Devices for fracture stabilization

Abstract

1. A device for stabilizing a fracture site, the device including: a wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone; and a tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer being rotatable about the first end of the wire; the wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in the first and second bones; the tension washer configured to be positioned proximate to a first surface of the second bone, the tension washer including a first surface having a length longer than the diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones; and the tension washer configured to rotate such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 914,749, filed October 14, 2019.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to bone stabilization, and specifically to devices for fracture site stabilization. [Background technology]

[0003] For various fractures, the use of orthopedic plates is a technique for stabilizing bones as needed for proper healing. Typically, a rigid, often metal, plate is placed on the outer surface of the bone across the fracture, and orthopedic screws extend through the plate and into the bone on either side of the fracture. The plate provides support and stability to the bone during the healing period. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Innovative aspects of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in an apparatus for stabilization of a fracture site, the apparatus comprising: a bone fixation plate including a plurality of fastener holes, the bone fixation plate configured to be coupled to a first bone with one or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the plurality of fastener holes; a wire including i) a smooth portion and ii) a serrated portion; and a tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer being rotatable about the first end of the wire, the wire being threaded through particular fastener holes of the bone fixation plate such that the tension washer is positioned proximate to a first surface of a second bone opposite a surface of the first bone adjacent to the bone fixation plate. the tension washer positioner including an angled tip, the tension washer positioner being configured to be positioned through a particular fastener hole in the bone fixation plate and through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones to adjust the angle of the tension washer relative to the tension washer; a cannulated screw configured to be inserted over the wire and through the particular fastener hole; and a locking washer configured to be inserted over the wire and positioned between two adjacent teeth of the serrated portion of the wire adjacent to the hollow screw to couple the wire to the bone fixation plate.

[0005] Each of these and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: For example, a tensioner configured to position the locking washer between two adjacent recesses in the serrated portion of the wire; One or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the fastener holes are further coupled into the first bone to couple the bone fixation plate to the first bone; The tension washer positioner is cannulated such that the tension washer positioner is configured to be inserted over the wire; The tension washer includes a first surface having a length greater than a diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones, and the tension washer is configured to rotate such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts a first surface of the second bone when the locking washer is positioned between two adjacent teeth in the serrated portion of the wire. The first surface of the tension washer may have an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the wire when the first surface of the tension washer is configured to contact the first surface of the second bone. The width of the tension washer is less than the diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones. The tension washer positioner is configured to adjust the angle of the tension washer relative to the tension wire to be substantially the same as the angle of the angled tip of the tension washer positioner. The first bone may be the tibia and the second bone may be the fibula. The tension washer is configured to have a rotation relative to the wire when positioned through a particular fastener hole in the bone fixation plate and the corresponding hole in the first bone. The rotation may be approximately 15 degrees. The locking washer includes one or more teeth and one or more recesses between adjacent teeth, and when the locking washer is coupled to a particular tooth between adjacent recesses of the serrated portion of the wire, the teeth of the locking washer are configured to prevent movement of the locking washer toward a second end of the wire opposite the first end of the wire.

[0006] Innovative aspects of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in a device including a wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone, and a tension washer rotatably coupled to a first end of the wire and configured to be positioned proximate to a first surface of the second bone, the tension washer including a first surface having a length greater than diameters of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones, the tension washer configured to rotate about the first end of the wire such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone.

[0007] Each of these and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the tension washer is configured to have a range of rotation about the first end of the wire such that the tension washer forms an angle with the wire. The tension washer is configured to have an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the wire when the first surface of the tension washer is placed in contact with the first surface of the second bone. The tension washer is configured to have an angle of approximately 0-15 degrees with the wire when passing through corresponding holes in the first and second bones. The width of the first surface of the tension washer is less than the length of the first surface of the tension washer. The first bone may be the tibia and the second bone may be the fibula. The tension washer may be rotatably coupled to the first end of the wire by a pin.

[0008] The innovative aspects of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in an apparatus for stabilization of a fracture site, the apparatus including a cannulated tension washer positioner including an angled tip, the tension washer positioner configured to be positioned over a wire positioned through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone, the cannulated tension washer positioner configured to adjust an angle of a rotatable tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the wire positioned through corresponding holes in the first and second bones, and the tension washer positioned adjacent a first surface of the second bone.

