Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a bone plate with the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Further bone plates of the type claimed are known from <CIT>,.

This disclosure is directed to bone plates for repairing distal humerus fractures in animals, such as canines.

According to the invention, a bone plate designed for veterinary use includes a shaft portion, a head portion, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface and an elliptical hole is formed through the head portion and is configured for receiving a condyle of a distal humerus of an animal.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the shaft portion includes a first width, the head portion includes a second width that is larger than the first width, and the bone contacting surface is configured to conform to a contour of a distal humerus of an animal.

The head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the shaft portion. The peripheral edge includes a curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the shaft portion, and an outcropped section that connects to the second side of the shaft portion.

This disclosure is directed to bone plates designed for veterinary use. For example, the bone plates could be utilized for repairing distal humerus fractures in canines or felines. These and other features of this disclosure are described in further detail below.

According to the invention, a bone plate for veterinary use includes a shaft portion, a head portion, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface. An elliptical hole is formed through the head portion and is configured for receiving a condyle of a distal humerus of an animal.

In a further embodiment, a bone plate includes a bone contacting surface having a curvature adapted for conforming to a contour of a canine distal humerus.

In a further embodiment, a relief is formed in a bone contacting surface of a head portion of a bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a shaft portion of a bone plate includes a first length that is greater than a second length of a head portion of the bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a head portion of a bone plate includes a first width that is greater than a second width of a shaft portion of the bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through a shaft portion of a bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through a head portion of a bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a head portion of a bone plate is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of a shaft portion of the bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a peripheral edge of a head portion of a bone plate includes a curved expanded section that connects to a first side of a shaft portion of the bone plate and an outcropped section that connects to a second side of the shaft portion.

In a further embodiment, a first opening is located proximate a curved expanded section of a head portion of a bone plate, and a second opening is located proximate an outcropped section of the head portion.

In a further embodiment, a first opening located proximate a curved expanded section of a head portion of a bone plate includes a larger diameter than a second opening located proximate an outcropped section of the head portion.

In a further embodiment, a peripheral edge of a head portion of a bone plate includes a curved expanded section that connects to a first side of a shaft portion of the bone plate and a straight edge that connects to a second side of the shaft portion.

In a further embodiment, a first opening is located proximate a curved expanded section of a head portion of a bone plate, and a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening are located proximate to a straight edge of a head portion.

In a further embodiment, an elliptical hole of a bone plate is positioned axially between first, second, and third openings of a head portion of the bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a head portion of a bone plate is angled at an inclined angle relative to a shaft portion of the bone plate.

In a further embodiment, the shaft portion includes a first width, a head portion includes a second width that is larger than the first width, and the bone contacting surface is configured to conform to a contour of a distal humerus of an animal.

The head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the shaft portion. The peripheral edge includes a curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the shaft portion and an outcropped section that connects to the second side of the shaft portion.

In a further embodiment, an elliptical hole is formed through a head portion of a bone plate and is configured for receiving a condyle of a canine distal humerus.

In a further embodiment, an elliptical hole is positioned axially between a first opening located proximate a curved expanded section of a head portion of a bone plate and a third opening and a fourth opening formed proximate a straight section that connects to an outcropped section of the head portion.

In a further embodiment, a fourth opening is located proximate an outcropped section of a head portion of a bone plate.

In a further embodiment, a shaft portion of a bone plate includes a proximal tip section that is angled relative to a distal straight section of the shaft portion.

<FIG> schematically illustrates select portions of a musculoskeletal system <NUM> of an animal. In an embodiment, the musculoskeletal system <NUM> is that of a canine. However, the teachings of this disclosure may be applicable for other veterinary uses, such as for felines, for example.

Forelimb portions <NUM> of the musculoskeletal system <NUM> are specifically shown in <FIG>. Each forelimb portion <NUM> includes, among other bones, a scapula <NUM>, a humerus <NUM> positioned distally of the scapula <NUM>, and a radius <NUM> and an ulna <NUM> positioned distally of the humerus <NUM>. The humerus <NUM> interfaces with the scapula <NUM> to establish a shoulder joint of the animal, and the radius <NUM> and the ulna <NUM> interface with the humerus <NUM> to establish an elbow joint of the animal.

