Patent Description:
Currently available methods for securing two bone segments together with a plate do not allow for internal pre-tensioning of the bone plate, which result in compression of the joint or fracture site. Additionally, current methods do not allow for a bone plate to permit fracture site loading resulting in micro motion to entice fracture healing through callus formation.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the currently used techniques. For example, in view of the deficiencies of the current systems and corresponding surgical techniques, it would be desirable to develop devices, instruments, systems and/or methods that allow for dynamic loading within a bone plate. Relevant teaching can be found in, for example, <CIT>.

The present disclosure is directed towards a bone plate system and related methods (the methods not claimed) for use in securing two bone segments together.

The aspect of the present disclosure provided herein, is a dynamic bone plate system. According to the present invention, a bone plate system comprises a bone plate with a top surface and a bottom surface and a first end and a second end, the bone plate comprising; a base portion disposed between the first end and the second end; and at least one opening extending away from the top surface of the bone plate; at least one deformable member received within the at least one opening of the bone plate, wherein the at least one deformable member comprises: a first portion having a first opening; a second portion having a second opening coupled to and extending away from the first portion; and wherein the first opening of one deformable member of the at least one deformable member comprises: two first openings, wherein one first opening is positioned at the first end of the base portion, and wherein a second first opening is positioned at the second end of the base portion; and at least one coupling member engaging the at least one deformable member to couple the at least one coupling member and the at least one deformable member to the bone plate.

These and features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various embodiments and examples of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Generally stated, disclosed herein are embodiments and examples of devices, implants, guides, and systems for fixation of human bones, such as, foot and ankle bones. Further, surgical methods for using the devices, implants, guides, and systems for fixation of human bones to stabilize realignment of a fracture, dislocation, fusion or the like of the foot and ankle bones are discussed, but not claimed.

In this detailed description and the following claims, the words proximal, distal, anterior or plantar, posterior or dorsal, medial, lateral, superior and inferior are defined by their standard usage for indicating a particular part of a bone, implant, device or guide according to the relative disposition of the natural bone or directional terms of reference. For example, "proximal" means the portion of a device or implant nearest the torso, while "distal" indicates the portion of the device or implant farthest from the torso. As for directional terms, "anterior" is a direction towards the front side of the body, "posterior" means a direction towards the back side of the body, "medial" means towards the midline of the body, "lateral" is a direction towards the sides or away from the midline of the body, "superior" means a direction above and "inferior" means a direction below another object or structure. Further, specifically in regards to the foot, the term "dorsal" refers to the top of the foot and the term "plantar" refers the bottom of the foot.

Similarly, positions or directions may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or surfaces. For example, as the current devices and methods are described herein with reference to use with the bones of the foot and ankle, the bones of the foot, ankle and lower leg may be used to describe the surfaces, positions, directions or orientations of the devices, instrumentation and methods. Further, the devices and methods, and the components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to one side of the body for brevity purposes. However, as the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirrored about a line of symmetry (midline), it is hereby expressly contemplated that the devices and methods, and the components, features and the like thereof, described and/or illustrated herein may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured or otherwise altered for use or association with another side of the body for a same or similar purpose without departing from scope of the disclosure. For example, the devices and methods, and the components, features and the like thereof, described herein with respect to the right foot and ankle may be mirrored so that they likewise function with the left foot and ankle. Further, the devices and methods, and the components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to the foot and ankle for brevity purposes, but it should be understood that the devices and methods may be used with other bones of the body having similar structures, for example the upper extremity, and more specifically, with the bones of the wrist, hand, and arm.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to indicate like or analogous components throughout the several views, and with particular reference to <FIG>, there is illustrated a bone plate system according to the present invention. The bone plate system <NUM> includes an implant, plate, or bone plate <NUM>, at least one deformable member, dynamic member, or elastic member <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, a first deformable member <NUM> and a second deformable member <NUM> and at least one coupling member or threaded button <NUM>, <NUM> for example, a first coupling member <NUM> and a second coupling member <NUM>. The deformable members <NUM>, <NUM> may be received within the bone plate <NUM> by, for example, engagement with the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> which may be coupled to the bone plate <NUM>. Each component of the bone plate system <NUM> may be made from, for example, a biocompatible material, including but not limited to a metal, polymer, composite, etc..

