Veterinary ilial fracture plates

Abstract

Bone plates are disclosed for veterinary uses. For example, the bone plates could be utilized for repairing ilial fractures in canines or felines. The bone plates may include various features for better accommodating the anatomy and native tissue structure of the ilium of an animal and may be utilized for all ilial fracture patterns.

Description

VETERINARY ILIAL FRACTURE PLATESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS rooon This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,950, which was filed on November 20, 2023 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 repairing ilial fractures in animals, such as canines, for example.

[0004] An exemplary ilial bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a caudal portion including a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of a caudal segment of an ilium, a cranial portion including a convex bone contacting surface configured to conform to a concave contour of a cranial segment of the ilium, and a midshaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion.[ooos] Another exemplary ilial bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a caudal portion, a cranial portion, and a mid-shaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion. The caudal portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the caudal portion to a first side and a second side of the mid-shaft portion. The peripheral edge includes a first curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the mid-shaft portion and a second curved expanded section that connects to the second side of the mid-shaft portion. The first curved expanded section is configured to interface with a cranial acetabular pillar of a caudal segment of an ilium to provide cranial acetabular coverage, and the second curved expanded section is configured to interface with a dorsal portion of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide dorsal acetabular’ coverage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates select portions of a canine musculoskeletal system. An ilium of the canine includes a fracture.

[0007] Figure 2 is a top view of a bone plate for repairing an ilial 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 first end view of the bone plate of Figure 2.[oooii] Figure 6 is a second end view of the bone plate of Figure 2.[ooon] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through section 7-7 of Figure 2.

[0013] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through section 8-8 of Figure 2.[oooi4] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through section 9-9 of Figure 2.[ooois] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through section 10-10 of Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through section 11-11 of Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 12 illustrates the bone plate of Figures 2-11 positioned relative to an ilium of a canine.[ooois] Figures 13(a), 13(b), and 13(c) illustrate multiple views of a bone plate having a right orientation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] This disclosure is directed to bone plates designed for veterinary use. For example, the bone plates could be utilized for repairing ilial fractures in canines or felines. These and other features of this disclosure are described in further detail below.

[0020] An exemplary ilial bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a caudal portion including a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of a caudal segment of an ilium, a cranial portion including a convex bone contacting surface configured to conform to a concave contour of a cranial segment of the ilium, and a midshaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion.

[0021] In any further embodiment, the ilium is a canine ilium.

[0022] In any further embodiment, the cranial portion is generally rectangular shaped and includes a first width that is larger than a second width of the mid-shaft portion.

[0023] In any further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through the cranial portion.

[0024] In any further embodiment, the plurality of openings includes at least a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening extend through the cranial portion along diverging axes.

[0025] In any further embodiment, a plurality of openings are formed through the midshaft portion.

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

[0027] In any further embodiment, the caudal portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the caudal portion to a first side and a second side of the mid-shaft portion.

[0028] In any further embodiment, the peripheral edge includes a first curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the mid- shaft portion and a second curved expanded section that connects to the second side of the mid-shaft portion.

[0029] In any further embodiment, the first curved expanded section is configured to interface with a cranial acetabular’ pillar of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide cranial acetabular coverage, and the second curved expanded section is configured to interface with a dorsal portion of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide dorsal acetabular’ coverage.

[0030] In any further embodiment, a first opening is formed proximate the first curved expanded section, and a second opening is formed proximate the second curved expanded section.[ooosr] In any further embodiment, the first opening extends through the caudal portion at a different angle than the second opening.

[0032] In any further embodiment, a plurality of scalloped portions are formed in the concave bone contacting surface of the caudal portion.

[0033] In any further embodiment, a suture hole is formed through the cranial portion.

[0034] In any further embodiment, the mid- shaft portion extends at an inclined angle relative to the cranial portion.

[0035] Another exemplary ilial bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a caudal portion, a cranial portion, and a mid-shaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion. The caudal portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the caudal portion to a first side and a second side of the mid-shaft portion. The peripheral edgeincludes a first curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the mid-shaft portion and a second curved expanded section that connects to the second side of the mid-shaft portion. The first curved expanded section is configured to interface with a cranial acetabular pillar of a caudal segment of an ilium to provide cranial acetabular coverage, and the second curved expanded section is configured to interface with a dorsal portion of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide dorsal acetabular coverage.

