Bone plate for treating fractures in the hip region

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for treating a bone fracture in a hip region of a patient, having an elongate base region (2) with a plurality of openings (3, 4), a tongue (5) protruding from the base region (2) and optionally connected via a transition region (12), and a bracket (6) protruding from the base region (2) and lying opposite the tongue (5). The tongue (5) is designed with a plurality of rows (7) of further openings (8, 9), wherein the rows (7) have a plurality of further openings (8, 9).

Description

[0001] Bone plate for treating fractures in the hip area

[0002] The invention relates to a device for treating a bone fracture in the hip area of ​​a patient, comprising a longitudinally extended base area with a plurality of openings, a tongue projecting from the base area and optionally connected via a transition area, and a flap projecting from the base area and opposite the tongue.

[0003] Treating hip fractures can be complex because this area often involves relatively large, sometimes severely displaced fracture fragments that need to be realigned and heal together in this position. Devices of the type mentioned earlier have been developed for this purpose, and these often lead to quite good healing outcomes. However, such devices have the disadvantage that the screws in the area of ​​the tongue, which serves as support against a quadrilateral surface (lamina quadrilateralis), often have too much play, which is detrimental. Another disadvantage is that, depending on the anatomical conditions, a device of this type is generally designed for either a man or a woman.

[0004] This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is to further develop a device of the type mentioned above in such a way that the device enables less faulty fixation in use, especially during the healing process, and is otherwise designed so that it can be used by both women and men.

[0005] This problem is solved if, in a device of the type mentioned above, the tongue is designed with several rows of further openings, wherein the rows have several further openings.

[0006] One advantage of the invention is that, due to the tongue's design with multiple rows of additional openings, each row containing several further openings, shorter positioning paths are achieved for the respective screws. Previously, the corresponding rows were formed by a single elongated hole, which could result in individual screws having more play than desired or relative movement between the device and the fastener. With the multiple additional openings in each row (for example, two or three rows), a single row now offers several receiving points for bone screws. Consequently, these receiving points, or additional openings, are smaller than the previous single elongated holes, which extended essentially over the entire length of the tongue.This, in turn, means that due to the subdivision for a single bone screw in the respective receiving slot or further opening, there is less play. This allows the device to be permanently and very securely fixed.

[0007] Furthermore, the tongue is significantly shorter than before, specifically about 33% shorter. This makes the device so versatile that it can be used in principle for a variety of anatomies. The maximum length of the tongue is advantageously less than 5.5 cm, preferably less than 4.8 cm, and particularly less than 4.5 cm, for example, 4.2 cm or less. This length refers to the extension of the tongue away from the base. If an optional transition area is provided, which can be advantageous for proper attachment to the pubic bone, its longitudinal extension is not included in this measurement. If provided, the longitudinal extension of the optional transition area is typically less than 2.0 cm, and particularly less than 1.5 cm. The ratio of the tongue's longitudinal extension to the transition area's longitudinal extension is advantageously in the range of 3:1 to 4.5:1, preferably about 3.8:1 to 4.2:1.

[0008] The additional openings are those located in the tongue. The openings mentioned previously, however, are located in the base region. These openings located in the base region can be circular and / or elongated (or slotted) or slotted. The additional openings can, in principle, have any shape. For example, they can be circular and / or elongated and / or have other shapes. In particular, a series of additional openings can consist of at least one circular opening and at least one elongated opening. A series of additional openings comprises at least two additional openings of any shape. It is possible for each series to have several additional openings, with at least some of the additional openings in a series being identical.The additional openings preferably comprise or are formed from elongated holes. It is also possible for each row of additional openings to have several elongated holes. Multiple elongated holes offer the advantage that, while a certain degree of adjustment is possible when positioning a bone screw, this adjustment is limited due to the large number of elongated holes. It is also possible for at least one row to have several circular additional openings. For example, several rows of additional openings can be provided, with at least one row having two or more, preferably identical, circular additional openings.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous that the tongue has several rows of additional openings, each row having at least one elongated hole, preferably several elongated holes, and at least one further opening that is circular in plan view and preferably designed for an angle-stable bone screw. For example, a row can have two or three elongated holes and, for example, one or two further openings. The angle-stable further openings are preferably cylindrical in the region of the free diameter of the fourth opening. An angle-stable fixation of a bone screw can be achieved if the bone screw has a greater hardness than the device and is inserted into the smooth surface of the angle-stable further opening at a certain angle of up to 15° deviating from a cylindrical axis of the fourth opening, and a force-fit is created by deformation of the device in the edge region of this further opening.

