Plate inserter

Abstract

Systems and methods for engaging and controlling the insertion of an orthopedic plate is disclosed. A plate inserter includes a handle portion and a shaft comprising a first end connected to the handle portion and a second end comprising a coupling element. The coupling element can include a collet having an outer diameter that is selectively adjustable to move the collet between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and the collet can include a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof. In this configuration, the plurality of protrusions can be configured to matingly engage an opening in an orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions. The plate inserter may be used in combination with an orthopedic plate configured to be secured across a bone fracture to provide a system for stabilizing a bone fracture.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WOPLATE INSERTERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. provisional patent application number 63 / 688,388, filed August 29, 2024, entitled “PLATE INSERTER,” the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants, for instance, configured to be variably coupled to one or more patient bones, bone portions, bone fragments, and / or the like, and more specifically to systems and methods for attaching bone plates for facilitating stabilization of fractures of the pelvis.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Bone fractures are often repaired by securing an orthopedic implant or device to one or more patient bones, bone portions, bone fragments, or the like. For example, treatment of acetabular fracture of the pelvis may include use of a bone plate to stabilize the bone to promote healing. In such treatments, however, minimal bone stock, limited anatomic access, and / or difficulty in obtaining stable internal fixation in the pelvis — particularly in the quadrilateral surface — can contribute to the surgical challenge of internal fixation using conventional bone plate devices. For example, the anatomical location of the quadrilateral plate is deep, and the bone is thin, surrounded by vital blood vessels and nerves, and is close to organs.Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO

[0004] Accordingly, coupling a bone plate to a patient’s bone, such as a pelvic brim and / or quadrilateral surface of a pelvis, introduces a number of challenges that need to be overcome. For example, during placement of quadrilateral surface (QLS) plates into a patient’s pelvic cavity, surgeon needs control and tactile feedback between the instrument and plate. Conventional practices often require surgeons to use forceps and other tools for placement of plate or placed by hand without any tools. Using these conventional means, however, it can be difficult for surgeons to adjust the connection between the tool and the plate precisely, which can result in the specific positional relationship between the tool and the plate being unknown.

[0005] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present disclosure may be useful.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] A plate inserter configured for engaging and controlling the insertion of an orthopedic plate is disclosed. In some examples, the plate inserter includes a handle portion and a shaft comprising a first end connected to the handle portion and a second end comprising a coupling element. In some examples, the coupling element includes a collet having an outer diameter that is selectively adjustable to move the collet between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. In some examples, the colletAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being configured to matingly engage an opening in an orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions. In some examples, the handle further includes an actuator in communication with the coupling element, the actuator being operable to move the collet between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration. In some examples, the plate inserter may be used in combination with an orthopedic plate configured to be secured across a bone fracture, the orthopedic plate including one or more opening, which can serve as a system for stabilizing a bone fracture.

[0008] A method for positioning an orthopedic plate is also disclosed. The method can include aligning a coupling element of a plate inserter with an opening in an orthopedic plate and expanding an outer diameter of a collet arranged at a tip of the coupling element to at least partially engage the opening in the orthopedic plate. In some examples, expanding the outer diameter of the collet increases a force of engagement between the collet and the opening. In some examples, the collet includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof, and the plurality of protrusions are configured to matingly engage the opening in the orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions. In some examples, the method further includes selectively rotating the plate inserter with respect to the orthopedic plate between the discrete engagement positions.

[0009] In any preceding or subsequent example, the plurality of protrusions can include a number of protrusions arranged at regular intervals about the radial surface of the colletAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO such that the plurality of discrete engagement positions comprises a desired number of discrete engagement positions (e.g., 36 positions).

[0010] In any preceding or subsequent example, the actuator can include a driver arranged within the shaft between the first end and the second end, and the coupling element can include a plunger that is movable by the driver between a retracted position in which the plunger is recessed relative to the collet and an extended position in which the plunger applies a force to move the collet toward the expanded configuration. In some examples, the plunger includes a tapered end that is configured to progressively increase the force applied to move the collet as the plunger is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. In some examples, the coupling element further includes a biasing element that is configured to apply a biasing force that urges the plunger toward the retracted position.

[0011] In any preceding or subsequent example, the coupling element is configured to bias the collet toward the contracted position.

