Bone plate and guide block coupling mechanism

Abstract

A bone plate includes three receiving members. A guide block includes three coupling members. A first receiving member and a first coupling member cooperate with each other such that relative movement between the first receiving member and the first coupling member is limited in a first degree of freedom, a second degree of freedom, and a third degree of freedom. A second receiving member and a second coupling member cooperate with each other such that relative movement between the second receiving member and the second coupling member is limited in a fourth degree of freedom and a fifth degree of freedom. A third receiving member and a third coupling member cooperate with each other such that relative movement between the third receiving member and the third coupling member is limited in a sixth degree of freedom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for fitting guide blocks to bone plates. More specifically, this invention relates to fitting guide blocks to bone plates with high accuracy. Background Technology

[0002] Guide blocks are used in conjunction with bone plates to treat fractures within the body. Guide blocks serve multiple purposes. They are used with bone plates to ensure accurate placement of the drill hole relative to the plate hole. Guide blocks also protect the patient's soft tissues from damage caused by rotating drill bits. They also prevent the drill bit from scratching the bone plate. Scratches can become stress concentration points and may lead to plate fatigue fracture due to concentrated loads.

[0003] The positioning of the guide block relative to the bone plate is determined by the actual shapes of the lower surface of the guide block and the top surface of the bone plate. Because each surface has forming tolerances, the positions of the contact points between the guide block and the bone plate, and the positions of the guide block holes relative to the plate holes, can vary considerably. Therefore, the positioning of the guide block relative to the bone plate is based on one of the three mating spheres, but it is impossible to know which of the three mating points determines the relative positioning of the bone plate relative to the guide block. To determine the positioning of the bone plate relative to the guide block, very tight tolerances for the contact features would be required to maintain proper alignment between the guide block holes and the plate holes, which is very expensive and may even be impossible to manufacture and inspect. Furthermore, to validate the design, multiple tolerance analyses would be required to examine each of the three cases of all three spherical contact points as a definition of relative positioning. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a guide block and bone plate construction that will allow for high accuracy in determining the positioning of the bone plate relative to the guide block. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technology disclosed in this invention achieves higher accuracy in determining the positioning of the bone plate relative to the guide block by modifying the structure of the mating surfaces of the guide block and the bone plate.

[0005] In some examples, this disclosure includes a bone plate and guide block system. The bone plate includes a first receiving member, a second receiving member, and a third receiving member. The guide block includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a third connecting member. The first receiving member and the first connecting member are adapted to cooperate with each other such that relative motion between the first receiving member and the first connecting member is restricted in a first, second, and third degree of freedom. The second receiving member and the second connecting member are adapted to cooperate with each other such that relative motion between the second receiving member and the second connecting member is restricted in a fourth and fifth degree of freedom. The fourth and fifth degrees of freedom do not overlap with the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. The third receiving member and the third connecting member are adapted to cooperate with each other such that relative motion between the third receiving member and the third connecting member is restricted in a sixth degree of freedom. The sixth degree of freedom does not overlap with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees of freedom.

[0006] Other aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after viewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure will be further discussed with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similar numbers indicate similar structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings depict one or more specific embodiments of the apparatus of the invention by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the bone plate and guide block on the humerus according to this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A It is a perspective view of the assembled bone plates and guide blocks.

[0010] Figure 2B It is a top view of the assembled bone plates and guide blocks.

[0011] Figure 2C This is a side view of the bone plate and guide block that fit together.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a top view of the bone plate.

[0013] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a standard-sized guide block.

[0014] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the shortened guide block.

[0015] Figure 5AThis is an enlarged view of the first receiving part of the bone plate.

[0016] Figure 5B This is an enlarged view of the second receiving part of the bone plate.

[0017] Figure 5C This is an enlarged view of the third receiving component of the bone plate.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a side sectional view of the first receiving part of the bone plate that mates with the first connecting part of the guide block.

[0019] Figure 7A This is a side sectional view of the second receiving part of the bone plate that mates with the first connecting part of the guide block.

[0020] Figure 7B This is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the second receiving part of the bone plate that mates with the second connecting part of the guide block.