[0010] It is particularly preferred that a first row has several further openings, which are preferably at least partially identical, especially circular, and that a further row has a further opening shaped as an elongated recess. Such a configuration of two rows has proven to be very useful and suitable for ideal adaptability to various anatomical conditions, depending on the patient. It is sufficient that two rows are present, but more than two rows can also be provided. In all cases, it is advantageous that the length of the recess in the further row extends over several of the preferably circular further openings in the first row. This allows sufficient variability and flexibility in the attachment of the device, again depending on anatomical conditions.The first row can be positioned closer to an ilium segment, and the subsequent row closer to an pubis segment. It is particularly advantageous if the recess in the subsequent row tapers from the base to the opposite end of the tongue. The recess can be triangular in shape, for example. Receptacles for bone screws can also be formed, especially at the corners of the triangle. This offers considerable flexibility. The triangular shape of the recess, tapering from the base to the opposite end of the tongue, allows for the definition of three recesses into which bone screws can engage.These recesses do not necessarily need to be fully filled with bone screws during surgery; however, providing appropriate positioning options offers greater flexibility for the surgical team, allowing bone screws to be placed as needed. The recess tapers towards the opposite end of the tongue, relative to its base, because less variability is desired in this area of ​​the tongue than in the area opposite the recess.

[0011] Due to the multiple rows of additional openings, each containing several further openings, there are sufficient fixation options for bone screws, which remain correctly positioned during use. Therefore, it is also possible to manufacture the tongue up to one-third shorter overall. This latter feature offers the advantage that, due to the smaller dimensions of the tongue, the device can be designed to be applicable to a variety of anatomies.

[0012] It is advantageous if the tongue has several rows, particularly two rows, of additional openings, each row essentially running along arcs of circles, the arcs preferably being approximately concentric. Such an arrangement of the rows with the additional openings proves advantageous for good contact with the quadrilateral surface. Since the tongue can or does contact the quadrilateral surface or lamina quadrilateralis, it is preferred that the tongue be essentially planar. A geometric shape of the tongue essentially corresponds to the shape of a lamina quadrilateralis, which appears as an approximately square, flat area on the posterior surface of the acetabulum.Accordingly, the tongue is arranged to be placed against a quadrilateral lamina and, if necessary, to be attached, with the tongue lying flat against the quadrilateral lamina at least in a predominant proportion, preferably entirely or at least almost entirely.

[0013] The device is advantageously designed as a single piece. A transition area may be provided to connect the tongue to the base. However, the tongue can also connect directly to the base without a separate transition area if the base is sufficiently widened in the connection area with the tongue. If a transition area is provided, it is preferably rounded, particularly in a section along the line from the base to the tongue. The transition area may have a substantially semicircular recess for receiving a bone screw, with one open side of the semicircle facing the tongue. The substantially semicircular recess for a bone screw in the transition area allows a bone screw to be inserted with a certain amount of play, namely along the substantially semicircular recess.If necessary, several bone screws can be positioned in this recess. Alternatively, the transition area can be designed as a bridge, particularly a full-surface bridge. The bridge can be free of openings. This allows for a particularly narrow transition area. The transition area can, for example, have a width that is less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, and especially less than 30% of the width of the tongue. These widths refer to the longitudinal direction of the base area.

[0014] The tongue can furthermore have one or more lateral, preferably flat, projections, which have elongated holes and / or differently shaped openings, for example, circular ones. These optionally provided, preferably flat, projections with additional openings such as elongated holes give the device further flexibility in use, as additional mounting positions for bone screws are provided. The at least one projection can run approximately parallel to the base area when viewed from above. The openings in the base area are visible from above in this view. The at least one projection can extend essentially transversely from the tongue and have an elongated hole and / or a differently shaped opening, for example, a circular opening when viewed from above. Several openings, optionally of different shapes, can also be present in one projection. Preferably, there is exactly one opening in each projection.If multiple cantilevers are planned, each cantilever can contain exactly one opening. The one or, if applicable, several cantilevers extending laterally from the tongue are geometrically designed so that they can also be attached to the quadrilateral surface.

