Abstract:
A device to maintain temporary engagement among a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first appendage positioned opposite a second appendage, the first and second appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines an interior region; (b) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including a handle and a locator projection extending into the interior region, at least one of the first and second appendages is biased with respect to the platform; and, (c) a first finger grip operatively coupled to at least one of the first and the second appendages, the first projection extending away from the interior region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is directed to devices used to initially position and retain a bone plate with respect to a bone and, more specifically, includes a clip-on device for use with a volar bone plate to retain the bone plate in position with respect to a radius. 
       BRIEF DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
       [0002]    In the context of distal radius fractures, a bone plate (known as a volar plate) is commonly mounted to the radius (also includes radius bone segments resulting from the fracture) in order to ensure the radius is in a proper orientation to promote bone growth at the fracture site(s). It is often desirable for a surgeon when mounting the volar plate to the radius to temporarily hold the volar plate in the appropriate position before retention screws or other fastening means are concurrently mounted to the volar plate and the radius or radius segments. 
         [0003]    Ratcheting forceps are utilized to concurrently retain the volar plate and the radius or radius segments. One of the primary problems with ratcheting forceps is that the forceps tend to be bulky and obstruct an unnecessary amount of the surgeon&#39;s working area. Moreover, ratcheting forceps are sometimes difficult to apply and loosen during the surgical procedure. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative to ratcheting forceps that may be used to temporarily secure a bone plate to a bone. 
       INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present disclosure is directed to devices used to initially position and retain a bone plate with respect to a bone. More specifically, the disclosure includes embodiments characterized as clip-on devices that partially circumscribe a bone in order to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to a bone. While the exemplary embodiment is explained with respect to a volar plate, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be used to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to any number of bones. Thus, the disclosure is by no means limited to radius fractures and volar plates. 
         [0006]    It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a device to maintain temporary engagement among a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first appendage positioned opposite a second appendage, the first and second appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines an interior region; (b) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including a handle and a locator projection extending into the interior region, at least one of the first and second appendages is biased with respect to the platform; and, (c) a first finger grip operatively coupled to at least one of the first and the second appendages, the first projection extending away from the interior region. 
         [0007]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the first and second appendages is repositionably mounted to the platform. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the first appendage is pivotally mounted to the platform, and the platform includes a pivot pin around which the first appendage pivots. In a further detailed embodiment, the first appendage is pivotally mounted to the platform, and the first appendage includes a pivot pin pivoting within a first cavity of the platform. In still a further detailed embodiment, the device further includes a spring coupled to the platform and at least one of the first and second appendages to bias at least one of the first and second appendages with respect to the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, both the first and second appendages are repositionably mounted to the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, the platform includes a first pivot pin around which at least one of the first and second appendages pivots. In another more detailed embodiment, at least one of the first and second appendages includes a pivot pin that pivots within a cavity of the platform. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a spring coupled to the platform and the first and second appendages to bias the first and second appendages with respect to the platform. In still another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a first spring coupled to the platform and the first appendage to bias the first appendage with respect to the platform, and a second spring coupled to the platform and the second appendage to bias the second appendage with respect to the platform. 
         [0008]    In yet another more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the platform includes at least one K-wire hole extending into the interior region. In still another more detailed embodiment, the handle and locator projection are removably coupled to the platform. In a further detailed embodiment, the platform includes a through hole sized to receive a portion of the locator projection extending therethrough. In still a further detailed embodiment, the through hole of the platform is partially defined by threads, the locator projection includes threads, and the threads of the platform are sized to engage the threads of the locator projection to facilitate vertical motion of the locator projection with respect to the platform. In a more detailed embodiment, the arcuate vertical profile of the first appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the arcuate vertical profile of the second appendage creates a concave side and an opposite convex side, the concave side of the first appendage faces the concave side of the second appendage, and the concave sides partially define the interior region. In a more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a second finger grip operatively coupled to the second appendage and extending away from the interior region, wherein the first finger grip is operatively coupled to the first appendage. In another more detailed embodiment, the first finger grip includes a first arcuate depression, the second finger grip includes a second arcuate depression, and the first arcuate depression faces away from the second arcuate depression. 