[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. A device for fracture stabilization, the device comprising: a bone fixation plate including a plurality of fastener holes, the bone fixation plate configured to be coupled to a first bone with one or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the plurality of fastener holes; A wire comprising: i) a smooth portion; and ii) a serrated portion; a tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer being rotatable about the first end of the wire, the tension washer being configured to be positioned through a particular fastener hole in the bone fixation plate and through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone, whereby the tension washer is positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone opposite a surface of the first bone adjacent the bone fixation plate; a tension washer positioner including an angled tip, the tension washer positioner configured to be positioned through the particular fastener hole in the bone fixation plate and through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones to adjust the angle of the tension washer relative to the tension washer; and a cannulated screw configured to be inserted over the wire and through the particular fastener hole; a locking washer inserted over the wire and positioned between two adjacent teeth of the serrated portion of the wire adjacent the hollow screw, the locking washer configured to couple the wire to the bone fixation plate; 13. An apparatus comprising: (Item 2) Item 1 . The apparatus of item 1 , further comprising a tensioner configured to position the locking washer between two adjacent recesses in the serrated portion of the wire. (Item 3) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners positioned through the respective fastener holes of the plurality of fastener holes are further coupled at least partially within the first bone to couple the bone fixation plate to the first bone. (Item 4) Item 1 , the apparatus of item 1 , wherein the tension washer positioner is cannulated such that the tension washer positioner is configured to be inserted over the wire. (Item 5) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension washer includes a first surface having a length greater than a diameter of a corresponding hole in the first and second bones, and the tension washer is configured to rotate such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone when the locking washer is positioned between the two adjacent teeth of the serrated portion of the wire. (Item 6) Item 6. The apparatus of item 5, wherein the first surface of the tension washer is at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the wire when the first surface of the tension washer is configured to contact the first surface of the second bone. (Item 7) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a width of the tension washer is less than a diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones. (Item 8) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension washer positioner is configured to adjust an angle of the tension washer relative to the tension wire to be substantially the same as an angle of the angled tip of the tension washer positioner. (Item 9) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first bone is a tibia and the second bone is a fibula. (Item 10) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension washer is configured to be rotated relative to the wire when positioned through the particular fastener hole of the bone fixation plate and the corresponding hole in the first bone. (Item 11) Item 11. The apparatus of item 10, wherein the rotation is approximately 15 degrees. (Item 12) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking washer includes one or more teeth and one or more recesses between adjacent teeth, and when the locking washer is coupled to a particular tooth between adjacent recesses of the serrated portion of the wire, the teeth of the locking washer are configured to prevent movement of the locking washer toward a second end of the wire opposite the first end of the wire. (Item 13) 1. A device for fracture stabilization, the device comprising: a wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone; a tension washer rotatably coupled to a first end of the wire and configured to be positioned adjacent to a first surface of the second bone; Including, the tension washer includes a first surface having a length greater than a diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones, the tension washer being configured to rotate around the first end of the wire such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone. (Item 14) Item 14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein the tension washer is configured to have a range of rotation about the first end of the wire such that the tension washer forms an angle with respect to the wire. (Item 15) Item 15. The apparatus of item 14, wherein the tension washer is configured to be at an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the wire when placed such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone. (Item 16) Item 15. The apparatus of item 14, wherein the tension washers are configured to be at an angle of approximately 0 to 15 degrees relative to the wires as they pass through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones. (Item 17) Item 14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein a width of the first surface of the tension washer is less than the length of the first surface of the tension washer. (Item 18) Item 14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein the first bone is a tibia and the second bone is a fibula. (Item 19) Item 14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein the tension washer is rotatably coupled to the first end of the wire by a pin. (Item 20) 1. An apparatus for stabilizing a fracture site, the apparatus comprising: a cannulated tension washer positioner including an angled tip; 1. An apparatus, comprising: a tension washer positioner configured to be positioned over a wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in a first bone and an adjacent second bone; and a cannulated tension washer positioner configured to adjust an angle of a rotatable tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the wire configured to be positioned through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones, the tension washer being positioned adjacent the first surface of the second bone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a device for stabilization of a fracture site.

[0011] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a device for stabilization of a fracture site.

[0012] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the device following attachment of the bone fixation plate to the first bone.

[0013] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the device following attachment of the bone fixation plate to the first bone.

