Anterolateral clavicle fracture fixation

Abstract

The present application provides a new and innovative anterior clavicle plate and system for clavicle fracture fixation. The provided anterior clavicle plate is shaped to better conform or fit to the anterior and lateral aspects of the patient's clavicle as compared to typical anterior clavicle plates. This improved conformity can help to reduce the incidence of tissue irritation, thereby reducing the likelihood of a second surgery being required for removal of the anterior clavicle plate. The improved conformity can also result in better anatomical fracture reduction and increased fixation strength than typical anterior clavicle plates. Additionally, the instruments provided by the present application can help surgeons install the provided anterior clavicle plate more quickly as well as with increased flexibility and consistency than typical systems.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 164,274, filed March 22, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to fracture fixation. More specifically, this application provides an anterior fracture fixation plate with improved contouring. [Background technology]

[0003] One problem that can arise in clavicle fracture fixation is tissue irritation caused by the fixation hardware. In some cases, this tissue irritation can lead to a second surgery to remove the fixation hardware. Placing a plate on the superior aspect of the clavicle is one method used by surgeons for clavicle fracture fixation that can result in such tissue irritation. While superior clavicle plates provide the desired lateral fixation, one technique that may help reduce the likelihood that a second surgery will be required is the use of anterior clavicle plates for fracture fixation. Anterior clavicle plates may also provide improved lateral grasp over superior clavicle plates because the screws can be substantially longer when running front to back through the clavicle compared to running from top to bottom.

[0004] However, typical anterior clavicle plates may not have the desired fit or conformance to the anterior and lateral aspects of a patient's clavicle, increasing the incidence of tissue irritation and / or limiting the amount of fixation the plate can provide. Thus, an anterior clavicle plate with a more conforming fit to a patient's clavicle than a typical anterior clavicle plate is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a new and innovative anterior clavicle plate and system for clavicle fracture fixation. The provided anterior clavicle plate allows for a more conforming fit to the patient's clavicle than typical anterior clavicle plates, which can help reduce the incidence of tissue irritation and increase clavicle fracture fixation strength.

[0006] In light of the technical features described herein, but not limited to, and which may be combined with any other aspects unless otherwise specified, in a first aspect of the present disclosure in this application, an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate includes a contour body having a first end opposite a second end, an upper side opposite a lower side, and a plurality of openings along the length of the contour body from the first end to the second end. A plane extends through a first portion of the contour body, the first portion adjacent the first end, and a second portion of the contour body curves away from the plane in a first direction, and the second portion of the contour body adjacent the second end. The contour body includes a first bend along its length that at least partially bends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The height of the contour body, measured perpendicular to the length, is greater at the first end than at the second end. The cross section of the contour body is curved from the upper side to the lower side.

[0007] In a second aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first aspect) unless otherwise specified, the contoured body includes a second bend portion that is at least partially bent in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the second aspect) unless otherwise specified, the first bend is closer to the second end than the second bend, and the first bend has a greater degree of curvature than the second bend.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to third aspects) unless otherwise specified, the height of the profile gradually decreases along its length.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to fourth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the thickness of a portion of the contoured body adjacent the upper side, measured perpendicular to the length of the contoured body, is greater at the second end than at the first end.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to fifth aspects) unless otherwise specified, for at least one segment of the contoured body, the thickness of the portion of the contoured body adjacent to the lower side is greater than the thickness of the portion of the contoured body adjacent to the upper side, the thickness being measured perpendicular to the length of the contoured body.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to sixth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the first portion of the opening has a respective diameter larger than the second portion of the opening, and the first portion of the opening is closer to the first end of the contoured body than the second portion of the opening.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to seventh aspects) unless otherwise specified, a diameter of each of the multiple openings along the length of the profile body decreases from the first end to the second end.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to eighth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate further includes an arm extending from the contoured body, the arm configured to contact an upper surface of the clavicle while the contoured body contacts an outer surface of the clavicle.

[0015] In a tenth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (eg, the ninth aspect) unless otherwise stated, the arms extend perpendicularly from the profile.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the ninth aspect) unless otherwise specified, a portion of the arm is approximately parallel to the second end of the profile body.

[0017] In a twelfth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (eg, the ninth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the arm includes a plate having a plurality of openings.

[0018] In a thirteenth aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the second to twelfth aspects) unless otherwise specified, a system for clavicle fracture fixation includes an exemplary anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of the first aspect, and an instrument configured to assist in the insertion of one or more screws through openings in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate on the anterior surface of the clavicle.

[0019] In a fourteenth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the instrument includes a base member, a guide member, and a locking post. The base member is configured to contact an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate. The guide member includes an elongated portion having a slot and a plurality of openings. The locking post is disposed through the slot of the guide member and the base member, thereby coupling the guide member and the base member.

[0020] In a fifteenth aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the fourteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, before engaging the locking post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, the guide member may rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the base member, and after engaging the locking post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, the guide member is fixed relative to the base member.

[0021] In a sixteenth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the fourteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the guide member includes a first surface configured to be adjacent to the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the multiple openings in the guide member include a larger cross-sectional area on the second surface than on the first surface.

[0022] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the contour of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate is contoured to fit one of the anterior surface of the patient's right clavicle or the anterior surface of the patient's left clavicle.

[0023] In an eighteenth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the second to seventeenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, a method for fixing a fracture of the clavicle includes installing the exemplary anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of the first aspect on at least an anterior surface of the clavicle. Installing the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate includes inserting a respective screw into the clavicle through each of a plurality of openings in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate.

