Orthopedic implant with improved variable angle locking mechanism

Abstract

An orthopedic implant comprises an outer surface and at least one opening extending through the outer surface for receiving a fastener for coupling the implant to a bone or bone portion / bone fragment of a patient. The opening comprises a plurality of fins disposed around the opening for engaging threads formed on the fastener head to secure the fastener to the implant. The plurality of fins are arranged and configured in first and second rows of vertically spaced fins. At least one of the fins comprises a different configuration, property, etc. relative to at least one of the other plurality of fins. In one embodiment, each of the first and second fins in a vertically stacked relationship comprises a configuration different from the other first and second fins in the stacked layer. In one embodiment, the different configurations comprise different lengths, different thicknesses, or a combination thereof.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 858,727, filed on June 7, 2019, entitled “Orthopedic Implant with Improved Variable Angle Locking Mechanism,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to orthopedic implants for coupling with one or more bones, bone portions, bone fragments, etc. of a patient, and more particularly, to orthopedic implants having improved variable angle locking mechanisms to enable multi-axial placement and fixation of fasteners. Background Art

[0004] Fractures are usually repaired by fixing orthopedic implants to one or more patients' bones, bone parts, bone fragments, etc. (interchangeably used without intention to limit). For example, in a surgical procedure, a bone plate is connected to the patient's bone and covers the fracture site. Generally speaking, in use, the bone plate is positioned so that its parts are placed on both sides of the fracture site, and fasteners (such as screws) are placed through the openings formed in each bone plate portion. Depending on the bone to be treated, a straight or curved bone plate can be selected to match the contour of the bone to be treated. Bone plates are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. In use, the bone plate promotes the healing of the fracture site by providing a rigid fixation or support structure between the bone and the plate.

[0005] Bone plates can be fixed to bones in a variety of ways. Existing solutions include plate and screw systems, in which fasteners, screws, etc. (used interchangeably herein without intent to limit) are locked to the plate. The bone screw passes through an opening in the plate and penetrates the bone. The screw is then fixed to the bone plate by a thread formed on the head portion of the bone screw, which matches the threaded opening formed in the bone plate. This can fix the plate to the bone and achieve rigid fixation between the bone plate and the screw. That is, because the head portion of the bone screw engages with the thread formed in the bone plate, the bone plate and the screw form a stable system or structure, and the stability of the fracture site depends on or contributes to the rigidity of the structure. Locking the screw on the plate can achieve angular and axial stability and eliminate the possibility of screw toggling, sliding or shifting, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative reduction loss.

[0006] However, although locking screws can reduce the incidence of loosening, they provide a limited range of fixation between the plate and the screw. That is, due to the interlocking threads between the head portion of the bone screw and the threaded opening formed in the bone plate, the insertion angle of the bone screw through the bone plate is limited. Generally, the longitudinal axis of the bone screw is consistent with the central axis of the opening, and no angle variation is allowed, or only limited angle variation is allowed. Therefore, the use of locking screws is limited in some cases.

[0007] For example, when treating a severe bone fracture, the bone fragments may be comminuted and located in irregular positions. Although the surgeon may wish to gain treatment advantage by using a locking screw in conjunction with a bone plate, the angle at which the locking screw protrudes from the bone plate at a certain opening may make it impossible for the surgeon to grasp, hold, secure, or otherwise secure the random bone fragments that are needed. In this case, the surgeon may need to secure the plate to the bone in a different position or use a non-locking screw. Although non-locking screws do not lock onto the plate, they can be inserted at a variety of angles.

[0008] Specifically, non-locking screws are fixed in the bone in the same manner as locking screws, but are not fixed to the plate. That is, non-locking screws generally include a rounded and / or smooth head portion. Therefore, one advantage of non-locking screws is that they can be inserted at a variety of angles because they are not limited by the threaded connection of the locking screw to the bone plate. However, if the surgeon wishes to obtain a rigid, stable structure of a locking screw and plate, using a non-locking screw to obtain the desired angular orientation may not be the best choice.

[0009] Bone plating systems have been developed that provide surgeons with the opportunity to select either non-locking screws or locking screws. For example, some systems have been developed in which bone plates include threaded holes for receiving locking screws or non-locking screws, and non-threaded holes for receiving non-locking screws. In addition, some systems have been developed in which bone plates include partially threaded grooves that allow non-locking or locking screws to be used together. Such combination grooves provide surgeons with an intraoperative choice as to whether to use the bone plate with locking screws, non-locking screws, or a combination of both. However, these systems have inherent disadvantages. For example, the combination grooves may not be able to maintain a fixed angular relationship between the screw and the plate under physiological loads.

[0010] Other attempts include providing an increased polyaxial locking system to achieve a greater range of angular displacement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,367, entitled "Bone Plate and Bone Plate Assemblies including PolyaxialFasteners" issued on January 31, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,367 describes an implant having a fastener receiving opening and a single layer of fins extending into the opening. In use, the fins allow the fastener to be positioned at the opening off-axis.