[0015] Preferably, the angle between the underside of the tongue and the underside of the base region is 95° to 115°, preferably 98° to 112°, and particularly 100° to 110°, for example, 102° to 107°. A transition zone can be provided between the tongue and the base region as described above. An angle of 95° to 115° between the base region and the tongue covers many situations in the area of ​​the pubic bone and / or the ilium. Preferably, the angle can also be smaller when the device is used for both women and men. In principle, it is sufficient for the corresponding angle to be 102° to 107°. The tongue can connect to the base region locally at other angles, optionally via the aforementioned transition zone. In this respect, it is sufficient if at least a portion of the tongue meets the corresponding angle ranges as specified above.Even in such a case, however, an average value over different angles preferably lies within the specified range limits for the angle in general or its preferred ranges.

[0016] The provided tab, which faces the tongue, can advantageously have an elongated slot extending parallel to the base area. This parallel elongated slot can have corrugated longitudinal sides. These longitudinal sides run essentially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the base area. The corrugated longitudinal sides, with widened sections and intervening constrictions, provide various areas for individual screws, allowing them to be positioned correctly. The tab, which can also have additional openings, offers further positioning options for bone screws. The tab can be formed with multiple lugs or separately projecting surfaces. Each of these surfaces can have a further opening for a bone screw. Preferably, at least one or each of these surfaces has exactly one further opening.In a particularly preferred embodiment, one of these surfaces has a single additional opening. The angle between a bottom surface of the tab and a bottom surface of the middle segment can be 180° to 230°, preferably about 190° to 210°.

[0017] The base section can extend on both sides of the tongue and the flap when viewed from above. The base section is generally elongated and features varying radii of curvature between its individual segments. The base section ensures that the device fits snugly against the hip bone, with the tongue simultaneously resting against the quadrilateral surface, and can be fixed in this position. The base section may include a central segment that connects the tongue and the flap, at least indirectly. If a transition section is provided, this central segment first merges into the transition section, to which the tongue then connects. If no transition section is provided, the tongue connects directly to the base section via this central segment.

[0018] The central segment can have an os-ilium segment extending in a first direction and an os-pubis segment extending in the opposite direction. The os-ilium segment can be bent away from the tongue at an angle relative to the central segment, either entirely or partially, in side view, preferably at an angle of 10° to 30°, and particularly 15° to 25°. The os-pubis segment can be configured to point towards the tongue relative to the central segment. The os-pubis segment can have several subsections, with a central subsection having an elongated hole and the adjoining subsections preferably having circular openings. These other openings are preferably circular in plan view.This arrangement with the elongated hole also provides a good opportunity in the base area to react as flexibly as possible to anatomical conditions, so that the fixation of the device can be adapted to the specific anatomical conditions.

[0019] The tongue is preferably shaped so that it connects to the middle section at a slight angle. This angle can be, for example, 5° to 15°, and particularly 8° to 12°. The tongue then curves gently, with one end pointing towards the pubic bone segment. If lateral projections are provided on the tongue, these extend from the tongue at an angle of approximately 140° to 170°. Different angles can be provided for different projections in order to best adapt the tongue to anatomical conditions.

[0020] A device according to the invention can be manufactured by first machining the shape of the device and the openings out of a plate-shaped base body, after which the semi-finished product thus created is bent to achieve the final shape of the device. For example, a plurality of bending lines are provided in the area of ​​the os-pubis segment to produce the connected shape of the os-pubis segment.

[0021] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment described below. The drawings referred to therein show:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a front view;

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a side view;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a further side view;

[0026] Fig. 5 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a top view;

[0027] Fig. 6 shows another device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0028] Fig. 7 shows the device from Fig. 6 in a front view;

[0029] Fig. 8 shows the device from Fig. 6 in a further side view;

[0030] Fig. 9 shows the device from Fig. 6 in an approximate top view. Figs. 1 to 5 show a device 1 according to the invention in various views and perspectives. The device 1 is constructed in one piece. For illustrative purposes, a bone screw is also shown in Figs. 1 to 5. In use, the device 1 can be fixed to a human bone with a plurality of bone screws.