         [0009]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first appendage includes two spaced apart arms that are pivotally coupled to the platform, and the second appendage includes two spaced apart arms that are pivotally coupled to the platform. In yet another more detailed embodiment, each of the two spaced apart arms of the first appendage includes a through orifice, each of the two spaced apart arms of the second appendage includes a through orifice, the platform includes a first pivot pin extending through the through orifice of at least one of the two spaced apart arms of the first appendage to pivotally couple the platform to the first appendage, the platform includes a second pivot pin extending through the through orifice of at least one of the two spaced apart arms of the second appendage to pivotally couple the platform to the second appendage, at least a first portion of the platform extends between the two spaced apart arms of the first appendage, and at least a second portion of the platform extends between the two spaced apart arms of the second appendage. In a further detailed embodiment, the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are removably mounted to the platform, the first pivot pin extends through both of the through orifices of the two spaced apart arms of the first appendage, and the second pivot pin extends through both of the through orifices of the two spaced apart arms of the second appendage. 
         [0010]    It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a device to maintaining temporary engagement with a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first appendage; (b) a second appendage operatively coupled to the first appendage, the first and second appendages being repositionable with respect to one another, the first and second appendages partially defusing a reconfigurable interior region therebetween; and, (c) a locator projection extending vertically in between the first and second appendages. 
         [0011]    In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the device further includes a spring operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second appendages to bias the first appendage with respect to the second appendage. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the device further includes a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including the locator projection. In a further detailed embodiment, the locator projection is removably coupled to the platform. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of a first exemplary bone plate positioning device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 1  shown mounted to a bone and bone plate. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary appendage of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary platform of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a profile view of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 14  mounted to a bone and bone plate. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 14  mounted to a bone plate. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a profile view of the handle and locator projection of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an elevated perspective view of the platform of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is an elevated perspective view of a second exemplary bone plate positioning device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a profile view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 20  mounted to a bone and bone plate. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a profile view of an appendage of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is an elevated perspective view, from the bottom, of the platform of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is an elevated perspective view, from the top, of the platform of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is an elevated perspective view of a third exemplary bone plate positioning device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is an elevated perspective view of a fourth exemplary bone plate positioning device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a profile view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a profile view of the handle and locator projection of the exemplary bone positioning device of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary bone plate positioning device of  FIG. 21  mounted to a bone and bone plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass devices utilized to temporarily retain the position of a bone plate with respect to a bone and associated methods. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-8 , a first exemplary device  100  includes a first appendage  102  and a second appendage  104  that are repositionably mounted to a platform  106  to allow the device to partially circumscribe a bone  108  and temporarily mount a bone plate  110  and device  100  to the bone. 
         [0038]    Each of the first appendage  102  and the second appendage  104  includes a dual arcuate vertical profile characterized by an upper arcuate profile  114  and a lower arcuate profile  116 . The upper arcuate profile  114  helps secure the bone plate  110  in between the appendages  102 ,  104 , while the lower arcuate profile  116  helps secure the bone  108  in between the appendages. In exemplary form, the first and second appendages  102 ,  104  are identical to one another and oriented opposite one another. For purposes of brevity, only one of the appendages and its features will be discussed in detail. 
         [0039]    In this exemplary embodiment, the first appendage  102  includes a pair of spaced apart arms  120 ,  122  that each includes a through orifice  124  that is circular in cross-section. Each of the arms  120 ,  122  includes opposing parallel, planar interior and exterior surfaces  126 ,  128  that are spaced apart from one another by a circumferential surface  132  having a height defined by the thickness of the arm. The arms  120 ,  122  extend in parallel to one another so that the interior surfaces  126  are parallel to one another and so that the through orifices  124  are axially aligned. The underside of each arm  120 ,  122 , specifically the circumferential surface  132 , partially defines the upper arcuate profile  114 . Each arm  120 ,  122  is integrally formed with a vertical wall  136  having a substantially planar interior surface  134  that extends between the respective interior surfaces  126  of the arms and is perpendicular with respect thereto. And each interior surface  134  includes a pair of spring orifices  135 . 
