  is that the bone plate  500  includes at least one portion  502  that is operable to extend to and curve over the acromial portion of the clavicle  12 . 
         [0072]    As with the previously described embodiments, and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one, and more preferably, two rail members  504 ,  506  are provided for on or near side surfaces  508 ,  510 . The rail members  504 ,  506  may extend the entire length of the bone plate  500 . The rail members  504 ,  506  may be integral to the body  512  of the bone plate  500 ; however, it should be appreciated that the rail members  504 ,  506  may be attached by fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  512  of the bone plate  500 . The rail members  504 ,  506  provide enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  500 . Additionally, the rail members  504 ,  506  provide a bone plate  500  that may be configured to reduce the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  500 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  500 . As with the previously described embodiments, the rail members  504 ,  506 , respectively, enable the bone plate  500 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface  514  above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as to enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 25 , a sixth alternative bone plate is generally shown at  600 . As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-24 , the bone plate  600  is primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate  600  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0074]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-24  and the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 25  is that the bone plate  600  includes a widened acromial portion  602  that is operable to extend to and cover a substantial portion of the acromial portion of the clavicle  12 . 
         [0075]    As with the previously described embodiments, and in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, at least one rail member  604  is provided for on or near at least one side surface  606 . The rail member  604  may extend the entire length of the bone plate  600 . The rail member  604  may be integral to the body  608  of the bone plate  600 ; however, it should be appreciated that the rail member  604  may be attached by fastening, welding, gluing, and/or the like at a later time after initial formation of the body  608  of the bone plate  600 . The rail member  604  provides enhanced durability and strength to the bone plate  600 . Additionally, the rail member  604  provides a bone plate  600  that may be configured to reduce the thickness of a central portion extending along the length of the bone plate  600 , thereby reducing the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the material needed to form the bone plate  600 . As with the previously described embodiments, the rail member  604  enables the bone plate  600 , when affixed to a bone, such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  therebetween, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as to enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 26A ,  26 B and  26 C, seventh, eighth, and ninth alternative bone plates are generally shown at  700 ,  800  and  900 , respectively. As with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-25 , the bone plates  700 ,  800  and  900 , respectively, are primarily intended for affixation to a fractured clavicle  12 ; however, it should be appreciated that the bone plates  700 ,  800  and  900  may be used to repair fractures of other bones. 
         [0077]    The primary difference between the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-25  and the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 26A ,  26 B and  26 C, is that the bone plates  700 ,  800  and  900  can include various rail member configurations. Referring specifically to  FIG. 26A , bone plate  700  includes two major body portions  702 ,  704 , respectively, separated by a notch pair  706 , wherein portion  702  includes two spaced and opposed rail members  708 ,  710 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 26B , bone plate  800  includes two major body portions  802 ,  804  separated by a notch pair  806 , wherein portion  802  includes two spaced and opposed rail members  808 ,  810  and portion  804  includes a single rail member  812 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 26C , bone plate  900  includes two major body portions  902 ,  904  separated by a notch pair  906 , wherein portion  902  includes two spaced and opposed rail members  908 ,  910  and portion  904  also includes two spaced and opposed rail members  912 ,  914 . In this manner, the orthopedic surgeon can choose from a number of configurations of bone plates to determine whether the presence of a rail member on a particular body portion of the bone plate is indicated. 
         [0078]    As with the previously described embodiments, and in accordance with one aspect of these embodiments, the respective rail members enable the bone plates  700 ,  800 ,  900  when affixed to a bone, see  FIG. 27 , such as the clavicle  12 , to maintain at least a portion of the bottom surface above at least a portion of the outer surface of the bone, such as the clavicle  12 , so as to define a cavity  40  there between, see  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the cavity  40  forms a gap or passageway enabling blood flow or circulation against and around the clavicle  12 , especially in proximity to the fracture site so as to enable and/or speed the healing process of the fracture(s). 
         [0079]    It will be appreciated that the bone plates of the present invention may be formed of any known material capable of providing suitable strength and durability characteristics, as well as allowing for compatibility with the bone in which it is to be installed. 
         [0080]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.