[0011] Although currently available implants have achieved good results, many of them exhibit one or more shortcomings or disadvantages. For example, an orthopedic implant (such as a bone plate) provided can provide a greater displacement angle of the fastener relative to the implant while maintaining a secure engagement between the fastener and the implant, which can bring more beneficial effects. The present disclosure is provided with this in mind.

[0012] summary

[0013] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0014] The present invention relates to an orthopedic implant, such as a bone plate. In one embodiment, the implant includes at least one opening formed therein for receiving a fastener, such as a bone screw. The at least one opening includes a plurality of fins, flaps, protrusions, etc. (interchangeably used herein without any intention to limit). The plurality of fins are arranged in first and second layers, rows, etc. (interchangeably used herein without any intention to limit). Each row includes a plurality of fins, for example, four fins oriented 90 degrees apart from each other. In one embodiment, at least one of the fins has a different configuration than at least one of the other remaining fins.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the first or upper fins and the second or lower fins in the first and second rows can be arranged and configured in a vertically stacked relationship such that the vertically stacked second / lower fin is aligned with, positioned below, etc. the first / upper fin.

[0016] In one embodiment, for each vertically stacked layer of first / upper and second / lower fins, the first / upper fin may have a different configuration than the second / lower fin of the vertical stack.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the first / upper fin and the second / lower fin may have alternating configurations when the fins are circumferentially arranged in the at least one opening. For example, the at least one opening includes four first / upper fins and four second / lower fins oriented in a vertically stacked relationship, such that, for example, the first / upper and second / lower fins are located at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock, and the first / upper fin located at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock may have a different configuration (e.g., the first / upper fin may have a first configuration and the second / lower fin may have a second configuration) than the second / lower fin located at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. Similarly, the first / upper fin located at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock may have a different configuration (e.g., the first / upper fin may have a second configuration and the second / lower fin may have a first configuration) than the second / lower fin located at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. With such an arrangement, when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, the first / upper fin at each clock position can have a different configuration from the second / lower fin at the same clock position, and when moving around the circumference of the opening, the first / upper fin and the second / lower fin alternate in configuration.

[0018] In one embodiment, the different configurations may correspond to different lengths (e.g., measured from the bottom of the fin to the tip of the fin), or different thicknesses (e.g., cross-sectional diameter, thickness, etc.), or a combination thereof. Arranged in this way, for example, when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, the first / upper fin at a first clock position may have a longer length and / or a thinner cross-section than the second / lower fin at the first clock position. Thereafter, at a subsequent clock position, the second / lower fin at a second clock position may have a longer length and / or a thinner cross-section than the first / upper fin at the second clock position, and so on when moving around the circumference of the opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, the orthopedic implant can be a bone plate. The bone plate includes at least one opening (including first and second rows of fins). In one embodiment, each row of fins in the first and second rows of fins can include four fins oriented to be ninety degrees apart. The first and second fins are oriented in a vertically stacked relationship. In one embodiment, the first fin in the stacked relationship can extend further into the opening than the second fin in the stacked relationship (e.g., when measured from the bottom of the fin to the top, the first fin can have a longer length than the second fin). Alternatively and / or in addition, the first fin in the stacked relationship can be thinner (e.g., having a smaller cross-sectional area) than the second fin in the stacked relationship.

[0020] Additionally and / or alternatively, adjacent first and second groups of vertically stacked fins may be configured in an alternating manner such that at the next adjacent position, the first fin may be shorter than the second fin. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first fin may be thicker than the second fin, and so on as it moves around the circumference of the opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, an orthopedic implant is disclosed. The orthopedic implant includes an outer surface and at least one opening through the outer surface, and includes a plurality of first fins and a plurality of second fins disposed circumferentially around the at least one opening. The plurality of first fins are positioned in a vertically stacked relationship relative to the plurality of second fins. The plurality of first fins and the plurality of second fins are adapted and configured to deflect or deform to fix the position of a bone fastener head inserted into the at least one opening. In one embodiment, at least one fin of the plurality of fins includes a different configuration than at least one fin of the other plurality of fins.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one fin of the plurality of fins comprises a first configuration and the at least one fin of the other plurality of fins comprises a second configuration, the first configuration being different from the second configuration.

[0023] In one embodiment, different configurations are selected based on different sizes or lengths, or different thicknesses (eg, cross-sectional areas), or a combination thereof.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plurality of first and second fins oriented in a vertically stacked relationship are arranged and configured such that a first fin in a first vertical stack position comprises a different configuration than a second fin in the first vertical stack position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of first and second fins each include four fins oriented ninety degrees apart such that the first and second fins are vertically stacked at positions A, B, C, and D. The first fins at positions A, B, C, and D each have a different configuration than the second fins at positions A, B, C, and D.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first fins at positions A and C each include a first configuration, and the second fins at positions A and C each include a second configuration different from the first configuration. In one embodiment, the second fins at positions B and D include the first configuration, and the first fins at positions B and D include the second configuration.