[0012] In any preceding or subsequent example, the coupling element includes a ridge that extends radially outward from an end of the collet to a width greater than the outer diameter.

[0013] Examples of the present disclosure provide numerous advantages. For example, the configuration of the inserter tip to define a plurality of discrete engagement positions allows the user to maintain a known positional relationship between the plate and the plate inserter. In addition, in some examples, the configuration of the inserter tip providesAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO enhanced tactile feedback when the plate engages / disengages / rotates when compared with competitor plate inserter.

[0014] Further features and advantages of at least some of the examples of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various examples of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] By way of example, specific examples of the disclosed device will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a detail side view of a coupling element of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a cutaway side view of a coupling element of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a detail side view of a plunger of a coupling element of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a coupling element of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side view of a plate inserter engaged with an orthopedic plate in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective side view of a coupling element of a plate inserter engaged with an orthopedic plate in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective side view of a coupling element of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 8A -8E illustrate a plate inserter engaged with an orthopedic plate at various engagement angles in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0025] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict various examples of the disclosure, and therefore are not considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Various features or the like of a plate inserter will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more features of the plate inserter will be shown and described. It should be appreciated that the various features may be used independently of, or in combination, with each other. It will be appreciated that the plate inserter as disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and may selectively include one or more concepts, features, or functions described herein. As such, the plate inserter should not be construed as being limited to the specific examplesAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain features of the plate inserter to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, a plate inserter according to the presently disclosed subject matter includes a coupling portion that is configured to selectively engage the bone plate at any of a plurality of discrete clocking positions, and adjustment of the position of the plate inserter relative to the bone plate can provide tactile feedback that provides valuable information for the surgeon regarding the relative arrangement of the plate with respect to the plate inserter.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an example of a plate inserter in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the plate inserter, generally designated 100, includes a handle portion 110 and a shaft 120, the shaft 120 including a first end 121 connected to the handle portion 110 and a second end 122 comprising a coupling element 130. in some examples, the coupling element 130 is arranged at an angle a with respect to the shaft 120.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 4, in some examples, the coupling element 130 includes a collet 132 at a tip 131 of the coupling element 130, the collet 132 having an outer diameter D that is selectively adjustable to move the collet 132 between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. In some examples, the adjustability of the outer diameter D of the collet 132 is achieved by one or more slots 133 are formed into the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 such that the collet 132 is made up of a plurality of collet portions 132a-132d. In this configuration, application of an applied force can cause portions of the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 to flex outwardly, whichAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO correspondingly moves the collet portions 132a-132d away from each other to expand the outer diameter D of the collet 132 such that the collet 132 is in its expanded position. In some examples, the material that forms the coupling element 130 exhibits sufficient elasticity such that, once the applied force is removed, the portions of the tip of the coupling element 130 flex back to correspondingly contract the outer diameter D such that the collet 132 is in its retracted position.

[0030] To achieve this selective expansion of the collet 132, the handle 110 can include an actuator 125 in communication with the coupling element 130 and is operable to selectively adjust the outer diameter D of the collet 132 between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some examples, the actuator 125 is provided as a driver arranged within the shaft 120 between the first end 121 and the second end 122, and the coupling element 130 includes a plunger 135 that is movable by the actuator 125 between a retracted position in which the plunger 135 is recessed within the coupling element 120 and an extended position in which the plunger 135 is extended toward the tip 131 of the coupling element 130. In this extended position, the plunger 135 is configured to apply a force to move the collet 132 toward the expanded configuration. In some examples, advancement of the actuator 125 can be controlled by a threaded shaft that is connected to a knob or similar mechanism 115 provided on the handle 110.

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 4, in some examples, the movement of the plunger 135 from the retracted position toward the extended position involves a tapered end 136 of the plunger 135 being pushed toward the tip 131 of the coupling element 130Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO such that the tapered end 136 progressively applies an outward force to the collet 132. This force correspondingly moves the collet portions 132a-132d apart from each other to expand the outer diameter D of the collet 132.