[0014] [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the device prior to creation of corresponding holes in the first and second bones.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a drilling device inserted through the fastener holes and through corresponding portions of the first and second bones.

[0016] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the device following the creation of corresponding holes in the first and second bones.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a device including a wire and a tension washer.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the device after the step of positioning wires and tension washers through the fastener holes and the first and second holes in the first and second bones.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an apparatus including a tension washer positioner.

[0020] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the device after the tension washer positioners have been positioned through the fastener holes and the first and second holes in the first and second bones.

[0021] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a tension washer positioner engaging a tension washer.

[0022] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the device after partial retraction of the tension washer positioners through the fastener holes and the first and second holes in the first and second bones.

[0023] [Figure 12A] 12A and 12B illustrate side views of the device after full retraction of the tension washer positioners through the fastener holes and the first and second holes in the first and second bones. [Figure 12B] 12A and 12B illustrate side views of the device after full retraction of the tension washer positioners through the fastener holes and the first and second holes in the first and second bones.

[0024] [Figure 13] 13-14 illustrate a side view of a device including a cannulated screw. [Figure 14] 13-14 illustrate a side view of a device including a cannulated screw.

[0025] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a device including a cannulated screw.

[0026] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a close-up view of the second end of the wire with the device including a locking washer.

[0027] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates a locking washer that is inserted over the wire.

[0028] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the device, including the tensioner.

[0029] [Figure 19] 19-20 and 21A illustrate perspective views of an apparatus including a tensioner. [Figure 20] 19-20 and 21A illustrate perspective views of an apparatus including a tensioner. [Figure 21A] 19-20 and 21A illustrate perspective views of an apparatus including a tensioner.

[0030] [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B illustrates a front view of the device including the tensioner.

[0031] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the device after the step of positioning the locking washer between adjacent teeth of the serrated portion of the wire and adjacent the cannulated screw.

[0032] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 illustrates a locking washer adjacent to the cannulated screw.

[0033] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the device after placement of the device for stabilization of the fracture site.

[0034] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a bone fixation plate.

[0035] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of a fastener used in a bone fixation plate.

[0036] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 illustrates a clamp for use in a bone fixation plate.

[0037] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 illustrates an elevation view of the clamp.

[0038] [Figure 29] 29-31 illustrate cross sections of a bone fixation plate. [Diagram 30] 29-31 illustrate cross sections of a bone fixation plate. [Diagram 31] 29-31 illustrate cross sections of a bone fixation plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100 for stabilization of a fracture site, and FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the device 100. Specifically, the device 100 includes a bone fixation plate 102 including a plurality of fastener holes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e (collectively referred to as fastener holes 104). As shown, the bone fixation plate 102 can include five fastener holes 104, however, the bone fixation plate 102 can include any number of fastener holes 104. The bone fixation plate 102 can be coupled to a first bone 106. The first bone 106 can be adjacent to a second bone 108. In some examples, the first bone 106 can include a tibia and the second bone 108 can include a fibula. However, the first bone 106 and the second bone 108 can be any two adjacent bones. For example, the device 100 can be used in stabilizing fractures such as hip fractures, clavicle fractures, thoracic fractures, metatarsal fractures, toe fusions, among other fractures. The bone fixation plate 102 can be coupled to the first bone 106 using fasteners 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d (collectively referred to as fasteners 110). The fasteners 110 can be positioned through the respective fastener holes 104. That is, at least a portion of the fasteners 110 can be positioned through the respective fastener holes 104, e.g., a threaded portion can be positioned through the respective fastener holes 104. As illustrated, the fasteners 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are positioned through the fastener holes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, respectively. However, a portion of the fasteners 110 can be positioned through a portion of the respective fastener holes 104.

[0040] 2A illustrates a perspective view of the device 100 after coupling of the bone fixation plate 102 to the first bone 106, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the device 100 after coupling of the bone fixation plate 102 to the first bone 106. As shown, fasteners 110 are not positioned through fastener holes 104e, however, any of the fastener holes 104 can be independent of (i.e., do not include) a corresponding fastener 110. To that end, as shown, fasteners 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are coupled within the first bone 106 and couple the bone fixation plate 102 to the first bone 106 (e.g., the bone fixation plate 102 can be flush with the first bone 106).