[0024] In a nineteenth aspect of the disclosure herein, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the eighteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, at least some of the respective screws inserted through the openings in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate are inserted into the clavicle at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the contoured body.

[0025] In a twentieth aspect of the disclosure in the present application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the eighteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, installing the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate on at least an anterior surface of the clavicle includes aligning axes of each of the multiple openings in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate with the clavicle via an instrument coupled to the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate prior to inserting a respective screw through each of the multiple openings.

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus will be described in and will be apparent from the following detailed description and figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the figures and description. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been chosen primarily for ease of reading and explanatory purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate positioned on the anterior surface of the clavicle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having screws inserted through openings in an outer portion of the plate, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a broken clavicle with a break line and an anterior clavicle plate without an angled opening, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a broken clavicle with a break line and an anterior clavicle plate with angled openings according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an instrument for assisting in installation of an anterior clavicle plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system including an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate and instruments to assist in installation of the plate, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 8B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 9A] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 8B according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top view of the guide component shown in FIG. 9A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate with arms according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0042] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having arms including generally parallel portions of the plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0043] [Figure 12]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having arms containing the plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The present application provides new and innovative anterior clavicle plates and systems for clavicle fracture fixation. The anterior clavicle plates of the present disclosure are shaped to better conform or fit to the anterior and lateral aspects of the patient's clavicle as compared to typical anterior clavicle plates. This improved conformity can help to reduce the incidence of tissue irritation, thereby reducing the likelihood of a second surgery being required to remove the anterior clavicle plate. The improved conformity can also result in better anatomical fracture reduction and increased fixation strength than typical anterior clavicle plates. A further advantage of the provided anterior clavicle plates and systems can be faster installation as compared to typical anterior clavicle plates, shortening the length of the surgical procedure. For example, the improved conformity can help to limit the amount that a surgeon may need to adjust the provided anterior clavicle plate prior to inserting the screws. Additionally, the instruments provided by the present application can help a surgeon install the provided anterior clavicle plate more quickly as well as with increased flexibility and consistency than typical systems. The shape of the anterior clavicle plates of the present disclosure that allows for improved conformity as compared to typical anterior clavicle plates is described in the following figure captions.

[0045] 1-5 show various views of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100 to illustrate various aspects of the shape of the anterior clavicle plate 100. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. The anterior clavicle plate 100 includes a contoured body 102. The contoured body 102 can be constructed of a suitable medical grade material, such as a metal. For example, a suitable metal may be titanium or stainless steel. Another exemplary suitable material may be carbon fiber reinforced PEEK. The contoured body 102 includes a first end 104 opposite a second end 106. The contoured body 102 includes an upper side 110 opposite a lower side 108. The upper side 110 and the lower side 108 each extend the entire length of the contoured body 102. The contoured body 102 also includes an outer surface 116 opposite an inner surface 202 (FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0046] The contoured body 102 is shaped / contoured to be left or right specific. Stated another way, the contoured body 102 is shaped / contoured to fit the patient's right clavicle or the patient's left clavicle, but not both. The illustrated exemplary contoured body 102 is shaped for a left specific anterior clavicle plate 100. Thus, it should be understood that the right specific clavicle plate 100 includes a contoured body 102 that is a mirror image of the illustrated contoured body 102.

[0047] The profiled body 102 includes a plurality of openings 112 along the length of the profiled body 102 from its first end 104 to its second end 106. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 112 can include at least one opening 120 that is inclined relative to the profiled body 102 at a different angle than the remaining openings 112. In some examples of such embodiments, the profiled body 102 can include a guide 118 for each of the at least one opening 120. In such examples, the guide 118 can serve to assist in the insertion of a screw at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the profiled body 102. The openings 120 and the guide 118 are described below in connection with FIG. 7. Apart from the openings 112, only a single opening of the openings 120 is labeled in the drawings solely for clarity of illustration, and thus the description of the opening 112 applies equally to the other illustrated openings. A screw can be inserted through the opening 112 to secure the anterior clavicle plate 100 to the clavicle. In some embodiments, the openings 112 can include threads that can engage with the threads of a screw. Further description of the opening 112 is provided below with reference to the description of FIG.

[0048] In some embodiments, the contoured body 102 may include at least one reduced portion 114 relative to the height of the contoured body 102. For example, the contoured body 102 shown in FIG. 1 includes four reduced portions 114. In other examples, the contoured body 102 may include more or less reduced portions 114. The reduced portions 114 can help prevent stress buildup at the openings 112. The reduced portions 114 can also help allow the plate to flex at the reduced portions 114 (e.g., two portions adjacent to the reduced portions 114 can move closer to each other to some extent) to allow the surgeon to better fit the plate to the contour of the bone.