As schematically illustrated, a fracture <NUM> may occur in a distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>, such as in response to a traumatic impact. The distal section <NUM> may be simply referred as the distal humerus. The fracture <NUM> may present as a lateral fracture pattern (see <FIG>), a medial fracture pattern (see <FIG>), a "Y" type fracture pattern (see <FIG>), or a "T" type fracture pattern (see <FIG>). Whatever pattern exhibited by the fracture <NUM>, the fracture <NUM> typically must be repaired in order to alleviate pain and facilitate proper bone healing. The fracture <NUM> may be repaired using a bone plate. This disclosure is therefore directed to bone plate designs that are suitable for repairing distal humerus fractures of animals (e.g., non-humans such as canines and felines).

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary bone plate <NUM> for repairing a bone defect, such as a fracture <NUM> of a distal section <NUM> of a humerus <NUM> of an animal, such as a canine or feline, for example. The bone plate <NUM> is shown alone in <FIG>, and the bone plate <NUM> is shown positioned relative to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM> in <FIG>.

The bone plate <NUM> may extend along a longitudinal axis A between a shaft portion <NUM>, located proximally when the bone plate <NUM> is implanted, and a head portion <NUM>, located distally when the bone plate <NUM> is implanted (see, e.g., <FIG>). The shaft portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> establish a single-piece bone plate structure.

The bone plate <NUM> includes an overall length L1. The overall length L1 may be specifically sized for use relative the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM> of a canine or a feline, for example.

The shaft portion <NUM> may include a length L2, and the head portion <NUM> may include a length L3. In an embodiment, the length L2 is larger than the length L3.

The head portion <NUM> may be broader than the shaft portion <NUM>. For example, the head portion <NUM> may include a maximum width W1 that is larger than a maximum width W2 of the shaft portion <NUM>.

The head portion <NUM> may extend at an inclined angle relative to the shaft portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head portion <NUM> is angled at an inclined angle α of between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the shaft portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this disclosure, the term "about" means that the expressed quantities or ranges need not be exact but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, measurement error, etc..

The bone plate <NUM> may further include a bone contacting surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> on an opposite side of the bone plate <NUM> from the bone contacting surface <NUM>. The bone contacting surface <NUM> may include a slightly concave curvature for conforming to the contour of the distal section of <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>.

The shaft portion <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> configured for receiving fixation devices (e.g. screws, etc., not shown in <FIG>) for fixating the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>. The openings <NUM> extend completely through the shaft portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the shaft portion <NUM> includes four openings <NUM> that are equally sized and aligned relative to one another along the longitudinal axis A. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings <NUM> and their specific arrangement within the shaft portion <NUM> are not intended to limit this disclosure.

The shaft portion <NUM> may additionally include one or more K-wire holes <NUM> configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM> prior to achieving final fixation via fixation screws. The K-wire holes <NUM> extend completely through the shaft portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The total number of K-wire holes <NUM> provided in the shaft portion <NUM> is not intended to limit this disclosure.

The head portion <NUM> may be bounded by a peripheral edge <NUM>. The peripheral edge <NUM> may connect to and extend outwardly of a first side <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> to establish a curved expanded section <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. From the curved expanded section <NUM>, the peripheral edge <NUM> may continue linearly to establish a straight distal section <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. The peripheral edge <NUM> may extend from the straight distal section <NUM> about a curved edge <NUM> and then linearly along a straight section <NUM> that is positioned on an opposite side of the head portion <NUM> from the curved expanded section <NUM>. The straight section <NUM> may connect to a second side <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>.

A first opening <NUM> may be formed through the head portion <NUM> at a location that is proximate to the curved expanded section <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be configured to receive a transcondylar screw that allows for the capture of both condyles <NUM> of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM> with a single screw.