[0021] Figure 7C This is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the second receiving part of the bone plate that mates with the second connecting part of the guide block.

[0022] Figure 8A This is a side sectional view of the third receiving part of the bone plate that mates with the third connecting part of the guide block.

[0023] Figure 8B This is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the third receiving component of the bone plate that mates with the third connecting component of the guide block.

[0024] Figure 9A This is a top plan view of the guide block, showing concentric circles on the first, second, and third connecting parts of the guide block.

[0025] Figure 9B This is a top plan view of the shortened guide block, showing concentric circles on the first, second, and third connecting parts of the shortened guide block.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A An enlarged view of the second connecting component.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a top plan view of the bone plate, showing concentric circles on the first, second, and third receiving parts of the bone plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” for any numerical value or range indicates appropriate dimensional tolerances that allow a collection of parts or components to achieve the intended purpose as described herein. More specifically, “about” or “approximately” may refer to a range of ±20% of the enumerated values; for example, “about 80%” may refer to a range of values ​​from 61% to 99%.

[0029] Documents incorporated herein by reference shall be considered an integral part of this application, and unless any term defined in such incorporated documents conflicts with the definition expressly or implicitly given in this specification, the definition in this specification shall be taken into account only.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a guide block system 100. The guide block system 100 is shown on a patient's humerus for treating fractures in the humerus. Of course, the guide block system 100 according to this disclosure can be used to treat fractures in virtually any bone in the body. The guide block system 100 includes a bone plate 200 and a guide block 300 that fit together and are used together to treat the fracture.

[0031] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C The guide block 300 is shown fitting into the bone plate 200. The guide block 300 has three contact points with the bone plate 200 along a first axis 64, a second axis 66, and a third axis 68, respectively. The first axis 64, the second axis 66, and the third axis 68 are generally orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis 60 of the bone plate 200. The first axis 64, the second axis 66, and the third axis 68 are also generally orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis 62 of the guide block 300.

[0032] Figure 4A A standard-sized guide block 300 is shown. The guide block 300 has a longitudinal axis 62, a lower surface 306, and three connecting parts 310, 320, and 330. In the example shown, each connecting part is a hemispherical protrusion projecting away from surface 306. Alternatively, one or more of the connecting parts may have a tapered shape. Figure 4B A shorter guide block 300' is shown. The guide block 300' has a longitudinal axis 62', a lower surface 306', and three connecting parts 310', 320', and 330'. In the example shown, each connecting part is a hemispherical protrusion projecting away from surface 306'. The guide block 300 extends along the longitudinal axis 62.

[0033] Figure 3A bone plate 200 is shown. As mentioned above, the bone plate 200 has a longitudinal axis 60. The bone plate 200 also has a first lateral end 200A, a second lateral end 200B, an upper surface 202, a lower surface 204, at least one post aperture 206, and a plurality of plate apertures 208 defined to extend through the body of the bone plate 200. The bone plate 200 has a first receiving member 210, a second receiving member 220, and a third receiving member 230, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. More specifically, and now refer to Figures 5A to 5C The bone plate 200 has a first recess 210A formed in the upper surface 202 and defining a first hemispherical or semi-spherical surface 212. A second recess 220A is formed in the upper surface 202 and defines opposing parallel flanges 222 near the upper end of the second recess 220A. The second recess 220A is elongated in the length direction of the second recess 220A relative to its width direction. A third recess 230A is formed in the upper surface 202 and defines a flat bottom surface 232.

[0034] As discussed above, guide block 300 has a first connecting member 310, a second connecting member 320, and a third connecting member 330. Guide block 300' has a first connecting member 310', a second connecting member 320', and a third connecting member 330'. Each connecting member 310, 320, 330, 310', 320', and 330' has a hemispherical protrusion that is away from the lower surface 306, 306' protrusion of the corresponding guide block 300, 300'.