         [0040]    The exterior surfaces  128  extend vertically to define the side surfaces of the vertical wall  136 . But these side surfaces  128  are not parallel to one another as the appendages  102 ,  104  have a non-uniform width. More specifically, the spacing between the surfaces  128  is at a maximum where the spaced apart arms  120 ,  122  are located and at a minimum at the tip  138 . Interposing the exterior surfaces  128  are inside and outside surfaces  140 ,  142  that are generally perpendicular with respect to the exterior surfaces and join one another via the circumferential surface  132  and the tip  138 . In exemplary form, the contour of the inside and outside surfaces  140 ,  142  track one another. In other words, portions of the inside surface  140  bow inward and corresponding portions of the outside surface  142  bow outward, while as portions of the inside surface bow outward and corresponding portions of the outside surface bow inward. This is readily apparent when viewing the contour of the inside surface. 
         [0041]    Proximate the tip  138  and moving upward, the inside surface  140  bows inward and corresponding portions of the outside surface  142  bow outward, until the inside surfaces changes its curvature at a transition section  146 . In the transition section  146 , the inside surface  140  changes in curvature to bow outward and the corresponding portion of the outside surface  142  bows inward. More specifically, the transition section  146  separates the upper arcuate profile  114  from the lower arcuate profile  116 . While the inside surface  140  is relatively smooth with some undulation, the outside surface is not as smooth. 
         [0042]    The outside surface  142  also includes a finger grip  150  that is used to reposition one appendage with respect to the other. In exemplary form, the finger grip  150  comprises an upstanding lever having a concave underside  152  to seat a finger or a portion of a user&#39;s hand to actuate the appendage  102 ,  104 . It should be understood that various geometries may be adopted to construct the finger grip  150 , with the primary objective of providing a gripping location to actuate one of the appendages  102 ,  104  with respect to another. 
         [0043]    In order to allowing movement of one of the appendages  102 ,  104  with respect to another, the appendages are mounted to the platform  106 . In exemplary form, the platform  106  includes an upstanding handle  160  having a circular profile that extends from a base  162 . The base  162  includes its own arcuate profile exhibited by an interior surface  164  that partially defines an interior region  166  in between the appendages  102 ,  104  and platform  106 . The interior surface  164  also has a locator projection  168  extending therefrom. As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the locator projection  168  is sized to be received within one of a plurality of orifices extending through the bone plate  110  to retard longitudinal motion of the bone plate with respect to the device  100 . In exemplary form, the locator projection  168  comprises a cylindrical projection having a substantially flat bottom surface  170 . 
         [0044]    The top  172  of the base  162  is substantially flat, but for the handle  160 , and includes corresponding curved edges  174  that transition into vertical side surfaces  176 . Interposing the side surfaces  176  are a pair of through cavities  178  having a longitudinal circular cross-section. Each of the through cavities  178  is sized to accommodate throughput of a cylindrical pivot pin  182 . More specifically, the cavity  178  may be slightly smaller than the pivot pin  182  so that the pivot pin is retained in the cavity via a friction fit. Alternatively, or in addition, the pivot pin  182  may be integrally formed or otherwise fastened (i.e., adhesive, welding, etc.) to the base  162  in order to extend longitudinally from opposing ends of the base. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot pins  182  are cylindrical and sized to allow insertion of the pins into corresponding through orifices  124  of the pair of spaced apart arms  120 ,  122 . In this manner, the appendages  102 ,  104  are pivotally mounted to the platform  106 . 
         [0045]    In order to bias the appendages  102 ,  104  with respect to one another and with respect to the platform  106 , the platform includes a cut-out  186  on each longitudinal end  188 . The cut-out  186  is sized to accommodate a torsion spring  190  circumscribing one of the pivot pins  182 . In this manner, one end of the torsion spring  190  is received within a spring cavity  194  formed into the longitudinal end, while the opposing end of the torsion spring is received within a spring orifice  135  of the interior surface  134  of a corresponding appendage  102 ,  104 . 
         [0046]    Materials that may be used to fabricate the foregoing components include any materials that may be used for surgical purposes. In exemplary form, the appendages  102 ,  104  may be fabricate from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. So too can the platform  106  be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. The torsion springs  190  may be fabricated from any metal including, without limitation, titanium, coated steel, and stainless steel. Finally, the pivot pins  182  may be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. 
