Anterior lateral clavicle fracture fixation plate

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] Claims of Priority This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 164,274, filed Mar. 22, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application generally relates to fracture fixation. More specifically, this application provides an anterior fracture fixation plate with improved contouring.

Background Art

[0003] One problem that can occur 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 surface of the clavicle is one method used by surgeons for clavicle fracture fixation that can result in such tissue irritation. Superior clavicle plates provide the desired lateral fixation, but one technique that may help reduce the likelihood of a second surgery is the use of an anterior clavicle plate for fracture fixation. Anterior clavicle plates can also provide improved lateral grip compared to superior clavicle plates because the screws can be substantially longer when they pass through the clavicle from front to back rather than from top to bottom. [[ID=二十]]

[0004] However, typical anterior clavicle plates do not have the desired fit or conformity to the anterior and lateral surfaces of the patient's clavicle, which can increase the incidence of tissue irritation and / or limit the amount of fixation the plate can provide. Thus, an anterior clavicle plate with a better fit to the patient's clavicle than typical anterior clavicle plates is desirable.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] In a first aspect of the disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect unless otherwise specified, in light of the technical features described herein, the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate includes a contour body having a plurality of openings along the length of the contour body from the first end to the second end, on the first end opposite to the second end, on the upper end opposite to the lower end, and from the first end to the second end. A plane extends through a first portion of the contour body, the first portion adjacent to the first end, and a second portion of the contour body curves away from the plane in the first direction, the second portion of the contour body adjacent to the second end. The contour body includes a first bend along its length which bends at least partially in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The height of the contour body, measured perpendicular to its 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 this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first aspect) unless otherwise specified, the contour body includes a second bend that is at least partially bent in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

[0008] In a third aspect of the disclosure of this application, which can 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 in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first to third aspects) unless otherwise specified, the height of the contour body gradually decreases along its length.

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

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

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

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., aspects 1 through 7) unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each of the multiple openings along the length of the contour body decreases from the first end to the second end.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., aspects 1 to 8) unless otherwise specified, the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate further includes an arm extending from a contour body, the arm being configured to contact the upper surface of the clavicle while the contour body is in contact with the lateral surface of the clavicle.

[0015] In the tenth aspect of the disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the ninth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the arm extends perpendicularly from the contour body.

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

[0017] In a twelfth aspect of the disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., 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 this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., aspects 2 through 12) unless otherwise specified, the 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 an opening in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate on the anterior surface of the clavicle.

[0019] In a 14th aspect of the disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the 13th aspect) unless otherwise specified, the device includes a base member, a guide member, and a lock 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 lock post is positioned through the slot of the guide member and the base member, thereby connecting the guide member and the base member.

[0020] In a 15th aspect of the disclosure in this application, which can be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the 14th aspect) unless otherwise specified, the guide member may rotate around its long axis relative to the base member before engaging the lock post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, and after engaging the lock post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, the guide member is fixed to the base member.

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

[0022] In a 17th aspect of the present disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., a 13th aspect) unless otherwise specified, the contour body of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate is contoured to fit either the anterior surface of the patient's right clavicle or the anterior surface of the patient's left clavicle.

[0023] In an 18th aspect of the disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., aspects 2 to 17) unless otherwise specified, a method for fixing a clavicle fracture includes placing an exemplary anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate of the first aspect at least on the anterior surface of the clavicle. Placing the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate includes inserting the respective screws into the clavicle through each of the multiple openings of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate.

[0024] In a 19th aspect of the disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the 18th aspect) unless otherwise specified, at least some of the screws inserted through the opening of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate are inserted into the clavicle at an acute or obtuse angle to the contour body.

[0025] In a 20th aspect of the disclosure in this application, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the 18th aspect) unless otherwise specified, the placement of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate on at least the anterior surface of the clavicle includes aligning the axes of the clavicle and each of the multiple openings of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate via an instrument coupled to the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, before inserting each screw through each of the multiple openings.

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed methods and apparatus will be described in, and will be apparent from, the following detailed description and the drawings. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. It should be noted that the language used herein has been selected primarily for readability and for purposes of explanation, and is not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a clavicle fracture fixation plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 2] A top view of the clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 3] A front view of the clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 4] A rear view of the clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 5] A partial cross-sectional view of the clavicle fracture fixation plate of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 6] A perspective view of a clavicle fracture fixation plate disposed on the front surface of the clavicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 7A] A perspective view of a clavicle fracture fixation plate having a screw inserted through an opening in an outer portion of the plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view of a fractured clavicle with a fracture line and an anterior clavicle plate without an inclined opening, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 7C] This is a cross-sectional view of a fractured clavicle having a fracture line and an anterior clavicle plate having an inclined opening, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 8A] This is an exploded view of a device for assisting in the placement of an anterior clavicle plate, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 8B] This is a perspective view of a system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, including an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate and an instrument for assisting in the placement of the plate.

