Veterinary distal femur bone plates

Abstract

Bone plates are disclosed for veterinary uses, for instance for performing distal femur repairs in canines or felines. The bone plates includes various features for better accommodating the anatomy and native tissue structure of the distal femur of an animal and may be utilized for all distal femur fracture patterns. Amongst the features, the head portion of the bone plate is positioned at an angle relative to its shaft portion and includes a curvature configured to match said distal femur; furthermore, head and shaft portions include openings extending along different trajectories.

Description

VETERINARY DISTAL FEMUR BONE PLATESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[oooi] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 561,349, which was filed on March 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Canines, felines, or other animals may suffer a bone fracture as a result of a traumatic impact. Bone fractures are typically repaired using a combination of a bone plate and fixation screws.SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure is directed to bone plates for performing distal femur repairs in animals, such as canines, for example.

[0004] An exemplary distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface. A first opening is formed through the head portion and extends along a different trajectory compared to that of a second opening formed through the shaft portion.[ooos] Another exemplary distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur, an bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion, a bone contacting surface, an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface, a first plurality of openings formed through the shaft portion, and a second plurality of openings formed through the head portion. The bridge portion excludes any openings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates select portions of a canine musculoskeletal system. A distal femur of the canine includes a fracture.

[0007] Figure 2 is a top view of a bone plate for repairing a distal femur fracture.

[0008] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the bone plate of Figure 2.

[0009] Figure 4 is a side view of the bone plate of Figure 2.[oooio] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through section 5-5 of Figure 2.[oooii] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through section 6-6 of Figure 4.

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates the bone plate of Figures 2-6 positioned relative to a distal femur of a canine.

[0013] Figures 8(a) and (b) illustrate various views of a bone plate having a right orientation.

[0014] Figure 9 is a top view of another exemplary bone plate for performing a distal femur osteotomy.[ooois] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the bone plate of Figure 9.

[0016] Figure 11 is a side view of the bone plate of Figure 9.

[0017] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view through section 12-12 of Figure 9.[ooois] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through section 13-13 of Figure 11.

[0019] Figure 14 illustrates the bone plate of Figures 9-13 positioned relative to a canine distal femur.

[0020] Figures 15(a), 15(b), and 15(c) illustrate various views of another exemplary bone plate having a right orientation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] This disclosure is directed to bone plates designed for veterinary use. For example, the bone plates could be utilized for performing distal femur repairs in canines or felines. These and other features of this disclosure are described in further detail below.

[0022] An exemplary distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface. A first opening is formedthrough the head portion and extends along a different trajectory compared to that of a second opening formed through the shaft portion.

[0023] In any further embodiment, the distal femur is a canine distal femur, and the bone contacting surface includes a curvature configured to match a contour of the canine distal femur.

[0024] In any further embodiment, the head portion is at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge.

[0025] In any further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through the shaft portion.

[0026] In any further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through the head portion.

[0027] In any further embodiment, the first opening extends through the head portion at a first angle of about 17 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees), and the second opening extends through the shaft portion at a second angle of about 10 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees).

[0028] In any further embodiment, the angle of the head portion relative to the shaft portion is about 15 degrees.

[0029] In any further embodiment, a third opening is formed through the head portion, and the third opening extends along a similar trajectory to that of the second opening of the shaft portion.

[0030] In any further embodiment, the distal femur bone plate includes a hockey stick-like appearance.

[0031] In any further embodiment, the head portion is angled at a declined angle relative to the shaft portion.

[0032] Another exemplary distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur, an bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion, a bone contacting surface, an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface, a first plurality of openings formed through the shaft portion, and a second plurality of openings formed through the head portion. The bridge portion excludes any openings.

[0033] In any further embodiment, the distal femur is a canine distal femur, and the bone contacting surface includes a curvature configured to match a contour of the canine distal femur.

[0034] In any further embodiment, the head portion and the bridge portion are at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge.

[0035] In any further embodiment, at least one K-wire hole is formed through the shaft portion and the head portion.

[0036] In any further embodiment, a compression slot is disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the first plurality of openings within the shaft portion.

[0037] In any further embodiment, each of the first plurality of openings extends through the shaft portion at a first angle of about 10 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees), and each of the second plurality of openings extends through the head portion at a second angle of about 17 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees).

[0038] In any further embodiment, the angle of the head portion relative to the shaft portion is about 15 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees).

[0039] In any further embodiment, the distal femur bone plate includes a hockey stick-like appearance.

