Guide to Compressing Joint Fusions with Plates

Abstract

1. A drill guide comprising: a handle; a base connected to the handle, the base further comprising: a body; a lip on an outer surface of the body, the lip configured to mate with an upper surface of a bone plate; a guide hole extending through the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body; and a flank extending between the first surface of the base and the second surface of the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 166,887, filed February 9, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a guide for plate-based joint fusion compression. [Background technology]

[0003] When bone joints degenerate, one proposed solution is to fuse the joint. A surgeon may open the joint and expose the cartilage by scraping it away from the mating surfaces of the bones. This results in what is known as bleeding bone. This tricks the healing mechanism into thinking the joint is actually a single broken bone, initiating a healing process that results in the joint fusing. Fusion may be facilitated by a bone plate and compression screws. A bone plate is attached to one of the articulating bones, and a compression screw is then inserted into a slot in the bone plate through the articulating bone. The compression screw immobilizes and compresses the joint, allowing the joint to fuse as healing progresses. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented below. In the following summary, some simplifications and omissions may be made, which are intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of various exemplary embodiments, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the concepts of the present invention follow in subsequent sections.

[0005] Various embodiments relate to a drill guide including a handle; a base connected to the handle, the base further including a body, a lip on an outer surface of the body configured to interface with an upper surface of a bone plate, a guide hole extending through the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body, and a flank extending between the first surface of the base and the second surface of the body.

[0006] Various embodiments are described in which the guide lumen is configured to receive a guidewire.

[0007] Various embodiments are described in which the guide lumen has a location and orientation configured to guide the guidewire to a particular location and orientation.

[0008] Various embodiments are described in which the flank surface is configured to facilitate removal of the drill guide from the bone plate after a guide wire has been inserted through the guide hole.

[0009] Various embodiments are described in which the relief surface is flat and extends at an angle between the first surface and the second surface.

[0010] Various embodiments are described in which the body is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot in the bone plate.

[0011] Various embodiments are described in which the body is configured to align the guide hole in a particular location and orientation relative to the bone plate.

[0012] Various embodiments are described in which the lip is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upper surface of the bone plate.

[0013] Various embodiments are described in which the lip is configured to extend around the body from a first edge of the first surface to a second edge of the first surface.

[0014] Various embodiments are described that include a chamfer extending from a third surface of the body to the guide hole, the third surface being opposite the second surface.

[0015] Further various embodiments relate to a method of placing compression screws into a first bone and a second bone, the method including attaching a bone plate to the first bone, inserting a drill guide including guide holes having specific locations and orientations into slots in the bone plate, inserting a guide wire into the guide hole, driving the guide wire into the first bone and the second bone, removing the drill guide from the slot in the bone plate by sliding the drill guide over the guide wire, sliding compression screws over the guide wire into contact with the first bone, driving the compression screws into the first bone and the second bone, and removing the guide wire from the first bone and the second bone.

[0016] Various embodiments are described in which the drill guide includes a handle and a base connected to the handle, the base further including a body, a lip on an outer surface of the body configured to interface with an upper surface of the bone plate, and a flank extending between a first surface of the base and a second surface of the body, and a guide hole configured to extend through the body from the first surface of the body to the second surface of the body.

[0017] Various embodiments are described in which the flank surface is configured to facilitate removal of the drill guide from the bone plate after a guide wire has been inserted through the guide hole.

[0018] Various embodiments are described in which the relief surface is flat and extends at an angle between the first surface and the second surface.

[0019] Various embodiments are described in which the body is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot in the bone plate.

[0020] Various embodiments are described in which the body is configured to align the guide hole in a particular location and orientation relative to the bone plate.

[0021] Various embodiments are described in which the lip is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upper surface of the bone plate.

[0022] Various embodiments are described in which the lip is configured to extend around the body from a first edge of the first surface to a second edge of the first surface.