[0038] [Figure 8C] This is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 8B, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

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

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

[0041] [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having an arm, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having an arm including a portion substantially parallel to the plate, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 12]This is a perspective view of an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate having an arm including a plate, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] This application provides a novel and innovative anterior clavicle plate and system for clavicle fracture fixation. The anterior clavicle plate of this disclosure is molded to better fit or interlock with the anterior and lateral surfaces of the patient's clavicle compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate. This improved fit can help reduce the incidence of tissue irritation, thereby reducing the likelihood of needing a second surgery to remove the anterior clavicle plate. The improved fit can also result in anatomically better fracture reduction and increased fixation strength compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate. A further advantage of the anterior clavicle plate and system provided is that it can be installed faster compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate, shortening the length of the surgical procedure. For example, the improved fit can help limit the amount by which the surgeon may need to adjust the provided anterior clavicle plate before inserting screws. Furthermore, the device provided by this application can help the surgeon install the provided anterior clavicle plate more quickly and with greater flexibility and consistency than a typical system. The shape of the anterior clavicle plate of this disclosure that enables the improved fit is described in the following diagrams in comparison to a typical anterior clavicle plate.

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

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

[0047] The contour body 102 includes a plurality of openings 112 along its length from its first end 104 to its second end 106. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 112 may include at least one opening 120 that is inclined to the contour body 102 at a different angle from the remaining openings 112. In some examples of such embodiments, the contour body 102 may include a guide 118 for each of the at least one opening 120. In such examples, the guide 118 can help assist in the insertion of a screw at an acute or obtuse angle to the contour body 102. The openings 120 and the guide 118 are described below in reference to Figure 7. Apart from the openings 112, only a single opening of opening 120 is indicated by reference numerals in the drawing simply to clarify the illustration, and therefore the description of opening 112 applies equally to the other illustrated openings. A screw may be inserted through the opening 112 to fasten the anterior clavicle plate 100 to the clavicle. In some embodiments, the opening 112 may include threads that can engage with the threads of a screw. Further explanation of the opening 112 will be provided using the explanation in Figure 3 below.

[0048] In some embodiments, the contour body 102 may include at least one tapered portion 114 relative to the height of the contour body 102. For example, the contour body 102 shown in Figure 1 includes four tapered portions 114. In other examples, the contour body 102 may include more or less tapered portions 114. The tapered portions 114 can help prevent stress buildup at the opening 112. The tapered portions 114 can also help allow the plate to bend at the tapered portions 114 (for example, two portions adjacent to the tapered portions 114 can be brought closer to each other to some extent) so that the surgeon can fit the plate more well to the bone contour.

[0049] Figure 2 shows 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 contour body 102 in the anterior-posterior direction along its length from the first end 104 to the second end 106. For example, between the dashed line 208 and the second end 106, the contour body 102 includes a first bend 204, and between the first end 104 and the dashed line 208, the contour body 102 includes a second bend 206. The first bend 204 bends at least partially in the direction opposite to the bending direction of the second bend 206, as shown in the figure. 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 directly in the opposite direction due to the curvature of the contour body 102 in the downward direction (for example, on the page of Figure 2) closest to the second end 106, as is best shown in Figures 3 and 4 described below.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first bend 204 includes an inconsistent or asymmetrical 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 contour body 102 (e.g., dotted line 208). In some embodiments, the second bend 206 may have a consistent or symmetrical radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the second bend 206 may have an inconsistent or asymmetrical radius of curvature. The aforementioned curves along the length of the contour body 102 help the anterior clavicle plate 100 to conform to the anatomical structure of the patient's left clavicle. For example, an 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 lateral portion of the patient's left clavicle.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a front view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. Refer to plane AA shown in Figure 3 in relation to Figure 5 below. The front view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 best illustrates the curvature of the contour body 102 in the downward direction along its length. For example, plane 302 extends through only a portion of the contour body 102 adjacent to the first end 104. Another portion of the contour body 102 adjacent to the second end 106 curves away from plane 302. In Figure 3, the anterior and posterior curves of the contour body 102 (e.g., shown in Figure 2) are on and off the page. Thus, at least a portion of the downward curvature of the contour body 102 bends perpendicular to at least a portion of the anterior and / or posterior curvature of the contour body 102.