[0027] In one embodiment, an orthopedic implant is disclosed. The orthopedic implant includes a bone contact surface, an upper surface opposite to the bone contact surface, and a plurality of openings extending between the bone contact surface and the upper surface, and each of the plurality of openings is arranged and configured to receive a fastener to connect the orthopedic implant to the patient's bone in use. At least one of the plurality of openings includes a first row and a second row of fins. Each of the first and second rows of fins includes a plurality of fins circumferentially arranged around the at least one opening, and the plurality of fins are arranged and configured to engage with the head portion of each fastener inserted therein. At least one of the plurality of fins in the first and second rows of fins has a different configuration than at least one of the other plurality of fins in the first and second rows of fins.

[0028] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of fins in the first row of fins is arranged and configured in a vertically stacked relationship with one of the plurality of fins in the second row of fins such that the second row of fins is circumferentially aligned with the first row of fins.

[0029] In one embodiment, for each of the vertically stacked layers of first and second rows of fins, the fins in the first row of fins have a different configuration than the fins in the second row of fins in their respective vertically stacked layers.

[0030] In one embodiment, each fin in the first and second rows of fins comprises a fin of alternate configuration when the fins are circumferentially disposed in the at least one opening.

[0031] In one embodiment, each of the first and second rows of fins includes four fins oriented ninety degrees apart such that the four fins in the first and second rows of fins are positioned at circumferential positions A, B, C, and D. The fins in the first row of fins at positions A and C include a first configuration, the fins in the first row of fins at positions B and D include a second configuration, the fins in the second row of fins at positions A and C include the second configuration, and the fins in the second row of fins at positions B and D include the first configuration.

[0032] In one embodiment, each fin in the first row of fins has a different configuration than each fin in the second row of fins in its respective vertically stacked layer when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, and each fin in the first row of fins alternates in configuration with each fin in the second row of fins.

[0033] In one embodiment, different configurations of the fins are selected based on different lengths, different thicknesses, or a combination thereof.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one fin in the first row of fins extends further to the at least one opening than a fin in the second row of fins in vertically stacked relationship.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one fin in the first row of fins has a thinner cross-sectional area at a top end thereof than a fin in the second row of fins in vertically stacked relationship.

[0036] In one embodiment, the orthopedic implant is a bone plate.

[0037] In one embodiment, a bone plate is disclosed. The bone plate includes a top surface, a bone contact surface, and at least one opening extending between the top surface and the bone contact surface, the at least one opening including first and second rows of fins, each of the first and second rows of fins including a plurality of fins arranged circumferentially around the at least one opening, the fins in the first row of fins being aligned with the fins in the second row of fins in a vertically stacked relationship. For each vertically stacked relationship, the fins in the first row of fins have one of a first configuration and a second configuration, and the fins in the second row of fins have the other of the first configuration and the second configuration, the first configuration being different from the second configuration.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first configuration has different lengths when measured from the fin base to the fin tip and the second configuration has a thinner cross-sectional area at the fin tip.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fins in the first row of fins alternate between first and second configurations when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening; and the fins in the second row of fins alternate between first and second configurations when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first configuration has different lengths when measured from the bottom of the fin to the top of the fin, and the fins in the first and second rows of fins alternate between the first and second configurations when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, so that when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, longer fins alternate between the first and second rows of fins.

[0041] In one embodiment, each of the first and second rows of fins includes four fins oriented ninety degrees apart such that the four fins in the first and second rows of fins are positioned at circumferential positions A, B, C, and D. The fins in the first row of fins at positions A and C include the first configuration, the fins in the first row of fins at positions B and D include the second configuration, the fins in the second row of fins at positions A and C include the second configuration, and the fins in the second row of fins at positions B and D include the first configuration.

[0042] In one embodiment, the orthopedic implant further includes at least one fastener for receiving within the at least one opening. The fastener is at least partially threaded and has a head portion and a shaft portion. The plurality of first and second fins are deflectable, deformable, or a combination thereof relative to the head portion of the fastener so that when the fastener is inserted into the opening, the fastener is maintained at any one of a plurality of angles relative to the opening. In use, the plurality of first and second fins are deformable, deflectable, or a combination thereof so that at least some of the first and second fins are inserted between adjacent threads formed on the head portion of the fastener.

[0043] In one embodiment, an orthopedic implant is disclosed, comprising an outer surface and at least one opening extending through the outer surface for receiving a fastener that couples the implant to a bone or bone portion / bone fragment of a patient. The opening comprises a plurality of fins disposed around the opening for engaging a thread formed on the fastener head to secure the fastener to the implant. The plurality of fins are arranged and configured in first and second rows of vertically spaced fins. At least one of the fins comprises a different configuration, property, etc. relative to at least one of the other plurality of fins. In one embodiment, each of the first and second fins in a vertically stacked relationship comprises a configuration different from the other first and second fins in the stacked layer. In one embodiment, the different configurations comprise different lengths, different thicknesses, or a combination thereof.

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide many advantages. For example, using the coupling mechanism of the present disclosure enables the surgeon to perform multi-axial positioning of the fastener relative to the implant to provide more versatility while providing a better coupling between the fastener and the implant to avoid or at least minimize the risk of the fastener falling off the implant after implantation.