A second opening <NUM>, a third opening <NUM>, and a fourth opening <NUM> may be formed through the head portion <NUM> at a location that is proximate to the straight section <NUM>. The second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. Each of the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> is configured for receiving a fixation device (e.g. a screw, etc., not shown in <FIG>) for fixating the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> are equally sized openings. In another embodiment, the first opening <NUM> is larger in diameter compared to any of the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, or the fourth opening <NUM>.

Each of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> may be an angled opening that positions a fixation screw received therein within a safe corridor across one of the condyles <NUM> of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend at an angle Θ relative to a transverse axis <NUM> that extends vertically through the head portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The transverse axis <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle Θ is about <NUM> degrees. However, other angles may also be suitable.

The head portion <NUM> may additionally include an elliptical hole <NUM>. The elliptical hole <NUM> may be sized and shaped for accommodating at least a portion of one of the condyles <NUM> of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>, thereby providing a better anatomic fit. The elliptical hole <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the elliptical hole <NUM> is positioned axially between the first opening <NUM> and the second, third, and fourth openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The head portion <NUM> may additionally include one or more K-wire holes <NUM> configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM> prior to achieving final fixation via fixation screws. The K-wire holes <NUM> extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The total number of K-wire holes <NUM> provided in the head portion <NUM> is not intended to limit this disclosure.

A relief <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed in head portion <NUM> on the bone contacting surface <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The relief <NUM> may be disposed slightly proximally of the elliptical hole <NUM> and the first opening <NUM>. The relief <NUM> may be sized and shaped to provide clearance over a soft tissue anatomy of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>.

A plurality of scalloped portions <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed in the shaft portion <NUM> on the bone contacting surface <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The scalloped portions <NUM> are configured to minimize bone contact at certain locations of the bone plate <NUM>, thereby creating a constant stiffness across the bone plate <NUM> when implanted.

The longitudinal axis A may bisect the shaft portion <NUM> into two equal sections such that the shaft portion <NUM> is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The head portion <NUM> may be asymmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis A. In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis A may intersect through an edge of each of the second, third, and fourth openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The bone plate <NUM> may be made from any biocompatible material or combination of biocompatible materials. Exemplary materials that may be suitable for manufacturing the bone plate <NUM> include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, etc..

The various openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM> may be configured to receive fixation screws of any size (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.), and some openings could be sized differently than the other openings. Thus, the specific sizes of the openings of the bone plate <NUM> are not intended to limit this disclosure.

In the above embodiment, the bone plate <NUM> is shown and described as having a right orientation. However, the bone plate <NUM> could also be provided in a left orientation, with such a bone plate being the mirror image of the right orientated bone plates described above. <FIG> illustrate an exemplary bone plate <NUM>-<NUM> having a left orientation.

<FIG> illustrate another exemplary bone plate <NUM> for repairing distal humerus fractures of an animal, such as a canine or a feline, for example. As will become more apparent from the description below, the bone plate <NUM> is similar to the bone plate <NUM> of <FIG> but includes some additional/modified features. The bone plate <NUM> is shown alone in <FIG>, and the bone plate <NUM> is shown positioned relative to a distal section <NUM> of a humerus <NUM> in <FIG>.

The head portion <NUM> may extend at an inclined angle relative to the shaft portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). In an embodiment, the head portion <NUM> is angled at an inclined angle α of between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the shaft portion <NUM>. In another embodiment, the inclined angle α is about <NUM> degrees for allowing the bone plate <NUM> to better accommodate the animal's anatomy.

The shaft portion <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> configured for receiving fixation devices (e.g. screws, etc., not shown in <FIG>) for fixating the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>. The openings <NUM> extend completely through the shaft portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the shaft portion <NUM> includes five openings <NUM> that are equally sized and spaced along the longitudinal axis A. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings <NUM> and their specific arrangement within the shaft portion <NUM> are not intended to limit this disclosure.