         [0047]    When assembled, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the finger grips  150  for both appendages  102 ,  104  may be grasped and pulled together so that the tops of the finger grips are moved toward one another to overcome the bias of the torsion springs  190  and increase the distance between the tips  138 . The increased distance allows a user to elevate the bone plate into the interior region  166  so that the locator projection  168  is received within one of the through orifices of the bone plate  110 . In exemplary form, introduction of the bone plate  110  into the interior region  166  may occur just before or well in advance of the device  100  mounted to the bone  108 . In order to mount the device to the bone  108 , presuming a portion of the bone plate is already within the interior region  166 , the finger grips  150  for both appendages  102 ,  104  are grasped and pulled together to increase the distance between the tips  138  sufficient to overlap the section of bone in question. Thereafter, the bias of the torsion springs  190  is used to reposition the appendages  102 ,  104  so that the tips  138  move closer to one another until the appendages contact the bone  108  and form a compression fit to secure the device  100  to the bone. Removal of the device  100  from the bone  108  and bone plate  110  simply involves a reverse process. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-14 , a second exemplary device  200  uses the same first and second appendages  102 ,  104  from the first exemplary device  100 . Likewise, the second exemplary device  200  uses the same torsion springs  190  and pivot pins  182  from the first exemplary device  100 . Accordingly, a detailed description of the appendages  102 ,  104 , the torsion springs  190 , and the pivot pins will not be repeated in furtherance of brevity. 
         [0049]    As with the first exemplary device  100 , this second exemplary device  200  is repositionably mounted to a platform  206  to allow the device to partially circumscribe a bone  208  and temporarily mount a bone plate  210  and device  200  to the bone. In exemplary form, the platform  206  includes a removable handle  214  that is integrally formed with a locator projection  216 . It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope of the invention that the handle  214  and locator projection  216  comprise separate components that are mounted to one another. 
         [0050]    In this embodiment, the handle  214  comprises a circular disc having a planar top surface  220  and a circumferential surface  222  having a plurality of bumps to create grip when a user grasps the handle. The circular disc includes a planar bottom surface  224 , opposite the top surface  220 , that engages the locator projection  216 . In exemplary form, the locator projection  216  comprises a cylindrical projection having a circumferential groove  228  that is spaced apart from the bottom surface  224 . Adjacent the groove  228  is a frustoconical segment  230  that is coupled to a threaded segment  232  terminating at a tip with a substantially flat bottom surface  234 . 
         [0051]    The locator projection  216  is adapted to be received within a through opening  240  of the platform  206  that extends from a substantially planar top surface  242  to a bottom arcuate surface  244 . The platform  206  includes curved edges  248  that transition into vertical side surfaces  250 . Interposing the side surfaces  250  are a pair of through cavities  252  having a longitudinal circular cross-section that also overlap with the through opening  240 . Each of the through cavities  252  is sized to accommodate throughput of a cylindrical pivot pin  182 . More specifically, the cavity  252  may be slightly smaller than the pivot pin  182  so that the pivot pin is retained in the cavity via a friction fit. Alternatively, or in addition, the pivot pin  182  may be integrally formed or otherwise fastened (i.e., adhesive, welding, etc.) to the platform  206  in order to extend longitudinally from opposing ends of the platform. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot pins  182  are cylindrical and sized to allow insertion of the pins into corresponding through orifices  124  of the pair of spaced apart arms  120 ,  122 . In this manner, the appendages  102 ,  104  are pivotally mounted to the platform  206 . 
         [0052]    In order to bias the appendages  102 ,  104  with respect to one another and with respect to the platform  206 , the platform includes a cut-out  256  on each longitudinal end  188 . The cut-out  256  is sized to accommodate a torsion spring  190  circumscribing one of the pivot pins  182 . In this manner, one end of the torsion spring  190  is received within a spring cavity  194  formed into the longitudinal end, while the opposing end of the torsion spring is received within a spring orifice  135  of the interior surface  134  of a corresponding appendage  102 ,  104 . 
         [0053]    Materials that may be used to fabricate the foregoing components include any materials that may be used for surgical purposes. In exemplary form, the platform  206  may be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. 