[0035] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 5A and Figure 6 The first receiving member 210 and the first connecting member 310 mate with each other. The first connecting member 310 has a hemispherical protrusion. The first receiving member 210 has a hemispherical recess 210A, which is shaped to receive the hemispherical shape of the first connecting member 310, such that when mated, the relative movement between the first receiving member 210 and the first connecting member 310 is restricted in the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom is the movement along the x-axis. The second degree of freedom is the movement along the y-axis. The third degree of freedom is the movement along the z-axis. The fourth, fifth, and sixth degrees of freedom are sometimes referred to as roll, pitch, and yaw. Roll is rotation about the x-axis, pitch is rotation about the y-axis, and yaw is rotation about the z-axis.

[0036] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 5B and Figures 7A to 7CThe second receiving member 220 and the second connecting member 320 mate with each other. The second connecting member 320 has a hemispherical protrusion. Alternatively, the second connecting members 320, 320' may have a conical (e.g., a cone, a truncated cone, etc.) protrusion. The second receiving member 220 has a second recess 220A, which is shaped to receive the hemispherical shape of the second connecting member 320, such that the relative movement between the second receiving member 220 and the second connecting member 320 is restricted in the fourth and fifth degrees of freedom when mated. The fourth and fifth degrees of freedom do not overlap with the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. Figure 5B As shown, the second recess 220A has an elongated elliptical shape with opposing parallel flanges 222. The opposing flanges 222 are defined by the upper edge of the sidewall 224 of the second recess 220A and the lower edge of the inclined surface 226, such that the opposing flanges 222 are positioned below the upper surface 202 of the rigid plate body. Figures 7A to 7C As shown, the bottom surfaces 228 and 228' of the second recesses 220 and 220' are spaced apart from the bottom surfaces of the second connecting members 320 and 320', respectively. Therefore, the second connecting members 320 and 320' contact the flange 222 at two locations. More specifically, the second connecting members 320 and 320' contact the flange 222 at one contact point on each flange, such as... Figures 7A to 7C As shown. In other examples, the second recess 220 may be formed such that the sidewall has a cylindrical shape 225 with a cylindrical upper flange 223, rather than an elongated elliptical shape. In this example, the second connecting parts 320, 320' contact the cylindrical flange 223.

[0037] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 5C and Figures 8A to 8B The third receiving parts 230, 230' and the third connecting parts 330, 330' mate with each other. The third connecting parts 330, 330' have hemispherical protrusions. The third receiving parts 230, 230' have third recesses 230A, 230A', which are shaped to receive the third connecting part 330 in a hemispherical shape, such that the relative movement between the third receiving part 230 and the third connecting part 330 is restricted in the sixth degree of freedom when they are engaged. The sixth degree of freedom does not overlap with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees of freedom. Figures 8A to 8BAs shown, the bottom surfaces 230 and 230' of the third recesses 230A and 230A' respectively contact the bottom surfaces of the third connecting members 330 and 330'. Therefore, the third connecting members 330 and 330' contact the bottom surfaces 230 and 230' at one location. More specifically, the second connecting members 320 and 320' contact the bottom surfaces 230 and 230' of the third recesses 230A and 230A' at a contact point on the bottom surfaces 230 and 230', as shown. Figures 8A to 8B As shown.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The bone plate 200 and guide blocks 300, 300' are shown having a series of markings in the form of concentric circles 240, 242, 244, 340, 340', 342, 342', 344, 344' formed on each of the first receiving member, the second receiving member, and the third receiving member, as well as on the first connecting member, the second connecting member, and the third connecting member. The concentric circles can be etched onto the bone plate and guide blocks, for example. The concentric circles can also be applied to the surfaces of the bone plate and guide blocks by other techniques, such as engraving, milling, carving, etc. When the bone plate 200 and guide blocks 300, 300' are mated together, the concentric circles 240, 242, 244, 340, 340', 342, 342', 344, 344' assist the user. The user can easily identify that the first connecting part should mate with the first receiving part, the second connecting part should mate with the second receiving part, and the third connecting part should mate with the third receiving part.