[0031] The device 1 is designed to be positioned in the area of ​​a hip bone with bone screws in order to treat a bone fracture in this area, in particular in the area of ​​the pubis and the ilium.

[0032] The device 1 has an elongated base region 2, as can be seen particularly in Figs. 1, 2, and 5. The base region 2 is formed by several segments 22, 23, 24 (Fig. 2). The middle segment 23 is essentially planar. An ilium segment 22 adjoins this middle segment 23 in a first direction. Opposite this first direction, or in the opposite direction, an pubis segment 24 adjoins. This pubis segment 24 is longer than both the ilium segment 22 and the middle segment 23. As can be seen particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, the ilium segment 22 is angled relative to the middle segment 23, with an angle β that can be, for example, 10° to 30°. This angling allows the device 1 to be suitablely positioned on an os ilium in the area of ​​the ilium segment 22.

[0033] A tongue 5 adjoins the base region 2 in the area of ​​the middle segment 23. Opposite this tongue 5, on the other side of the middle segment 23 of the base region 2, lies a tab 6. The tongue 5 can be connected to the base region 2 via a transition region 12, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 3 or Fig. 4. However, this is not mandatory. The tongue 5 can also connect directly to the base region 2 in the area of ​​the middle segment 23. The transition region 12 is advantageous, however, because its rounded design allows it to fit snugly against the pubic bone. An angle α, shown in Fig. 3, between a lower surface 15 of the tongue 5 and a lower surface 17 of the base region 2 or its middle segment 23 is advantageously approximately 102° to 107°. Referring again to Fig. 1, the longitudinally extended base region 2 is provided with a plurality of openings 3, 4.In the exemplary embodiment, the base region 2 has several openings 3 in the area of ​​the ilium segment 22. The first openings 3 are circular in plan view. These openings 3 can be designed to receive an angle-stable screw. The openings 3 can be cylindrical on the inside within a free diameter. A slightly widened angle-stable bone screw can then be screwed in, and a force-fit connection between it and the device 1 can be achieved by deformation. In the present exemplary embodiment, three openings 3 are provided in the ilium segment 22, although, for example, two to four openings 3 could also be provided. Openings 3 are also provided in the middle segment 23 of the base region 2; in this specific exemplary embodiment, there are four openings 3. These openings 3 are identical to the openings 3 of the ilium segment 22.The number of openings 3 in the central segment 23 of the base section 2 is variable and can range from two to five. Three or four openings 3 have proven advantageous. Corresponding openings 3 are also present in the area of ​​the os-pubis segment 24. Furthermore, the os-pubis segment 24 also includes an opening 4, which in this embodiment is designed as an elongated slot. The os-pubis segment 24 is thus divided into several subsections 25, 26, 27. The first subsection 25 adjoins the central segment 23 of the base section 2. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 1, the first subsection 25 is designed with a twist. This twist in the first subsection 25 serves to ensure that the device 1 fits snugly against a hip bone.The first subsection 25 is followed by the second subsection 26, which in the exemplary embodiment is essentially designed as a section with an elongated hole, representing the opening 4. The final, third subsection 27 is connected to this second subsection 26. The third subsection 27 has two openings 3. The third subsection 27 is adapted to one end of a pubic bone and is thus designed to be positioned flat against it.

