Veterinary distal radius fracture plates

Abstract

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

Description

VETERINARY DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE PLATESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[oooi] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,937, 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 distal radius fractures in animals, such as canines, for example.

[0004] An exemplary distal radius bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion, a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface. The bone contacting surface includes a concave curvature that is configured to conform to a convex curvature of a distal section of a radius. The head portion is angled relative to the shaft portion and is configured to conform to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of the distal section.[ooos] Another exemplary distal radius bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion, and a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion. The head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the bridge portion. The peripheral edge includes a first curved section that connects a curved distal peak of the head portion to the first side of the bridge portion and a second curved section that connects the curved distal peak to the second side of the bridge portion. The shaft portion and the bridge portion extend along a longitudinal axis. The head portion extends along a centerline axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis such thatthe head portion is angled relative to the shaft portion for conforming to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of a distal section of a radius.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates select portions of a canine musculoskeletal system. A distal radius 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 an end view of the bone plate of Figure 2.[oooii] Figure 6 is a blown-up view of portions of the bone plate of Figure 2.

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through section 7-7 of Figure 3.

[0013] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through section 8-8 of Figure 3.

[0014] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through section 9-9 of Figure 3.[ooois] Figure 10 illustrates the bone plate of Figures 2-9 positioned medially relative to a distal radius of a canine.

[0016] Figure 11 illustrates the bone plate of Figures 2-9 positioned dorsally relative to a distal radius of a canine.

[0017] Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) illustrate multiple views of a bone plate having a left orientation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION[ooois] This disclosure is directed to bone plates designed for veterinary use. For example, the bone plates could be utilized for repairing distal radius fractures in canines or felines. These and other features of this disclosure are described in further detail below.

[0019] An exemplary distal radius bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion, a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion, a bone contacting surface, and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface. The bone contacting surface includes a concave curvature that is configured to conform to a convex curvature of a distal section of a radius. The head portion is angled relativeto the shaft portion and is configured to conform to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of the distal section.

[0020] In any further embodiment, the radius is a canine radius.

[0021] In any further embodiment, a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole are formed through the head portion.

[0022] 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 head portion along different angles.

[0023] In any further embodiment, the plurality of openings includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening, the second opening, and the third opening extend through the head portion along different angles.

[0024] In any further embodiment, the bridge portion excludes any openings formed therethrough.

[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 compression slot is formed through the shaft portion at a location that is between a first portion of the plurality of openings and a second portion of the plurality of openings.

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

[0028] In any further embodiment, the peripheral edge includes a first curved section that connects a curved distal peak of the head portion to the first side of the bridge portion and a second curved section that connects the curved distal peak to the second side of the bridge portion.

[0029] In any further embodiment, the shaft portion and the bridge portion extend along a longitudinal axis. The head portion extends along a centerline axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis to angle the head portion relative to the shaft portion for conforming to the medial flare or the dorsal flare of the distal section.

[0030] In any further embodiment, the centerline axis intersects through the curved distal peak.

[0031] In any further embodiment, a first opening is formed proximate the curved distal peak, and a second opening is formed proximal to the first opening.

[0032] In any further embodiment, the first opening extends through the head portion at a different angle than the second opening.

[0033] In any further embodiment, a plurality of scalloped portions are formed in the shaft portion.

[0034] Another exemplary distal radius bone plate designed for veterinary use may include, inter alia, a shaft portion, a head portion, and a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion. The head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the bridge portion. The peripheral edge includes a first curved section that connects a curved distal peak of the head portion to the first side of the bridge portion and a second curved section that connects the curved distal peak to the second side of the bridge portion. The shaft portion and the bridge portion extend along a longitudinal axis. The head portion extends along a centerline axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the head portion is angled relative to the shaft portion for conforming to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of a distal section of a radius.

[0035] In any further embodiment, the head portion includes a concave bone contacting surface that is configured to conform to a convex contour of the distal section of the radius.

[0036] In any further embodiment, the centerline axis intersects through the curved distal peak.