[0045] Additional features and advantages of at least some of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Specific embodiments of the apparatus of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is an illustration of an example embodiment of an orthopedic implant shown as a bone plate positioned on a bone;

[0048] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an orthopedic implant taken along line II-II.

[0049] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a variable angle locking mechanism for receiving a fastener, the mechanism being adapted to Figure 1 Used together with the orthopedic implants shown;

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An alternative perspective view of the variable angle locking mechanism shown in;

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An alternative perspective view of the variable angle locking mechanism shown in;

[0052] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An alternative perspective view of the variable angle locking mechanism shown in;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A top view of the variable angle locking mechanism shown in ; and

[0054] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 Bottom view of the variable angle locking mechanism shown in .

[0055] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes shown in schematic and partial views. In some cases, detailed information that is not necessary for understanding the disclosed methods and apparatus or that makes other details difficult to understand may be omitted. It should be further understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Various features, aspects or the like of orthopedic implants or instruments (used interchangeably herein without intention to limit) will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein one or more aspects or features of the orthopedic implants will be shown and described. It should be understood that the various features, aspects or the like can be used independently, or used in combination with each other. It should be appreciated that the orthopedic implants disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. More specifically, these embodiments are provided to enable the disclosure to convey certain aspects or features of the orthopedic implants to those skilled in the art. In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, identical numbers refer to identical elements.

[0057] Disclosed herein is a kind of orthopedic implant, including a kind of improved variable angle connection, fixation, locking etc. (interchangeably used in this article, without intention to limit) mechanism, can make fastener increase with respect to the multi-axis angular rotation of described implant.As will be described and shown, in one embodiment, described orthopedic implant can be the form of bone plate.However, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, described orthopedic implant can be any implant known now or developed later, these implants receive fasteners (interchangeably used in this article, without intention to limit) for being connected with patient's bones, bone parts, bone blocks etc., including as intramedullary nail, knee replacement device, hip replacement device, acetabular cup, acetabular cage, external fixation device etc.

[0058] And, as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, described orthopedic implant can have any shape and / or structure, and this may depend on the position and the type of the patient's skeleton that is fixed.For example, a bone plate can comprise an arched surface that meets bone.In addition, described bone plate can be arranged and configured to contact with the shaft fracture site on distal femur, proximal femur, distal tibia, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, distal humerus, clavicle, fibula, ulna, radius, distal radius, rib, pelvis, vertebra, foot bone or hand bone, long bone, or contact with above-mentioned any adjacent bone when using arthrodesis plate.

[0059] In addition, the implant (e.g., bone plate) may include any now known or later developed additional features, such as, for example, one or more openings or slots designed to receive, for example, surgical implantation tools, various fasteners (e.g., non-locking fasteners), K-wires, or the like.

[0060] The orthopedic implant can be made of any suitable material known now or developed later, including such as metal, polymer, plastic, ceramic, absorbable, non-absorbable, composite material etc. Suitable material can include such as titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chromium, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), absorbable polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), the combination of such materials or alloy or any other suitable material, these materials have enough strength, can be fixed to bone and keep bone, have enough biocompatibility, can be implanted in patient's body. In certain embodiments, the fastener can be made of the same material as the implant. In other embodiments, the fastener can be made of the material different from the implant.

[0061] The fastener can be any type of fastener now known or later developed. For example, the fastener can include any type of external thread, including standard or non-standard threads. For example, the external thread can be arranged as continuous ridges or non-continuous ridges. The external thread can form a portion of a revolution, a full revolution, multiple revolutions, a single lead, multiple leads, or any other thread known in the art. In addition and / or alternatively, in the case of using a locking screw, the head portion of the fastener can include any surface that can engage with the opening and be located within the opening. For example, the head portion can include threads (as described herein). Alternatively, the head portion can include a series of pits, ridges, protrusions, textured areas, or any other surface that can fix the fastener.

[0062] The fastener can be any typical fastener, made of any suitable material. The fastener can include a hole for receiving a driver to drive the fastener through the implant and into the patient's bone. The hole can be of any size and shape, for example, it can have a hexagonal structure to receive a corresponding hexagonal driver, a cross screw head, a flat head, a star structure, Torx, or any other suitable structure that can be used with a driver to drive the fastener through the implant and into the patient's bone.

[0063] The shaft of the fastener can be a full thread, a partial thread or a spiral blade, and / or can include one or more nails, deployable claws, expandable elements, or any features that allow the shaft to engage with the patient's bone. The shaft can also be threadless, so that the fastener takes the form of a nail or a pin. In some surgeries, for example, the main goal is to prevent the bone segment from tilting, or there is no need to worry about the fastener being pulled out from the patient's bone, so the shaft does not need to be threaded or otherwise configured to engage with the patient's bone in surgery, and this alternative embodiment can be a preferred mode. The end of the shaft can be a self-tapping or self-drilling tip.