[0049] 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. The top view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 best illustrates the curvature of the contoured body 102 in the anterior-posterior direction along its length from its first end 104 to its second end 106. For example, between the dashed line 208 and the second end 106, the contoured body 102 includes a first bend 204, and between the first end 104 and the dashed line 208, the contoured body 102 includes a second bend 206. The first bend 204 bends at least partially in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the second bend 206, as shown. As used herein, the direction of a bend or curve refers to the direction of the radius of the bend or curve at a given point on the bend or curve. The first bend 204 and the second bend 206 do not bend in directly opposite directions due to the curvature of the profile 102 in the downward direction (e.g., down the page in FIG. 2) closest to the second end 106, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described below.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first bend 204 includes an inconsistent or asymmetric radius of curvature. For example, the radius of curvature of the first bend 204 may be greater closer to the second end 106 than toward the middle portion of the length of the contoured body 102 (e.g., dotted line 208). In some embodiments, the second bend 206 may have a consistent or symmetric radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the second bend 206 may have an inconsistent or asymmetric radius of curvature. The aforementioned curvatures along the length of the contoured body 102 help the anterior clavicle plate 100 to conform to the anatomy of the patient's left clavicle. For example, the increased radius of curvature of the first bend 204 closer to the second end 106 can help the anterior clavicle plate 100 to conform to the outer portion of the patient's left clavicle.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. In connection with FIG. 5 below, reference is made to plane AA shown in FIG. 3. The front view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 best illustrates the curvature of the profile 102 in a downward direction along its length. For example, the plane 302 extends through only a portion of the profile 102 adjacent the first end 104. Another portion of the profile 102 adjacent the second end 106 curves away from the plane 302. In FIG. 3, the front and rear curvatures of the profile 102 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2) are in and out of the page. Thus, at least a portion of the curvature of the profile 102 in a downward direction bends in a direction perpendicular to at least a portion of the front and / or rear curvature of the profile 102.

[0052] A typical anterior clavicle plate does not include a downward curvature as described above and shown in FIG. 3. However, the anatomy of a patient's clavicle typically includes a downward curvature. Thus, a typical anterior clavicle plate will not conform to the anatomy of the outer portion of a patient's clavicle unless the surgeon flattens the patient's fractured clavicle or significantly bends the typical anterior clavicle plate. Bending a plate requires operating time and further plastically deforms the plate, which may lead to weakening of the plate and reduced fatigue life. The anterior clavicle plate 100 of the present disclosure, by having the downward curvature described above, reduces the amount that a surgeon must bend the anterior clavicle plate 100 to conform to the anatomy of a patient's clavicle, as the anterior clavicle plate 100 is initially closer to the average patient's anatomy than a typical anterior clavicle plate. The reduced bending required can help reduce the operating time and increase the fatigue life of the anterior clavicle plate 100 as compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate.

[0053] Additionally, by having an initial downward curvature that more closely matches the average patient's anatomy, the anterior clavicle plate 100 can also help a surgeon to more closely conform the anterior clavicle plate 100 to the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle anatomy as compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate, since less adjustments to the anterior clavicle plate 100 are required. The advantage of better conforming to the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle anatomy helps ensure that the fixation point (e.g., the screw through the opening 112) is centered on the patient's clavicle to provide the desired screw grip in the clavicle and the desired stability of the anterior clavicle plate 100. Stated another way, the increased conformity helps the anterior clavicle plate 100, upon installation, to maintain fixation of one or more clavicle fractures better than a typical anterior clavicle plate. The increased conformity can also help ensure a more anatomical repair of the patient's fractured clavicle.

[0054] In some embodiments, the height of the contoured body 102 may vary along its length from the first end 104 to the second end 106. The height of the contoured body 102 is measured from the outermost edge of the upper side 110 to the outermost edge of the lower side 108. In such embodiments, the height of the contoured body 102 is greatest toward the first end 104 and least toward the second end 106, as best shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the height of the contoured body 102 may gradually decrease along its length toward the second end 106. The difference in height of the contoured body 102 may enhance conformity with the clavicle, as the outer portion of the anterior surface of the clavicle tends to be narrower than the middle portion of the clavicle. In various embodiments, the height of the contoured body 102 decreases or narrows in the area of ​​the contoured body 102 that will be positioned against this narrower outer portion of the anterior surface of the clavicle upon installation of the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0055] Also well shown in FIG. 3 are a number of openings 112 on the profiled body 102. In various embodiments as shown, the openings 112 closer to the first end 104 have a larger diameter than the openings 112 closer to the second end 106. In at least some embodiments, the area of ​​the profiled body 102 closest to the second end 106 (e.g., the area including the four openings 112 closest to the second end 106) is positioned on the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle when the anterior clavicle plate 100 is installed. A higher density of threads on the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle compared to the mid or medial portions of the patient's clavicle can aid in compression of the clavicle fracture. The smaller diameter openings 112 accommodate smaller threads and allow for a higher density of threads. The lateral portion of the patient's clavicle is also narrower than the mid or medial portions, and therefore the smaller diameter threads are better suited to fit into the narrower bone that the smaller diameter openings 112 accommodate.

[0056] 4 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. The rear view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 helps illustrate the outward curvature of the profile 102 relative to a long axis that extends through the center of the profile 102 along its length. For example, the portion of the profile 102 adjacent the opening 112 may extend into the page, and the lower side 108 and upper side 110 may each extend out of the page. However, this curvature aspect is best illustrated in FIG. 5, described below.

[0057] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100 taken along plane AA shown in FIG. The illustrated cross-sectional view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 best illustrates the lateral curvature of the contoured body 102 relative to its aforementioned long axis. For example, the outer surface 116 and the inner surface 202 of the contoured body 102 are each curved. This lateral curvature relative to its long axis can help the inner surface 202 of the anterior clavicle plate 100 conform to the lateral surface of a patient's clavicle.