[0039] To fully engage the guide blocks 300, 300' with the bone plate 200, the user aligns the first connecting member with the first receiving member, the second connecting member with the second receiving member, and the third connecting member with the third receiving member. Once fully engaged, the user can use the retaining screws 150 to securely attach the guide block 300 to the bone plate 200. Figure 1The fixing screw 150 shown is placed through openings 308, 308' in the guide block 300 and screwed into the post hole 206 in the bone plate 200. The guide block 300 can be reused in the process, of course, by sterilizing it between each use, such as by steam sterilization in an autoclave, for example. Other sterilization processes can be used, such as chemical, radiation, or filtration processes known to those skilled in the art. Because the guide block 300 is reused in multiple processes, the position of the connecting member can be manufactured with a higher tolerance than the position of the receiving member on the bone plate 200. Furthermore, because only the first connecting member has a ball-to-ball fit with the first receiving member, the positioning of the first connecting member on the guide block alone will determine the position of the bone plate 200 relative to the guide blocks 300, 300'. Therefore, the user will have a greater degree of certainty regarding the positioning of the bone plate relative to the guide block, since only one point of contact between the guide block and the bone plate will determine the relative position of the two parts. The second connecting member of the guide block can be fitted at any position within the flange of the second receiving member of the bone plate. The third connecting component of the guide block can be fitted at any position on the flat surface of the third receiving component of the bone plate.

[0040] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following aspects of the disclosed content.

[0041] 1. A bone plate and guide block system (100), comprising: A bone plate (200), the bone plate including a first receiving member (210), a second receiving member (220), and a third receiving member (230, 230'); and The guide block (300) includes a first connecting component (310, 310'), a second connecting component (320, 320'), and a third connecting component (330, 330'). The first receiving component (210) and the first connecting component (310, 310') are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative movement between the first receiving component (210) and the first connecting component (310, 310') is restricted in the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. The second receiving component (220) and the second connecting component (320, 320') are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative movement between the second receiving component (220) and the second connecting component (320, 320') is restricted in the fourth and fifth degrees of freedom, which do not overlap with the first, second, and third degrees of freedom, and The third receiving component (230) and the third connecting component (330, 330') are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative motion between the third receiving component (230) and the third connecting component (330, 330') is restricted in the sixth degree of freedom, which does not overlap with the first degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom, the third degree of freedom, the fourth degree of freedom and the fifth degree of freedom.

[0042] 2. The bone plate and guide block system (100) according to Clause 1, wherein the first degree of freedom is a first translational degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom is a second translational degree of freedom, and the third degree of freedom is a third translational degree of freedom.

[0043] 3. The bone plate and guide block system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the fourth degree of freedom is a first rotational degree of freedom and the fifth degree of freedom is a second rotational degree of freedom.

[0044] 4. The bone plate and guide block system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the sixth degree of freedom is the third rotational degree of freedom.

[0045] 5. A bone plate (200) comprising a first receiving member (210), a second receiving member (220), and a third receiving member (230, 230'), the first receiving member, the second receiving member, and the third receiving member being configured to cooperate with corresponding connecting members (310, 320, 330, 330') of a guide block (300, 300') such that: (i) the first receiving member (210) restricts relative movement between the bone plate (200) and the guide block (300, 310') in a first degree of freedom, a second degree of freedom, and a third degree of freedom; (ii) the second receiving member (220) and the second connecting member (320, 320') restrict the bone plate (200) and the guide block (300, 310') in a first degree of freedom, a second degree of freedom, and a third degree of freedom; (iii) The relative motion between the bone plate (200) and the guide block (300, 310') in the fourth and fifth degrees of freedom, which do not overlap with the first, second, and third degrees of freedom; and (iii) The third receiving component (230) and the third connecting component (330, 330') restrict the relative motion between the bone plate (200) and the guide block (300, 310') in the sixth degree of freedom, which does not overlap with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees of freedom.

[0046] 6. The bone plate (200) according to Clause 5, wherein the first degree of freedom is a first translational degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom is a second translational degree of freedom, and the third degree of freedom is a third translational degree of freedom.

[0047] 7. The bone plate (200) according to any one of Clauses 5 to 6, wherein the fourth degree of freedom is a first rotational degree of freedom and the fifth degree of freedom is a second rotational degree of freedom.

[0048] 8. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 5 to 7, wherein the sixth degree of freedom is the third rotational degree of freedom.