With continued reference to <FIG>, and with particular reference to <FIG>, the implant or plate <NUM> is shown. The plate <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>, and a first side <NUM> generally opposite a second side <NUM>. The plate <NUM> also includes a base portion <NUM> positioned between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Additionally, the plate <NUM> includes at least one opening <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>, which may be, for example, longer than the first opening <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the first opening <NUM> may be positioned at the first end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and may include a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include a recessed portion <NUM> which, may include a first hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> and through to the bottom surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the first opening <NUM> may include a first receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the first side <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include a second receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the second side <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>. Extending from the first receiving portion <NUM> vertically to the second end <NUM>, of the first opening <NUM> around to the second receiving portion <NUM> may be a groove or lip <NUM>, positioned between the top surface <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include an engagement hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. Also, the engagement hole <NUM> may be positioned, centrally, near the second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. Additionally, the first opening <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> (not shown) positioned, centrally, in the first end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may, for example, extend from the recessed portion <NUM> towards, but not through, the top surface <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is similar to slot <NUM> as seen in <FIG>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second opening <NUM> may be positioned at the second end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and may include a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may also include a recessed portion <NUM> which, includes a second hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> to and through the bottom surface <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the second opening <NUM> may include a first receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the first side <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> positioned near the second end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may also include a second receiving portion or cut out <NUM> carved out of the second side <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> positioned near the second end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. Extending from the first receiving portion <NUM> vertically toward the first end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> to the second receiving portion <NUM> is a groove or lip <NUM>, positioned between the top surface <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may also include an engagement hole <NUM> (see <FIG>), extending from the recessed <NUM> portion to the bottom surface <NUM>. The engagement hole <NUM> is positioned centrally, at the first end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may further include a centrally located slot <NUM> in the second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may, for example, extend from the recessed portion <NUM> towards, but not through, the top surface <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the plate may also include at least one alignment hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and a threaded opening <NUM>. The threaded opening <NUM> may be positioned between the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The at least one alignment hole <NUM>, <NUM> may, for example, include a first alignment hole <NUM> and a second alignment hole <NUM>. The first alignment hole <NUM> may be located at the first end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> such that the alignment hole <NUM> is positioned above the first slot <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>. The second alignment hole <NUM> may be located at the second end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> such that the alignment hole <NUM> is located above the second slot <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The first and second alignment holes <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the first and second recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first deformable member or single dynamic member or elastic member <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>, and a first portion <NUM> coupled to and extending away from a generally smaller second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is generally circular in shape, and has a diameter greater than or equal to the width of the first opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> has the same width as the first portion <NUM> but is shorter than the first portion <NUM> and is generally oval in shape, for example. The first deformable member <NUM> may also include an engagement protrusion or tab <NUM> positioned at the first end <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>. The protrusion tab <NUM> may include a hole or alignment opening <NUM>, which may be, for example, equal to the size and shape of the alignment hole <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The protrusion tab <NUM> may be, for example, coupled to the slot <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The first deformable member <NUM> may also include a first hole <NUM> positioned in the first portion <NUM> and a second hole <NUM> position in the second portion <NUM>. The first hole <NUM> and second hole <NUM> may be, for example, similarly shaped as the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second deformable member <NUM> may include a base or first portion <NUM> having a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>, an extension or second portion <NUM> coupled to the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may be, for example, longer than the second portion <NUM> and include an engagement tab or protrusion <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. Also, the first portion <NUM> may include a first opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>, and a second opening <NUM>, positioned proximate the second end <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may have, for example, sides that are concave shaped. The second portion <NUM> may also, include through opening <NUM> for engagement with the second opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The third