         [0054]    When assembled, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the pivot pins  182  partially extend into the through opening  240 . In this manner, the handle  214  and locator projection  216  may be inserted into the through opening  240  and retained therein by the pivot pins  182  extending into the circumferential groove  228  in the locator projection. In exemplary form, the circumferential groove  228  includes a vertical height that provides for vertical play of the handle  214  and locator projection  216 , but resists removal of the locator projection from the through opening  240 . Because of the tapered nature of the frustoconical segment  230 , at least one of the platform  206 , pivot pins  182 , and locator projection  216  may be slightly deformed to allow throughput of the locator projection in order to seat the pivot pins within the circumferential groove  228 . 
         [0055]    In use, the finger grips  150  for both appendages  102 ,  104  may be grasped and pulled together so that the tops of the finger grips are moved toward one another to overcome the bias of the torsion springs  190  and increase the distance between the tips  138 . The increased distance allows a user to elevate the bone plate  210  into the interior region  166  so that the threaded segment  232  of the locator projection  216  is partially received within one of the through orifices of the bone plate  210 . Thereafter, rotation of the handle  214  causes the threads of the threaded segment  232  to engage threads on the inside of a corresponding hole of the bone plate  210 , thereby drawing the bone plate vertically toward the bottom surface  244  of the platform  206 . In exemplary form, introduction of the bone plate  210  into the interior region  166  may occur just before or well in advance of the device  200  mounted to the bone  208 . 
         [0056]    In order to mount the device  200  to the bone  208 , presuming a portion of the bone plate  210  is already within the interior region  166 , the finger grips  150  for both appendages  102 ,  104  are grasped and pulled together to increase the distance between the tips  138  sufficient to overlap the section of bone in question. Thereafter, the bias of the torsion springs  190  is used to reposition the appendages  102 ,  104  so that the tips  138  move closer to one another until the appendages contact the bone  208  and form a compression fit to secure the device  200  to the bone. Removal of the device  200  from the bone  208  and bone plate  210  simply involves a reverse process. 
         [0057]    Referencing  FIGS. 15-20 , a third exemplary device  300  includes a first appendage  302  and a second appendage  304  that are repositionably mounted to a platform  306  to allow the device to partially circumscribe a bone  308  and temporarily mount a bone plate  310  and device  300  to the bone. 
         [0058]    Each of the first appendage  302  and the second appendage  304  includes a dual arcuate vertical profile characterized by an upper arcuate profile  314  and a lower arcuate profile  316 . The upper arcuate profile  314  helps secure the bone plate  310  in between the appendages  302 ,  304 , while the lower arcuate profile  316  helps secure the bone  308  in between the appendages. In exemplary form, the first and second appendages  302 ,  304  are identical to one another and oriented opposite one another. For purposes of brevity, only one of the appendages and its features will be discussed in detail. 
         [0059]    In this exemplary embodiment, the first appendage  302  includes a pair of exterior side surfaces  320  that extend substantially vertically. But these side surfaces  320  are not parallel to one another as the appendages  302 ,  304  have a non-uniform width. More specifically, the spacing between the surfaces  320  is at a maximum proximate a longitudinal through orifice  322 , where the width is substantially constant up through a proximate tip  326 . Extending distally, away from the proximal tip  326 , from the through orifice  322  the width of the appendages  302 ,  304  decreases to a minimum at a distal tip  328 . In this exemplary embodiment, the distal tip  328  includes a plurality of teeth  330  to facilitate gripping of the device  300  in tissue underlying the bone  308 . Interposing the exterior surfaces  320  are inside and outside surfaces  334 ,  336  that are generally perpendicular with respect to the exterior surfaces and joint one another at the tips  326 ,  328 . In exemplary from, the contour of the inside and outside surfaces  334 ,  336  track one another. In other words, portions of the inside surface  334  bows inward and corresponding portions of the outside surface  336  bows outward, while as portions of the inside surface bows outward and corresponding portions of the outside surface bows inward. This is readily apparent when viewing the contour of the inside surface. 