[0036] In any further embodiment, the caudal portion includes a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of the caudal segment of the ilium, and the cranial portion includes a convex bone contacting surface configured to conform to a concave contour of a cranial segment of the ilium.

[0037] In any further embodiment, a first opening and a second opening are formed through the cranial portion. The first opening and the second opening extend through the cranial portion along diverging axes.

[0038] In any further embodiment, a first opening is formed proximate the first curved expanded section, and a second opening is formed proximate the second curved expanded section.

[0039] In any further embodiment, the first opening extends through the caudal portion at a different angle than the second opening.

[0040] 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.

[0041] A pelvis 12 of the musculoskeletal system 10 is specifically shown in Figure 1. An ilium 14 joins the pelvis 12 to a sacrum 16 of the spine. The ilium 14 includes an acetabulum 18 that forms a cup configured to receive a femoral head 20 of a femur 22. The femoral head 20 may articulate relative to the acetabulum 18 as part of a ball-and-socket joint of the pelvis 12. The femur 22 forms part of a hindleg of the animal.

[0042] As schematically illustrated, a fracture 24 of the ilium 14 can occur, such as in response to a traumatic impact. The fracture 24 may present itself in various forms and could result in one or more bone fragments breaking away from the ilium 14. Whatever pattern exhibited by the fracture 24, the fracture 24 typically must be repaired in order to alleviate pain and facilitate proper bone healing. The fracture 24 may be repaired using a bone plate. This disclosure istherefore directed to bone plate designs that are specifically suited for repairing ilial fractures of animals (c.g., non-humans such as canines and felines).

[0043] Figures 2-12 illustrate an exemplary bone plate 26 for repairing a fracture 24 of an ilium 14 of an animal, such as a canine or feline, for example. The bone plate 26 is shown alone in Figures 2-11, and the bone plate 26 is shown positioned relative to the ilium 14 in Figure 12.

[0044] The bone plate 26 may extend along a longitudinal axis A between a caudal portion 28, positioned caudally relative to a caudal segment 34 (i.e., shaft) of the ilium 14 when the bone plate 26 is implanted, and a cranial portion 30, positioned cranially relative to a cranial segment 36 (i.e., wing) of the ilium 14 when the bone plate 26 is implanted (see, e.g., Figure 12). A midshaft portion 32 extends between and connects the caudal portion 28 to the cranial portion 30. Together, the caudal portion 28, the cranial portion 30, and the mid-shaft portion 32 establish a single-piece bone plate structure.

[0045] The bone plate 26 may be specifically sized and shaped for use relative the ilium 14 of a canine or a feline, for example. In particular, the bone plate 26 may be anatomically contoured to the ilium 14 in each of an X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of a cartesian coordinate system 25 for accommodating multiple breed sizes and shapes.

[0046] The mid-shaft portion 32 may extend at an inclined angle a (see Figure 4) relative to the cranial portion 30. The inclined angle a is designed to accommodate the contour of the ilium 14 in the cranial-to-caudal direction. In an embodiment, the mid-shaft portion 32 is angled at an inclined angle a of between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the cranial portion 30. 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.

[0047] The bone plate 26 may further include a bone contacting surface 38 and an outer surface 40 on an opposite side of the bone plate 26 from the bone contacting surface 38. The bone contacting surface 38 at the caudal portion 28 may include a concave curvature 42 (see, e.g., Figure5) for conforming to the convex contour of the caudal segment 34 of the ilium 14, and the bone contacting surface 38 at the cranial portion 30 may include a convex curvature 44 (see, e.g., Figure6) for conforming to the concave contour of the cranial segment 36 of the ilium 14.

[0048] The caudal portion 28 of the bone plate 26 may be bounded by a peripheral edge 46 that extends from a first side 47 of the mid-shaft portion 32 to a second side 48 of the mid-shaftportion 32 that is opposite of the first side 47. The peripheral edge 46 may connect to and extend outwardly of the first side 47 of the mid-shaft portion 32 to establish a first curved expanded section 50 of the caudal portion 28, and the peripheral edge 46 may further connect to and extend outwardly of the second side 48 of the mid- shaft portion 32 to establish a second curved expanded section 52 of caudal portion 28. An indented section 54 of the peripheral edge 46 may connect between the first curved expanded section 50 and the second curved expanded section 52. When positioned on the ilium 14, the first curved expanded section 50 may interface with a cranial acetabular pillar 56 of the caudal segment 34 to provide cranial acetabular coverage, the second curved expanded section 52 may interface with a dorsal portion 80 of the caudal segment 34 that surrounds the acetabulum 18 to provide dorsal acetabular coverage, and the indented section 54 may provide bone relief around the acetabulum 18. Therefore, the first curved expanded section 50, the second curved expanded section 52, and the indented section 54 may together provide an improved juxta-articular fit relative to the acetabulum 18.