opening <NUM> may be, for example, a non-circular shape and smaller than the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the protrusion tab <NUM> may be positioned at the second end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> and may include a hole or alignment opening <NUM>. The protrusion tab <NUM> may, for example, couple to the slot <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. Further, the alignment opening <NUM> of the protrusion tab <NUM> may be, for example, the same size and shape as the second alignment hole <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first coupling member, single coupling member or threaded button <NUM> may have a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>, and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may have a recessed region <NUM> extending toward the top surface from the bottom surface <NUM>. The first coupling member <NUM> may also include an extension member <NUM> coupled to and extending away from the recessed portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may have, for example, a linear first side <NUM> and linear second side <NUM> that are parallel to and shorter than the first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may also have, for example, a curved first end <NUM> and curved second end <NUM> that are tangent to the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. Additionally, the coupling member <NUM> may have a first arm or protrusion <NUM> positioned at the first side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> and a second arm or protrusion <NUM> positioned at the second side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the recessed region <NUM> and extend away from the top surface <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> may have a linear first side <NUM> and a curved second side <NUM>, where the first side <NUM> is flush with the first side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. The second side <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> may, for example, be the same shape as the first hole <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> may be of the same shape, size and nature as the first arm <NUM>, with the first side of the second arm <NUM> flush with the second side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. Further, the coupling member <NUM> may have a threaded opening <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> through the extension member <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may also have a first tab <NUM> positioned on the first side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> and a second tab <NUM> opposite the first tab <NUM> positioned on the second side <NUM> for engagement with the first and second recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> on the plate <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second coupling member or doubled threaded button <NUM> has a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>, and a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The second coupling member <NUM> may include a recessed region <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM>. The recessed region <NUM> may be, for example, the same general shape as the base portion <NUM> of the second deformable member <NUM>. Further, the second coupling member <NUM> may include a first extension member <NUM> and a second extension member <NUM>, both extending from the recessed region <NUM> towards the bottom surface <NUM>, which may be, for example the same size and shape. The first extension member <NUM> may be positioned near the first end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> and may include, for example, a rounded first end <NUM> opposite a rounded second end <NUM> and a first linear side <NUM> opposite a second linear side <NUM>. The second extension member <NUM> may be positioned near the second end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> and may also include, for example, a rounded first end <NUM> opposite a rounded second end <NUM> and a first linear side <NUM> opposite a linear second side <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the first extension <NUM> member may be tangent with the first end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second extension member <NUM> may be tangent with the second end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, there may be a first protrusion or arm <NUM> and a second protrusion or arm <NUM>, extending away from the top surface <NUM> towards the bottom surface <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> and second arm <NUM> may each have an inside surface <NUM>, <NUM> which may be, for example, shaped in order to receive the second deformable member <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may also, include a first threaded opening <NUM> in the first extension member <NUM> and a second threaded opening <NUM> in the second extension member <NUM>. Further, the coupling member <NUM> may include a first tab <NUM> and second tab <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>. The first and second tabs <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized, for example, to engage with the first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The first tab <NUM> may be located on the first side <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>, and the second tab <NUM> may be positioned opposite the first tab <NUM> on the second side <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bone plate system <NUM> may also include at least one retaining pin or elastic retaining pin <NUM> and at least one fastener, pin or removable retaining pin <NUM>. The at least one removable retaining pin <NUM> may, for example, include two retaining pins, both being identical in nature. The removable retaining pin <NUM> may include a head portion <NUM>, with a drive opening <NUM> coupled to a shaft portion <NUM> that extends away from the head portion <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> may include, a body portion <NUM> having a smaller diameter than the head portion <NUM> and a coupling portion <NUM> having a smaller diameter than the body portion <NUM>. The removable retaining pin <NUM> may, for example, be used to couple the deformable members <NUM>, <NUM> to the plate <NUM> in order to, for example, maintain a constant tension on the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM>. The elastic retaining pin <NUM> may include a head portion <NUM> and a body <NUM> that extends away from the head portion <NUM>. A first elastic retaining pin <NUM> may, for example, be coupled to the engagement hole <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM> and a second elastic retaining pin <NUM> may, for example, be coupled to the second engagement hole <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The elastic retaining pin <NUM> may, for example, be used to hold the first and second deformable members <NUM>, <NUM> in place within the bone plate <NUM>.