[0041] In some examples, one or more of the fastener holes 104 can include one or more tabs 111. The tabs 111 can facilitate maintaining the positioning of the fasteners 110 when the fasteners are coupled to the first bone 106. In some examples, the tabs 111 can be at least partially retractable within the bone fixation plate 102. When the tabs 111 are retracted within the bone fixation plate 102, the entirety of the fastener holes 104 can become unobstructed. In some examples, the tabs 111 are retracted upon contact with the fasteners 110, e.g., when the fasteners 110 are inserted through the fastener holes 104. When the fasteners 104 are coupled to the first bone 106, the heads of the fasteners 110 can be positioned between the tabs 111 and the first bone 106 such that the tabs 111 maintain the position of the respective fasteners 110 (e.g., maintain the coupling of the fasteners 110 to the first bone 106). As the fastener 110 translates toward the first bone 106 (e.g., as the fastener is "threaded into" the first bone 106), the tab 111 can move outward (from a previously retracted state), thereby positioning the head of the fastener 110 between the tab 111 and the first bone 106.

[0042] 3 illustrates a side view of the device 100 prior to creation of corresponding holes in the first bone 106 and the second bone 108. For example, a drilling device 112 (e.g., a drill bit) can be inserted through the fastener hole 110e and through corresponding portions of the first bone 106 and the second bone 108, as shown in FIG. 4. In some examples, the drilling device 112 can be substantially perpendicular to the bone fixation plate 102 such that corresponding holes in the first bone 106 and the second bone 108 generated by the drilling device 112 can be substantially aligned. In some examples, the drilling device 112 can be at an angle relative to the bone fixation plate 102 such that corresponding holes in the first bone 106 and the second bone 108 generated by the drilling device are offset (e.g., based on the angle of the drilling device 112 relative to the bone fixation plate 102).

[0043] 5 illustrates a front view of the device 100 following creation of corresponding holes in the first bone 106 and the second bone 108 (e.g., removal of the drilling device 112). To that end, the drilling device 112 can create a first hole 114 in the first bone 106 and a second hole 116 in the second bone 108 (with the first hole 114 overlapping the second hole 116 as viewed from the front view of the device 100 in FIG. 5). In some examples, the first and second holes 114, 116 have a diameter. In some examples, the diameter of the first and second holes 114, 116 can be the diameter of the first and second holes 114, 116 when the tabs 111 of the fastener holes 104 are retracted (e.g., when the first and second holes 114, 116 are unobstructed).

[0044] 6 illustrates a side view of the device 100 including a wire 120 and a tension washer 122. The wire 120 and tension washer 122 can be configured to be positioned through the fastener hole 104e, further described herein, and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. The tension washer 122 can be coupled to the first end 124 of the wire 120 opposite the second end 126 of the wire 120. The tension washer 122 can be coupled to the first end 124 of the wire 120 about a pivot point 128. Specifically, a pin can be coupled through the tension washer 122 and the wire 120 to couple the tension washer 122 to the wire 120 and allow the tension washer 122 to rotate about the pivot point 128.

[0045] 7 illustrates a side view of the device 100 after positioning the wire 120 and tension washer 122 through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. Specifically, the wire 120 can be configured to be positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108 such that the tension washer 122 is positioned proximate to a first surface 130 of the second bone 108. The first surface 130 can be opposite a surface 132 of the first bone 106 adjacent the bone fixation plate 102. In some examples, the tension washer 122 can include a first surface 134 having a length L1 that is longer than a diameter of the holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. In some examples, the width W1 of the tension washer 122 can be less than the diameter of the holes 114, 116 in the first and second bones 106, 108. In some examples, the tension washer 122 can be configured to rotate relative to the wire 120 about the pivot point 128 when positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 in the first and second bones 106, 108. That is, the tension washer 122 can be substantially non-parallel to the wire 120 when the tension washer 122 is positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 in the first and second bones 106, 108. In some examples, the tension washer 122 can be configured to have approximately 0 to 15 degrees of rotation about the pivot point 128 relative to the wire 120 when positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108.

[0046] 8 illustrates a side view of device 100 including tension washer positioner 140. Tension washer positioner 140 may include an angled tip 142. Tension washer positioner 140 may be cannulated such that tension washer positioner 140 may be inserted over wire 120.