[0040] In any further embodiment, the head portion is angled at a declined angle relative to the shaft portion.

[0041] In any further embodiment, the declined angle is about 9 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees).

[0042] Figure 1 schematically illustrates select portions of a musculoskeletal system 10 of an animal. In an embodiment, the musculoskeletal system 10 is that of a canine. However, the teachings of this disclosure may be applicable for other veterinary uses, such as for felines, for example.

[0043] Hind limbs 12 of the musculoskeletal system 10 are specifically shown in Figure 1. Each hind limb 12 includes, among other bones, a femur 14 and a tibia 16 positioned distally of the femur 14. A distal section 18 of the femur 14 interfaces with the tibia 16 to establish a knee joint of the animal. The distal section 18 may be simply referred to as the distal femur.

[0044] As schematically illustrated, a fracture 20 or some other abnormality can occur in the distal section 18 of the femur 14, such as in response to a traumatic impact. The fracture 20 may present itself in various forms and could include one or more bone fragments that have broken away from the distal section 18 of the femur 14. Whatever pattern exhibited by the fracture 20, the fracture 20 typically must be repaired in order to alleviate pain and facilitate proper bone healing. The fracture 20 may be repaired using a bone plate. This disclosure is therefore directed to boneplate designs that are specifically suited for performing distal femur repairs on animals (e.g., nonhumans such as canines, felines, etc.).

[0045] Figures 2-7 illustrate an exemplary bone plate 26 for repairing a bone defect, such as a fracture 20 of a distal section 18 of a femur 14 of an animal, such as a canine or feline, for example. The bone plate 26 is shown alone in Figures 2-6, and the bone plate 26 is shown positioned relative to the distal section 18 of the femur 14 in Figure 7.

[0046] The bone plate 26 may extend along a longitudinal axis A between a shaft portion 28, located proximally and configured to interface with a diaphysis 22 of the femur 14 when the bone plate 26 is implanted, and a head portion 30, located distally and configured to mimic an anatomical shape of the distal section 18 of the femur 14 when the bone plate 26 is implanted (see, e.g., Figure 7). Together, the shaft portion 28 and the head portion 30 establish a single-piece bone plate structure.

[0047] The bone plate 26 may be specifically sized and shaped for use relative the distal section 18 of the femur 14 of a canine or a feline, for example. In particular, the bone plate 26 may be anatomically contoured to the distal femur in each of an X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of a cartesian coordinate system 24 for accommodating multiple breed sizes and shapes

[0048] The bone plate 26 may include a bone contacting surface 32 and an outer surface 34 on an opposite side of the bone plate 26 from the bone contacting surface 32. The bone contacting surface 32 may include a slightly concave curvature (see Figure 5) for conforming to the convex contour of the femur 14.

[0049] The longitudinal axis A may bisect the shaft portion 28 into two equal sections such that the shaft portion 28 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The head portion 30 may be asymmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis A.

[0050] The head portion 30 may be angled in the X-Y plane relative to the shaft portion 28 to allow the bone plate 26 to conform to the natural procurvatum (e.g., cranial to caudal curvature) of the distal femur without overreduction of the fracture 20. For example, the head portion 30 may project in a direction away from the shaft portion 28 along a second axis B that is transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The second axis B extends at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A to establish the angled relationship between the head portion 30 and the shaft portion 28. In an embodiment, the angle a is about 15 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may be suitable within the scope of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the term “about” means that theexpressed quantities or ranges need not be exact but may be approximated and / or larger or smaller, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, measurement error, etc.

[0051] The head portion 30 may include a curvature that is configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur. The angle a and the curvature of the head portion 30 may establish a hockey stick-like appearance of the bone plate 26. The bone plate 26 is therefore configured to be anatomically contoured to the distal femur.

[0052] The head portion 30 may additionally extend at an declined angle in the X-Z plane relative to the shaft portion 28. In an embodiment, the head portion 30 is angled at a declined angle P of about 9 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees) relative to the shaft portion 28 (see Figure 4). However, other angles may be suitable within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] The shaft portion 28 may include a plurality of openings 36 each configured for receiving a fixation device 50 (e.g. screws, etc., shown in Figure 7 but not in Figures 2-6) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the diaphysis 22 of the femur 14. The openings 36 extend completely through the shaft portion 28 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 32 and the outer surface 34. In an embodiment, the openings 36 are equally sized openings. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 36 and their specific arrangement within the shaft portion 28 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0054] Each of the openings 36 may include a cranial trajectory that maximizes bone purchase into both the proximal and distal diaphysis 22 of the femur 14. In an embodiment, the openings 36 each extend at an angle 01 relative to a transverse axis 38 that extends vertically through the shaft portion 28 (see Figure 5). The transverse axis 38 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 26. In an embodiment, the angle 01 is about 10 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0055] The head portion 30 may be at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge 40. The chamfered edge 40 may limit the cranial edge profile of the bone plate 26 where the parapatellar tendon and juxta-articular tissues contact this region, thus limiting soft tissue imitation.