Now with reference to <FIG>, an example of of a bone plate system <NUM> is shown. The bone plate system <NUM> may include an implant, plate or bone plate <NUM>, at least one deformable member or dynamic member <NUM> and at least one coupling member or single button <NUM>. The deformable member <NUM>, may be positioned within the bone plate <NUM> by, for example, engagement with the coupling member <NUM> which may be coupled to the bone plate <NUM>. The bone plate system <NUM> may also include at least one removable retaining pin <NUM> and one elastic retaining pin <NUM>. For brevity sake, the structural elements of the retaining pin <NUM> discussed above will not be again described here, as it relates to the bone plate system <NUM>. Each component of the bone plate system <NUM> may be made from, for example, a biocompatible material, including but not limited to a metal, polymer, composite, etc..

With continued reference to <FIG>, and with special reference to <FIG>, the bone plate <NUM> is shown. The bone plate <NUM> may have a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM> and a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The bone plate <NUM> may include at least one opening, for example a first opening <NUM>, a second opening <NUM>, a third opening <NUM> and a fourth opening <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are identical in shape, size and nature. The first opening <NUM> may be positioned at the first end <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> may be positioned at the second end <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> and third opening <NUM> may be positioned between and apart from the first opening <NUM> and fourth opening <NUM>.

Continuing to reference <FIG>, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>, a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also each include a recessed portion <NUM> which, may surround a hole <NUM> that extends from the recessed portion <NUM> to and through the bottom surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. As shown, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the first side <NUM> of the particular opening positioned near the first end <NUM> of the opening. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also include a second receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the second side <NUM> of the opening positioned near the first end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and opposite the first cutout <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM> of the openings. Extending from the first receiving portion <NUM> vertically to the second end <NUM> of the opening around to the second receiving portion <NUM> may be a groove or lip <NUM>, positioned between the top surface <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also include an engagement hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM> (see <FIG>). The engagement hole <NUM> may be positioned, centrally, near the second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> positioned, centrally and proximate to the first end <NUM> of the opening. The slot <NUM> may, for example, be defined by the recessed portion <NUM> and top surface <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may be, for example, for engagement with the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bone plate system <NUM> includes a single coupling member, or single threaded button <NUM>. The single coupling member <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>, and a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may have a recessed region <NUM> extending away from the bottom surface <NUM>. The recessed region <NUM> may, for example, be the same shape as the first hole <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>. The single coupling member <NUM> may also include an extension member <NUM> coupled to and extending away from the recessed <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may, for example, be the same shape as the first hole <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>, and may, for example, have a smaller outside diameter then the diameter of the first hole <NUM> of the first deformable member <NUM>. Additionally, the single coupling member <NUM> may have a first arm or protrusion <NUM> positioned at the first side <NUM> of the single coupling member <NUM> and a second arm or protrusion positioned <NUM> at the second side <NUM> of the single coupling member <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the recessed region <NUM> and extend towards the bottom surface <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> may have a linear first side <NUM> and a curved second side <NUM>, where the first side <NUM> is tangent to the first side <NUM> of the single coupling member <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> may be of the same shape, size and nature as the first arm <NUM>, with the first side <NUM> of the second arm <NUM> tangent to the second side <NUM> of the single coupling member <NUM>. Further, the single coupling member <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> through the extension member <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. The single coupling member <NUM> may have a first tab <NUM> positioned at a corner of the first side <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and a second tab <NUM> opposite the first tab <NUM>, for engagement with the first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> on the plate <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the bone plate system <NUM> also include at least one alignment hole, for example, a first alignment hole <NUM>, second alignment hole <NUM>, third alignment hole <NUM> and fourth alignment hole <NUM>. The alignment holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be, for example, the same shape and size as the removable pin <NUM>, and may be for coupling the deformable member <NUM> to the bone plate <NUM> with the removable pin <NUM>. The alignment holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at the first end <NUM> of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that it extends from the top surface <NUM> through the slot <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM>.