[0052] A typical anterior clavicle plate does not include a downward curve as described above and shown in Figure 3. However, the anatomical structure of a patient's clavicle typically includes a downward curve. Therefore, a typical anterior clavicle plate will not conform to the anatomical structure of the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle unless the surgeon flattens the fractured clavicle of the patient or significantly bends the typical anterior clavicle plate. Bending the plate requires operating time and further causes plastic deformation of the plate, which can lead to plate weakening and reduced fatigue life. The anterior clavicle plate 100 of this disclosure, by having the downward curve described above, initially comes closer to the average patient's anatomical structure than a typical anterior clavicle plate, thus reducing the amount the surgeon must bend the anterior clavicle plate 100 to conform to the anatomical structure of the patient's clavicle. The reduced flexion required can help shorten the operating time of the anterior clavicle plate 100 and increase its fatigue life compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate.

[0053] Furthermore, by having an initial downward curve that more closely matches the anatomical structure of an average patient, the anterior clavicle plate 100 also requires less adjustment to the anterior clavicle plate 100, which helps surgeons to fit the anterior clavicle plate 100 more closely to the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle anatomical structure compared to a typical anterior clavicle plate. The advantage of a better fit to the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle anatomical structure helps ensure that the fixation point (e.g., a screw passing through opening 112) is centered in the patient's clavicle, providing the desired screw grip in the clavicle and the desired stability of the anterior clavicle plate 100. In other words, the increased fit helps the anterior clavicle plate 100 to maintain fixation of one or more clavicle fractures better than a typical anterior clavicle plate when placed. The increased fit can also help ensure a more anatomical repair of the patient's fractured clavicle.

[0054] In some embodiments, the height of the contour body 102 may vary along its length from a first end 104 to a second end 106. The height of the contour body 102 is measured from the outermost edge of the upper 110 to the outermost edge of the lower 108. In such embodiments, as best shown in Figure 3, the height of the contour body 102 is maximum towards the first end 104 and minimum towards the second end 106. In some embodiments, the height of the contour body 102 may gradually decrease along its length towards the second end 106. The difference in the height of the contour body 102 can improve the fit with the clavicle because the lateral 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 contour body 102 decreases or narrows in the region of the contour body 102 that is positioned relative to this narrow lateral portion of the anterior surface of the clavicle when the anterior clavicle plate 100 is placed.

[0055] Figure 3 also clearly shows multiple openings 112 on the contour body 102. In various embodiments as illustrated, 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 region of the contour body 102 closest to the second end 106 (e.g., the region including the four openings 112 closest to the second end 106) is located on the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle when the anterior clavicle plate 100 is placed. The higher screw density on the lateral portion of the patient's clavicle compared to the middle or medial portion of the patient's clavicle can help in compressing a clavicle fracture. Smaller diameter openings 112 accommodate smaller screws and allow for higher screw density. The lateral portion of the patient's clavicle is also narrower than the middle or medial portion, and therefore smaller diameter screws are better suited to mating into the narrower bone that accommodates the smaller diameter openings 112.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a posterior view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100. The posterior view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 helps to show the outward curvature of the contour body 102 with respect to a long axis that extends along its length through the center of the contour body 102. For example, the portion of the contour body 102 adjacent to the opening 112 may extend inward, while the lower 108 and upper 110 may extend outward, respectively. However, this curvature is best illustrated in Figure 5, which is described below.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 100 in plan AA shown in Figure 3. The illustrated cross-sectional view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 best illustrates the lateral curvature of its contour body 102 relative to its long axis. For example, the outer surface 116 and inner surface 202 of the contour body 102 are curved, respectively. This lateral curvature relative to its long axis can help the inner surface 202 of the anterior clavicle plate 100 conform to the outer surface of the patient's clavicle.

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

[0059] In some examples, a portion of the contour body 102 adjacent to the upper 110 has a thickness that decreases along the entire length of the contour body 102. In some embodiments of such examples, the thickness of the portion adjacent to the upper 110 may gradually decrease from the first end 104 to the second end 106. In other embodiments of such examples, the portion adjacent to the upper 110 may have segments of constant thickness and segments of decreasing thickness. In other examples, only a segment of the length of the contour body 102 includes a portion adjacent to the upper 110 with a decreased thickness, such as a segment adjacent to the first end 104 and containing plane AA.

