Patent ID: 8142485

Claim:
An implantable orthopedic device comprising an elongated load-bearing element having a bone contacting surface and having at least one elongate opening for receiving a fixation element, said elongate opening having a circumference with two semi-cylindrical curved end portions separated by straight portions a recessed upwardly facing surface around the opening, said recessed upwardly facing surface tapering towards the bone contacting surface from a first to a second smaller cross-section and a one-piece elongate insert for insertion in the opening wherein the insert exhibits a continuous external portion that is generally complementary to the recessed upwardly facing surface and having a resilient extension complimentary to an internal surface in the straight portion of the elongate opening and having semi-cylindrical extensions adjacent the two semi-cylindrical end portions which, when inserted in the elongate opening are in conforming contact with the two semi-cylindrical end portions of the elongate opening, the straight portion extending from the second smaller cross-section toward the bone contacting surface, the extension having two sidewalls on opposite sides of, and parallel to, an axis which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated load bearing element and the sidewalls extend at right angles to the bone contacting surface and wherein the insert exhibits a central through-bore for mounting the body of the fixation element, and in which a surface adjacent the bone contacting surface surrounding the straight portion of the elongate opening is flat and is recessed or forms part of the bone contacting surface wherein the resilient extension of the insert exhibits at least one projection having an upwardly facing surface for extending along the flat surface surrounding the straight portions of the elongate opening for holding the insert in the opening.