[0023] Various embodiments are described that include a chamfer extending from a third surface of the body to the guide hole, the third surface being opposite the second surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] For a better understanding of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in the following list. [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1D] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1E] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1F] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1G] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 1H] 1 illustrates the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a guide installed in a slot in a plate. [Figure 2B]1A and 1B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a guide installed in a slot in a plate. [Figure 2C] 10A and 10B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a guide placed in a slot in a plate with a guide wire inserted through the guide. [Figure 2D] 10A and 10B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a guide placed in a slot in a plate with a guide wire inserted through the guide. [Figure 2E] 1 illustrates the guide separated from the plate. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3D] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3E] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3F] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3G] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 3H] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a guide; [Figure 4A] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4B] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4C] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4D] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4E] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4F] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4G] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide; [Figure 4H] 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the guide;

[0025] For ease of understanding, the same reference numbers are used to designate elements having substantially the same or similar structure and / or substantially the same or similar function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present description and drawings illustrate the principles of the present invention. Thus, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can devise various configurations that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present invention and are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples shown herein are expressly intended primarily for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present invention and the concepts provided by the inventor(s) for advancing the present technology, and should be construed as not being limited to such specifically shown examples and conditions. Additionally, the term "or," as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or (i.e., and / or) unless otherwise indicated (e.g., "or otherwise" or "or alternatively"). Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0027] Various diseases and conditions can deteriorate joints. For example, diabetes and obesity can cause problems in the hands, knees, and ankles. Over time, nerves in or near joints can become paralyzed due to deterioration of the soft tissue and nerves around the joint. Also, as joints are destroyed and cartilage deteriorates, the joint surface can develop bone spurs that turn what should be a smooth, strong surface into a stiff, uneven, and broken surface. This results in constant pain that is present even when the joint is not moving. One solution to overcoming this joint deterioration is to fuse the joint.

[0028] The surgeon may expose the cartilage by opening the joint and scraping it away from the mating surfaces of the bones. This results in what is known as bleeding bone. This tricks the healing mechanism into thinking the joint is actually one broken bone, initiating the healing process that results in the joint fusing. Fusion may be facilitated by a bone plate and compression screws. A bone plate is attached to one of the articulating bones, and then a compression screw is inserted into a slot in the bone plate through the articulating bone. The compression screw immobilizes and compresses the joint, allowing the joint to fuse as healing progresses.

[0029] 1A-1H illustrate the use of a plate to fuse an ankle joint. 1A-1H include various views of a plate 8 attached to a tibia 2, along with a guide wire 10 and a guide 100. Additionally, various bones are shown in the different views: the tibia 2, the talus 4, and the calcaneus 6. In the different views, various subsets of different items are shown to show how the plate 8, guide wire 10, and guide 100 interact with the bones.

[0030] While an example of fusing an ankle joint is described, the embodiments described herein may be applied to other joints as well. A plate 8 is attached to the tibia 2 and talus 4 using screws 12. The plate 8 has a plurality of threaded holes 14 that accept the screws 12. The plate 8 has slots 16 that accept compression screws 18. The compression screws 18 extend through the tibia, talus 4, and calcaneus 6. The compression screws 18 have threads at their distal ends that are configured to engage the calcaneus 6 in this application to apply compression across the tibia 2, talus 4, and calcaneus 6. The compression screws 18 must be inserted in a specific orientation to ensure proper engagement with the bone to be compressed. A guidewire 10 is used to guide the compression screws 18 along a desired trajectory through the bone. The compression screws 18 are cannulated so that they can be oriented correctly by sliding over the guidewire 10. The surgeon uses a driver to place the guidewire 10 into the bone. During this procedure, the orientation of the guidewire 10 is as important as the location of the guidewire 10. For example, if the guidewire 10 is not properly oriented, the head of the compression screw 18 may protrude from the slot 16, causing discomfort to the patient. If the guidewire 10 is not properly located, the threads of the compression screw 18 may engage and be damaged by the edges of the slot 16 in the plate 8. Also, the head of the compression screw 18 may not fully enter the slot 16 in the plate 8 and may protrude from the slot 16, causing discomfort to the patient.