[0058] One advantage of the provided anterior clavicle plate 100 is that the contoured body 102 has a reduced thickness in at least some areas where low protrusion is important to reduce or avoid tissue irritation when installed in a patient. The reduced thickness helps provide a low profile for the anterior clavicle plate 100 when installed. The contoured body 102 also has an increased thickness in at least some areas where additional strength is beneficial. For example, the cross-sectional view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 shown in FIG. 5 shows a portion of the contoured body 102 adjacent the upper side 110 having a thickness 502. The portion of the contoured body 102 adjacent the lower side 108 is shown as having a thickness 504. The thickness 502 is less than the thickness 504. Each of the thicknesses 502 and 504 is measured perpendicular to the length of the contoured body 102 at any slice or cross-section of the contoured body 102 (e.g., at the plane AA). In at least some embodiments, the thickness 502 of the portion of the contoured body 102 adjacent the upper side 110 may be reduced as compared to the body adjacent the upper side of at least some typical anterior clavicle plates. In at least some embodiments, the thickness 504 of the portion of the contoured body 102 adjacent the underside 108 may be greater than the body adjacent the underside of at least some typical anterior clavicle plates.

[0059] In some examples, a portion of the profiled body 102 adjacent the upper side 110 has a reduced thickness along the entire length of the profiled body 102. In some aspects of such examples, the thickness of the portion adjacent the upper side 110 may gradually decrease from the first end 104 to the second end 106. In other aspects of such examples, the portion adjacent the upper side 110 may have a segment of constant thickness and a segment of decreasing thickness. In other examples, only a segment of the length of the profiled body 102 includes the portion adjacent the upper side 110 that has a reduced thickness, such as the segment adjacent the first end 104 and including the plane AA.

[0060] Cross sections of the contoured body 102 having portions adjacent the upper side 110 with a reduced thickness have reduced strength. In examples such as shown in FIG. 5, the portions adjacent the lower side 108 in these cross sections of the contoured body 102 may have increased thickness to counteract this reduction in strength at the upper side 110. In some examples, the portion of the contoured body 102 adjacent the lower side 108 has an increased thickness along the entire length of the contoured body 102. In some aspects of such examples, the thickness of the portion adjacent the lower side 108 may gradually increase along the contoured body 102 (e.g., the thickness of the portion adjacent the lower side 108 gradually increases as the thickness of the portion adjacent the upper side 110 gradually decreases along the length of the contoured body 102). In other aspects of such examples, the portion adjacent the lower side 108 may have a segment of constant thickness and a segment of increasing thickness. In other examples, only a segment of the length of the contoured body 102 includes the portion adjacent the lower side 108 having an increased thickness.

[0061] 6 illustrates a perspective view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 positioned against a clavicle 600 prior to screw insertion. The clavicle 600 is the patient's left clavicle and includes an anterior surface 602 and a superior surface 604. As illustrated, the anterior clavicle plate 100 is positioned on the anterior surface 602 of the clavicle 600. In view of the above description of the shape / contour of the anterior clavicle plate 100, the contoured body 102 of the anterior clavicle plate 100 matches the contour of the anterior surface 602.

[0062] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 having a screw 702 inserted through the opening 120 and screws 704-708 inserted through the openings 112 in the outer segment of the profiled body 102. When the anterior clavicle plate 100 is placed on the fractured clavicle, the screws 702-708 gain grip on the clavicle and help secure the clavicle fragments and the anterior clavicle plate 100 together, promoting healing by compressing the fractured bone or fractures. In various embodiments, at least some of the openings 112 are configured such that the screws are approximately perpendicular to the profiled body 102 when inserted through their respective openings 112. For example, each of the screws 704, 706 and 708 are approximately perpendicular to the profiled body 102.

[0063] Fracture compression can help the threads to gain as much grip across the fracture line as possible. However, in some cases, threads that are nearly perpendicular to the profiled body 102 may have difficulty gaining as much grip, if any, across the fracture line. For example, the fracture line at the lateral bend of the clavicle may itself be nearly perpendicular or nearly perpendicular (e.g., 60° to 80°) to the profiled body 102. FIG. 7B shows one such example. In FIG. 7B, a clavicle 710 includes a fracture with a fracture line 712. The threads 702 are nearly perpendicular to the profiled body 102 and nearly parallel or nearly parallel to the fracture line 712. Thus, only a small portion of the threads 702 are able to gain grip across the fracture line 712. In other examples, the threads 702 may not gain grip across any of the fracture lines.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 7A, to aid in gaining a grip across a break line that is generally or nearly perpendicular to the profiled body 102, in some embodiments, the profiled body 102 includes at least one opening 120 configured to be at a non-perpendicular (i.e., acute / obtuse) angle to the profiled body 102 when a screw is inserted through such at least one opening 120. For example, the threads 702 are at an acute / obtuse angle to the profiled body 102. It should be appreciated that the threads 702 are shown in front of the threads 704 in FIG. 7A due to the downward curvature of the profiled body 102 discussed above. In at least some embodiments, the profiled body 102 may include a guide 118 that protrudes from the profiled body 102 at the opening 120 to aid in the insertion of the screw 702 at an acute / obtuse angle to the profiled body 102. For example, without the guide 118, the angled nature of the opening 120 would result in an inner perimeter of the opening 120 defined by the profiled body 102, with one side having a larger surface area compared to the other side. This difference in surface area of ​​the opening 120 can make it difficult to insert the screw 702 concentrically with the opening 120. The guide 118 extends from the profile 102 to equalize the surface area around the opening 120 and aids in inserting the screw 702 concentrically with the opening 120.