Now referencing <FIG>, a bone plate system <NUM> is shown. The bone plate system <NUM> may include an implant, plate, or bone plate <NUM>, a deformable member, dynamic member, or elastic member <NUM>, and a coupling member or threaded button <NUM>. The deformable member <NUM> may be received within the bone plate <NUM> by, for example, engagement with the coupling member <NUM> which may, be coupled to the bone plate <NUM>. Each component of the bone plate system <NUM> may be made from, for example, a biocompatible material, including but not limited to a metal, polymer, composite, etc..

Continuing to reference <FIG> the bone plate <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM> and a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The bone plate <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> positioned between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>, with the opening having a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may include a recessed region <NUM> extending away from the top surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Further, the recessed region <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> extending from the recessed region <NUM> through the bottom surface <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may include a receiving portion <NUM> which may be configured for engaging the deformable member <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> may include, a first carve out <NUM> in the corner of the first side <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and a second carve out <NUM> in the corner of the second side <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Extending from the first carve out <NUM> to the second carve out <NUM> may be a lip or groove <NUM>, which may extend away from the recessed region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> opposite the groove <NUM> in the first end <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may be a slot <NUM> extending away from the recessed region <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, a deformable member <NUM> is illustrated. The deformable member <NUM> may have a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. Also, the deformable member <NUM> may have, for example, a spheroid shape and it may equal in length to the width of the opening <NUM> in the plate <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the deformable member <NUM> may, for example, engage with the groove <NUM> of the plate <NUM> when assembled. The width of the deformable member <NUM> may be such that, when assembled, the first end <NUM> does not come into contact with the through hole <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Additionally, the deformable member <NUM> may have a through hole <NUM> positioned between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>.