[0031] These problems can be solved by using guide 100. Guide 100 is shaped to securely engage slot 16 in a fixed location and orientation. Guide 100 includes guide holes 112 oriented to allow guide wire 10 to be placed in the bone at the proper orientation and location. This ensures that compression screws 18 are in the correct orientation and location to properly engage plate 8 without damaging the threads of compression screws 18 or protruding too far from slot 16.

[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates plate 8 attached to tibia 2 and talus 4 with guide 100 in slot 16. Guide wire 10 is shown inserted into guide hole 112 and into tibia 2, talus 4, and calcaneus 6. FIG. 1B shows the same view as FIG. 1A , but with guide 100 removed. At this point, compression screw 18 may be slid over guide wire 10 and then screwed into the bone. In FIG. 1C, calcaneus 6 has been removed to show guide wire 10 extending into it. In FIG. 1D, talus 4 has been removed to show guide wire 10 extending through it. FIG. 1E illustrates compression screw 18 engaged with tibia 2. As can be seen, compression thread 20 fits into slot 16 without contacting the edges of slot 16. This is because guide 100 precisely positions guide wire 10 within slot 16. FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of the compression screw 18 being inserted over the guide wire 10 into the tibia 2. FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate that the compression screw 18 is fully inserted through the slot 16 into the tibia 2, with the compression screw head 22 properly seated within the slot 16 without catching on the edges of the slot 16. This provides a low-profile profile that reduces irritation to the patient from the compression screw head 22. The guide 100 guides the guide wire 10 through the slot 16 into the tibia 2 at the desired angle and location.

[0033] 2A and 2B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of the guide 100 installed within the slot 16 of the plate 8. With the guide 100 in the slot 16, the surgeon may now drive the guide wire 10 into the tibia 2 through the guide hole 112. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate top and bottom perspective views of the guide 100 installed within the slot 16 of the plate 8, with the guide wire 10 inserted through the guide 100. FIG. 2E illustrates the guide 100 separated from the plate 8. FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate how the guide 100 fits securely into the slot 16 of the plate 8 in a fixed location and orientation, allowing the guide wire 10 to be driven into the tibia 2 in the correct location and orientation.

[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of guide 100. FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of guide 100. FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom perspective view of guide 100. FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of guide 100. FIG. 3E illustrates a front view of guide 100. FIG. 3F illustrates a rear view of guide 100. FIG. 3G illustrates a bottom view of guide 100. FIG. 3H illustrates a cross-sectional view of guide 100. Guide 100 includes a handle 102 connected to a rod 104, which connects to a base 106. Handle 102 allows a surgeon to grasp guide 100 and place base 106 into slot 16 of plate 8. Rod 104 separates handle 102 from base 106 to facilitate a surgeon's handling and placement of guide 100 into slot 16.

[0035] The base 106 includes a body 108, a lip 110, a guide hole 112, a chamfer 114, and a flank 116. The body 108 has a shape that is complementary to the slot 16 of the plate 8, allowing the body 108 to fit securely in the desired position within the slot 16. In this example, the body 108 has a generally oval shape that matches the generally oval shape of the slot 16. Other shapes may be used as well. This allows the guide hole 112 to be correctly positioned relative to the tibia 2, thereby ensuring that the guide wire 10 enters the tibia 2 in the correct location and orientation. Furthermore, the guide hole 112 extends through the body 108 from the front body surface 118 to the bottom body surface 120, which may be a first surface and a second surface. The guide hole 112 extends through the body 108 at the correct angle to allow the guide wire 10 and compression screw 18 to extend through the tibia 2 and talus 4 and into the calcaneus 6. The guide holes 112 exit the bottom body surface 120 so that when the compression screw 18 is placed over the guide wire 10 and screwed into the tibia 2, the compression screw 18 extends through the slot 16 without the compression threads 20 touching the edges of the slot 16, thereby preventing damage to the compression threads 20. Additionally, the guide holes 112 help to ensure that the compression screw head 22 is properly located and reduce the profile of the compression screw head 22 within the plate 8, thereby reducing the potential for irritation to the patient.