         [0060]    Proximate the distal tip  328  and moving proximally, the inside surface  334  bows inward and corresponding portions of the outside surface  336  bow outward until the inside surfaces changes its curvature at a first transition section  338 . In the first transition section  338 , the inside surface  334  changes in curvature to bow outward and the corresponding portion of the outside surface  336  bows inward. More specifically, the transition section  338  separates the upper arcuate profile  314  from the lower arcuate profile  316 . Extending distally from the upper arcuate profile  314 , the inside surface  334  bows outward and corresponding portions of the outside surface  336  bow inward until the inside surfaces changes its curvature at a second transition section  340 . At this second transition  340 , the inside surface  334  bows inward more gradually than is exhibited in the upper and lower arcuate profiles  314 ,  316  to create an arcuate finger grip  344 . At the same time, the outside surface  336  bows outward more gradually than is exhibited in the upper and lower arcuate profiles  314 ,  316  so that the arcuate profiles of the outside and inside surfaces  334 ,  336  are substantially the same for the finger grip  344 . 
         [0061]    In order to allow movement of one appendage with respect to another, the appendages  302 ,  304  are mounted to the platform  306 . In exemplary form, the platform  306  includes an upstanding handle  350  having a circular disc top  352  and a cylindrical shaft  354  extending from the disc top. The shaft includes a cylindrical through opening  356  and a pair of lateral supports  358  is coupled to the shaft  354  and extends longitudinally along the shaft. Both the shaft  354  and lateral supports  358  extend from a top planar surface  360  of the platform  306 . Opposing sides of the platform  360  include cut-outs  364  that accommodate portions of the appendages  302 ,  204 . Perpendicular from the cut-outs  364 , the longitudinal side surfaces  366  each include a pair of longitudinal through cavities  370  sized to accommodate throughput of a cylindrical pivot pin  372 . More specifically, the cavity  370  may be slightly smaller than the pivot pin  372  so that the pivot pin is retained in the cavity via a friction fit. Alternatively, or in addition, the pivot pin  372  may be integrally formed or otherwise fastened (i.e., adhesive, welding, etc.) to the platform  306 . In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot pins  372  are cylindrical and sized to allow insertion of the pins into corresponding through orifices  322  of the pair of appendages  302 ,  304 . In this manner, the appendages  302 ,  304  are pivotally mounted to the platform  306 . 
         [0062]    In order to bias the appendages  302 ,  304  with respect to one another and with respect to the platform  306 , a compression spring  376  extends through the opening  356  in the shaft  354  to contact opposed inside surfaces  334 . As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the spring  376  may be compressed by movement of the finger grips  344  toward one another, thereby increase a distance between the distal tips  328 . 
         [0063]    On the opposite side of the compression spring  376 , the underside  380  of the platform is arcuately shaped to partially define an interior region  382 . Extending distally from the underside  380  is a locator projection  384  co-axial with the shaft  354  that is sized to fit within a hole in the bone plate  310 . In this way, the locator projection  384  operates to limit longitudinal travel of the bone plate  310  with respect to the device  300 . 
         [0064]    Materials that may be used to fabricate the foregoing components include any materials that may be used for surgical purposes. In exemplary form, the appendages  302 ,  304  may be fabricate from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. So too can the platform  306  be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. The compression spring  376  may be fabricated from any metal including, without limitation, titanium, coated steel, and stainless steel. Finally, the pivot pins  372  may be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. 
         [0065]    When assembled, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the finger grips  344  for both appendages  302 ,  304  may be grasped and pulled together so that the proximal top of each finger grip is moved toward the other to overcome the bias of the compression spring  376  and increase the distance between the tips  328 . The increased distance allows a user to elevate the bone plate  310  into the interior region  382  so that the locator projection  384  is received within one of the through orifices of the bone plate  310 . In exemplary form, introduction of the bone plate  310  into the interior region  382  may occur just before or well in advance of the device  300  mounted to the bone  308 . In order to mount the device  300  to the bone  308 , presuming a portion of the bone plate  310  is already within the interior region  382 , the finger grips  344  for both appendages  302 ,  304  are grasped and pulled together to increase the distance between the tips  328  sufficient to overlap the section of bone in question. Thereafter, the bias of the compression spring  376  is used to reposition the appendages  302 ,  304  so that the tips  328  move closer to one another until the appendages contact the bone  308  and form a compression fit to secure the device  300  to the bone. Removal of the device  300  from the bone  308  and bone plate  310  simply involves a reverse process. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 21-24 , a fourth exemplary device  400  uses substantially same first and second appendages  302 ,  304  from the third exemplary device  100 . But in this exemplary embodiment, the first and second appendages  302 ,  304  each include corresponding orifices  404  to receive an end of a leaf spring  440 . Likewise, this fourth exemplary device used the same pivot pins  372 . Accordingly, a detailed description of the appendages  302 ,  304  and pivot pins  372  will not be repeated in furtherance of brevity. 