[0049] 9. A coupling for connecting a first object (200) and a second object (300, 300'), said coupling comprising: A first receiving member (210) is associated with the first object (200), the first receiving member (210) defines a first recess (210A), the first recess further defining a hemispherical surface (212) of the first receiving member. A second receiving member (220) is associated with the first object (200). The second receiving member (220) defines a second recess (220A). The second recess further defines an opposing flange (222) near the upper end of the second recess (220A). The second recess (220A) extends in the length direction of the second recess (220A) relative to the width direction of the second recess (220A). A third receiving member (230, 230'), associated with the first object (200), defines a third recess (230A), which further defines a flat bottom surface (232) of the third receiving member. A first connecting member (310, 310') is associated with the second object (300, 300'), and the first connecting member (310, 310') has a distal end including a hemispherical surface (314, 314') of the first connecting member; A second connecting member (320, 320'), associated with the second object (300, 300'), the second connecting member (320, 320') having a distal end including a second connecting member surface (324, 324'); and A third connecting component (330, 330'), associated with the second object (300, 300'), has a distal end including a third connecting hemispherical surface (334, 334'). The first receiving member (210) and the first connecting member (310, 310') are adapted to mate with each other along the first axis (64) such that the hemispherical surface (314, 314') of the first connecting member is positioned against the hemispherical surface (212) of the first receiving member. The second receiving member (220) and the second connecting member (320, 320') are adapted to mate with each other along the second axis (66) such that the surfaces (324, 324', 325) of the second connecting member are positioned against the opposing flange (222). The third receiving component (230) and the third connecting component (330, 330') are adapted to mate with each other along the third axis (68) such that the third connecting hemispherical surface (334, 334') is positioned against the flat bottom surface (232) of the third receiving component, and (i) the relative movement between the first receiving member (210) and the first connecting member (310, 310') when engaged, (ii) the relative movement between the second receiving member (220) and the second connecting member (320, 320') when engaged, and (iii) the relative movement between the third receiving member (230) and the third connecting member (330, 330') when engaged are restricted in all six degrees of freedom.

[0050] 10. The connector according to Clause 9 further includes a second third receiving component (230') associated with the first object (200).

[0051] 11. The connector according to any one of Clauses 9 to 10, wherein the radius of the first connecting member (310) is approximately equal to the radius of the hemispherical surface (212) of the first connecting member.

[0052] 12. The connecting member according to any one of Clauses 9 to 11, wherein the diameter of the second connecting member (320) is greater than the width of the second recess (220A).

[0053] 13. The connector according to any one of Clauses 9 to 12, wherein the surface (324, 324') of the second connector is hemispherical.

[0054] 14. The connecting member according to any one of Clauses 9 to 12, wherein the surface (325) of the second connecting member is conical in shape.

[0055] 15. The connecting member according to any one of clauses 9 to 14, wherein the opposing flange (222) is defined by the upper edge of the sidewall (226) and the lower edge of the inclined surface (226) of the second recess (220A), such that the opposing flange (222) is disposed below the uppermost surface (202) of the first object (200).

[0056] 16. In any one of Clauses 9 to 15, the depth of the second recess (220A) is designed such that when engaged, the second connecting member (320, 320') does not contact the bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A).

[0057] 17. The connector according to Clause 16, wherein the bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A) is inclined or generally horizontally oriented.

[0058] 18. The connecting member according to any one of Clauses 9 to 17, wherein the diameter of the third recess (230A) is greater than the diameter of the third connecting member (330, 330').

[0059] 19. The connecting member according to any one of Clauses 9 to 18, wherein the diameter of the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) widens toward the upper end of the third recess (230A).

[0060] 20. The connecting member according to any one of clauses 9 to 19, wherein the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) has a constant diameter.

[0061] 21. The connector according to any one of Clauses 9 to 20, wherein the first axis (64), the second axis (66) and the third axis (68) are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (60, 60') of the first object.