Continuing to reference <FIG>, the coupling member or sliding button <NUM> is illustrated. The coupling member <NUM> may have a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM> and a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> may have an engagement protrusion <NUM> extending from the bottom surface <NUM> and first end <NUM>. (See <FIG>). The engagement protrusion <NUM> may be, for example, the same shape and smaller than the slot <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, and may be used to engage the coupling member <NUM> with the plate <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may also have a receiving portion or groove <NUM> positioned at the second end <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> may be of the same shape, and size as the first end <NUM> of the deformable member <NUM>. Forming the top of the receiving portion <NUM> may be, for example, an extension portion <NUM> extending away from the second end <NUM>. Also, the coupling member <NUM> may include a through hole positioned <NUM> between the first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an alternate example of a bone plate system <NUM> is shown. The system <NUM> is shown to include an implant or bone plate <NUM>, at least one deformable member, dynamic member, or elastic member <NUM>, for example, the first deformable member <NUM>, and at least one coupling member <NUM>, for example, the first coupling member <NUM>. The first deformable member <NUM> and the first coupling member <NUM> implemented in conjunction with the system <NUM> are the same as those shown and described previously (e.g., the system <NUM> and plate <NUM> accommodates the first deformable member <NUM>, as well as the first coupling member <NUM>). However, is should be noted that in some aspects of the system <NUM>, one or more components may be the same as and/or similar to the first deformable member <NUM>, the second deformable member <NUM>, the first coupling member <NUM>, and the second coupling member <NUM> may be implemented. The aspects of the system <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may include one or more of the first coupling member <NUM> and the first deformable member <NUM>. In some aspects, the plate system <NUM> and the plate <NUM> may be similar to the plate systems and plates previously discloses herein, for example the system <NUM> and the plate <NUM>. Further, the first deformable member <NUM> may be received by the bone plate <NUM> by, for example, engagement with the coupling member <NUM>, which may be coupled with the bone plate <NUM>. Each component of the system <NUM> may be made from, for example, a biocompatible material including but not limited to a metal, polymer, composite, etc. Additionally, in some aspects one or more components of the system <NUM> (e.g., the at least one coupling member <NUM>; the at least one deformable member <NUM>, etc.) may be made from a material with shape retention properties, for example nitinol or other materials with similar properties.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>, and a first side <NUM> generally opposite a second side <NUM>. The plate <NUM> also includes a base portion <NUM> positioned between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Additionally, the plate <NUM> includes at least one opening <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>, which may be, for example, similar to the first opening <NUM> as shown and described previously. The first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at the first end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and may include a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include a recessed portion <NUM> which, may include a first hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> and through to the bottom surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may include a first receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the first side <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include a second receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the second side <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>. Extending from the first receiving portion <NUM> vertically to the second end <NUM>, of the first opening <NUM> around to the second receiving portion <NUM> may be a groove or lip <NUM>, positioned between the top surface <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include an engagement hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. Also, the engagement hole <NUM> may be positioned, centrally, near the second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The engagement hole <NUM> may be sized to receive a portion (e.g., a protrusion, etc.) of the first deformable member <NUM> and/or the first coupling member <NUM> so as to retain one or both of said components. Additionally, the first opening <NUM> may include a first slot <NUM> positioned, centrally, in the first end <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>. The first slot <NUM> may, for example, extend from the recessed portion <NUM> towards, but not through, the top surface <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may also include a second slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, with said second slot <NUM> arranged opposite from the first slot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second slot <NUM> is shown to receive at least a portion of the first deformable member <NUM> so as to retain the first deformable at least partially within the second slot <NUM>.

The second opening <NUM> may be configured to include similar features and/or have a similar geometry to the first opening <NUM> as shown and described previously. For example, the second opening <NUM> is shown to include a recessed portion <NUM> which, may include a second hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> and through to the bottom surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may include a first receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the first side <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> positioned near a first end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> (and opposite the second opening <NUM> from a second end <NUM>). The second opening <NUM> may also include a second receiving portion or cut out <NUM>, carved out of the second side <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> positioned near the first end <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the top surface <NUM> to the recessed portion <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. Extending from the first receiving portion <NUM> vertically to the second end <NUM>, of the second opening <NUM> around to the second receiving portion <NUM> may be a groove or lip <NUM>, positioned between the top surface <NUM> and the recessed portion <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may also include an engagement hole <NUM> extending from the recessed portion <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. Also, the engagement hole <NUM> may be positioned, centrally, near the second end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The engagement hole <NUM> may be sized to receive a portion (e.g., a protrusion, etc.) of the first deformable member <NUM> and/or the first coupling member <NUM> so as to retain one or both of said components Additionally, the second opening <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> positioned, centrally, in the first end <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may, for example, extend from the recessed portion <NUM> towards, but not through, the top surface <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may also include a second slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, with said second slot <NUM> arranged opposite from the first slot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second slot <NUM> is shown to receive at least a portion of the first deformable member <NUM> so as to retain the first deformable at least partially within the second slot <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may also include at least one alignment hole <NUM> disposed in the body <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, where the at least one alignment hole <NUM> extends through the plate <NUM> from the top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. In some aspects, the alignment hole <NUM> may have a round or oval configuration. The at least one alignment hole <NUM> may, in some aspects, include additional alignment holes arranged variously about the plate <NUM>. The at least one alignment hole <NUM> may be located, for example, at the second end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> such that the at least one alignment hole <NUM> is positioned below the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is further shown to include at least one threaded opening <NUM>, <NUM>, for example shown as a first threaded opening <NUM> and a second threaded opening <NUM>. The first and second threaded openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a coupling mechanism (e.g., a screw or other bone coupling/fastening member) for example to attach the plate <NUM> to one or more bone segments of a patient.