[0056] A first cluster of openings 42 may be formed in the portion of the head portion 30 that is bounded by the chamfered edge 40. The openings 42 are each configured for receiving a fixation device 50 (e.g. screw, etc., shown in Figure 7 but not in Figures 2-6) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the distal femur. The openings 42 extend completely through the shaft portion 28 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 32 and the outer surface 34. In anembodiment, the openings 42 include four equally sized openings. However, other configurations arc also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 42 and their specific arrangement within the head portion 30 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0057] Each of the openings 42 may include a trajectory that minimizes or even prevents bone purchase into an intercondylar notch of the distal section 18 of the femur 14. In an embodiment, the openings 42 each extend at an angle 02 relative to a transverse axis 44 that extends vertically through the shaft portion 28 (see Figure 6). The transverse axis 44 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 26. In an embodiment, the angle 02 is about 17 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0058] A second cluster of openings 46 may be formed in the portion of the head portion 30 that is not bounded by the chamfered edge 40. The openings 46 are therefore proximal to the openings 42. Each of the openings 46 is configured for receiving an additional fixation device 50 (e.g. a screw, etc., shown in Figure 7 but not in Figures 2-6) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the femur 14. The openings 46 extend completely through the head portion 30 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 32 and the outer surface 34. In an embodiment, the openings 46 include three equally sized openings and are angled similarly to the openings 36. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 46 and their specific arrangement within the head portion 30 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0059] The bone plate 26 may additionally include one or more K-wire holes 48 configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate 26 to the femur 14 prior to achieving final fixation via the fixation devices 50. The K-wire holes 48 extend completely through the bone plate 26 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 32 and the outer surface 34. In an embodiment, the bone plate 26 includes one K-wire hole 48 formed in shaft portion 28 and one K-wire hole 48 formed in the head portion 30. However, the total number and placement of the K-wire holes 48 provided in the bone plate 26 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0060] The bone plate 26 may additionally include one or more suture holes 52 configured for receiving a suture or other threadlike material. For example, suture (not shown) may be passed through various tissues (e.g., parapatellar ligament, etc.) associated with the femur 14 and then passed through the suture hole 52 for securing the tissues during surgical closure. In anembodiment, the suture hole 52 is formed through the head portion 30 of the bone plate 26. However, other placement locations could be implemented and therefore arc contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] A plurality of undercut portions 54 (see Figures 3 and 4) may be formed in the bone plate 26 (e.g., in both the shaft portion 28 and the head portion 30) on the bone contacting surface 32. The undercut portions 54 are configured to minimize bone contact at certain locations of the bone plate 26, thereby creating a constant stiffness across the bone plate 26 when implanted.

[0062] The bone plate 26 may be made from any biocompatible material or combination of biocompatible materials. Exemplary materials that may be suitable for manufacturing the bone plate 26 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, etc.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the bone plate 26 is shown and described as having a left orientation that is suitable for lateral placement relative to a left side femur or medial placement relative to a right side femur. However, the bone plate 26 could also be provided in a right orientation, with such a bone plate being the mirror image of the left orientated bone plates described above and that is suitable for lateral placement relative to a right side femur or medial placement relative to a left side femur. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an exemplary bone plate 26- 2 having a right orientation.

[0064] Figures 9-14 illustrate another exemplary bone plate 126 for performing a distal femur osteotomy on an animal, such as a canine or a feline, for example. As will become more apparent from the description below, the bone plate 126 is similar to the bone plate 26 of Figure 2-7 but includes some additional / modified features in order to configure the bone plate 126 for performing osteotomy procedures associated with the distal femur. The bone plate 126 is shown alone in Figures 9-13, and the bone plate 126 is shown positioned relative to a distal section 18 of a femur 14 in Figure 14.

[0065] The bone plate 126 may extend along a longitudinal axis A between a shaft portion 128, located proximally and configured to interface with the diaphysis 22 of the femur 14 when the bone plate 126 is implanted, and a head portion 130, located distally and configured to mimic an anatomical shape of the distal section 18 of the femur 14 when the bone plate 26 is implanted (see, e.g., Figure 14). A bridge portion 160 extends between and connects the shaft portion 128 tothe head portion 130. Together, the shaft portion 128, the head portion 130, and the bridge portion 160 establish a singlc-piccc bone plate structure.