[0062] 22. A bone plate (200), comprising: Rigid plate body, the rigid plate body having: Top surface (202); Lower surface (204) At least one post hole (206); Multiple bone plate orifices (208) are defined to pass through the bone plate, each bone plate orifice including at least one orientation angle; A first recess (210A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a first hemispherical surface (212). A second recess (220A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines an opposing flange (222) near the upper end of the second recess (220A). The second recess (220A) extends in the length direction of the second recess (220A) relative to the width direction of the second recess (220A). A third recess (230A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a flat bottom surface (232). The first hemispherical surface (212), the opposing flange (222), and the flat bottom surface (232) are configured to engage with the corresponding protruding surfaces (314, 324, 334) of the guide blocks (300, 300'), such that the relative movement between the rigid plate body and the guide blocks (300, 300') is restricted in all six degrees of freedom.

[0063] 23. The bone plate (200) according to Clause 22, wherein the first recess (210A) and the second recess (220A) are formed in the upper surface (202) near a first lateral end of the rigid plate body, and the third recess (230A) is distal to the first lateral end of the rigid plate body.

[0064] 24. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 23, the rigid plate body further having a fourth recess (230A') formed in the upper surface (202) and defining a flat bottom surface (232').

[0065] 25. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 24, wherein the opposing flange (222) is defined by the upper edge of the sidewall (224) and the lower edge of the inclined surface (226) of the second recess (220A), such that the opposing flange (222) is disposed below the upper surface (202) of the rigid plate body.

[0066] 26. In the bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 25, the depth of the second recess (220A) is dimensioned such that when mated, the respective protruding surfaces (324, 324', 325) of the guide blocks (300, 300') do not contact the bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A).

[0067] 27. The bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A) of the bone plate (200) as described in Clause 26 is inclined or generally horizontally oriented.

[0068] 28. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 27, wherein the diameter of the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) widens toward the upper end of the third recess (230A).

[0069] 29. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 28, wherein the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) has a constant diameter.

[0070] 30. The bone plate (200) according to any one of clauses 22 to 29, wherein the first recess (210A) includes a first mark (240), the second recess (220A) includes a second mark (242), and the third recess includes a third mark (244).

[0071] 31. The bone plate (200) according to Clause 30, wherein the first mark (240), the second mark (242) and the third mark (244) comprise etched circles.

[0072] 32. A bone plate and guide block system (100), comprising: Bone plate (200), the bone plate comprising a rigid plate body, the rigid plate body having: First lateral end (200A); Second lateral end (200B); Top surface (202); Lower surface (204); At least one post hole (206); Multiple plate openings (208) are defined to pass through the bone plate, each bone plate opening including at least one orientation angle; A first recess (210A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a first hemispherical surface (212). A second recess (220A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines an opposing flange (222) near the upper end of the second recess (220A). The second recess (220A) extends in the length direction of the second recess (220A) relative to the width direction of the second recess (220A). A third recess (230A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a flat bottom surface (232); and Guide block (300), the guide block includes: Rigid guide block body (302); A first connecting protrusion (310, 310') extends from the rigid guide block body (302) and has a distal end including a hemispherical surface (314, 314') of the first connecting protrusion. A second connecting protrusion (320, 320') extends from the rigid guide block body (302) and has a distal end including a second connecting protrusion surface (324, 324', 325); and A third connecting protrusion (330, 330') extends from the rigid guide block body (302) and has a distal end including a hemispherical surface (334, 334') of the third connecting protrusion. The first hemispherical surface (212), the opposing flange (222), and the flat bottom surface (232) respectively mate with the first connecting protrusion hemispherical surface (314), the second connecting protrusion surface (324, 324', 325), and the third connecting protrusion hemispherical surface (334), such that the relative movement between the bone plate (200) and the guide block (300, 300') is restricted in all six degrees of freedom.

[0073] 33. The system (100) according to Clause 32, wherein the bone plate (200) has a fourth recess (230A') formed in the upper surface (202) and defining a flat bottom surface (232'), the fourth recess (230A') being closer to the first lateral end than the third recess (230A).

[0074] 34. In any one of the clauses 32 to 33, the radius of the first connecting protrusion (310) is approximately equal to the radius of the first hemispherical surface (212).

[0075] 35. In any one of the clauses 32 to 34, the diameter of the second connecting protrusion (320) is greater than the width of the second recess (220A).