The plate <NUM> is further shown to have a curvature configured to facilitate interfacing and/or coupling with one or more bones. As shown in <FIG>, the plate <NUM> is shown to have a substantially concave geometry on the bottom surface <NUM>, and a substantially convex geometry on the top surface <NUM>. The concave geometry of the bottom surface <NUM> is configured to interface with one or more bones of a patient, with the convex geometry of the top surface <NUM> complementary to the concave geometry of the bottom surface <NUM> (e.g., has a corresponding curvature). The curvature of the plate <NUM> (e.g., the concave geometry of the bottom surface <NUM> and corresponding convex geometry of the top surface <NUM>) is configured to permit the system <NUM> to apply a force in at least two directions when used with the components of the system <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> as shown is configured to accommodate a pair of the first deformable members <NUM> in the same or similar manner to the plates shown and described previously herein. (e.g., the plate <NUM>). For example, the first deformable members <NUM> are received within the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the plate <NUM> are configured to have a width less than or equal to the diameter of the first portion <NUM> of the first deformable members <NUM>. Similarly, the first engagement hole <NUM> and the second engagement hole <NUM> may be, for example, equal to the size and shape of the alignment opening <NUM> of the first deformable members <NUM>. The protrusion tabs <NUM> of the first deformable members <NUM> may couple with the first slot <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> and the first slot <NUM> of the second opening <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> is shown to receive the first coupling members <NUM> in a manner the same as or similar to that of the plate <NUM> as shown and described previously with reference to the system <NUM>. For example, the first coupling members <NUM> may engage with the first and second recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>, respectively. Additionally, the system <NUM> is shown to include at least one removable retaining pin <NUM>, the same as or similar to the removable retaining pin <NUM> as shown and described previously herein. Similarly, the plate <NUM> is configured to include one or more coupling features to facilitate coupling with the at least one removable retaining pin <NUM> in the same as, or similar manner that is shown and described with reference to the system <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a pair of the removable retaining pins <NUM> may be received by the engagement holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, so as to retain the pair of first deformable members <NUM> within the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The removable retaining pins <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may retain the first deformable members <NUM> in a desired orientation prior to implantation, for example as shown with reference to the pin <NUM> adjacent the second opening <NUM>. The removable pin <NUM> is shown to prevent a portion of the first deformable member <NUM> from entering the first slot <NUM>. However, upon removal of the removable pin <NUM>, at least a portion of the first deformable member <NUM> may enter/be received by the first slot <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. Prior to removal of the removable pin <NUM>, at least a portion of the removable pin <NUM> may contact at least a portion of the perimeter of the first and/or second openings <NUM>, <NUM> so as to retain the first deformable member in a desired position/geometry. With reference to the first opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the removable pin <NUM> has already been removed, thus allowing the first deformable member <NUM> to enter (e.g., intraoperatively via shape retention properties of the first deformable member <NUM>, which may be formed of a material such as nitinol or similar) the first slot <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A bone plate system (<NUM>), comprising:
a bone plate (<NUM>) with a top surface (<NUM>) and a bottom surface (<NUM>) and a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the bone plate (<NUM>) comprising;
a base portion (<NUM>) disposed between the first end (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>); and
at least one opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending away from the top surface (<NUM>) of the bone plate (<NUM>);
at least one deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) received within the at least one opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the bone plate (<NUM>), wherein the at least one deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a second opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to and extending away from the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
wherein the first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) of one deformable member (<NUM>) of the at least one deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
two first openings (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein one first opening (<NUM>) is positioned at the first end (<NUM>) of the base portion (<NUM>), and wherein a second first opening (<NUM>) is positioned at the second end (<NUM>) of the base portion (<NUM>); and
at least one coupling member (<NUM>, <NUM>) engaging the at least one deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to couple the at least one coupling member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the at least one deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the bone plate (<NUM>).