[0047] 9 illustrates a side view of the device 100 after the tension washer positioner 140 has been positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. Specifically, the tension washer positioner 140 can be positioned through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108 and configured to adjust the angle of the tension washer 122 relative to the wire 120, for example, about the pivot point 128. To that end, as shown in FIG. 10, the tension washer positioner 140 can engage the tension washer 122, specifically, the angled tip 142 can engage the tension washer 122. In some examples, the tension washer positioner 140 adjusts the angle of the tension washer 122 relative to the wire 120 to be substantially the same as the angle of the angled tip 142 of the tension washer positioner 140 .

[0048] 11 illustrates a side view of the device 100 after partial retraction of the tension washer positioner 140 through the fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. As a result, the distance between the surface 130 of the second bone 108 and the tension washer 122 can be reduced, for example, such that at least a portion of the tension washer 122 may be in physical contact with the surface 130 of the second bone 108.

[0049] 12A illustrates a side view of the device 100 after full retraction of the tension washer positioner 120 through fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108. Specifically, after full retraction of the tension washer positioner 120 through fastener hole 104e and the first and second holes 114, 116 of the first and second bones 106, 108, the first surface 134 of the tension washer 122 can contact the first surface 130 of the second bone 108, as shown more clearly in FIG.

[0050] 13 illustrates a side view of the device 100, including a cannulated screw 150. Specifically, the cannulated screw 150 is configured to be inserted over the wire 120 and through the fastener hole 104e, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The cannulated screw 150 can be positioned through the fastener hole 104e, and a threaded portion of the cannulated screw 150 can be coupled into the first bone 106.

[0051] 16 illustrates a close-up view of the second end 126 of the wire 120, with the device 100 further including a locking washer 156. The locking washer 156 can include an opening 158 with a flexible portion 160 surrounding the opening 158. As shown, the locking washer 156 can include six flexible portions 160, however, the locking washer 156 can include any number of flexible portions 160. Each of the flexible portions 160 can include a side portion 161, a top portion 163, and a chamfered portion 165. The locking washer 156 can further include a back surface 167 that includes an opening 158 with a gap defined between the back surface 167 and the flexible portion 160.

[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates a locking washer 156 configured to be inserted over a wire 120. The wire 120 can include a smooth portion 170 and a serrated portion 172. The smooth portion 170 can be proximate the second end 126 of the wire 120 and the serrated portion 172 can be proximate the first end 124 of the wire 120. The serrated portion 172 can include a plurality of teeth 174 and a plurality of recesses 175 between adjacent teeth 174. The locking washer 156 can be configured to be inserted over the wire 120. For example, the locking washer 156 can translate along the wire 120 at the smooth portion 170 at the second end 126 of the wire 120 toward the serrated portion 172 at the first end 124 of the wire 120. When the locking washer 156 comes into contact with the serrated portion 172, the flexible portion 160 of the locking washer 156 can “bend” and expand the size of the opening 158, such that the locking washer 156 can be coupled to certain teeth 174, specifically, the teeth 174 between adjacent recesses 175 can be positioned within a gap defined between the back surface 167 of the locking washer 156 and the flexible portion 160. In some examples, the chamfered portion 165 can facilitate bending of the opening 158 when initial contact between the locking washer 156 and the teeth 174 occurs. That is, the teeth 174 can facilitate applying a force to the chamfer 165 of the locking washer 156, which force increases as the locking washer 156 is translated toward the first end of the wire 120. The serrated portion 172 can minimize and / or prevent unwanted / undesirable translation of the locking washer 156, for example, in a direction toward the second end 126 of the wire 120. That is, the serrated portion 172 can provide backout prevention for the locking washer 156.

[0053] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of device 100 including tensioner 176 configured to couple locking washer 156 to specific teeth 174 of serrated portion 172 of wire 120. Specifically, tensioner 176 can first engage wire 120 at second end 126 of wire 120 such that tensioner 176 is positioned over wire 120, as shown in FIG. 19. As tensioner 176 pulls wire 120, tensioner 176 can then engage locking washer 156, as shown in FIG. 20. Tensioner 176 can then position locking washer 156 such that locking washer 156 is coupled to specific teeth 174 of serrated portion 172 to obtain a desired tension in wire 120, as shown in FIG. 21A. 21B illustrates a front view of device 100, specifically tensioner 176, which wraps wire 120 (e.g., smooth portion 170 and / or serrated portion 172) around rod 178 via knob 180 to establish a desired tension on wire 120. In some examples, locking washer 156 can contact cannulated screw 150 when locking washer 156 is coupled to a particular tooth 174 such that a desired tension in wire 120 is obtained.