[0065] The openings 120 can help to gain a grip across the break line by allowing the threads 702 to approach the break line at a different angle than if the openings 120 were configured to be approximately perpendicular to the profile 102 (e.g., configured as openings 112 as in FIG. 7B ). The approach angle allowed by the openings 120 helps a larger portion of the threads 702 to grip across the break line, as shown in FIG. 7C , which shows a larger portion of the threads 702 across the break line 712 compared to FIG. 7B .

[0066] For the reasons discussed above with respect to the break line at the lateral bend of the clavicle, one or more openings 120 can be particularly useful at the first bend 204 of the profile 102, which is located at the lateral bend of the clavicle upon installation of the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, the opening 120 shown in the example of FIG. 7 is located at the first bend 204 with three openings 112 between the second end 106 and the opening 120. In other examples, the profile 102 may include multiple openings 120 within the first bend 204, or may include one or more openings 120 on the lateral side of the first bend 204.

[0067] The present application further provides an insertion instrument that can assist in the installation of the provided anterior clavicle plate (e.g., anterior clavicle plate 100). FIG. 8A shows an exploded view of one exemplary instrument 802. Drilling through the center of the clavicle when installing an anterior clavicle plate is preferred because the center of the clavicle is the longest portion of the clavicle, allowing for the use of the longest screws possible for fixation. The longer the screw length, the higher the fixation strength. Drilling through the center of the clavicle and subsequent installation of the screw can also help ensure a desired bone grasp. If the drill exits the clavicle off-center, either superiorly or inferiorly, this results in the possibility of protrusion of the installed screw and / or shorter screws.

[0068] However, in some cases, it may be difficult for a surgeon to drill through the center of the clavicle. For example, surgeons typically use their eyes and fingers to determine the proper trajectory of the screw. At least some surgeons may further use a locking guide to aid in drilling at the determined trajectory. However, the trajectory determined by the surgeon using these methods can be improved, such as the consistency with which the surgeon determines the trajectory through the center of the clavicle. The time it takes the surgeon to determine the drilling trajectory for each of the openings 112 (and, in some cases, the openings 120) can also be reduced, which can help reduce surgical time. The exemplary instrument 802 can help the surgeon make these improvements.

[0069] In various embodiments, the instrument 802 includes a guide component 804, a base component 806, and a locking post 808. The guide component 804 includes a body 842 having a slot 810. The locking post 808 may be disposed through the slot 810 along an axis 844. In various embodiments, the guide component 804 includes a plurality of openings 812 in the body 842. Only one opening of the plurality of openings 812 is indicated with reference number 812 merely for clarity of description, but it should be understood that the description of the opening 812 applies equally to each of the openings 812 shown. Each of the openings 812 is configured to guide a drill therethrough. In some embodiments, the guide component 804 may include an opening 814 in the body 842 configured to guide a k-wire or other suitable guidewire. In at least some embodiments, the body 842 of the guide component 804 includes a curved or rounded surface 816 (best shown in FIG. 8B ). The curved or rounded surface 816 may interface with the base component 806 .

[0070] In some embodiments, the guide component 804 includes wings 838A, 838B that extend integrally or fixedly from the body 842. The wings 838A, 838B may each include an extension 836. For example, in some embodiments, the base component 806 may be removably coupled to the guide component 804, and the wings 838A, 838B may engage with the base component 806 to do so. In other examples, the base component 806 may be fixedly coupled to the guide component 804, and in such other examples, the guide component 804 may not have wings 838A, 838B.

[0071] In various embodiments, the base component 806 includes a body 840 having a first surface 818 and a second surface 820. The first surface 818 may be shaped to interface with the outer surface 116 of the anterior clavicle plate 100. The second surface 820 may be curved or rounded and interfaces with the curved or rounded surface 816 (FIG. 8B) of the guide component 804. In some examples, the body 840 of the base component 806 includes notches 834 on either side that each engage with an extension 836 of the guide component 804 to couple the base component 806 to the guide component 804. In other examples, the base component 806 may be coupled to the guide component 804 with another suitable mechanism. In still other examples, the base component 806 may not include the notches 834, such as examples in which the base component 806 and the guide component 804 are fixedly coupled to one another. In at least some embodiments, the base component 806 includes a channel 822 that extends through the guide component 804 from the first surface 818 to the second surface 820. In at least some embodiments, a portion of the interior of the base component 806 at the channel 822 may include internal threads 846 (FIG. 8C). The locking post 808 may be disposed through the channel 822 along the axis 842.

[0072] In at least some embodiments, the locking post 808 is shaped as a cylindrical rod. In various embodiments, the locking post 808 includes a reduced portion 826 and a non-reduced portion 830. The reduced portion 826 is sized such that it can be placed through the slot 810 of the guide component 804 and the channel 822 of the base component 806. At one end of the reduced portion 826, the locking post 808 includes an engagement end 828. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement end 828 may be threaded. In such embodiments, the thread engagement end 828 may be adjustably engaged with the threads of the opening 112 of the profile 102. For example, as the thread engagement end 828 is driven further into the opening 112, more threads of the thread engagement end 828 and the opening 112 are engaged, and vice versa. This adjustable engagement helps to control the movement of the guide component 804, as described below. In other aspects, the locking post 808 may adjustably engage with the opening 112 of the profile 102 via a suitable mechanism other than threading. In some aspects, the locking post 808 may include a grip or handle 832 on one end.