[0036] The lip 110 extends around the body 108 on the outer surface of the body. In this example, the lip 110 extends around the body 108 from one edge of the front body surface 118 to a second edge of the front body surface 118. As a result, the lip 110 does not extend across the front body surface 118. In other embodiments, the lip 110 may extend completely around the body 108 so as not to interfere with the guide holes 112 or the flank surface 116. Furthermore, the lip 110 may be comprised of a discontinuous section, i.e., a section that extends around the body 108 to provide the necessary support when engaging the top of the plate 8. The lip 110 is configured to engage with the top surface of the plate 8 surrounding the slot 16. The lip 110 is positioned a distance from the bottom body surface 120 to allow the bottom body surface 120 to just touch the tibia 2 or to allow a gap between the bottom body surface 120 and the tibia 2. This helps ensure that the guidewire 10 and compression screw 18 are in the correct location and orientation. The bottom surface of the lip 110 may be shaped to match the top surface of the plate 8 surrounding the slot 16. In this example, the bottom lip surface 122 of the lip 110 is flat.

[0037] The chamfered portion 114 extends from the top surface (or third surface) of the base 106 to the guide hole 112. The chamfered portion 114 allows the guide wire 10 to be more easily inserted into the guide hole 112. The chamfered portion 114 also allows the guide 100 to be removed from the plate 8 along with the guide wire 10 after the guide wire 10 has been driven into the tibia 2.

[0038] The flank 116 is a sloped surface that extends from the bottom body surface 120 to the front body surface 118. The flank 116 allows the guide 100 to be removed from the slot 16 of the plate 8 over a long guide wire 10 after the guide wire 10 has been driven into the tibia 2. The shape, location, and angle of the flank 116 are configured to allow the body 108 to be securely installed in a fixed, desired location within the slot 16 of the plate 8, yet allow the guide 100 to be removed over the guide wire 10.

[0039] 4A-4H illustrate a second embodiment of a guide 200. FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the guide 200. FIG. 4B illustrates a top perspective view of the guide 200. FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the guide 200. FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the guide 200. FIG. 4E illustrates a front view of the guide 200. FIG. 4F illustrates a rear view of the guide 200. FIG. 4G illustrates a bottom view of the guide 200. FIG. 4H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the guide 200. The guide 200 includes a handle 202 connected to a rod 104, which connects to a base 206. The handle 202 allows a surgeon to grasp the guide 200 and place the base 206 into the slot 16 of the plate 8. The rod 104 separates the handle 202 from the base 206 to make it easier for the surgeon to manipulate and place the guide 200 within the slot 16 .

[0040] The base 206 includes a body 208, a lip 210, a guide hole 212, a chamfer 214, and a relief surface 216. The body 208 has a shape that is complementary to the slot 16 of the plate 8, allowing the body 208 to fit securely in the desired position within the slot 16. In this example, the body 208 has a generally oval shape that matches the generally oval shape of the slot 16. Other shapes may be used as well. This allows the guide hole 212 to be correctly positioned relative to the tibia 2, thereby ensuring that the guide wire 10 enters the tibia 2 in the correct location and orientation. Furthermore, the guide hole 212 extends through the body 208 from a front body surface 218 to a bottom body surface 220, which may be a first surface and a second surface. The guide hole 212 extends through the body 208 at the correct angle to allow the guide wire 10 and compression screw 18 to extend through the tibia 2 and talus 4 and into the calcaneus 6. The guide holes 212 exit the bottom body surface 220 so that when the compression screw 18 is placed over the guide wire 10 and screwed into the tibia 2, the compression screw 18 extends through the slot 16 without the compression threads 20 touching the edges of the slot 16, thereby preventing damage to the compression threads 20. Additionally, the guide holes 212 help to ensure that the compression screw head 22 is properly located and reduce the profile of the compression screw head 22 within the plate 8, thereby reducing the potential for irritation to the patient.