[0032] In some particular examples, the tapered end 136 can include multiple taper stages such that the advancement of the plunger 135 toward the tip 131 first aligns the plunger 135 with the collet 132 before exerting the outward force. As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the tapered end 136 can include a first taper 136a at or near the end of the plunger 135 that is arranged nearest the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 and expands from an initial diameter do to a first diameter di that is greater than the initial diameter do. A second taper 136b arranged further from the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 can then expand from the first diameter di to a second diameter d greater than the first diameter di. In some examples, the initial diameter do is less than an inner diameter of the collet 132 when in the contracted configuration, and the first diameter di is substantially similar to the inner diameter of the collet 132 when in the contracted configuration. In this configuration, advancement of the plunger 135 toward the tip 131 involves the first taper 136a providing a smooth engagement of the collet 132, and further advancement of the plunger 135 results in the second taper 136b applying a progressive outward force to the collet 132.

[0033] In any configuration, in some examples, the coupling element 130 further includes a biasing element 137 that is configured to apply a biasing force that urges the plunger 135 toward the retracted position. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example, the biasing element 137 can be a compression spring that is coupled to the plunger 135 withinAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO the coupling element 130. In an example configuration shown in FIG. 2B, the biasing element 137 can be arranged to press against a shoulder 138 extending from a portion of the plunger 135 to urge the plunger 135 towards the retracted position. In some examples, a stop 139 can be arranged within the coupling element 130 against which the shoulder 138 can rest when in the retracted position. Application of a force to the plunger 135 by the driver 125 that causes the plunger 135 to move toward its extended position can compress the biasing element 137. In this arrangement, when the force applied by the driver 125 to the plunger 135 is released, the biasing element 137 can urge the plunger 135 away from the tip 131, thereby allowing the collet portions 132a-132d to contract such that the collet 132 reverts to its contracted position.

[0034] In this configuration, the plate inserter 110 can be manipulated to selectively engage an opening in an orthopedic plate to guide the plate to a desired position. In addition, in some examples, the collet 132 includes a plurality of protrusions 134 extending from a radial surface thereof, the protrusions 134 being configured to enhance the ability of the collet 132 to engage the opening in the plate. Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 4, the protrusions 134 can be provided at regular intervals about the radial surface of the collet 132. In some examples, the protrusions 134 can each have a form of interfacing radii or continuous grooves that are configured to function in a manner similar to the teeth in a set of gears.

[0035] In some examples, the plurality of protrusions 134 can be configured to matingly engage an opening 201 in an orthopedic plate 200 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, in some examples, the orthopedic plate 200 may be in the form of a pelvic bone plate,Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO including, for instance, a suprapectineal bone plate or an infrapectineal bone plate. Examples of such configurations for a pelvic bone plate are shown and described in International Patent Application, PCT / US2022 / 043642, filed September 15, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] In any configuration, the plate 200 can include one or more openings 201 with which the collet 132 is configured to matingly engage. In some examples, each of the openings 201 includes one or more groove 202 that is shaped to correspondingly receive the protrusions 134. In some particular examples, each of the openings 201 includes a number of grooves 202 that is equal to the number of protrusions 134 provided on the collet 132. Regardless of the particular configuration, the collet 132 can be configured such that, when in its contracted configuration, the collet 132 can be arranged within one of the openings 201 in any angular orientation.

[0037] With operation of the actuator 125 to move the collet 132 into its expanded configuration, however, the outer diameter 1) of the collet 132 expands such that one or more of the protrusions 134 extend into the grooves 202 in the selected one of the openings 201. In this way, engagement of the protrusions 134 with the grooves 202 formed in the selected one of the openings 201 can enhance the coupling of the collet 132 with the opening 201 to more effectively retain the plate inserter 100 in an orientation corresponding to the mating engagement of the collet 132 with the opening 201. In some examples, expanding the outer diameter D of the collet 132 can be controlled to correspondingly increase a force of engagement between the collet 132 and the opening 201.Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO

[0038] In some examples, the actuator 125 further includes one or more retention element configured to prevent or resist withdrawal of the actuator 125 from the engaged one of the openings 201 when the actuator 125 is in the expanded configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, in some examples, such a retention element can include a ridge 140 extending radially outwardly from the tip 131 of the coupling element 130. The ridge 140 can be sized and configured such that, when the collet 132 is arranged within one of the openings 201, the ridge 140 extends through and beyond the respective one of the openings 201. Then, when the collet 132 is moved into its expanded configuration and the protrusions 134 are engaged with the grooves 202 formed in the selected one of the openings 201, the ridge 140 extends to a width greater than the outer diameter D of the collet 132. In this way, the ridge 140 prevents the actuator 125 from being disengaged from the selected one of the openings 201 (e.g., due to an axial force or moment arm that would otherwise pull the actuator 125 away from the selected one of the openings 201) unless the collet 132 is moved to its contracted configuration.