[0060] A cross-section of contour body 102 having a portion adjacent to the upper 110 with reduced thickness has reduced strength. In an example as shown in Figure 5, portions of contour body 102 adjacent to the lower 108 in these cross-sections may have increased thickness to counteract this reduction in strength at the upper 110. In some examples, a portion of contour body 102 adjacent to the lower 108 has increased thickness along the entire length of contour body 102. In some embodiments of such examples, the thickness of the portion adjacent to the lower 108 may gradually increase along contour body 102 (for example, the thickness of the portion adjacent to the lower 108 gradually increases as the thickness of the portion adjacent to the upper 110 gradually decreases along the length of contour body 102). In other embodiments of such examples, the portion adjacent to the lower 108 may have segments of constant thickness and segments of increasing thickness. In other examples, only a segment of the length of contour body 102 includes a portion adjacent to the lower 108 with increased thickness.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the anterior clavicle plate 100 positioned relative to the clavicle 600 before screw insertion. The clavicle 600 is the left clavicle of the patient and includes the anterior surface 602 and the superior surface 604. As shown in the figure, the anterior clavicle plate 100 is positioned on the anterior surface 602 of the clavicle 600. Considering the above description of the shape / contour of the anterior clavicle plate 100, the contour body 102 of the anterior clavicle plate 100 conforms to the contour of the anterior surface 602.

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

[0063] Fracture compression can be aided by obtaining as much grip as possible across the fracture line with the screw. However, in some cases, a screw that is approximately perpendicular to the contour body 102 may have difficulty obtaining much grip across the fracture line, if any. For example, the fracture line at the lateral flexion of the clavicle may itself be approximately perpendicular or nearly perpendicular (e.g., 60° to 80°) to the contour body 102. Figure 7B shows such an example. In Figure 7B, the clavicle 710 contains a fracture with a fracture line 712. The screw 702 is approximately perpendicular to the contour body 102 and approximately parallel or nearly parallel to the fracture line 712. Therefore, only a small portion of the screw 702 can obtain a grip across the fracture line 712. In other examples, the screw 702 may not be able to obtain a grip across either side of the fracture line.

[0064] Returning to Figure 7A, in some embodiments, the contour body 102 includes at least one opening 120 configured such that it is at a non-perpendicular (i.e., acute / obtuse) angle to the contour body 102 when a screw is inserted through such an opening 120, in order to help obtain a grip across a break line that is substantially or nearly perpendicular to the contour body 102. For example, a screw 702 is at an acute / obtuse angle to the contour body 102. It should be understood that the screw 702 is shown in front of the screw 704 in Figure 7A due to the downward curvature of the contour body 102 described above. In at least some embodiments, the contour body 102 may include a guide 118 protruding from the contour body 102 at the opening 120 to assist in the insertion of the screw 702 at an acute / obtuse angle to the contour body 102. For example, without the guide 118, the inclined nature of the opening 120 would result in an inner circumference of the opening 120 defined by the contour body 102, with one side having a larger surface area than the other side. This difference in the surface area of ​​the opening 120 could make it difficult to insert the screw 702 concentrically with the opening 120. The guide 118 extends from the contour body 102 to equalize the surface area around the opening 120, helping to insert the screw 702 concentrically with the opening 120.

[0065] The opening 120 can help obtain a grip across the fracture line by allowing the screw 702 to approach the fracture line at a different angle than when the opening 120 is configured so that the screw 702 is substantially perpendicular to the contour body 102 (for example, configured as opening 112 as in Figure 7B). The approach angle enabled by the opening 120 helps a larger portion of the screw 702 to grip across the fracture line, as shown in Figure 7C, which shows a larger portion of the screw 702 crossing the fracture line 712 compared to Figure 7B.

[0066] For the reasons stated above regarding the fracture line at the lateral flexion of the clavicle, one or more openings 120 can be particularly useful in the first flexion 204 of the contour body 102, which is positioned at the lateral flexion of the clavicle when the anterior clavicle plate 100 is placed. For example, the opening 120 shown in the example of Figure 7 is located in the first flexion 204 with three openings 112 between the second end 106 and the opening 120. In other examples, the contour body 102 may include multiple openings 120 within the first flexion 204, or it may include one or more openings 120 outside the first flexion 204.