The shaft portion <NUM> may include a proximal tip section <NUM> and a distal straight section <NUM>. The proximal tip section <NUM> may be angled relative to the distal straight section <NUM> to establish a slight kickout within the shaft portion <NUM> for providing a more optimized screw placement. The proximal tip section <NUM> may extend at an angle γ relative to the distal straight section <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle γ is between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. In another embodiment, the angle γ is about <NUM> degrees. However, the angle γ may be optimized for suitability relative to any type of animal.

A proximal most opening of the openings <NUM> may be formed through the proximal tip section <NUM>, and the remaining openings <NUM> may be formed through the distal straight section <NUM>. However, other configurations are alternatively possible.

The head portion <NUM> may be bounded by a peripheral edge <NUM>. The peripheral edge <NUM> may connect to and extend outwardly of a first side <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> to establish a curved expanded section <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. From the curved expanded section <NUM>, the peripheral edge <NUM> may continue linearly to establish a straight distal section <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. The peripheral edge <NUM> may extend from the straight distal section <NUM> about a curved edge <NUM> and then linearly along a straight section <NUM> that is positioned on an opposite side of the head portion <NUM> from the curved expanded section <NUM>.

An outcropped section <NUM> of the peripheral edge <NUM> may be positioned between the straight section <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>. The outcropped section <NUM> provides increased plate material in the head portion <NUM> for maximizing and optimizing bone purchase.

A second opening <NUM> and a third opening <NUM> may be formed through the head portion <NUM> at a location that is proximate to the straight section <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> and the third opening <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>.

A fourth opening <NUM> may be formed through the head portion <NUM> at a location that is proximate to the outcropped section <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fourth opening <NUM> is the proximal most opening formed in the head portion <NUM>. The fourth opening <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. Each of the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> is configured for receiving a fixation device (e.g. a screw, etc., not shown in <FIG>) for fixating the bone plate <NUM> to the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>.

Each of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> may be an angled opening that is configured to position a fixation screw received therein within a safe corridor across one of the condyles <NUM> of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend at an angle Θ relative to a transverse axis <NUM> that extends vertically through the head portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The transverse axis <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle Θ is about <NUM> degrees. However, other angles may also be suitable.

The head portion <NUM> may additionally include an elliptical hole <NUM>. The elliptical hole <NUM> may be sized and shaped for accommodating at least a portion of one of the condyles <NUM> of the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>, thereby providing a better anatomic fit. The elliptical hole <NUM> may extend completely through the head portion <NUM> and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the elliptical hole <NUM> is positioned axially between the first opening <NUM> and the second and third openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

A relief <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed in head portion <NUM> on the bone contacting surface <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The relief <NUM> may be disposed slightly proximally of the elliptical hole <NUM> and the first opening <NUM>. The relief <NUM> may be sized and shaped to provide clearance over a soft tissue anatomy associated with the distal section <NUM> of the humerus <NUM>.

A plurality of scalloped portions <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed in the shaft portion <NUM> on the bone contacting surface <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM>. The scalloped portions <NUM> are configured to minimize bone contact at certain locations of the bone plate <NUM>, thereby providing a more constant stiffness across the bone plate <NUM> when implanted.

The longitudinal axis A may bisect the distal straight section <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> into two equal sections such that the distal straight section <NUM> is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The proximal tip section <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> may each be asymmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis A. In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis A may intersect through an edge of the elliptical hole <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>.

The various openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the bone plate <NUM> may be configured to receive fixation screws of any size (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.), and some of the openings may be sized differently than the other openings. Thus, the specific sizes of the openings of the bone plate <NUM> are not intended to limit this disclosure.

The bone plates of this disclosure provide a more anatomic, easier to use, and more stable bone plate for repairing distal humerus fractures of animals compared to prior plate designs. The proposed bone plates may be utilized for all distal humerus fracture patterns and include various design features for specifically accommodating the contour and native tissue anatomy of the distal humerus.

Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

It should further be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

Claim 1:
A bone plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) designed for veterinary use, comprising:
a shaft portion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a head portion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a bone contacting surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an outer surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposed to the bone contacting surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that
an elliptical hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) is formed through the head portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and
is configured for accommodating at least a portion of a condyle of a distal humerus of an animal.