[0039] In addition, since the quadrilateral surface of the pelvis is often difficult to access due to the organs and soft tissues held in the cavity, the position of the perpendicular surface can be difficult to finely tune when approaching this surface in the pelvis anteriorly. Thus, where it is desired to change the orientation of the plate inserter 100 relative to the plate 200, the coupling element 130 can be operated to controllably move the plate inserter 100 to any of a discrete number of clocking positions. In some examples, the actuator 125 can be at least partially disengaged to move the collet 132 toward its contracted configuration in which the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 can be rotated relative toAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO the opening 201. Even in configurations in which the ridge 140 prevents axial movement of the collet 132 relative to the plate 200, the ridge 140 is configured such that this rotational adjustment is not impeded. In this way, the position of the plate inserter 100 relative to the plate 200 can be adjusted. In this way, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the plate inserter 100 can thus be engaged with the plate 200 at a variety of different angles. This “clocking” of the tip along the quadrilateral surface allows the surgeon to create minute adjustments in the angle of force being applied for temporary compression of the fracture.

[0040] In addition, in some examples, the collet 132 need not be fully moved to its contracted configuration to allow rotation of the tip 131 relative to the opening 201. Instead, a partial contraction of the collet 132 reduces the force of engagement between the protrusions 134 and the grooves in the opening 201 such that the protrusions 134 can slip past the corresponding grooves in the opening 201. In some examples, the force applied by this attempted rotation can further urge the plunger 135 toward its retracted position against the applied force of the actuator 125. The resistance provided by the physical engagement of the protrusions 134 with the edges of the grooves of the opening 201 and / or the tension developed among the actuator 125, plunger 135, and collet 132 can further result in a feedback force to the user / surgeon that can signal the incremental rotation of the plate inserter 100 relative to the plate 200.

[0041] In some examples, the number and arrangement of the protrusions 134 is designed to correspond to a desired range of rotational increments by which the plate inserter 100 can be rotated relative to the plate 200. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the number and arrangement of the protrusions 134 results in 36 discrete rotationalAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO positions at which the plate inserter 100 can be arranged. This configuration can thus result in the plate inserter 100 being rotatable in 10 degree increments relative to the opening 201 in the plate 200. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations can be adopted if different increments are desired, including but not limited to increments between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that different angular increments can be selected to provide variations in the balance between providing increased granularity in the “clocking” positions available and providing a secure interference fit of the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 with the selected opening 201 in the plate 200. In any configuration, by configuring the collet 132 to include the protrusions 134 at specified intervals, the user / surgeon can rotate the plate inserter 100 to any of a range of angles with respect to the plate 200, and the tactile feedback provided with each incremental rotation helps apprise the user / surgeon of the discrete change in the positional relationship between the plate inserter 100 and the plate 200.

[0042] When the plate inserter 100 is in a desired positional relationship with the plate 200, the actuator 125 can be manipulated to move the collet 132 to its fully expanded configuration to effectively lock the tip 131 of the coupling element 130 in place and resist further rotation of the plate inserter 100 relative to the plate 200.

[0043] While specific features and / or examples have been shown and described, it is envisioned that modifications can be made. For example, it is envisioned that variations to the number and shape of the protrusions 134 and / or the corresponding geometry of the opening 201 in the plate can be designed to provide different rotational intervals at whichAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO the plate inserter 100 can engage the opening 201 in the plate 200. In addition, any of a variety of actuator configurations that are known to those having ordinary skill in the art can be operable to selectively expand or contract the collet 132 of the coupling element 130

[0044] While the present disclosure refers to certain examples, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described examples are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. The discussion of any example is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, while illustrative examples of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

[0045] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more examples or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain examples or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate examples, or configurations. Any example orAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO feature of any section, portion, or any other component shown or particularly described in relation to various examples of similar sections, portions, or components herein may be interchangeably applied to any other similar example or feature shown or described herein. Additionally, components with the same name may be the same or different, and one of ordinary skill in the art would understand each component could be modified in a similar fashion or substituted to perform the same function.