[0041] The lip 210 extends around the body 208 on the outer surface of the body. In this example, the lip 210 extends around the body 208 from one edge of the front body surface 218 to a second edge of the front body surface 218. As a result, the lip 210 does not extend across the front body surface 218. In other embodiments, the lip 210 may extend completely around the body 208 so as not to interfere with the guide holes 212 or the flank surface 216. Additionally, the lip 210 may be comprised of a discontinuous section, i.e., a section that extends around the body 208 to provide the necessary support when engaging the top of the plate 8. The lip 210 is configured to engage with the top surface of the plate 8 surrounding the slot 16. The lip 210 is positioned a distance from the bottom body surface 220 to allow the bottom body surface 220 to just touch the tibia 2 or to allow a gap between the bottom body surface 220 and the tibia 2. This helps ensure the guidewire 10 and compression screw 18 are in the correct location and orientation. The bottom surface of the lip 210 may be shaped to fit the top surface of the plate 8 surrounding the slot 16. In this example, the bottom lip surface 222 of the lip 210 is curved.

[0042] The chamfer 214 extends from the top surface (or third surface) of the base 206 to the guide hole 212. The chamfer 214 allows the guide wire 10 to be more easily inserted into the guide hole 212. The chamfer 214 also allows the guide 200 to be removed from the plate 8 along with the guide wire 10 after the guide wire 10 has been driven into the tibia 2.

[0043] The relief surface 216 is a sloped surface that extends from the bottom body surface 220 to the front body surface 218. The relief surface 216 allows the guide 200 to be removed from the slot 16 of the plate 8 over a long guide wire 10 after the guide wire 10 has been driven into the tibia 2. The shape, location, and angle of the relief surface 216 are configured to allow the body 208 to be securely seated in a fixed, desired location within the slot 16 of the plate 8, yet allow the guide 200 to be removed over the guide wire 10.

[0044] A method for using guide 100 will now be described. This description also applies to guide 200. After preparing the surfaces of the first and second bones to be fused (if necessary), the surgeon begins by placing plate 8 on the first bone (tibia 2 in this particular example). The plate 8 is secured to the first bone using screws 12 placed in at least two screw holes 14 in plate 8. The surgeon may first pre-drill holes through the screw holes 14 in plate 8 to receive the screws 12. Next, the surgeon places guide 100 within slot 16 of plate 8. Next, the surgeon uses a driver to drive guide wire 10 through guide hole 112 in guide 100. The guide wire 10 is driven to the required depth to capture and fuse the first and second bones. Next, the surgeon removes guide 100 from plate 8 by sliding it along guide wire 10. Next, the surgeon slides the compression screws 18 over the guide wire 10 and drives the compression screws 18 into the first and second bones. The compression screws 18 may be torqued to a desired value. The guide wire 10 may then be removed from the first and second bones. Finally, any remaining screws 12 may be installed in the plate 8, as desired.

[0045] Although drill guides 100 and 200 are described for use in ankle fusion, the drill guides may be adapted for use in other joint fusion procedures.

[0046] The drill guide embodiments described herein allow for the insertion of compression screws in the correct location and orientation. The drill guide is designed to fit into a plate slot and provide an opening that allows a guide wire to be driven into the bone in the correct location and orientation. This prevents the compression screw threads from being damaged by contact with the sides of the slot at that location. This also ensures that the compression screw head is properly seated within the plate slot so that it does not unnecessarily protrude from the plate.

[0047] Although each of the embodiments is described above in terms of their structural arrangement, it should be understood that the present invention also covers associated methods of using the above-described embodiments.