[0049] A first opening 58 may be formed through the caudal portion 28 at a location that is proximate to the first curved expanded section 50. The first opening 58 may extend completely through the caudal portion 28 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40. The first opening 58 may be configured to receive a fixation device 60 (e.g. a screw, etc., shown in Figure 12 but not in Figures 1-11) that allows for the capture of the cranial acetab ular pillar 56 of the caudal segment 34 to provide cranial acetabular' coverage with a single screw.

[0050] A second opening 62 may be formed through the caudal portion 28 at a location that is proximate to the second curved expanded section 52. The second opening 62 may extend completely through the caudal portion 28 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40. The second opening 62 may be configured to receive another of the fixation devices 60 (e.g. a screw, etc., shown in Figure 12 but not in Figures 1-11) that allows for the capture of the dorsal portion 80 of the caudal segment 34 that surrounds the acetabulum 18 to provide dorsal acetabular coverage with a single screw.

[0051] A third opening 64 may be formed through the caudal portion 28 at a location that is generally between the first opening 58 and the second opening 62 or any other location within the caudal portion 28. The third opening 64 may extend completely through the caudal portion 28 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40 and maybe configured to receive an additional fixation device 60 (e.g., a screw) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the caudal segment 34 of the ilium 14. In an embodiment, the first opening 58, the second opening 62, and the third opening 64 are equally sized openings.

[0052] Each of the first opening 58, the second opening 62, the third opening 64 may be an angled opening that limits entry into critical structures such as in and around the acetabulum 18 while maximizing bone purchase into the caudal segment 34 of the ilium 14. In an embodiment, the first opening 58 extends at an angle 01 relative to a transverse axis 66 that extends vertically through the caudal portion 28 (see Figure 7), the second opening 62 extends at an angle 02 relative to the transverse axis 66 (see Figure 8), and the third opening 64 extends at an angle 03 relative to a transverse axis 66 (see Figure 9). The transverse axis 66 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 26. In an embodiment, the angle 01 is between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees, the angle 02 is between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees, and the angle 03 is between about 1 degree and about 7 degrees. However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0053] The cranial portion 30 of the bone plate 26 may be generally rectangular shaped and may include a width W1 that is slightly broader than a width W2 of the mid- shaft portion 32. The longitudinal axis A may bisect the cranial portion 28 into two substantially equal sections such that the cranial portion 30 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

[0054] The cranial portion 30 may include a plurality of openings 68 configured for receiving fixation devices (e.g. screws, etc., not shown in Figures 2-11) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the cranial segment 36 of the ilium 14. The openings 68 extend completely through the cranial portion 30 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40. In an embodiment, the cranial portion 30 includes four openings 68 that are equally sized and positioned in a clustered arrangement. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 68 and their specific arrangement within the cranial portion 30 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0055] Each opening 68 may extend at an angle y relative to a transverse axis 70 that extends vertically through the cranial portion 30 (see Figures 11-12). The transverse axis 70 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 26. In an embodiment, the angle y is about 8 degrees, although other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape. Adjacent openings 68 located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A of the cranialportion 30 may be arranged to diverge from one another to improve pullout strength of fixation devices received therethrough. Stated another way, the adjacent openings 68 extend along divergent axes 99.