[0037] In any further embodiment, a first opening is formed proximate the curved distal peak, and a second opening is formed proximal to the first opening.

[0038] In any further embodiment, the first opening extends through the head portion at a different angle than the second opening.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Forelimb portions 12 of the musculoskeletal system 10 are specifically shown in Figure 1. Each forelimb portion 12 includes, among other bones, a scapula 14, a humerus 16 positioned distally of the scapula 14, and a radius 18 and an ulna 20 positioned distally of the humerus 16. The humerus 16 interfaces with the scapula 14 to establish a shoulder joint of the animal, and the radius 18 and the ulna 20 interface with the humerus 16 to establish an elbow jointof the animal. A distal section 22 of the radius 18 interfaces with carpal bones 24 to establish a carpal joint of the animal. The distal section 22 of the radius 18 may be referred to as the distal radius.

[0041] As schematically illustrated, a fracture 26 can occur in the distal section 22 of the radius 18, such as in response to a traumatic impact. The fracture 26 can present itself in various forms and could result in one or more bone fragments breaking away from the distal radius. Whatever pattern exhibited by the fracture 26, the fracture 26 typically must be repaired in order to alleviate pain and facilitate proper bone healing. The fracture 26 may be repaired using a bone plate. This disclosure is therefore directed to bone plate designs that are specifically suited for repairing distal radius fractures of animals (e.g., non-humans such as canines and felines).

[0042] Figures 2-11 illustrate an exemplary bone plate 28 for repairing a fracture 26 of a distal section 22 of a radius 18 of an animal, such as a canine or feline, for example. The bone plate 28 is shown alone in Figures 2-9, and the bone plate 28 is shown positioned relative to the distal radius in Figures 10-11.

[0043] The bone plate 28 may extend along a longitudinal axis A between a shaft portion 30, located proximally when the bone plate 28 is implanted, and a head portion 32, located distally when the bone plate 28 is implanted (see, e.g., Figures 10- 11). A bridge portion 34 extends between and connects the shaft portion 30 to the head portion 32. Together, the shaft portion 30, the head portion 32, and the bridge portion 34 establish a single-piece bone plate structure.

[0044] The bone plate 28 may be specifically sized and shaped for use relative the distal section 22 of the radius 18 of a canine or a feline, for example. In particular, the bone plate 28 may be anatomically contoured to the distal radius in each of an X-axis, Y -axis, and Z-axis of a cartesian coordinate system 25 for accommodating multiple breed sizes and shapes and / or for accommodating other bones that include a similar metaphyseal flare as the distal radius (e.g., distal tibia, etc.).

[0045] The bone plate 28 may include a bone contacting surface 36 and an outer surface 38 on an opposite side of the bone plate 28 from the bone contacting surface 36. The bone contacting surface 36 may include a concave curvature 40 (see, e.g., Figure 5) for conforming to the convex contour of the distal section 22 of the radius. The concave curvature 40 limits plate height and soft tissue interference while providing strength.

[0046] The shaft portion 30 and the bridge portion 34 of the bone plate 28 may be substantially colinear along the longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may bisect the shaft portion 30 and the bridge portion 34 into two substantially equal sections. The shaft portion 30 and the bridge portion 34 may therefore be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

[0047] The head portion 32 may be bounded by a peripheral edge 42. The peripheral edge 42 may include a first curved section 46 that connects a first side 44 of the bridge portion 34 to a curved distal peak 48 of the head portion 32. A second curved section 50 may connect the curved distal peak 48 to a second side 52 of the bridge portion 34. The longitudinal axis A may intersect through the second curved section 50 of the head portion 32. The curved distal peak 48 may establish a distal-most tip of the bone plate 28 when implanted.

[0048] The head portion 32 may be curved or angled in the X-Y plane relative to the shaft portion 30 and the bridge portion 34 to allow the bone plate 28 to conform to a medial or dorsal bone flare of the distal section 22 of the radius 18. For example, the head portion 32 may project in a direction away from the bridge portion 34 along a centerline axis B that is transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The centerline axis B may bisect the head portion 32 in two parts and intersects the head portion 32 through the curved distal peak 48. The centerline axis B extends at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A to establish the angled relationship between the head portion 32 and the shaft portion 30. In an embodiment, the angle a is between about 6 degrees and about 10 degrees. 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.