[0066] The bone plate 126 may be specifically sized and shaped for use relative the distal section 18 of the femur 14 of a canine or a feline, for example. In particular, the bone plate 126 may be anatomically contoured to the distal femur in each of an X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of a cartesian coordinate system 24 for accommodating multiple breed sizes and shapes.

[0067] The bone plate 126 may include a bone contacting surface 132 and an outer surface 134 on an opposite side of the bone plate 126 from the bone contacting surface 132. The bone contacting surface 132 may include a slightly concave curvature (see Figure 12) for conforming to the convex contour of the femur 14.

[0068] The longitudinal axis A may bisect the shaft portion 128 into two equal sections such that the shaft portion 128 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may intersect through both the bridge portion 160 and the head portion 130. The bridge portion 160 and the head portion 130 may asymmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis A.

[0069] The head portion 130 may be curved or angled in the X-Y plane relative to the shaft portion 128 to allow the bone plate 126 to conform to the natural procurvatum (e.g., cranial to caudal curvature) of the distal femur without overreduction of a fracture. For example, the head portion 130 may project in a direction away from the shaft portion 128 along a second axis B that is transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The second axis B extends at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A to establish the angled relationship between the head portion 130 and the shaft portion 128. In an embodiment, the angle a is about 15 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may be suitable within the scope of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the term “about” means that the expressed quantities or ranges need not be exact but may be approximated and / or larger or smaller, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, measurement error, etc.

[0070] The head portion 130 may include a curvature that is configured to match an anatomic shape of the distal femur. The angle a and the curvature of the head portion 130 may establish a hockey stick-like appearance of the bone plate 126. The bone plate 126 is therefore configured to be anatomically contoured to the distal femur.

[0071] The head portion 130 may extend at an declined angle in the X-Z plane relative to the shaft portion 128. In an embodiment, the head portion 130 is angled at a declined angle P ofabout 9 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees) relative to the shaft portion 128 (see Figure 1 1). However, other angles may be suitable within the scope of this disclosure.

[0072] The shaft portion 128 may include a plurality of openings 136 each configured for receiving a fixation device 50 (e.g. screws, etc., shown in Figure 14 but not in Figures 9-13) for fixating the bone plate 126 to the diaphysis 22 of the femur 14. The openings 136 extend completely through the shaft portion 128 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 132 and the outer surface 134. In an embodiment, the openings 136 are equally sized openings. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 136 and their specific arrangement within the shaft portion 128 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0073] Each of the openings 136 may include a cranial trajectory that maximizes bone purchase into both the proximal and distal diaphysis 22 of the femur 14. In an embodiment, the openings 136 each extend at an angle 01 relative to a transverse axis 138 that extends vertically through the shaft portion 128 (see Figure 12). The transverse axis 138 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 126. In an embodiment, the angle 01 is about 10 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0074] The shaft portion 128 may additionally include a compression slot 162, which can include an elongated or oval shape. The compression slot 162 allows the bone plate 126 to be used in conjunction with a corrective osteotomy fixation. In an embodiment, the compression slot 162 is positioned between a first portion Pl and a second portion P2 of the openings 136. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the specific arrangement of the compression slot 162 within the shaft portion 128 is not intended to limit this disclosure

[0075] The head portion 130 and the bridge portion 160 may be at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge 140. The chamfered edge 140 may limit the cranial edge profile of the bone plate 126 where the parapatellar tendon and juxta- articular tissues contact this region, thus limiting soft tissue irritation.

[0076] A cluster of openings 142 may be formed in the head portion 130. The openings 142 are each configured for receiving a fixation device 50 (e.g., a screw, etc., shown in Figure 14 but not in Figures 9-13) for fixating the bone plate 126 to the distal femur. The openings 142 extend completely through the head portion 130 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 132 and the outer surface 134. In an embodiment, the openings 142 includethree equally sized openings. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 142 and their specific arrangement within the head portion 130 arc not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0077] Each of the openings 142 may include a trajectory that minimizes or even prevents bone purchase into an intercondylar notch of the distal section 18 of the femur 14. In an embodiment, the openings 142 each extend at an angle 02 relative to a transverse axis 144 that extends vertically through the shaft portion 128 (see Figure 13). The transverse axis 144 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 126. In an embodiment, the angle 02 is about 17 degrees (+ / - 5 degrees). However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0078] The bridge portion 160 may exclude any screw openings or slots. The bridge portion 160 therefore increases the bending strength of the bone plate 126 across an osteotomy site S (see Figure 14) for improving surgical outcomes.