[0034] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the tongue 5 has two rows 7 with further openings 8, 9. The two rows 7 lie on circular arcs 10 that are essentially concentric to each other. The tongue 5 is essentially planar, as can be seen particularly in Figs. 3 and 4. The shape of the tongue 5 is adapted as closely as possible to a quadrilateral surface so that the tongue 5 can fit snugly against a quadrilateral surface and be attached there. Each row 7 of the tongue 5 comprises several openings 8, 9. The openings 8, 9 are partially designed as elongated holes. The individual elongated holes have a predetermined distance from each other. A bone screw can be inserted through each of the elongated holes to attach the tongue 5 to a human bone. It has proven sufficient if there are two to four elongated holes per row 7. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, for example, in Fig.As can be seen in Fig. 1, one row 7 is provided with openings 8 in the form of three elongated holes and one opening 9, whereas the other row 7 has two elongated holes and one opening 9. The openings 9 are designed to accommodate an angle-stable bone screw. The openings 9 can be identical to the openings 3 of the base region 2, which is not mandatory but advantageous because it reduces the need for planning the use of individual bone screws during surgery. As shown in Fig. 1, one row 7 can have several elongated holes and one opening 9 at its end, while the other row 7 also has several elongated holes and one opening 9, with the opening 9 located at one end, but opposite the end of the other row 7. If more than two rows 7 are provided, the end openings 9 can also be arranged alternately opposite each other.This arrangement of the elongated holes on the one hand and the openings 9 on the other, which serve to accommodate angle-stable bone screws, provides the surgeon with several options for fixing the device 1 in the region of a hip bone. The surgeon can then decide during the operation which options for positioning the bone screws will be used. Since a bone fracture can vary considerably from case to case, the surgeon thus has a multitude of possibilities for inserting bone screws in order to treat the current bone fracture in the best possible way. For this purpose, two projections 11 are also provided in the region of the tongue 5. The projections 11 are not mandatory, but may offer advantages for an additional positioning option. A single projection 11 is sufficient for this purpose, but multiple projections 11 are advantageous.As can be seen in Fig. 5, the projections 11, like the tongue 5, are essentially planar and extend essentially parallel to the respective sections of the base region 2. The projection 11 adjacent to the ilium segment 22 is slightly curved to ensure good attachment to the ilium. The opposite projection 11 also has a slight bend or curvature, likewise to achieve optimal attachment to a bone. The projections 11 may be provided with openings 9 or elongated holes. Optionally, the projections 11 may also have multiple openings for bone screws.

[0035] The tongue 5 transitions via the transition area 12 into the middle segment 23 of the base area 2. As mentioned, the angle α is approximately 102° to 107°, for example, 105°. The tab 6 connects to the middle segment 23 opposite the tongue 5 and the transition area 12. The transition area 12 is formed with a semicircular recess 13, which serves to receive one or more angle-stable bone screws. The semicircular recess 13 has an open side 14, which is preferably directed towards the tongue 5. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1, a further opening for receiving an angle-stable screw can be provided on the open side 14. This opening can have the same diameter as the openings 3.

[0036] The tongue 5 has an upper surface 16 opposite the lower surface 15, just as the lower surface 17 of the base region 2 is associated with an upper surface 18 of the base region 2. In both the tongue 5 and the middle segment 23 of the base region 2, the upper surfaces 16, 18 run essentially parallel to the lower surfaces 15, 17.

[0037] The tab 6, as shown in Fig. 5, has a further elongated hole 19. This further elongated hole 19 is formed with two opposing longitudinal sides 20 and two narrower broad sides 21. The elongated hole 19 extends essentially parallel to the base region 2 and, in particular, its central segment 23. The further elongated hole 19 has corrugated longitudinal sides 20. The broad sides 21 are tapered. The corrugated shape of the longitudinal sides 20 creates wider and tapered areas designed to accommodate a cannulated bone screw. The corrugated shape provides several different positions for a bone screw, allowing the surgeon to freely choose which options are used for securing individual bone screws during the operation. The choice of fixation depends on the specific fracture.Furthermore, the tab 6 includes two molded, slightly angled areas, each of which has an opening to provide additional fastening options (see Fig. 5).

[0038] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 2, but also in Figs. 3 and 4, the base region 2 in the area of ​​the os pubis segment 24 is strongly contoured. The os pubis segment 24, as described, consists of several subsections 25, 26, 27, each adapted to best accommodate various anatomical conditions. An angle β between the llium segment 22 and the tongue 5 can, for example, be 10° to 30°, preferably about 20°, to ensure good contact with a bone in this area. The device 1 does not need to be bent during installation or surgery and can nevertheless accommodate a wide variety of anatomical conditions. In this regard, it is also provided that a second subsection 26 of the os-pubis segment 24 is designed with a further elongated hole 19, so that the necessary flexibility for fastening is provided in this area.