[0049] A first opening 54 may be formed through the head portion 32 at a location that is proximate to the curved distal peak 48. The first opening 54 may extend completely through the head portion 32 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 36 and the outer surface 38. The first opening 54 may be configured to receive a fixation device 60 (e.g. a screw, etc., shown in Figure 10 but not in Figures 1-9) that allows for maximizing distal radius bone purchase while minimizing intra- articular placement within the carpal joint.

[0050] A second opening 56 may be formed through the head portion 32 at a location that is proximal to the first opening 54. The second opening 56 may extend completely through the head portion 32 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 36 and the outer surface 38. The second opening 56 may be configured to receive another of the fixation devices60 (e.g. a screw, etc., shown in Figure 10 but not in Figures 1-9) that allows for maximizing distal radius bone purchase while minimizing intra-articular placement within the carpal joint.

[0051] A third opening 58 may be formed through the head portion 32 at a location that is proximal to the second opening 56. The third opening 58 may extend completely through the head portion 32 and therefore opens through both the bone contacting surface 36 and the outer surface 38 and may be configured to receive an additional fixation device (e.g., a screw) that allows for maximizing distal radius bone purchase while minimizing intra-articular placement with the carpal joint.

[0052] In an embodiment, the first opening 54, the second opening 56, and the third opening 58 are equally sized openings. In another embodiment, the longitudinal axis A intersects through the second opening 56 and the third opening 58 but does not intersect through the first opening 54 due to the angled relationship between the head portion 32 and the shaft portion 30. In yet another embodiment, the centerline axis B intersects through each of the first opening 54, the second opening 56, and the third opening 58.

[0053] Each of the first opening 54, the second opening 56, the third opening 58 may be an angled opening that limits entry into critical structures associated with the carpal joint while maximizing bone purchase within the distal radius. In an embodiment, the first opening 54 extends at an angle 01 relative to a transverse axis 62 that extends vertically through the head portion 32 (see Figure 7), the second opening 56 extends at an angle 02 relative to the transverse axis 62 (see Figure 8), and the third opening 58 extends at an angle 03 relative to the transverse axis 62 (see Figure 9). The transverse axis 62 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bone plate 28. In an embodiment, the angle 01 is between about 4 degrees and about 17 degrees, the angle 02 is between about 3 degrees and about 21 degrees, and the angle 03 is between about 5 degrees and about 12 degrees. However, other angles may also be suitable depending on a given breed size and shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the third opening 58 can be eliminated from the head portion 32. Elimination of the third opening 58 allows for the size of the head portion 32 to be decreased for utilization of the bone plate 28 on smaller breeds. If provided, the third opening 58 of the head portion 32 is the closest opening to the bridge portion 34.

[0055] The shaft portion 30 may include a plurality of openings 64 configured for receiving additional fixation devices (e.g. screws, etc., not shown in Figures 2-11) for fixating the bone plate28 to the distal radius. The openings 64 extend completely through the shaft portion 30 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 36 and the outer surface 38. In an embodiment, the shaft portion 30 includes four openings 64 that are equally sized and aligned along the longitudinal axis A. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the total number of openings 64 and their specific arrangement within the shaft portion 30 are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0056] The shaft portion 30 may additionally include a compression slot 66, which can include an elongated or oval shape. The compression slot 66 allows the bone plate 28 to be used in conjunction with a corrective osteotomy fixation. In an embodiment, the compression slot 66 is positioned between a first portion Pl and a second portion P2 of the openings 64 and is aligned with the openings 64 along the longitudinal axis A. However, other configurations are also contemplated, and thus the specific arrangement of the compression slot 66 within the shaft portion 30 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0057] The bridge portion 34 may be configured to exclude any screw openings or slots. The bridge portion 34 therefore increases the bending strength of the bone plate 28 across a fracture site for improving surgical outcomes.