[0073] In at least some embodiments, the non-reduced portion 830 of the locking post 808 is sized such that it cannot translate through the slot 810 of the guide component 804 or the channel 822 of the base component 806. In some embodiments, the engagement end 828 may be sized such that it cannot translate through the slot 810 of the guide component 804 or the channel 822 of the base component 806. In examples where both the non-reduced portion 830 and the engagement end 828 are each such sized, the guide component 804 and the base component 806 are coupled to the locking post 808 between the engagement end 828 and the non-reduced portion 830 of the locking post 808 when the instrument 802 is fully assembled. In some embodiments, the guide component 804, the base component 806, and the locking post 808 are fixedly coupled to one another such that they cannot be separated. In such embodiments, the reduced portion 826 may be placed through the slot 810 during the initial assembly of the instrument 802. In other embodiments, the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 can be separated from one another, for example for cleaning or sterilization. In such other embodiments, the engagement end 828 can be sized such that it can translate through the slot 810 and channel 822.

[0074] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary system 850 including the anterior clavicle plate 100 and a fully assembled instrument 802. The wings 838A, 838B of the guide component 804 are not shown in FIG. 8B to illustrate the curved surface 816 of the guide component 804 interfacing with the second surface 820 of the base component 806. In this example, the engagement end 828 of the locking post 808 is threaded. To couple the instrument 802 to the anterior clavicle plate 100, the surgeon may first place the base component 806 in contact with the anterior clavicle plate 100 and over the threaded opening (e.g., opening 112) of the anterior clavicle plate 100 such that the threaded engagement end 828 of the locking post 808 is aligned with the opening 112. Once positioned, the surgeon may advance the locking post 808 into engagement with the opening 112 (e.g., rotate the locking post 808 to engage the threads of the opening 112).

[0075] Upon initial engagement, the instrument 802 is coupled to the anterior clavicle plate 100, but the guide component 804 can still be adjusted. For example, the surgeon can rotate the guide component 804 about its long axis in the direction of arrow 842A or arrow 842B. The curved or rounded second surface 820 of the base component 806 and the curved or rounded surface 816 of the guide component 804 interlock with each other as the guide component 804 rotates. In one example, the surgeon can adjust the guide component 804 to a position where the surgeon believes the opening 812 will guide the screw into the center of the clavicle. Once the guide component 804 is in the surgeon's desired position, the surgeon can further advance the locking post 808 to engage the opening 112, thereby locking the guide component 804 in place. The guide component 804 is locked in place due to the compressive force created between the anterior clavicle plate 100 and the non-reduced portion 830 of the locking post 808 by the engagement of the screw engagement end 828 with the screw opening 112.

[0076] 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system 850 with the guide component 804 locked in place via the locking post 808. As shown, the extension 836 of the guide component 804 resides within the notch 834 of the base component 806. The engagement end 828 of the locking post 808 engages with the threaded opening 112 of the anterior clavicle plate 100. Additionally, the non-reducing portion 830 of the locking post 808 contacts the guide component 804, thereby compressing the base component 806 between the guide component 804 and the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0077] As mentioned above, in at least some embodiments, the base component 806 may include internal threads 846, shown in FIG. 8C. The internal threads 846 allow the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 to remain together as a single piece when the locking post 808 is disengaged from the threaded opening 112 of the anterior clavicle plate 100 by preventing the engagement end 828 from translating through the base component 806. Rather, the locking post 808 must be rotated to engage and then disengage the engagement end 828 with the internal threads 846, removing the locking post 808 from the base component 806 and then removing it from the guide component 804. Engaging the engagement end 828 with the internal threads 846 limits or prevents movement between the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 when the instrument 802 is disengaged from the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0078] Maintaining the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 together when the instrument 802 is disengaged from the anterior clavicle plate 100 can be helpful to the surgeon so that when removing the instrument 802, one or more components do not fall into the patient cavity or onto the floor during surgery. Rather, the surgeon can pass the instrument 802 to another medical professional as a single piece. Maintaining the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 together can also be helpful to the surgeon when engaging the instrument 802 to the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, engaging the engagement end 828 with the internal threads 846 can be helpful to limit or prevent movement between the guide component 804, base component 806, and locking post 808 until the surgeon desires to adjust the instrument 802 when engaging the instrument 802 with the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0079] Further, in at least some embodiments, when the instrument 802 is placed against the anterior clavicle plate 100, a pocket is formed between the internal threads 846 and the screw opening 112. In such embodiments, the surgeon may advance the engagement end 828 of the locking post 808 such that the engagement end is within this pocket, which allows the surgeon to adjust the instrument 802 before engaging the engagement end 828 with the screw opening 112. While FIG. 8C is not drawn to scale to show a pocket of a size sufficient to fit over the engagement end 828, it will be understood that consistent with the foregoing disclosure, the pocket may be large enough to fit over the engagement end 828.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 8B , with the guide component 804 locked in place, the surgeon may drive a screw through each of the openings 812, through the respective openings 112 of the anterior clavicle plate 100, and into the clavicle. In this manner, the guide component 804 helps the surgeon avoid the need to align the screw trajectories of each opening 112 of the anterior clavicle plate 100. Instead, the surgeon aligns the trajectories once by adjusting the guide component 804, and then proceeds to insert each screw, thereby reducing the surgeon's installation time for the anterior clavicle plate 100, thereby reducing surgical procedure time. The guide component 804 also helps to increase the consistency of the surgeon's screw trajectories, as the trajectories are consistent for each of the openings 812 with the guide component 804 locked in place.