[0039] Figure 5 also shows that the two projections 11 connect to the tongue 5 at an angle. The two projections 11 extend away from the base region 2. An angle y can be, for example, 140° to 150°, and an angle ö 160° to 170°. The twisted shape of the os-pubis segment 24, visible in Figure 5 and especially in Figures 1 and 2, is achieved by bending a machined, plate-shaped base body, which is a flat plate, accordingly. For this purpose, a plurality of bending lines are provided in the area of ​​the os-pubis segment 24, in particular more than five bending lines. The twisted shape of the os-pubis segment 24 can be achieved by the individual bends. By bending along several different bending lines, optimal adaptation to anatomical conditions can be achieved.

[0040] Figures 6 to 9 show a further variant of a device 1 according to the invention. Like the device 1 described above in Figures 1 to 5, this device 1 is formed in one piece. The device 1 is made of titanium or a titanium alloy.

[0041] According to Fig. 6, the device 1 has a base region 2, which is also particularly evident in Fig. 7. As further shown in Fig. 6, the device 1 is again formed in the base region 2 with a central segment 23, which is essentially a flat surface. As with the device 1 described above according to Figs. 1 to 2, an os-ilium segment 22 adjoins the base region 22 on the right side and an os-pubis segment 24 on the left side. In the base region 22, or the central segment 23, the os-ilium segment 22 and the os-pubis segment 24, there are openings 3, 4, analogous to the device 1 according to Figs. 1 to 5. The openings 3 are primarily associated with the ilium segment 22, the openings 4 with the pubic segment 24. The middle segment 23 may also have openings 3, 4. In this respect, with regard to the base region 2, the device 1 according to Figs. 6 to 9 is largely analogous to that shown in Figs. 1 to 5.

[0042] The device 1 according to Figs. 6 to 9 differs from the previously described variant according to Figs. 1 to 5, particularly in the design of the tongue 5 and the opposite tab 6. The tongue 5 has several rows 7 of openings 8, 9. A first row, adjacent to the ilium segment 22, consists essentially of several circular openings 8 that lie approximately on a circular arc 10. Adjacent to the pubis segment 22 is a second row 7, which, roughly speaking, has a recess 25 shaped approximately like a triangle. This triangle is approximately an isosceles triangle. The base of the triangle is adjacent to the middle segment 22. In other words, the triangle, or recess 25, converges from the middle segment 22 to an opposite end of the tongue 5. This results in a [missing information - likely a specific feature or characteristic] at the apex of the triangle.The recess 25 for a bone screw is fixed in a position that allows for little variability. This is desirable at this location. At the base of the recess 25, or of the triangle, however, several positions for bone screws are provided. These positions, as well as those at the apex of the triangle or the recess 25, are defined by receptacles 26. Thus, more flexibility is provided at the base of the recess 25 than in the opposite area of ​​the recess 25. Overall, the recess 25 allows for greater flexibility compared to a device 1 according to Figures 1 to 5, even though the first row 7, which is closer to the os-ilium segment 22, is only formed with identical circular openings 8, 9.The corresponding formation of the tongue 5, which on the head side comprises a transverse row 7 of openings 8, 9, each again identical circular, further openings 8, 9, is the result of a further development according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 based on observations of surgeons.

[0043] In contrast to device 1 to Fig. 5, the transition area 12, where the tongue 5 transitions into the middle segment 22 or where the tongue 5 is connected to the middle segment 22, is extremely narrow. The transition area 12 comprises a maximum of 30% of the width of the tongue 5, viewed along a longitudinal extension of the base region 2 in a top view. The transition area 12 is rounded so that it can lie snugly against a bone. The relatively narrow design of the transition area 12 again serves to maximize flexibility in the positioning of the device 1.

[0044] Like the tab 6 of the device 1 according to Figs. 1 to 5, the tab 6 again includes the elongated hole 19 with longitudinal sides 20 shown in Fig. 6, in order to accommodate a bone screw, as can be seen particularly in Figs. 6 and 9. The corrugated design results in predefined positions for a bone screw. In contrast to the device 1 according to Figs. 1 to 5, however, the tab 6 has only one opening for receiving an additional screw.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 8, various angular relationships are shown. The angle α for the device 1 according to Figs. 1 to 5 is approximately 105°, the angle E approximately 200°. Variations are possible, however, for example 10° upwards and downwards.