[0064] In any case, as will be apparent from the rest of the disclosure, the focus of the present disclosure is on example embodiments of forming fin openings in the orthopedic implant for receiving fasteners. Therefore, it should be understood that unless explicitly required, the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular type of orthopedic implant having any particular configuration.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the orthopedic implant 100 can be a bone plate for repairing a fracture site of a patient's bone or bone portion B. That is, as shown, the orthopedic implant 100 can be in the form of a bone plate 140, including one or more fasteners 190 for fixing the implant (such as a bone plate) 140 to the patient's bone B. As previously mentioned, the orthopedic implant 100 can be any implant known now or developed later that receives a fastener fixed to the patient's bone or bone portion B. Similarly, the fastener 190 can be any fastener known now or developed later. As shown, in one embodiment, the fastener 190 includes a head portion 194 and a shaft portion 192. The shaft portion 192 can be threaded or non-threaded. The head portion 194 of the fastener 190 includes at least one thread or the like. The head portion 194 may include a hole for receiving a driver to drive the fastener 190 through the bone plate 140 and into the patient's bone B.

[0066] As shown, the bone plate 140 may include one or more openings 200 for receiving the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 inserted therein. That is, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the bone plate 140 may include a lower surface or bone contact surface 142, an upper surface 144 opposite the lower surface or bone contact surface 142, and a plurality of openings 200 extending between the upper surface 144 and the lower surface or bone contact surface 142 for receiving a plurality of fasteners 190, respectively, to couple the bone plate 140 to a patient's bone or bone portion B. As will be described herein, one or more of the openings 200 may include a plurality of fins for coupling, engaging, etc., with the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 inserted therein (referred to herein as fin openings). In use, the fin openings 200 may be positioned at any location of the implant (e.g., bone plate) 100. In use, the fastener 190 can be inserted into the fin opening 200 and secured at different insertion angles relative to the bone plate 140 to capture random bone parts, bone fragments, etc. that have been broken off from the bone during a fracture and secure the bone parts, bone fragments, etc. to the bone plate 140.

[0067] like Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the finned opening 200 enables a fastener 190 inserted therein to achieve a greater range of insertion angles than, for example, a conventional locking screw 90 threadedly coupled to the bone plate 140. For example, in one embodiment, the angular position of the fastener 190 may be rotated through a range of approximately ±15 degrees, but the range of multi-axis rotation allowed may vary, including greater and less than 15 degrees.

[0068] refer to Figure 3-8 According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin opening 200 formed in the bone plate 140 includes an inner surface 202 and a plurality of inwardly protruding fins 210 extending toward a central axis 201 of the fin opening 200. Each fin 210 includes a base 212, a terminal end or tip 214, and side surfaces 216, 218. The base 212 forms a recessed portion 220.

[0069] In one embodiment, the recessed portion 220 is smooth and non-threaded. As shown, the entire inner surface 202 of the fin opening 200 may be free of any threads. The base 212 may extend from the inner surface 202 of the fin opening 200 .

[0070] As shown, in some embodiments, the fins 210 are integrally connected to and protrude from the inner surface 202 of the fin opening 200. The fin opening 200 may include a radius between the inner surface 202 and the top of the fins 210, and the thickness of each fin 210 tapers from its base 212 to its end or tip 214. With such an arrangement, it can be seen that the fin opening 200 has a serrated circumference formed by the protruding fins 210. The protruding fins 210 can form a concave portion of the inner surface 202. As described in more detail below, the protruding fins 210 have a base 212 that is connected to the inner surface 202 along a plane.

[0071] As shown, in some embodiments, when the fin 210 extends toward the central axis 201 of the fin opening 200, the fin 210 can be tapered to form side surfaces 216, 218 that taper inwardly. Alternatively, the side surfaces 216, 218 of the fin 210 can taper outwardly, or can be parallel to each other. The end or tip 214 can have any shape suitable for engaging with the head portion 194 of the fastener 190. For example, the end or tip 214 can be round, pointed, square, rectangular or any other suitable configuration. In general, the fin 210 can be trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, arc-shaped, rhombus, diamond, triangular or similar shapes. The fins 210 may be provided as a series of recessed, inwardly projecting fins adapted to secure the head 194 of the fastener 190 in place at various angles (e.g., the fins 210 engage threads or other surfaces formed on the head portion 194 of the fastener 190). Additional information regarding the construction and properties of the fins may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,367, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0072] By providing a non-threaded inner surface 202, the fastener 190 can be inserted at a desired insertion angle (e.g., the longitudinal axis 196 ( Figure 2 ) and the central axis 201 of the fin opening 200) are inserted into the fin opening 200. The central axis 201 and the longitudinal axis 196 can be co-linear so that the insertion angle is zero, or the central axis 201 and the longitudinal axis 196 can be non-co-linear with an insertion angle of up to about + / - 15 degrees. Varying the insertion angle is possible because there are no threads in the fin opening 200 that would interfere with the desired insertion angle. As will be described in more detail herein, in use, the fins 210 are intended to bend or deform slightly in order to secure the fastener 190 in the fin opening 200.