[0067] This application further provides an insertion device that can assist in the placement of a provided anterior clavicular plate (e.g., anterior clavicular plate 100). Figure 8A shows an exploded view of an exemplary device 802. Drilling through the center of the clavicle when placing the anterior clavicular plate is preferable because the center of the clavicle is the longest part of the clavicle and allows for the use of the longest possible screw for fixation. The longer the screw, the greater the fixation strength. Drilling through the center of the clavicle and the subsequent screw installation can also help ensure a secure grip on the desired bone. If the drill exits the clavicle either above or below the center, this results in the possibility of the installed screw and / or a shorter screw protruding.

[0068] However, in some cases, it may be difficult for a surgeon to drill through the center of the clavicle. For example, a surgeon typically uses their eyes and fingers to determine the correct trajectory of the screw. At least some surgeons may further use a lock guide to aid in drilling along 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 for the surgeon to determine the drilling trajectory for each of the openings 112 (and possibly opening 120) can also be reduced, which can help reduce the surgical time. Exemplary instrument 802 can help surgeons make these improvements.

[0069] In various embodiments, the device 802 includes a guide component 804, a base component 806, and a lock post 808. The guide component 804 includes a body 842 having a slot 810. The lock post 808 may be positioned along an axis 844 through the slot 810. In various embodiments, the guide component 804 includes a plurality of openings 812 in the body 842. Only one of the plurality of openings 812 is shown by reference no. 812 simply for clarity in the description, but it should be understood that the description of the openings 812 applies equally to each of the illustrated openings 812. Each of the openings 812 is configured to guide a drill through the opening 812. In some embodiments, the guide component 804 may include openings 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 Figure 8B). The curved or rounded surface 816 may be connected to the base component 806.

[0070] In some embodiments, the guide component 804 includes wings 838A, 838B extending integrally or fixedly from the main body 842. Each of the wings 838A, 838B may include an extension 836. For example, in some embodiments, the base component 806 may be detachably coupled to the guide component 804, and the wings 838A, 838B may engage with the base component 806 to do so. In other embodiments, the base component 806 may be fixedly coupled to the guide component 804, and in such other embodiments, 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 connect with the outer surface 116 of the anterior clavicle plate 100. The second surface 820 may be curved or rounded and connect with the curved or rounded surface 816 of the guide component 804 (Figure 8B). In some examples, the body 840 of the base component 806 includes notches 834 on both sides that engage with extensions 836 of the guide component 804, respectively, to connect the base component 806 to the guide component 804. In other examples, the base component 806 may be connected to the guide component 804 by another suitable mechanism. In yet another example, the base component 806 may not include the notches 834, such as in an example where the base component 806 and the guide component 804 are fixedly connected to each other. In at least some embodiments, the base component 806 includes a channel 822 extending from a first surface 818 to a second surface 820 through a guide component 804. In at least some embodiments, a portion of the interior of the base component 806 in the channel 822 may include an internal thread 846 (Figure 8C). The lock post 808 may be positioned along the axis 842 through the channel 822.

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

[0073] In at least some embodiments, the non-reduced portion 830 of the lock post 808 is sized such that it cannot be translated through the slot 810 of the guide component 804 or the channel 822 of the base component 806. In some embodiments, the engaging end 828 may be sized such that it cannot be translated through the slot 810 of the guide component 804 or the channel 822 of the base component 806. In an example where both the non-reduced portion 830 and the engaging end 828 are sized in such a way, the guide component 804 and the base component 806 are coupled to the lock post 808 between the engaging end 828 and the non-reduced portion 830 of the lock post 808 when the fixture 802 is fully constructed. In some embodiments, the guide component 804, the base component 806, and the lock post 808 are fixedly coupled to each other so that they cannot be separated. In such embodiments, the reduced portion 826 may be positioned through the slot 810 during the initial construction of the fixture 802. In other embodiments, the guide component 804, the base component 806, and the lock post 808 can be separated from each other, for example, for cleaning or sterilization. In such other embodiments, the engaging end 828 may be sized to be able to translate through the slot 810 and the channel 822.

[0074] Figure 8B shows an exemplary system 850 including an anterior clavicle plate 100 and a fully constructed instrument 802. The wings 838A, 838B of the guide component 804 are not shown in Figure 8B to show the curved surface 816 of the guide component 804 that connects to the second surface 820 of the base component 806. In this example, the engaging end 828 of the lock post 808 is threaded. To connect the instrument 802 to the anterior clavicle plate 100, the surgeon may first position the base component 806 in contact with the anterior clavicle plate 100 and on the threaded opening (e.g., opening 112) of the anterior clavicle plate 100 so that the threaded engaging end 828 of the lock post 808 aligns with the opening 112. Once positioned, the surgeon may advance the lock post 808 to engage with the opening 112 (e.g., rotate the lock post 808 to engage with the threads of the opening 112).