[0076] 36. In any one of the clauses 32 to 35, the opposing flange (222) is defined by the upper edge of the sidewall (226) and the lower edge of the inclined surface (226) of the second recess (220A), such that the opposing flange (222) is disposed below the uppermost surface (202) of the bone plate (200).

[0077] 37. In any one of the clauses 32 to 36, the depth of the second recess (220A) is designed such that the second connecting protrusion (320, 320') is spaced apart from the bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A).

[0078] 38. In the system (100) according to Clause 37, the bottom surface (228, 228') of the second recess (220A) is inclined or generally horizontally oriented.

[0079] 39. In any one of the clauses 32 to 38, the surface (324, 324') of the second connecting protrusion is hemispherical.

[0080] 40. In any one of the clauses 32 to 39, the surface (325) of the second connecting protrusion is conical in shape.

[0081] 41. In any one of the clauses 32 to 40, the diameter of the third recess (230A) is greater than the diameter of the third connecting protrusion (330, 330').

[0082] 42. In any one of the clauses 32 to 41, the diameter of the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) widens toward the upper end of the third recess (230A).

[0083] 43. In any one of the provisions 32 to 42, the sidewall (234) of the third recess (230A) has a constant diameter.

[0084] 44. The system (100) according to any one of clauses 32 to 43, wherein the bone plate (200) has a longitudinal axis (60), wherein the first lateral end and the second lateral end are disposed opposite each other along the longitudinal axis (60), wherein the first recess (210A) and the second recess (220A) are formed in the upper surface (202) near the first lateral end, and the third recess (230A) is distal to the first lateral end of the rigid plate body.

[0085] 45. The system (100) according to any one of clauses 32 to 44, wherein the first recess (210A) includes a first mark (240), the second recess (220A) includes a second mark (242), and the third recess includes a third mark (244).

[0086] 46. ​​In the system (100) according to Clause 45, the first mark (240), the second mark (242) and the third mark (244) comprise an etched circle.

[0087] 47. The system (100) according to any one of clauses 32 to 46, wherein the rigid guide block body (302) includes an upper surface (304) including a first mark (340), a second mark (342), and a third mark (344).

[0088] 48. The system (100) according to Clause 47, wherein the first mark (340) and the first connecting protrusion (310, 310') are generally aligned along a first axis (64), the second mark (342) and the second connecting protrusion (320, 320') are generally aligned along a second axis (66), and the third mark (344) and the third connecting protrusion (330, 330') are generally aligned along a third axis (68).

[0089] 49. A bone plate (200), comprising: Rigid plate body, the rigid plate body having: Top surface (202); Lower surface (204) At least one post hole (206); Multiple plate openings (208) are defined to pass through the bone plate, each bone plate opening including at least one orientation angle; A first recess (210A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a hemispherical surface (212). A second recess (220A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a cylindrical sidewall (225) having a cylindrical upper flange (223); and A third recess (230A) is formed in the upper surface (202) and defines a flat bottom surface (232). The hemispherical surface (212), the cylindrical upper flange (223), and the flat bottom surface (232) are configured to engage with the corresponding protruding surfaces (314, 324, 334) of the guide blocks (300, 300'), thereby restricting the relative movement between the rigid plate body and the guide blocks (300, 300') in all six degrees of freedom.

[0090] The description contained herein is an example of embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. As described herein, the invention contemplates many variations and modifications of the guide blocks and bone plates, including but not limited to those described above. Modifications and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings of this disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the appended provisions.

Claims

1. A bone plate and guide block system, comprising: A bone plate, the bone plate including a first receiving component, a second receiving component, and a third receiving component; as well as The guide block includes a first connecting component, a second connecting component, and a third connecting component. The first receiving component and the first connecting component are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative movement between the first receiving component and the first connecting component is restricted in the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. The second receiving component and the second connecting component are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative movement between the second receiving component and the second connecting component is restricted in the fourth and fifth degrees of freedom, which do not overlap with the first, second, and third degrees of freedom. The third receiving component and the third connecting component are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the relative motion between the third receiving component and the third connecting component is restricted in the sixth degree of freedom, which does not overlap with the first degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom, the third degree of freedom, the fourth degree of freedom and the fifth degree of freedom.