[0079] The bone plate 126 may additionally include one or more K-wire holes 148 configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate 126 to the femur 14 prior to achieving final fixation via the fixation devices 50. The K-wire holes 148 extend completely through the bone plate 126 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 132 and the outer surface 134. In an embodiment, the bone plate 26 includes one K-wire hole 148 formed in shaft portion 128 and one K-wire hole 148 formed in the head portion 130. However, the total number and placement of the K-wire holes 148 provided in the bone plate 126 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0080] The bone plate 126 may additionally include one or more suture holes 152 configured for receiving a suture or other threadlike material. For example, suture (not shown) may be passed through various tissues (e.g., parapatellar ligament, etc.) associated with the femur 14 and then passed through the suture hole 152 for securing the tissues during surgical closure. In an embodiment, the suture hole 152 is formed through the head portion 130 of the bone plate 126. However, other placement locations could be implemented and therefore are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] A plurality of undercut portions 154 (see Figures 10 and 11) may be formed in the bone plate 126 (e.g., in the shaft portion 128) on the bone contacting surface 132. The undercutportions 154 are configured to minimize bone contact at certain locations of the bone plate 126, thereby creating a constant stiffness across the bone plate 126 when implanted.

[0082] The bone plate 126 may be made from any biocompatible material or combination of biocompatible materials. Exemplary materials that may be suitable for manufacturing the bone plate 26 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, etc.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the bone plate 126 is shown and described as having a left orientation that is suitable for lateral placement relative to a left side femur or medial placement relative to a right side femur. However, the bone plate 126 could also be provided in a right orientation, with such a bone plate being the mirror image of the left orientated bone plates described above and that is suitable for lateral placement relative to a right side femur or medial placement relative to a left side femur. Figures 15(a), 15(b), and 15(c) illustrate an exemplary bone plate 126-2 having a right orientation.

[0084] The bone plates of this disclosure provide a more anatomic, easier to use, and more stable bone plate for performing distal femur repairs on animals compared to prior plate designs. The proposed bone plates may be utilized for all distal femur fracture patterns and include various design features for specifically accommodating the contour and native tissue anatomy of the distal femur.

[0085] Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0086] It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should further be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0087] The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use, comprising: a shaft portion; a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur; a bone contacting surface; and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface, wherein a first opening formed through the head portion extends along a different trajectory compared to that of a second opening formed through the shaft portion.

2. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal femur is a canine distal femur, and further wherein the bone contacting surface includes a curvature configured to match a contour of the canine distal femur.

3. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the head portion is at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge.

4. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole formed through the shaft portion.

5. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole formed through the head portion.

6. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first opening extends through the head portion at a first angle of about 17 degrees, and the second opening extends through the shaft portion at a second angle of about 10 degrees.

7. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the angle is about 15 degrees.

8. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1 , comprising a third opening formed through the head portion, wherein the third opening extends along a similar’ trajectory to that of the second opening of the shaft portion.

9. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the distal femur bone plate includes a hockey stick-like appearance.

10. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the head portion is angled at a declined angle relative to the shaft portion.

11. A distal femur bone plate designed for veterinary use, comprising: a shaft portion; a head portion positioned at an angle relative to the shaft portion and including a curvature configured to match an anatomic shape of a distal femur; a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion; a bone contacting surface; an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface; a first plurality of openings formed through the shaft portion; and a second plurality of openings formed through the head portion, wherein the bridge portion excludes any openings.

12. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the distal femur is a canine distal femur, and further wherein the bone contacting surface includes a curvature configured to match a contour of the canine distal femur.

13. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the head portion and the bridge portion are at least partially bounded by a chamfered edge.

14. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, comprising at least one K-wire hole formed through the shaft portion and the head portion.

15. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, comprising a compression slot disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the first plurality of openings within the shaft portion.

16. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first plurality of openings extends through the shaft portion at a first angle of about 10 degrees, and each of the second plurality of openings extends through the head portion at a second angle of about 17 degrees.

17. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the angle is about 15 degrees.

18. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11 , wherein the distal femur bone plate includes a hockey stick-like appearance.

19. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the head portion is angled at a declined angle relative to the shaft portion.

20. The distal femur bone plate as recited in claim 19, wherein the declined angle is about 9 degrees.

Images