[0075] During the 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 may rotate the guide component 804 around 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 connect with each other as the guide component 804 rotates. In one example, the surgeon may adjust the guide component 804 to a position where the surgeon believes the opening 812 will guide the screw to the center of the clavicle. Once the guide component 804 is in the desired position for the surgeon, the surgeon may advance the lock post 808 further to engage with the opening 112, thereby locking the guide component 804 in place. The guide component 804 is locked in place by the engagement of the screw engagement end 828 with the screw opening 112, resulting in a compressive force generated between the anterior clavicle plate 100 and the non-reduced portion 830 of the lock post 808.

[0076] Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the system 850 with the guide component 804 locked in place via the lock post 808. As shown, the extension 836 of the guide component 804 is located within the notch 834 of the base component 806. The engaging end 828 of the lock post 808 engages with the threaded opening 112 of the anterior clavicular plate 100. Furthermore, the non-reducing portion 830 of the lock post 808 contacts the guide component 804, thereby compressing the base component 806 between the guide component 804 and the anterior clavicular plate 100.

[0077] As described above, in at least some embodiments, the base component 806 may include an internal thread 846 as shown in Figure 8C. The internal thread 846 prevents the engaging end 828 from translating through the base component 806, allowing the guide component 804, the base component 806, and the lock post 808 to remain together as a single part when the lock post 808 is disengaged from the threaded opening 112 of the anterior clavicular plate 100. Rather, the lock post 808 must be rotated to engage the engaging end 828 with the internal thread 846, then disengaged, to remove the lock post 808 from the base component 806, and then from the guide component 804. By engaging the engaging end 828 with the internal thread 846, movement between the guide component 804, the base component 806, and the lock post 808 is restricted or prevented when the device 802 is disengaged from the anterior clavicular plate 100.

[0078] Maintaining the guide component 804, base component 806, and lock post 808 together when the instrument 802 is disengaged from the anterior clavicle plate 100 can be helpful for the surgeon, as one or more components will not fall into the patient's cavity or onto the floor during surgery when removing the instrument 802. Rather, the surgeon can hand over the instrument 802 as a single piece to another medical professional. Maintaining the guide component 804, base component 806, and lock post 808 together can also be helpful for the surgeon when engaging the instrument 802 with the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, engaging the engaging end 828 with the internal thread 846 can help limit or prevent movement between the guide component 804, base component 806, and lock post 808 until the surgeon wishes to adjust the instrument 802 when engaging it with the anterior clavicle plate 100.

[0079] Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, when the instrument 802 is positioned against the anterior clavicular plate 100, a pocket is formed between the internal threads 846 and the thread opening 112. In such embodiments, the surgeon may advance the engaging end 828 of the lock post 808 so that the engaging end is within this pocket, thereby allowing the surgeon to adjust the instrument 802 before engaging the engaging end 828 with the thread opening 112. Figure 8C is not drawn to scale to show a pocket large enough to fit the engaging end 828, but is consistent with the foregoing disclosure, and it will be understood that the pocket may be large enough to fit the engaging end 828.

[0080] Returning to Figure 8B, with the guide component 804 locked in place, the surgeon can drive a screw into the clavicle through each of the openings 812 and through each of the openings 112 in the anterior clavicle plate 100. In this way, the guide component 804 helps the surgeon avoid the need to align the screw trajectory through each opening 112 in the anterior clavicle plate 100. Instead, the surgeon aligns the trajectory once by adjusting the guide component 804 and then proceeds to insert each screw, which reduces the time the surgeon takes to place the anterior clavicle plate 100, and thereby reduces the surgical time. The guide component 804 also helps the surgeon improve the consistency of the screw trajectory because, with the guide component 804 locked in place, the trajectory is consistent for each of the openings 812.

[0081] In some cases, a surgeon may use an opening 814 sized to guide a k-wire or other suitable guidewire to test the trajectory provided by the locked guide component 804 at a given time. For example, a surgeon may drill a k-wire through the opening 814 into the clavicle. In some embodiments of such examples, the anterior clavicle plate 100 may include an opening 824 corresponding to the opening 814, which allows the k-wire to translate through the anterior clavicle plate 100 when drilling the k-wire into the clavicle. In other embodiments, the opening 814 may be positioned on the guide component 804 such that the k-wire inserted through the opening 814 targets the clavicle outside 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 can image the clavicle (e.g., radiography or fluoroscopy) to see 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 lock post 808, adjusts the guide component 804, and reengages the lock post 808 to lock the guide component 804. In some cases, the surgeon may test the trajectory again. In other cases, the surgeon may be satisfied with the adjustment and install the screw. In this way, the instrument 802 can help at least some surgeons improve the accuracy and / or consistency with which they insert screws into the center of the clavicle.