2. The bone plate and guide block system according to claim 1, wherein the first degree of freedom is a first translational degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom is a second translational degree of freedom, and the third degree of freedom is a third translational degree of freedom.

3. The bone plate and guide block system according to claim 2, wherein the fourth degree of freedom is a first rotational degree of freedom, and the fifth degree of freedom is a second rotational degree of freedom.

4. The bone plate and guide block system according to claim 3, wherein the sixth degree of freedom is the third rotational degree of freedom.

5. A bone plate comprising a first receiving member, a second receiving member, and a third receiving member, the first receiving member, the second receiving member, and the third receiving member being configured to cooperate with corresponding connecting members of a guide block such that: (i) the first receiving member restricts relative movement between the bone plate and the guide block in a first degree of freedom, a second degree of freedom, and a third degree of freedom; (ii) the second receiving member and the second connecting member restrict relative movement between the bone plate and the guide block in a fourth degree of freedom and a fifth degree of freedom, the fourth degree of freedom and the fifth degree of freedom not overlapping with the first degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom, and the third degree of freedom; and (iii) the third receiving member and the third connecting member restrict relative movement between the bone plate and the guide block in a sixth degree of freedom, the sixth degree of freedom not overlapping with the first degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom, the third degree of freedom, the fourth degree of freedom, and the fifth degree of freedom.

6. The bone plate according to claim 5, wherein the first degree of freedom is a first translational degree of freedom, the second degree of freedom is a second translational degree of freedom, and the third degree of freedom is a third translational degree of freedom.

7. The bone plate according to claim 6, wherein the fourth degree of freedom is a first rotational degree of freedom, and the fifth degree of freedom is a second rotational degree of freedom.

8. The bone plate according to claim 7, wherein the sixth degree of freedom is the third rotational degree of freedom.

9. A coupling for connecting a first object and a second object, the coupling comprising: A first receiving member, associated with the first object, defines a first recess, the first recess further defining a hemispherical surface of the first receiving member; A second receiving member, associated with the first object, defines a second recess, the second recess further defining an opposing flange near the upper end of the second recess, the second recess extending in the length direction of the second recess relative to the width direction of the second recess. A third receiving member, associated with the first object, defines a third recess, which further defines a flat bottom surface of the third receiving member; A first connecting member, associated with the second object, the first connecting member having a distal end including a hemispherical surface of the first connecting member; A second connecting member, associated with the second object, having a distal end including a surface of the second connecting member; and A third connecting component, associated with the second object, having a distal end including a third connecting hemispherical surface, The first receiving component and the first connecting component are adapted to mate with each other along a first axis, such that the hemispherical surface of the first connecting component is positioned against the hemispherical surface of the first receiving component. The second receiving member and the second connecting member are adapted to mate with each other along the second axis such that the surface of the second connecting member abuts against the opposing flange. The third receiving component and the third connecting component are adapted to mate with each other along a third axis, such that the third connecting hemispherical surface is positioned against the flat bottom surface of the third receiving component, and (i) the relative movement between the first receiving member and the first connecting member when engaged, (ii) the relative movement between the second receiving member and the second connecting member when engaged, and (iii) the relative movement between the third receiving member and the third connecting member when engaged are restricted in all six degrees of freedom.

10. The connector of claim 9, further comprising a second third receiving component associated with the first object.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the radius of the first connecting member is approximately equal to the radius of the hemispherical surface of the first connecting member.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the second connecting member is greater than the width of the second recess.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the surface of the second connecting member is hemispherical.

14. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the surface of the second connecting member is conical.

15. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the opposing flanges are defined by the upper edge of the sidewall of the second recess and the lower edge of the inclined surface, such that the opposing flanges are disposed below the uppermost surface of the first object.

16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein the depth of the second recess is designed such that the second connecting member does not contact the bottom surface of the second recess when engaged.

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the bottom surface of the second recess is inclined or substantially horizontally oriented.

18. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of the third recess is greater than the diameter of the third connecting member.

19. The connector according to claim 18, wherein the diameter of the sidewall of the third recess widens toward the upper end of the third recess.

20. The connector according to claim 19, wherein the sidewall of the third recess has a constant diameter.

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