[0048] While various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain illustrative aspects thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments and its details are susceptible to modification in various obvious respects. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations, modifications, and combinations of the various embodiments can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0049] [Embodiment] (1) A drill guide, The handle and a base connected to the handle, The main body and a lip on an outer surface of the body configured to interface with an upper surface of a bone plate; a guide hole extending through the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body; a base, further including a flank extending between the first surface of the base and the second surface of the body. (2) A drill guide as described in embodiment 1, wherein the guide hole is configured to receive a guide wire. (3) A drill guide as described in embodiment 2, wherein the guide hole has a location and orientation configured to guide the guide wire to a specific location and orientation. (4) A drill guide as described in embodiment 1, wherein the relief surface is configured to facilitate removal of the drill guide from the bone plate after a guide wire is inserted through the guide hole. (5) The drill guide of claim 1, wherein the relief surface is flat and extends at an angle between the first surface and the second surface.

[0050] (6) A drill guide according to embodiment 1, wherein the body is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot in the bone plate. (7) A drill guide according to embodiment 5, wherein the body is configured to align the guide hole in a specific location and orientation relative to the bone plate. (8) A drill guide according to embodiment 1, wherein the lip is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upper surface of the bone plate. (9) The drill guide of embodiment 1, wherein the lip is configured to extend around the body from a first edge of the first surface to a second edge of the first surface. (10) The drill guide of embodiment 1, further comprising a chamfer extending from a third surface of the body to the guide hole, the third surface being opposite the second surface.

[0051] (11) A method of placing compression screws into a first bone and a second bone, comprising: attaching a bone plate to the first bone; inserting a drill guide including a guide hole having a specific location and orientation into a slot in the bone plate; Inserting a guide wire into the guide hole; driving the guidewire into the first bone and the second bone; removing the drill guide from the slot of the bone plate by sliding the drill guide along the guide wire; sliding the compression screw over the guidewire into contact with the first bone; Driving the compression screws into the first bone and the second bone; and removing the guidewire from the first bone and the second bone. (12) The drill guide The handle and a base connected to the handle, The main body and a lip on an outer surface of the body configured to interface with an upper surface of a bone plate; a base, further including a relief surface extending between the first surface of the base and the second surface of the body; 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the guide hole is configured to extend through the body from the first surface of the body to the second surface of the body. (13) The method of embodiment 12, wherein the relief surface is configured to facilitate removal of the drill guide from the bone plate after a guide wire is inserted through the guide hole. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the relief surface is flat and extends at an angle between the first surface and the second surface. (15) The method of embodiment 12, wherein the body is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot in the bone plate.

[0052] (16) The method of embodiment 14, wherein the body is configured to align the guide hole in a specific location and orientation relative to the bone plate. (17) The method of embodiment 12, wherein the lip is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upper surface of the bone plate. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the lip is configured to extend around the body from a first edge of the first surface to a second edge of the first surface. (19) The method of claim 12, further comprising a chamfer extending from a third surface of the body to the guide hole, the third surface being opposite the second surface.

Claims

1. A drill guide, The handle and a base connected to the handle, The main body and a lip on an outer surface of the body configured to interface with an upper surface of a bone plate; a guide hole extending through the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body; a base, further including a flank extending between the first surface of the base and the second surface of the body.

2. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the guide bore is configured to receive a guide wire.

3. The drill guide of claim 2 , wherein the guide hole has a location and orientation configured to guide the guide wire to a particular location and orientation.

4. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the relief surface is configured to facilitate removal of the drill guide from the bone plate after a guide wire has been inserted through the guide hole.

5. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the clearance surface is flat and extends at an angle between the first surface and the second surface.

6. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot in the bone plate.

7. The drill guide of claim 5 , wherein the body is configured to align the guide hole in a particular location and orientation relative to the bone plate.

8. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the lip is configured with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upper surface of the bone plate.

9. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the lip is configured to extend around the body from a first edge of the first surface to a second edge of the first surface.

10. The drill guide of claim 1 , further comprising a chamfer extending from a third surface of the body to the guide hole, the third surface being opposite the second surface.

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