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

[0084] Figure 9B shows a top view of an exemplary guide component 804 shown in Figure 9A, having an angled opening 904. As shown in Figure 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 be joined to each other at the first side 910 due to this shape. In such embodiments where the guide component 804 has an angled opening 904, the surgeon can adjust the supraclavicular / supraclavicular screw trajectory by adjusting the guide component 804 as described above, and the lateral / medial screw trajectory of the clavicle by angling the screw within the angled opening 904. Thus, the instrument 802 can help provide the surgeon with greater flexibility than a typical system for the trajectory through which the surgeon inserts the screw when setting the provided anterior clavicular plate. The high flexibility of the screw trajectory can, in some cases, help surgeons achieve greater compression across clavicle fractures than a typical system would.

[0085] In at least some examples, a clavicular plate positioned on the upper surface of the clavicle ("supraclavicular plate") can provide better lateral fixation than an anterior clavicular plate, as the supraclavicular plate allows for the insertion of screws into the clavicle in the superior / inferior direction of the clavicle. To help provide at least some of these same advantages provided by the supraclavicular plate, in some aspects of this application, the provided anterior clavicular plate may include an arm extending from the contour body of the anterior clavicular plate to enable fixation to the upper surface of the clavicle. Such an aspect of the provided anterior clavicular plate including an arm for superior fixation can provide the advantage of a thinner, improved contour of the anterior clavicular plate 100 described above, along with at least some of the advantages of lateral fixation of the supraclavicular plate.

[0086] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicular plate 1000 having an arm 1008. The anterior clavicular plate 1000 includes a contour body 102 having a first end 102 opposite to a second end 106. In various embodiments, the anterior clavicular plate 1000 includes an arm 1008 extending from the contour body 102. The arm 1008 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the contour body 102 or at other suitable angles. In some embodiments, the arm 1008 may be centered in a single plane or curved to be substantially centered.

[0087] The arm 1008 includes one or more openings 1010 through which a screw can be inserted. In some embodiments, at least some of the one or more openings 1010 may be threaded to engage with the threading of a screw. In some examples, the arm 1008 may be positioned on the illustrated contour body 102, while in other examples, the arm 1008 may be positioned at other suitable locations along the contour body 102. In some examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include a plurality of arms 1008.

[0088] An exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include one or more of the embodiments described above in relation to the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 is shown without guides 118 or angled openings 120, but in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1000 may include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0089] In some examples, the arm of the provided anterior clavicle plate may extend laterally in any direction on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500 compared to an arm 1008 that does not. For example, Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1200 having an arm 1204 that extends laterally on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500. The lateral extension of the arm 1204 may help to provide additional lateral fixation from the upper surface 504 compared to the arm 1008. In some examples as illustrated, a portion of the arm 1204 is substantially parallel to the contour body 1202 when the arm 1204 extends laterally on the upper surface 504.

[0090] Similar to the exemplary arm 1008 described above, the exemplary arm 1204 may include a plurality of openings (e.g., opening 1206) aligned with the upper surface 504. A screw (e.g., screw 1208) may be driven through the opening into the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500. For the sake of clarity, only one opening 1206 and one screw 1208 are indicated by reference numerals, and it should be understood that the descriptions of opening 1206 and screw 1208 apply equally to all those illustrated. In some embodiments, at least some of one or more openings 1206 may be threaded to engage with the threading of a screw.

[0091] In various embodiments, the exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1200 may include one or more of the embodiments described above in relation to the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, the anterior clavicle plate 1200 is shown without guides 118 or angled openings 120, but in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1200 may include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0092] In another example of the present disclosure, the provided anterior clavicle plate may have an arm comprising a plate having multiple openings for screws. For example, Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1300 having an arm 1304 comprising a plate 1306. The arm 1304 extends from the contour body 1302 of the anterior clavicle plate 1300 so that the plate 1306 is substantially aligned with the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500.