[0056] The mid-shaft portion 32 of the bone plate 26 may include an additional plurality of openings 72 configured for receiving fixation devices (e.g. screws, etc., not shown in Figures 2-11) for fixating the bone plate 26 to the ilium 14. The openings 72 extend completely through the mid- shaft portion 32 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40. In an embodiment, the mid-shaft portion 32 includes three equally sized openings 72. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 72 and their specific arrangement within the mid-shaft portion 32 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0057] The bone plate 26 may additionally include one or more K-wire holes 74 configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate 26 to the ilium 14 prior to achieving final fixation via fixation screws. The K-wire holes 74 extend completely through the bone plate 26 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 38 and the outer surface 40. In an embodiment, the bone plate 26 includes one K-wire hole 74 formed in the caudal portion 28 and one K-wire hole 74 formed in the cranial portion 30. However, the total number and placement of the K-wire holes 74 provided in the bone plate 26 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0058] The bone plate 26 may additionally include one or more suture holes 76 configured for receiving a suture or other threadlike material. For example, suture (not shown) may be passed through various muscles associated with the ilium 14 and then passed through the suture holes for securing the muscles during surgical closure. In an embodiment, the suture hole 76 is formed through the cranial portion 30 of the bone plate 26.

[0059] A plurality of scalloped portions 78 (see Figures 3 and 4) may be formed in the bone plate 26 (e.g., in the caudal portion 28 and the mid-shaft portion 32 but not in the cranial portion 30) on the bone contacting surface 38. The scalloped portions 78 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.

[0060] 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 boneplate 26 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, etc.[0006I] In the above embodiment, the bone plate 26 is shown and described as having a left orientation. 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. Figures 13(a), 13(b), and 13(c) illustrate an exemplary dial bone plate 26-2 having a right orientation.

[0062] The bone plates of this disclosure provide a more anatomic, easier to use, and more stable bone plate for repairing ilial fractures of animals compared to prior plate designs. The proposed bone plates may be utilized for all ilial fracture patterns and include various design features for specifically accommodating the contour and native tissue anatomy of the ilium.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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. An ilial bone plate designed for veterinary use, comprising: a caudal portion including a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of a caudal segment of an ilium; a cranial portion including a convex bone contacting surface configured to conform to a concave contour of a cranial segment of the ilium; and a mid-shaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion.

2. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the ilium is a canine ilium.

3. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the cranial portion is generally rectangular shaped and includes a first width that is larger than a second width of the mid-shaft portion.

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

5. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings includes at least a first opening and a second opening, and further wherein the first opening and the second opening extend through the cranial portion along diverging axes.

6. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1 , comprising a plurality of openings formed through the mid- shaft portion.

7. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole formed through the caudal portion.

8. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the caudal portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the caudal portion to a first side and a second side of the mid- shaft portion.

9. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 8, wherein the peripheral edge includes a first curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the mid- shaft portion and a second curved expanded section that connects to the second side of the mid-shaft portion.

10. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 9, wherein the first curved expanded section is configured to interface with a cranial acetabular pillar of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide cranial acetabular coverage, and the second curved expanded section is configured to interface with a dorsal portion of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide dorsal acetabular coverage.

11. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 9, comprising a first opening proximate the first curved expanded section and a second opening proximate the second curved expanded section.

12. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the first opening extends through the caudal portion at a different angle than the second opening.

13. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of scalloped portions formed in the concave bone contacting surface of the caudal portion.

14. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a suture hole formed through the cranial portion.

15. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the mid-shaft portion extends at an inclined angle relative to the cranial portion.

16. An ilial bone plate for veterinary use, comprising: a caudal portion; a cranial portion; a mid-shaft portion connecting between the caudal portion and the cranial portion; and the caudal portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the caudal portion to a first side and a second side of the mid-shaft portion, wherein the peripheral edge includes a first curved expanded section that connects to the first side of the mid- shaft portion and a second curved expanded section that connects to the second side of the mid- shaft portion, wherein the first curved expanded section is configured to interface with a cranial acetabular pillar of a caudal segment of an ilium to provide cranial acetabular coverage, and the second curved expanded section is configured to interface with a dorsal portion of the caudal segment of the ilium to provide dorsal acetabular coverage.

17. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 16, wherein the caudal portion includes a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of the caudal segment of the ilium, and the cranial portion includes a convex bone contacting surface configured to conform to a concave contour of a cranial segment of the ilium.

18. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 16, comprising a first opening and a second opening formed through the cranial portion, and further wherein the first opening and the second opening extend through the cranial portion along diverging axes.

19. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 16, comprising a first opening proximate the first curved expanded section and a second opening proximate the second curved expanded section.

20. The ilial bone plate as recited in claim 19, wherein the first opening extends through the caudal portion at a different angle than the second opening.

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