[0058] The bone plate 28 may additionally include one or more K-wire holes 68 configured for receiving a K-wire (not shown) in order to temporarily secure the bone plate 28 to the distal radius prior to achieving final fixation via fixation screws. The K-wire holes 68 extend completely through the bone plate 28 and therefore open through both the bone contacting surface 36 and the outer surface 38. In an embodiment, the bone plate 28 includes one K-wire hole 68 formed in the shaft portion 30 and one K-wire hole 68 formed in the head portion 32. However, the total number and placement of the K-wire holes 68 provided in the bone plate 28 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0059] A plurality of scalloped portions 70 (see Figures 2-4) may be formed in the shaft portion 30 of the bone plate 28. The scalloped portions 70 are designed to allow the bone plate 28 to bend and / or twist more easily, thereby allowing the bone plate 28 to conform to the radius 18 across different breeds that have slight variations in the anatomical shape of the radius 18.

[0060] The bone plate 28 may be made from any biocompatible material or combination of biocompatible materials. Exemplary materials that may be suitable for manufacturing the boneplate 28 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, thermoplastic materials, etc.[0006I] In the above embodiment, the bone plate 28 is shown and described as having a right orientation that is suitable for medial placement relative to a left side radius (see Figure 10) and dorsal placement relative to a right side radius (see Figure 11). However, the bone plate 28 could also be provided in a left orientation, with such a bone plate being the mirror image of the right orientated bone plates described above and that is suitable for medial placement relative to a right side radius and for dorsal placement relative to a left side radius. Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) illustrate an exemplary distal radius bone plate 28-2 having a left orientation.

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

[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. A distal radius bone plate designed for veterinary use, comprising: a shaft portion; a head portion; a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion; a bone contacting surface; and an outer surface opposed to the bone contacting surface, wherein the bone contacting surface includes a concave curvature that is configured to conform to a convex curvature of a distal section of a radius, wherein the head portion is angled relative to the shaft portion and is configured to conform to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of the distal section.

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

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

4. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 3, 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 head portion along different angles.

5. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings includes a third opening, and further wherein the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening extend through the head portion along different angles.

6. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the bridge portion excludes any openings formed therethrough.

7. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of openings and at least one K-wire hole formed through the shaft portion. io8. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 7, comprising a compression slot formed through the shaft portion at a location that is between a first portion of the plurality of openings and a second portion of the plurality of openings.

9. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 1, wherein the head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the bridge portion.

10. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 9, wherein the peripheral edge includes a first curved section that connects a curved distal peak of the head portion to the first side of the bridge portion and a second curved section that connects the curved distal peak to the second side of the bridge portion.

11. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 10, wherein the shaft portion and the bridge portion extend along a longitudinal axis, and further wherein the head portion extends along a centerline axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis to angle the head portion relative to the shaft portion for conforming to the medial flare or the dorsal flare of the distal section.

12. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 11, wherein the centerline axis intersects through the curved distal peak.

13. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 12, comprising a first opening proximate the curved distal peak and a second opening proximal to the first opening.

14. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 13, wherein the first opening extends through the head portion at a different angle than the second opening.

15. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality of scalloped portions formed in the shaft portion.

16. A distal radius bone plate for veterinary use, comprising: a shaft portion; a head portion; and a bridge portion connecting between the shaft portion and the head portion; wherein the head portion is bounded by a peripheral edge that connects the head portion to a first side and a second side of the bridge portion, wherein the peripheral edge includes a first curved section that connects a curved distal peak of the head portion to the first side of the bridge portion and a second curved section that connects the curved distal peak to the second side of the bridge portion, wherein the shaft portion and the bridge portion extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the head portion extends along a centerline axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the head portion is angled relative to the shaft portion for conforming to a medial flare or a dorsal flare of a distal section of a radius.

17. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 16, wherein the head portion includes a concave bone contacting surface configured to conform to a convex contour of the distal section of the radius.

18. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 16, wherein the centerline axis intersects through the curved distal peak.

19. The distal radius bone plate as recited in claim 16, comprising a first opening proximate the curved distal peak and a second opening proximal to the first opening.

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

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