[0093] In various embodiments, plate 1306 includes a plurality of openings 1308 (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.). For the sake of clarity in the description, only one opening 1308 of plate 1306 is shown by reference numeral. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of openings 1306 may be threaded to engage with screw threads. Plate 1306 can provide a higher density of openings 1308, and therefore a higher density of threads, at a particular location on the upper surface 504 of the clavicle 500 than the exemplary arms 1008 and 1204. A higher density of threads may be beneficial for fixing fractures of the lateral portion of the clavicle 500.

[0094] An exemplary anterior clavicle plate 1300 may include one or more of the embodiments described above in relation to the anterior clavicle plate 100. For example, the anterior clavicle plate 1300 is shown without guides 118 or angled openings 120, but in other examples, the anterior clavicle plate 1300 may include one or more guides 118 and / or angled openings 120.

[0095] Without further detail, a person skilled in the art will likely find the above description useful for making the most of the claimed invention. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as illustrative only and not in any way limit the scope of this disclosure. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the details of the above examples without departing from the basic principles described. In other words, various modifications and improvements to the examples specifically disclosed above are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, any suitable combination of features of the various examples described is conceivable.

Claims

1. An anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate comprising a contour body including a first end and a second end on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the contour body, an upper side perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a lower side on the opposite side, and a plurality of openings aligned along the length of the contour body from the first end to the second end, A virtual plane horizontally traverses the first portion of the contour body adjacent to the first end, extending longitudinally from the first end, and the second portion of the contour body adjacent to the second end is curved so as to move away from the virtual plane in a first downward direction (vertical direction). The contour body includes a first bent portion along the length of the contour body that is at least partially bent in a second direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the first direction, The height at the first end of the contour body, measured as the distance between the upper and lower sides of the contour body, is greater than the height at the second end. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length of the contour body is curved from the upper side to the lower side, In at least one segment of the contour body, the thickness of the lower portion of the contour body, measured horizontally with respect to the length of the contour body, is greater than the thickness of the upper portion of the contour body. An anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, wherein the thickness of the upper portion of the contour body is greater at the first end than at the second end.

2. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 1, wherein the contour body includes a second bent portion that is at least partially bent in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

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

4. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 1, wherein the height of the contour body gradually decreases along the length of the contour body.

5. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the opening of the first portion of the contour body is larger than the diameter of the opening of the second portion of the contour body, and the opening of the first portion is closer to the first end of the contour body than the opening of the second portion.

6. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of openings along the length of the contour body decreases from the first end to the second end.

7. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 1, further comprising an arm extending from the contour body, the arm being configured to contact the upper surface of the clavicle while the contour body is in contact with the lateral surface of the clavicle.

8. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 7, wherein the arm extends horizontally from the contour body.

9. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the arm is parallel to the second end of the contour body.

10. The anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate according to claim 7, wherein the arm includes a plate having a plurality of openings.

11. A contour body comprising a first end and a second end on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the contour body, an upper side and a lower side on the opposite side perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of openings aligned along the length of the contour body from the first end to the second end, A virtual plane horizontally traversing the first portion of the contour body adjacent to the first end extends longitudinally from the first end, and the second portion of the contour body adjacent to the second end curves away from the virtual plane in a first downward direction (vertical direction). The contour body includes a first bend along the length of the contour body that is at least partially bent in a second direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the first direction, The height at the first end of the contour body, as measured as the distance between the upper and lower sides of the contour body, is greater than the height at the second end. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length of the contour body is curved from the upper side to the lower side, In at least one segment of the contour body, the thickness of the lower portion of the contour body, measured horizontally with respect to the length of the contour body, is greater than the thickness of the upper portion of the contour body. The thickness of the upper part of the contour body is greater at the first end than at the second end, Including an anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, A device configured to assist in the insertion of one or more screws through an opening in the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate on the anterior surface of the clavicle, A system for fixing clavicle fractures that includes the following features.

12. The aforementioned device, A base member configured to contact the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, A guide member including a slot and an elongated portion having multiple openings, Rockpost and, Includes, The system according to claim 11, wherein the lock post is positioned through the slot of the guide member and through the base member, thereby connecting the guide member and the base member.

13. Before engaging the lock post with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, the guide member can rotate around its long axis relative to the base member. The system according to claim 12, wherein the guide member is fixed to the base member after the lock post is engaged with the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate.

14. The guide member includes a first surface configured to be adjacent to the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of openings of the guide member have a larger cross-sectional area on the second surface than on the first surface.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the contour body of the anterior clavicle fracture fixation plate is contoured to fit either the anterior surface of the patient's right clavicle or the anterior surface of the patient's left clavicle.

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