[0081] In some cases, the surgeon may use an opening 814 sized to guide a k-wire or other suitable guidewire to test the trajectory that the locked guide component 804 is providing at a given time. For example, the surgeon may drill a k-wire through the opening 814 into the clavicle. In some aspects of such an example, the anterior clavicle plate 100 may include an opening 824 that corresponds to the opening 814 and allows the k-wire to translate through the anterior clavicle plate 100 as the k-wire is drilled into the clavicle. In other aspects, the opening 814 may be positioned on the guide component 804 such that a k-wire inserted through the opening 814 targets the clavicle on the lateral side of the lateral end of the anterior clavicle plate 100 rather than passing through the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0082] With the k-wire inserted, the surgeon may image (e.g., radiological or fluoroscopic) the clavicle to view the trajectory of the k-wire. If the surgeon is satisfied with the k-wire trajectory, the surgeon removes the k-wire and installs the screw. If the surgeon is not satisfied with the k-wire trajectory, the surgeon removes the k-wire, partially disengages the locking post 808, adjusts the guide component 804, and re-engages the locking post 808 to lock the guide component 804. In some cases, the surgeon may test the trajectory again. In other instances, the surgeon may be satisfied with the adjustment and install the screw. In this manner, the instrument 802 may help at least some surgeons improve the accuracy and / or consistency with which the surgeon inserts the screw into the center of the clavicle.

[0083] In some aspects of the application, one or more of the openings 812 of the guide component 804 may be shaped such that the surgeon may adjust the angle at which the screw is placed into the clavicle through such one or more openings 812. For example, FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary system 900 including an anterior clavicle plate 100 and an exemplary instrument 802 having a guide component 804 with angled openings 904. Although only a single opening 904 is indicated by a reference number, it should be understood that the following description applies equally to both openings 904 shown. The opening 904 shown is shaped with angled surfaces 906 and 908 such that the opening 904 has a larger cross-sectional area at a first side 910 of the guide component 804 than a second side 912 of the guide component 804. Thus, the shape of the opening 904 allows the surgeon to advance the screw equidistant from both the angled surfaces 906 and 908, or to angle the screw toward the angled surface 906 or the angled surface 908 as the screw is advanced.

[0084] FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the exemplary guide component 804 shown in FIG. 9A with an angled opening 904. As shown in FIG. 9B, in some examples, the opening 904 may have a rectangular or rounded rectangular cross-section from a first side 910 to a second side 912. In at least some embodiments, this rectangular or rounded rectangular shape allows the surgeon to adjust the angle of the screw only along a single axis (e.g., the long side of the opening 904). In some embodiments, adjacent openings 904 may abut one another at the first side 910 due to this shape. In such embodiments where the guide component 804 has an angled opening 904, the surgeon may adjust the superior / inferior screw trajectory of the clavicle by adjusting the guide component 804 as described above, and may adjust the lateral / medial screw trajectory of the clavicle by angling the screw within the angled opening 904. Thus, the instrument 802 may help provide the surgeon with more flexibility than typical systems for the trajectory into which the surgeon inserts the screw when installing the provided anterior clavicle plate. The high flexibility of the screw trajectory can, in some cases, help the surgeon achieve greater compression across the clavicle fracture than with typical systems.

[0085] In at least some instances, a clavicle plate placed on the superior aspect of the clavicle ("superior clavicle plate") may provide better lateral fixation than an anterior clavicle plate because the superior clavicle plate allows for placement of screws into the clavicle in a superior / inferior direction to the clavicle. To help provide at least some of these same advantages provided by superior clavicle plates, in some embodiments of the present application, the provided anterior clavicle plate may include arms extending from the contoured body of the anterior clavicle plate to allow fixation to the superior aspect of the clavicle. Such embodiments of the provided anterior clavicle plate including arms for superior fixation may provide the advantages of the low profile and improved contour of the anterior clavicle plate 100 described above, along with at least some of the lateral fixation advantages of the superior clavicle plate.

[0086] 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1000 having arms 1008. The anterior clavicle plate 1000 includes a contoured body 102 having a first end 102 opposite a second end 106. In various embodiments, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 includes arms 1008 extending from the contoured body 102. The arms 1008 may extend approximately perpendicularly or at other suitable angles from the contoured body 102. In some embodiments, the arms 1008 may be curved such that they are centered or substantially centered in a single plane.

[0087] The arms 1008 include one or more openings 1010 configured to allow a screw to be inserted through the respective opening 1010. In some embodiments, at least some of the one or more openings 1010 may be threaded to engage with the threads of a screw. In some examples, the arms 1008 may be positioned on the profiled body 102 as shown, while in other examples, the arms 1008 may be positioned at other suitable locations along the profiled body 102. In some examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include multiple arms 1008.

[0088] The exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include any one or more of the aspects described above in connection with the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, although the anterior clavicle plate 1000 is shown without the guides 118 or angled openings 120, in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0089] In some instances, the arms of a provided anterior clavicle plate may extend laterally in any direction on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500, as compared to the arms 1008 which do not. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1200 having arms 1204 which extend laterally on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500. The lateral extension of the arms 1204 can help provide additional lateral fixation from the upper surface 504, as compared to the arms 1008. In some instances, as illustrated, a portion of the arms 1204 are generally parallel to the contoured body 1202 as the arms 1204 extend laterally on the upper surface 504.