[0073] like Figure 3-8 Shown, in an example embodiment, the fin opening 200 includes a plurality of first or upper fins 210A and a plurality of second or lower fins 210B. That is, the fin opening 200 can include a first or upper row of fins (including a plurality of first or upper row of fins 210A) and a second or lower row of fins (including a plurality of second or lower row of fins 210B), wherein the first or upper row of fins is spaced apart from the second or lower row of fins. In use, the position of the first or upper row of fins is closer to the first or upper surface of the implant, and the position of the second or lower row of fins is closer to the opposite or lower surface of the implant. In use, the upper fin 210A and the lower fin 210B are axially spaced apart from each other so that there is space between them so that the threaded portion or the like of the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 can be positioned in the space.

[0074] In one embodiment, as shown in the figure, the upper fin 210A can be stacked or aligned with the lower fin 210B. That is, in one embodiment, the upper fin 210A and the lower fin 210B are positioned circumferentially around the fin opening 200 in a vertical stacking position. For example, in one embodiment, the fins of the upper and lower rows can be respectively included in four fins separated by ninety degrees in a vertical stacking position. That is, in one embodiment, the upper row of fins and the lower row of fins can include four upper fins 210A separated by ninety degrees around the fin opening 200 and four lower fins 210B positioned directly below the upper fin 210A. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the upper and lower rows of fins can include more or less fins. For example, the upper and lower rows of fins can each include three fins separated by 120 degrees in a vertical stacking position, six fins separated by 60 degrees in a vertical stacking position, and so on. In addition, it is envisioned that the upper and lower fins can be positioned to deviate from each other, or partially deviate. That is, the upper and lower fins may not be positioned in a vertically stacked relationship, but rather the upper fins may be positioned offset or partially offset from the lower fins (e.g., the upper fins may be positioned between the lower fins). In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the upper and lower rows of fins may include different numbers of fins, e.g., the upper row may include four fins, the lower row of fins may include five fins, etc.

[0075] Additionally and / or alternatively, as will be described in more detail below, one or more individual fins 210 residing in the upper and lower rows of fins may have different properties, configurations, etc. (used interchangeably herein without intent to limit) than one or more other fins residing in the upper and lower rows of fins. That is, the configuration of at least one of the fins 210 is different from at least one of the other remaining fins. As shown, in one embodiment, the different configurations may correspond to different lengths or relative inscribed diameters (used interchangeably) (e.g., measured from the bottom 212 of the fin 210 to the end 214 of the fin 210), or different thicknesses (e.g., different cross-sectional diameters, thicknesses, etc.), or a combination thereof. Arranged in this way, at least one fin may be said to have a first configuration, and at least one fin may be said to have a second configuration. Generally speaking, the second configuration is a smaller, less material fin that enhances / improves the structure. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the first configuration at the end 214 of the fin 210 may be approximately 0.009 inches. The thickness of the second configuration at the end 214 of the fin 210 can be about 0.009 inches or less, but, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, these dimensions are merely an example and the fins can have other dimensions. Also, in one embodiment, the second configuration can have a larger inscribed diameter than the first configuration.

[0076] As shown, in one embodiment, each upper fin 210A and lower fin 210B in the first and second rows can be arranged and configured in a vertically stacked relationship, so that the lower fin 210B is aligned with, positioned below, etc. the upper fin 210A in the vertical stack. In one embodiment, for each vertically stacked layer of upper and lower fins 210A, 210B, the upper fin 210A can have a different configuration (e.g., located directly above) relative to the lower fin 210B in its vertically stacked layer. That is, for example, the upper fin 210A in a vertically stacked layer can have a first configuration, and the lower fin 210B in a vertically stacked layer can have a second configuration.

[0077] That is, for example, in one embodiment, the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B may extend into the fin opening 200 toward the central axis 201 of the fin opening 200 by different amounts, degrees, or the like. In addition, the shorter fins may have different cross-sectional areas (e.g., different thicknesses) relative to the longer fins. With such an arrangement, during the insertion of the fastener 190 into the fin opening 200, the threads formed on the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 will first begin to engage with the longer fin 210, thereby providing an initial fixation. Subsequently, the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 will engage with the shorter fin, thereby providing greater fixation strength.