[0046] Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example of the present disclosure.

[0047] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features.

[0048] The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’ s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g.,Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO engaged, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative to movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. All rotational references describe relative movement between the various elements. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative to sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WOCLAIMSWe claim:

1. A plate inserter comprising: a handle portion; and a shaft comprising a first end connected to the handle portion and a second end comprising a coupling element, the coupling element comprising a collet having an outer diameter that is selectively adjustable to move the collet between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the collet comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being configured to matingly engage an opening in an orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions; wherein the handle comprises an actuator in communication with the coupling element, the actuator being operable to move the collet between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.

2. The plate inserter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises a number of protrusions arranged at regular intervals about the radial surface of the collet such that the plurality of discrete engagement positions comprises 36 discrete engagement positions.

3. The plate inserter of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a driver arranged within the shaft between the first end and the second end; andAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO wherein the coupling element comprises a plunger that is movable by the driver between a retracted position in which the plunger is recessed relative to the collet and an extended position in which the plunger applies a force to move the collet toward the expanded configuration.

4. The plate inserter of claim 3, wherein the plunger comprises a tapered end that is configured to progressively increase the force applied to move the collet as the plunger is moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

5. The plate inserter of claim 3, wherein the coupling element comprises a biasing element that is configured to apply a biasing force that urges the plunger toward the retracted position.

6. The plate inserter of claim 1, wherein the coupling element is configured to bias the collet toward the contracted position.

7. The plate inserter of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprises a ridge that extends radially outward from an end of the collet to a width greater than the outer diameter.

8. A system for stabilizing a bone fracture, the system comprising:Attorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO an orthopedic plate configured to be secured across a bone fracture, the orthopedic plate comprising one or more opening; and a plate inserter comprising: a handle portion; and a shaft comprising a first end connected to the handle portion and a second end comprising a coupling element, the coupling element comprising a collet having an outer diameter that is selectively adjustable to move the collet between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the collet comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being configured to matingly engage the one or more opening in the orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions; wherein the handle comprises an actuator in communication with the coupling element, the actuator being operable to move the collet between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises a driver arranged within the shaft between the first end and the second end; and wherein the coupling element comprises a plunger that is movable by the driver between a retracted position in which the plunger is recessed relative to the collet and anAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO extended position in which the plunger applies a force to move the collet toward the expanded configuration.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the coupling element comprises a biasing element that is configured to apply a biasing force that urges the plunger toward the retracted position.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupling element is configured to bias the collet toward the contracted position.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupling element comprises a ridge that extends radially outward from an end of the collet to a width greater than the outer diameter.

13. A method for positioning an orthopedic plate, the method comprising: aligning a coupling element of a plate inserter with an opening in an orthopedic plate; expanding an outer diameter of a collet arranged at a tip of the coupling element to at least partially engage the opening in the orthopedic plate, the collet comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial surface thereof, and the plurality of protrusions being configured to matingly engage the opening in the orthopedic plate at any of a plurality of discrete engagement positions; andAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO selectively rotating the plate inserter with respect to the orthopedic plate between the discrete engagement positions.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises a number of protrusions arranged at regular intervals about the radial surface of the collet such that the plurality of discrete engagement positions comprises 36 discrete engagement positions.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein expanding the outer diameter of the collet comprises increasing a force of engagement between the collet and the opening.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein expanding the outer diameter of the collet comprises operating an actuator in communication with the coupling element to move the collet between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein operating the actuator comprises moving a plunger arranged in the coupling element between a retracted position in which the plunger is recessed relative to the collet and an extended position in which the plunger applies a force to move the collet toward the expanded configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plunger comprises a tapered end; andAttorney Docket No.: 8178.6103WO wherein moving the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position comprises progressively increasing the force applied to move the collet as the plunger is moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising applying a biasing force that urges the plunger toward the retracted position.

20. The method of claim 16, comprising applying a biasing force that urges the collet toward the contracted position.

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