[0090] Similar to the exemplary arm 1008 described above, the exemplary arm 1204 may include multiple openings (e.g., openings 1206) aligned with the upper surface 504. A screw (e.g., screw 1208) may be driven through the openings into the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500. It should be understood that only one opening 1206 and one screw 1208 are labeled for clarity of illustration only, and thus the description of the openings 1206 and screws 1208 applies equally to all that are illustrated. In some embodiments, at least some of the one or more openings 1206 may be threaded to engage threads on a screw.

[0091] In various aspects, the exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1200 can include any one or more of the aspects described above in connection with the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, while the anterior clavicle plate 1200 is shown without the guides 118 or angled openings 120, in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1200 can include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0092] In another example of the present disclosure, an anterior clavicle plate provided may have an arm that includes a plate having a plurality of openings for screws. For example, FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1300 having an arm 1304 that includes a plate 1306. The arm 1304 extends from a contoured body 1302 of the anterior clavicle plate 1300 such that the plate 1306 is substantially aligned with a superior surface 504 of the clavicle 500.

[0093] In various embodiments, the plate 1306 includes a plurality of (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) openings 1308. For clarity of illustration only, only one opening 1308 of the plate 1306 is labeled. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of openings 1306 may be threaded to engage threads of a screw. The plate 1306 may provide a higher density of openings 1308, and thus a higher density of screws, at certain locations on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500 than the exemplary arms 1008 and 1204. A higher density of screws may be beneficial for fixation of fractures of the outer portion of the clavicle 500.

[0094] The exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1300 may include any one or more of the aspects described above in connection with the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, although the anterior clavicle plate 1300 is shown without the guides 118 or angled openings 120, in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1300 may include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0095] Without further elaboration, it is believed that those skilled in the art can use the preceding description to make the most of the claimed invention. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as merely illustrative and in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the details of the above examples without departing from the basic principles described. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the examples specifically disclosed in the above description are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, any suitable combination of features of the various examples described is contemplated.

Claims

1. 1. An anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, a profile including a first end opposite a second end, an upper side opposite a lower side, and a plurality of openings along a length of the profile from the first end to the second end; a plane extends through a first portion of the profile adjacent the first end, a second portion of the profile curves away from the plane in a first direction adjacent the second end, the profile includes a first bend along a length of the profile that is at least partially bent in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a height of the profile at the first end measured perpendicular to the length is greater than a height of the profile at the second end; An anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, wherein the cross-section of the contoured body is curved from the superior side to the inferior side.

2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1 , wherein the profile includes a second bend that is at least partially bent in a third direction opposite the second direction.

3. 3. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 2, wherein the first bend is closer to the second end than the second bend and the first bend has a greater degree of bending than the second bend.

4. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1 , wherein the height of the profile gradually decreases along a length of the profile.

5. 2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1, wherein a thickness of a portion of the contour adjacent the upper side, measured perpendicular to the length of the contour, is greater at the second end than at the first end.

6. 2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1, wherein for at least one segment of the contour body, a thickness of a portion of the contour body adjacent the lower side is greater than a thickness of a portion of the contour body adjacent the upper side, the thickness being measured perpendicular to the length of the contour body.

7. 2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the opening has a greater respective diameter than a second portion of the opening, and wherein the first portion of the opening is closer to the first end of the profile than the second portion of the opening.

8. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1 , wherein the respective diameters of the plurality of openings along the length of the profile decrease from the first end to the second end.

9. 2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 1, further comprising an arm extending from the profile configured to contact a superior surface of the clavicle while the profile is contacting an lateral surface of the clavicle.

10. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 9 , wherein the arms extend perpendicularly from the profile.

11. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 9 , wherein a portion of the arm is generally parallel to the second end of the profile.

12. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of claim 9 , wherein the arms include a plate having a plurality of openings.

13. A contoured body including a first end opposite a second end, an upper side opposite a lower side, and a plurality of openings along a length of the contoured body from the first end to the second end, a plane extends through a first portion of the profile adjacent the first end, a second portion of the profile curves away from the plane in a first direction adjacent the second end, the profile includes a first bend along a length of the profile that is at least partially bent in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a height of the profile at the first end measured perpendicular to the length is greater than a height of the profile at the second end; A profile body, the cross section of which is curved from the upper side to the lower side; an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate comprising: an instrument configured to assist in the insertion of one or more screws through openings in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate at the anterior surface of the clavicle; 1. A system for clavicle fracture fixation comprising:

14. The device comprises: a base member configured to contact the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate; a guide member including a slot and an elongated portion having a plurality of openings; Rock post and Including, The system of claim 13 , wherein the locking post is disposed through the slot of the guide member and through the base member, thereby coupling the guide member and the base member.

15. Prior to engaging the locking post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, the guide member may be rotated about a longitudinal axis relative to the base member; The system of claim 14 , wherein the guide member is fixed relative to the base member after the locking post is engaged with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate.

16. the guide member includes a first surface configured to abut the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate and a second surface opposite the first surface; The system of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of openings in the guide member include a larger cross-sectional area at the second surface than at the first surface.

17. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the contour of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate is contoured to conform to one of an anterior surface of a patient's right clavicle and an anterior surface of the patient's left clavicle.

Images