[0078] Additionally and / or alternatively, each of the upper fins 210A and the lower fins 210B may be configured to alternate when the fins 210 are circumferentially arranged in the fin-shaped opening 200 . For example, as shown in the figure, in the case where the fin opening 200 includes four upper fins 210A and four lower fins 210B, although the number of fins can be changed, the fins are oriented in a vertically stacked relationship, so that, for example, the upper fins and the lower fins can be said to be located at positions A, B, C and D, respectively, corresponding to, for example, 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and the upper fins 210A located at positions A (e.g., 12 o'clock direction) and C (e.g., 6 o'clock direction) can have different structures (e.g., the upper fins 210A can have a first structure, and the lower fins 210B can have a second structure) compared to the lower fins 210B located at positions A (e.g., 12 o'clock direction) and C (e.g., 6 o'clock direction). Similarly, the upper fin 210A located at position B (e.g., 3 o'clock) and position D (e.g., 9 o'clock) may have a different configuration than the lower fin located at position B (e.g., 3 o'clock) and position D (e.g., 9 o'clock) (e.g., the upper fin 210A may have a second configuration, and the lower fin 210B may have a first configuration). With such an arrangement, when moving around the circumference of the fin opening 200, the upper fin 210A located at each clock position may have a different configuration from the lower fin 210B located at the same clock position, and when moving around the circumference of the fin opening 200, the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B alternate in configuration. That is, when moving around the circumference of the fin opening 200, the first fin located at the first clock position may have a different length and / or a different cross-section from the second fin located at the first clock position. Thereafter, at subsequent clock positions, the second fin at the second clock position may have a different length and / or a different cross-section than the first fin at the second clock position, and so on when moving around the circumference of the fin opening 200. For example, in one embodiment, the first fin at the first clock position may have a longer length than the second fin at the first clock position. Additionally and / or alternatively, the first fin at the first clock position may have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., reduced thickness) than the second fin at the first clock position. Thereafter, at subsequent clock positions, the second fin at the second clock position may have a longer length than the first fin at the second clock position. Additionally and / or alternatively, the second fin at the second clock position may have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., reduced thickness) than the first fin at the second clock position, and so on when moving around the circumference of the fin opening 200.

[0079] In use, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, insertion of the fastener 190 into the fin opening 200 results in the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B being inserted into the head portion 194 of the fastener 190. So arranged, in use, the fins 210 function to prevent the fastener 190 from being withdrawn from the implant 100. In use, the fastener 190 can be inserted into the fin opening 200 at a variety of angles while still securing the fastener 190 to the implant 100.

[0080] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the size of each individual fin 210 is typically at least partially dependent on the pitch and threads of the head portion 194 of the fastener 190. For example, a larger bone plate / implant 100 (e.g., for use on a femur) used with a larger fastener 190 may be thicker and have larger and thicker fins than a smaller plate / implant 100 (e.g., for use on a smaller bone). In a specific embodiment, the fins 210 are particularly thin so that they can move upward or downward and deform under pressure. That is, when the fastener 190 is inserted into the fin opening 200, the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B will deform, deflect, or a combination thereof. Arranged in this way, in some embodiments, the fins 210 can be pressed toward the edge of the fin opening 200. A non-limiting example range of the thickness of the fin 210 is about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, but larger and smaller sizes are possible. In use, the fins 210 are intended to mate with threads or the like formed on the head portion 194 of the fastener 190. In one embodiment, the ratio of the pitch of the threads formed on the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 to the distance or pitch between the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B is 0.85 to 1.15.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fin opening 200 may include a counterbore. In use, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, by providing a counterbore, the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 may interact with the counterbore to facilitate improved multi-axial rotation of the fastener 190 relative to the implant 100.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the base 212 of the upper fin 210A all meet on, for example, substantially the same plane, and then tilt downward and inward at a similar angle or slope. Similarly, the base 212 of the lower fin 210B all meet on, for example, substantially the same plane, and then tilt downward and inward at a similar angle or slope. The downward angles of the upper and lower fins 210A, 210B can be the same, but it is conceivable that the angle of the upper fin 210A is different from the angle of the lower fin 210B. In certain embodiments, one or two planes of the upper and lower layers can be parallel to the surface of the implant. Alternatively, one or two planes of the upper and lower layers can be non-parallel to the surface of the implant.

[0083] In some embodiments, the central axis 201 of the fin opening 200 may be perpendicular to the surface of the implant, or the central axis 201 may not be perpendicular to the implant.

[0084] As will be appreciated, the fin opening 200 provides an improved stable connection between the fastener 190 and the implant 100, allowing different angles to be achieved between the fastener 190 and the implant 100 while securing the fastener 190 to the implant 100. This gives the surgeon more versatility to reach denser bone areas, or to capture random bone fragments that are irregularly located, for example, in severe fracture cases where the bone is highly fragmented. The advantage of the fastener and implant system is that it allows the surgeon to select the angle at which the fastener 190 is inserted through the opening of the implant 100 and rigidly secured.

[0085] In use, when the fastener 190 is inserted into the fin opening 200, the plurality of fins 210 can engage with the head portion 194 of the fastener 190 so that the fastener 190 can be inserted and retained at any of a plurality of angles relative to the fin opening 200 (e.g., the configuration of the fins can serve to improve the resistance of the fastener 190 to cantilever loads when locked in the fins, regardless of the orientation or angle of the screw relative to the implant 100). The fins 210 can deflect and / or deform so that the fins 210 are inserted between threads or the like of the head 194 of the fastener 190. So arranged, the fins 210 can capture threads formed, for example, on the head 194 of the fastener 190 to secure the fastener 190 in place relative to the implant 100 at any desired insertion angle. As previously mentioned, the fins 210 can be thin so that when the threads begin to catch the fins 210, the fins 210 can move up or down appropriately to engage the threads and secure the fastener 190 into the fin opening 200. The threads engage the fins 210 so that the fins 210 fit between the threads. The movement of the fins 210 can permanently deform so that the fins 210 cannot bend back and allow the fastener 190 to be removed.