[0054] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the device 100 after the step of coupling the locking washer 156 adjacent to the cannulated screw to a particular tooth 174 of the serrated portion 172 of the wire 120. Specifically, the tensioner 176 can be translated in a direction toward the second end 126 of the wire 120, causing the wire 120 to become disengaged from the rod 178. At the same time, the locking washer 156 remains coupled to the particular tooth 174 of the wire 120 and adjacent to the cannulated screw 150, as shown in FIG. 23. Any remaining portion of the wire 120 toward the second end 126 of the wire 120 can be removed. In some instances, the cannulated screw 150 can be recessed within the fastener hole 104e such that the head 191 of the cannulated screw 150 can be spaced from the surface 192 of the bone fixation plate 102. To that end, when the locking washer 156 contacts the cannulated screw 150, as shown in FIG. 23, the surface 193 of the locking washer 156 can flush with the surface 192 of the bone fixation plate 102. In some examples, the surface 193 of the locking washer 156 can be spaced from the surface 192 of the bone fixation plate 102 such that when the locking washer contacts the cannulated screw 150, the entirety of the locking washer 156 is positioned within the fastener hole 104e.

[0055] 24 illustrates a side view of the device 100 after installation of the device 100 for stabilization of a fracture site. Specifically, after the locking washer 156 is coupled to certain teeth 174 such that a desired tension in the wire 120 is obtained, the surface 134 of the tension washer 120 contacts the first surface 130 of the second bone 108 (e.g., at an approximately 90 degree angle relative to the wire 120).

[0056] In some examples, the bone fixation plate 102 can be similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 10,105,169 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Specifically, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bone fixation plate 40 similar to the bone fixation plate 102 of FIG. 1. The plate 40 generally includes a plurality of screw holes, with one such screw hole 42 shown in FIG. 25, similar to the fastener hole 104 of FIG. 1. The screw hole 42 can be unthreaded with anti-backout features including a notch and channel 46 in the sidewall of the hole. A semicircular shaped clamp 30 is seated within the notch and channel 46. The bone fixation plate 40 can also include an opening 44 that allows visualization of the bone when the plate 40 is inserted. A plurality of orthopedic screws 10, 48 (similar to the fastener 110 of FIG. 1) can be driven into the bone through the plurality of screw holes 42. Although eleven orthopedic screws 10,48 are illustrated in FIG. 25, one skilled in the art will understand that the bone fixation plate 40 may include more or less than eleven orthopedic screws 10,48.

[0057] 26 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an orthopedic screw used in a bone fixation system with anti-backout features. The orthopedic screw 10 (similar to the fastener 110 of FIG. 1) includes a head with an upper recess (not shown) on the surface 12, e.g., a hexagonal slot for screwing, a shaft 18 with a bone-engaging thread 20, and a conical tapered portion 16 at the lower end of the head that leads into the shaft 18. The head includes a cylindrical portion 22 with a radius that is less than the radius of the head. As a result, a portion of the clamp 30 (not shown in FIG. 26) can be placed on a portion of the surface 14.

[0058] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 is a fully threaded cancellous screw, but other embodiments may be practiced. By way of example, embodiments may be practiced as partially threaded cancellous screws, fully threaded cortical screws, partially threaded cortical screws, cancellous and cortical screws, and others. Fully threaded screws have threads substantially along the entire length of their shafts, while partially threaded screws have threads along a portion of their shaft length, with at least another portion of their shaft length remaining unthreaded. Cancellous and cortical screws may have one type of thread along a distal portion of their shaft and another type of thread along a proximal portion of their shaft. The distal portion may be directly adjacent to the proximal portion, or the distal and proximal portions may be separated from each other, for example, by an unthreaded portion.

[0059] Figure 27 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a clamp used in a bone fixation system with an anti-backout feature. The clamp 30 includes a substantially semicircular shaped washer 32 with two protrusions 34 extending perpendicularly away from the washer 32 and toward the center of the washer 32. Figure 28 is an elevational view of this embodiment of the clamp 30 of Figure 27 showing the profile of the washer 32 and protrusions 34.