         [0067]    As with the third exemplary device  300 , this fourth exemplary device  400  is adapted to partially circumscribe a bone  408  and temporarily mount a bone plate  410  and device  400  to the bone. As with the third exemplary device  300 , this fourth exemplary device  400  includes a platform  406  very similar to the platform  306  previously discussed. Unlike the previous platform  306 , the instant platform  406  includes a through orifice  408  that accommodates a removable locator projection  410  operatively coupled to a handle  412 . 
         [0068]    The handle  412  comprises a circular disc having a planar top surface  420  and a circumferential surface  422  having a plurality of bumps to create grip when a user grasps the handle. The circular disc includes a planar bottom surface  424 , opposite the top surface  420 , that engages the locator projection  410 . In exemplary form, the locator projection  410  comprises a cylindrical projection having a circumferential groove  428  that is spaced apart from the bottom surface  424 . Adjacent the groove  428  is a frustoconical segment  430  that is coupled to a threaded segment  432  terminating at a tip with a substantially flat bottom surface  434 . As discussed above, the locator projection  410  is adapted to be received within the through opening  408  of the platform  406 . 
         [0069]    In order to bias the appendages  302 ,  304  with respect to one another and with respect to the platform  406 , a pair of leaf springs  440  is mounted to the appendages via the ends of the leaf springs being inserted into the orifices  404 . Each leaf spring  440  is outset from the through opening  408 . 
         [0070]    Materials that may be used to fabricate the foregoing components include any materials that may be used for surgical purposes. In exemplary form, the platform  406  may be fabricated from metals, ceramics, and polymers including, without limitation, high density polyethylene, titanium, stainless steel, and medical grade ceramics. Likewise, the leaf springs  440  may be fabricated from a metal or metal alloy. 
         [0071]    When assembled, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the finger grips  344  for both appendages  302 ,  304  may be grasped and pulled together so that the proximal top of each finger grip is moved toward the other to overcome the bias of the leaf springs  440  and increase the distance between the tips  328 . The increased distance allows a user to elevate the bone plate  410  into the interior region  482  so that the locator projection  410  is received within one of the through orifices of the bone plate  410 , presuming the locator projection  410  is received within the through opening  408  of the platform  406 . Thereafter, the handle  412  is rotated so that the locator projection  410  is correspondingly rotated in order for the threads of the locator projection to engage the threads of a hole in the bone plate. Continued rotation of the handle  412  is operative to draw the bone plate  410  closer to the underside of the platform  406 . In exemplary form, introduction of the bone plate  410  into the interior region  482  may occur just before or well in advance of the device  400  mounted to the bone  408 . 
         [0072]    In order to mount the device  400  to the bone  408 , presuming a portion of the bone plate  410  is already within the interior region  482 , the finger grips  344  for both appendages  302 ,  304  are grasped and pulled together to increase the distance between the tips  328  sufficient to overlap the section of bone in question. Thereafter, the bias of the leaf springs  440  is used to reposition the appendages  302 ,  304  so that the tips  328  move closer to one another until the appendages contact the bone  408  and form a compression fit to secure the device  400  to the bone. Removal of the device  400  from the bone  408  and bone plate  410  simply involves a reverse process. 
         [0073]    Though not specifically discussed, it should be noted that at any of the platforms  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  may include one or more K-wire orifices to accommodate one or more K-wires to align the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  with respect to a bone. An exemplary circumstance would be initially positioning one or more K-wires into the bone in question and thereafter sliding the K-wire(s) through respective orifices of the device platform  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  in order to align the device with respect to the bone. Those skilled in the art would be familiar with such a technique in light of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0074]    It should also be understood that the dimensions of the device components may be changed to accommodate various sizes and shapes of bones and bone plates. For example, the clip and device may be enlarged for use as a femoral fracture device. 
         [0075]    Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.