[0086] The above description has a wide range of applications. Therefore, the discussion of any embodiment is intended to be illustrative only, and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present disclosure (including the claims) is limited to these example embodiments. In other words, although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the concepts of the present invention can be implemented and used in other ways, and the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including such changes unless limited by the prior art.

[0087] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. Therefore, the terms "a" (or "a"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. As used herein, "includes," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are meant to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as other items. Therefore, the terms "includes," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and are used interchangeably herein. As used herein, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are combined and separated in operation.

[0088] All directional references (e.g., near, far, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, especially with respect to the position, direction or use of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection and engagement) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and intermediate members that move relative to each other between elements. Thus, connection mentions do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship to each other. Identification mentions (e.g., once, twice, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, orders and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached herein may vary.

Claims

1. An orthopedic implant comprising: a bone contact surface; a superior surface opposite the bone contact surface; as well as a plurality of openings extending between the bone contacting surface and the upper surface, and each of the plurality of openings being arranged and configured to receive a fastener to couple the orthopaedic implant to a bone of a patient in use; in: at least one of the plurality of openings comprises a first row of fins and a second row of fins; each of the first and second rows of fins includes a plurality of fins disposed circumferentially about the at least one opening, the plurality of fins being arranged and configured to engage a head portion of a respective fastener inserted therein; at least one fin of the plurality of fins in the first and second rows of fins has a configuration different from a configuration of at least one fin of the other plurality of fins in the first and second rows of fins; each of the plurality of fins in the first row of fins is arranged and configured in a vertically stacked relationship with one of the plurality of fins in the second row of fins such that the second row of fins is circumferentially aligned with the first row of fins; For each vertically stacked layer of the first and second rows of fins, the fins in the first row of fins have a different configuration than the fins in the second row of fins in their respective vertically stacked layer; and Different configurations of fins are selected based on different lengths, different thicknesses, or a combination thereof, the length being measured from the base of the fin to the top of the fin.

2. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein: When the fins are circumferentially arranged in the at least one opening, the first row of fins and the second row of fins have an alternating configuration.

3. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second rows of fins includes four fins oriented ninety degrees apart such that the four fins in the first and second rows of fins are positioned at circumferential positions A, B, C, and D; in: The fins in the first row of fins at positions A and C comprise a first configuration; The fins in the first row of fins at position B and position D comprise a second configuration; the fins in the second row of fins at positions A and C comprise the second configuration; and The fins in the second row of fins at position B and position D comprise the first configuration.

4. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein: When moving around the circumference of the at least one opening, each fin in the first row of fins has a configuration different from the configuration of each fin in the second row of fins in its respective vertically stacked layer, the first row of fins having an alternating configuration with the second row of fins.

5. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein: At least one fin in the first row of fins extends further to the at least one opening than a fin in the second row of fins in vertically stacked relationship.

6. The orthopedic implant according to claim 5, wherein: At least one fin in the first row of fins has a thinner cross-sectional area at a top end thereof than fins in the second row of fins in vertically stacked relationship.

7. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein the orthopedic implant is a bone plate.

8. A bone plate, comprising: a top surface; a bone contact surface; as well as at least one opening extending between the top surface and the bone contacting surface, the at least one opening comprising a first row of fins and a second row of fins, each of the first row of fins and the second row of fins comprising a plurality of fins arranged circumferentially about the at least one opening, the fins in the first row of fins being aligned in a vertically stacked relationship with the fins in the second row of fins; wherein, for each vertical stacking relationship, the fins in the first row of fins have one of a first configuration and a second configuration, and the fins in the second row of fins have the other of the first configuration and the second configuration, the first configuration being different from the second configuration, Wherein, compared with the second configuration, the first configuration has a different length, a different thickness, or a combination thereof, wherein the length is measured from the bottom of the fin to the top of the fin.

9. The bone plate according to claim 8, wherein: The second configuration has a thinner cross-sectional area at a top end of the fin than at a bottom end of the fin.

10. The bone plate according to claim 8, wherein: The fins in the first row of fins alternate between a first configuration and a second configuration when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening; the fins in the second row of fins alternate between a first configuration and a second configuration when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening.

11. The bone plate according to claim 8, wherein: The fins in the first and second rows of fins alternate in first and second configurations when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening such that longer fins alternate in the first and second rows of fins when moving around the circumference of the at least one opening.

12. The bone plate according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first and second rows of fins includes four fins oriented ninety degrees apart such that the four fins in the first and second rows of fins are positioned at circumferential positions A, B, C, and D; in: The fins in the first row of fins at positions A and C include the first configuration; The fins in the first row of fins at position B and position D include the second configuration; the fins in the second row of fins at positions A and C comprise the second configuration; and The fins in the second row of fins at position B and position D comprise the first configuration.

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