[0060] 29 is a cross-section of one embodiment of an orthopedic plate and clamp assembly used in a bone fixation system with an anti-backout feature. A clamp 30 is seated in a notch and channel 46 of a hole 42 in a bone fixation plate 40. A washer portion 32 of the clamp 30 is seated on a surface of the notch and channel 46. A protrusion 34 of the clamp 30 may be generally flush with the upper surface of the plate 40. The curved configuration of the lower surface of the plate 40 complements the natural curved configuration of the bone.

[0061] 30 is a cross-section of one embodiment of an orthopedic plate, clamp and screw assembly used in a bone fixation system with anti-backout features. The head of the screw 10 is seated in the space defined in the plate 40 by the hole 42, and as the head is driven towards the bone, the plate is compressed against the bone. The screw 10 can be driven until the desired compression is obtained. The conical taper 16 of the screw 10 is seated against the conical taper of the screw hole 42. The conical configuration of both the screw head and the screw hole allows the screw 10 to be inserted into the bone either at a right angle or at an angle to provide the desired compression.

[0062] The clamp 30, and more specifically the protrusion 34, prevents any loosening or backout of the screw 10 that may occur through micro-movements. Due to the conical taper 16 at the bottom end of the head of the screw 10, it can be inserted into the screw hole 42 and beyond the clamp 30 without significant resistance from the clamp 30, because the conical taper 16 provides an inclined surface that partially deflects the clamp 30 into the notch and channel 46 of the hole 42 as the screw is inserted. However, the configuration of the screw 10 with the cylindrical portion 22 having a smaller radius than that of the remainder of the screw head allows the protrusion 34 of the clamp 30 to rest on the surface 14 of the screw. With this arrangement, a large interference can be created between the protrusion 34 and the head of the screw 10. Thus, the clamp 30 can be configured to resist unintentional backout of the screw 10 from the screw hole, for example, such resistance can be overcome by a substantial and deliberate manual force applied to the screw.

[0063] 31 is a cross-section of one example of an orthopedic plate, clamp and screw assembly used in a bone fixation system showing interference between the clamp 30 protrusions 34 and the screw 10. As discussed above, the clamp 30 is seated within the notches and channels 46 of the screw holes 42. The clamp protrusions 34 prevent backout of the screw 10. In addition, if screw removal is required, the clamp 30 may be positioned within the notches and channels 46 to position the clamp 30 to facilitate screw removal. Furthermore, the clamp protrusions 34 do not need to cover the surface 12 of the orthopedic screw 10, and therefore they need not impede access of instruments positioned to remove the screw 10.

[0064] The above disclosed subject matter should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, extensions, and other embodiments that are within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

[0065] In this specification, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Thus, in this specification, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Also, "and" is both "jointly" and "respectively," unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Thus, in this specification, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly and each," unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

[0066] The scope of the present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, modifications, and alterations of the exemplary embodiments described or illustrated herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates each embodiment herein as including certain components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, a reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system, or a component of an apparatus or system, means that the apparatus, system, or component is adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operating to perform a particular function that contains the apparatus, system, component, regardless of whether itself or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, so long as the apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operating.

Claims

1. 1. A device for fracture stabilization, the device comprising: a bone fixation plate including a plurality of fastener holes, the bone fixation plate configured to be coupled to a first bone with one or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the plurality of fastener holes; A wire comprising: i) a smooth portion; and ii) a serrated portion; a tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer being rotatable about the first end of the wire, the wire being configured to be positioned through a particular fastener hole in the bone fixation plate and through corresponding holes in the first bone and an adjacent second bone, the tension washer being positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone opposite a surface of the first bone adjacent the bone fixation plate, the first bone or the second bone including the fracture site; a tension washer positioner including an angled tip, the tension washer positioner configured to be positioned through the particular fastener hole of the bone fixation plate and through the corresponding holes of the first bone and the second bone, the tension washer positioner further configured to adjust an angle of the tension washer relative to the wire; a cannulated screw configured to be inserted over the wire and through the particular fastener hole, a threaded portion of the cannulated screw being secured within the first bone; a locking washer configured to be inserted over the wire, the locking washer including a flexible portion configured to bend as the locking washer comes into contact with the serrated portion of the wire; 13. An apparatus comprising:

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tensioner configured to position the locking washer between two adjacent recesses in the serrated portion of the wire by pulling the wire.

3. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners positioned through the respective fastener holes of the plurality of fastener holes are further coupled at least partially within the first bone, thereby coupling the bone fixation plate to the first bone.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tension washer positioner is cannulated such that the tension washer positioner is configured to be inserted over the wire.

5. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tension washer includes a first surface having a length greater than a diameter of a corresponding hole in the first bone and the second bone, and the tension washer is configured to rotate such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone when the locking washer is positioned between the two adjacent teeth of the serrated portion of the wire.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first surface of the tension washer is at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the wire when the first surface of the tension washer is configured to contact the first surface of the second bone.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a width of the tension washer is less than a diameter of the corresponding holes in the first and second bones.

8. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension washer positioner is configured to adjust an angle of the tension washer relative to the wire to be substantially the same as an angle of the angled tip of the tension washer positioner.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first bone is a tibia and the second bone is a fibula.

10. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension washer is configured to rotate relative to the wire when the tension washer is inserted through the particular fastener hole of the bone fixation plate and the corresponding hole in the first bone.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rotation is approximately 15 degrees.

12. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking washer includes one or more teeth and one or more recesses between adjacent teeth, and the teeth of the locking washer are configured to prevent movement of the locking washer toward a second end of the wire opposite the first end of the wire when the locking washer is coupled to a particular tooth between adjacent recesses of the serrated portion of the wire.

13. 1. A device for fracture stabilization, the device comprising: a bone fixation plate including a plurality of fastener holes, the bone fixation plate configured to be coupled to a first bone with one or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the plurality of fastener holes; a wire including i) a smooth portion and ii) a serrated portion, the wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in the first bone and an adjacent second bone; a tension washer rotatably coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer configured to be positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone, the wire configured to be positioned through specific fastener holes in the bone fixation plate and through corresponding holes in the first bone and the adjacent second bone, the tension washer being positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone opposite a surface of the first bone adjacent the bone fixation plate, the first bone or the adjacent second bone including the fracture site; a cannulated screw configured to be inserted over the wire and through the particular fastener hole; a locking washer configured to be inserted over the wire, the locking washer including a flexible portion configured to bend as the locking washer comes into contact with the serrated portion of the wire; Including, the tension washer includes a first surface having a length greater than a diameter of the corresponding holes in the first bone and the second bone, the tension washer being configured to rotate around the first end of the wire such that the first surface of the tension washer contacts the first surface of the second bone.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tension washer is configured to have a range of rotation about the first end of the wire such that the tension washer forms an angle with respect to the wire.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the tension washer is configured to be at an approximately 90 degree angle with respect to the wire when the first surface of the tension washer is placed in contact with the first surface of the second bone.

16. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the tension washer is configured to be at an angle of approximately 0 to 15 degrees relative to the wire when passing through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones.

17. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a width of the first surface of the tension washer is less than the length of the first surface of the tension washer.

18. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first bone is a tibia and the second bone is a fibula.

19. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tension washer is rotatably coupled to the first end of the wire by a pin.

20. 1. A device for fracture stabilization, the device comprising: a bone fixation plate including a plurality of fastener holes, the bone fixation plate configured to be coupled to a first bone with one or more fasteners positioned through respective ones of the plurality of fastener holes; a wire including i) a smooth portion and ii) a serrated portion, the wire configured to be positioned through corresponding holes in the first bone and an adjacent second bone; a tension washer rotatably coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer configured to be positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone, the wire configured to be positioned through specific fastener holes in the bone fixation plate and through corresponding holes in the first bone and the adjacent second bone, the tension washer being positioned proximate the first surface of the second bone opposite a surface of the first bone adjacent the bone fixation plate, the first bone or the adjacent second bone including the fracture site; a cannulation tension washer positioner including an angled tip, the cannulation tension washer positioner configured to be positioned over the wire, the cannulation tension washer positioner configured to adjust an angle of a rotatable tension washer coupled to the first end of the wire, the wire configured to be positioned through the corresponding holes in the first and second bones, the cannulation tension washer being positioned adjacent the first surface of the second bone; a cannulated screw configured to be inserted over the wire and through the particular fastener hole, a threaded portion of the cannulated screw being secured within the first bone; a locking washer configured to be inserted over the wire, the locking washer including a flexible portion configured to bend as the locking washer comes into contact with the serrated portion of the wire; 13. An apparatus comprising:

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