[0046] Figure 9 shows an approximate top view of a device 1 according to Figure 6. As can be seen, the device 1 has a multitude of twists and bent areas of individual subsections, for example the tongue 5 or its projections 11 as well as the tab 6, in order to provide, in conjunction with the transition area 12 and its rounded design, a device 1 that is suitable for a variety of different anatomical conditions.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for treating a bone fracture in a patient's hip region, comprising a longitudinally extended base region (2) with a plurality of openings (3, 4) and a tongue (5) projecting from the base region (2) and optionally connected via a transition region (12) and a tab (6) projecting from the base region (2) and opposite the tongue (5), characterized in that the tongue (5) is formed with several rows (7) of further openings (8, 9), wherein the rows (7) have several further openings (8, 9).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each row (7) has several further openings (8, 9), wherein at least a part of the further openings (8, 9) of a row (7) are identical.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the further openings (8, 9) comprise elongated holes.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each row (7) with further openings (8, 9) has several elongated holes.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tongue (5) has several rows (7) of further openings (8, 9), each row (7) having at least one elongated hole, preferably several elongated holes, and at least one further opening (8, 9) that is circular in plan view and preferably designed for an angle-stable bone screw.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a first row (7) has several further openings (8, 9) which are preferably at least partially identical, in particular circular, and a further row (7) has a further opening (8, 9) shaped as an elongated recess (25).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a length of the recess (25) in the further row (7) extends over several of the preferably circular further openings (8, 9) in the first row (7).

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first row (7) is arranged closer to an os-ilium segment (22) and the further row (7) is arranged closer to an os-pubis segment (24).

9. Device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the recess (25) in the further row (7) is designed to narrow from the base area (2) to an opposite end of the tongue (5).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the recess (25) is formed approximately in the shape of a triangle.

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that receptacles (26) for a bone screw are formed in the corners of the triangle.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the tongue (5) has several rows (7), in particular two rows (7), of further openings (8, 9), wherein the rows (7) each extend substantially along circular arcs (10), wherein the circular arcs (10) preferably extend approximately concentrically.

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tongue (5) is substantially planar.

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a transition area (12) is provided which connects the tongue (5) with the base area (2).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the transition area (12) is rounded.

16. Device (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the transition area (12) has a substantially semicircular arc-shaped recess (13) for receiving a bone screw, wherein the recess (13) is directed with an open side (14) towards the tongue (5).

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the tongue (5) has one or more lateral, preferably planar, projections (11) which have elongated holes and / or differently shaped openings.

18. Device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one projection (11) extends approximately parallel to the base area (2) in a top view.

19. Device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one projection (11) extends substantially transversely away from the tongue (5) and has an elongated hole and / or an opening of a different shape.

20. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that an angle (a) between a bottom surface (15) of the tongue (5) and a bottom surface (17) of the base area (2) is 95° to 115°, preferably 98° to 112°, in particular 100° to 110°, for example 102° to 107°.

21. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the tab (6) has an elongated hole (19) extending parallel to the base area (2).

22. Device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the parallel extending elongated hole (19) has corrugated longitudinal sides (20).

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the base area (2) extends in top view to both sides of the tongue (5) and the tab (6).

24. Device (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the base area (2) has a middle segment (23) which at least indirectly connects the tongue (5) and the tab (6).

25. Device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that an os-ilium segment (22) connects to the middle segment (23) in a first direction and an os-pubis segment (24) connects to it in a direction opposite to the first direction.

26. Device (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that the os-ilium segment (22) is bent away from the tongue (5) in a side view, either entirely or partially, at an angle (β) relative to the middle segment (23), preferably at an angle (β) of 10° to 30°, in particular 15° to 25°.

27. Device (1) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the os-pubis segment (24) is configured to point towards and in relation to the tongue (5) relative to the middle segment (23).

28. Device (1) according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the os-pubis segment (24) has several subsections (25, 26, 27), wherein a middle subsection (26) is formed with an elongated hole and the adjoining subsections (25, 27) preferably have circular openings.

Images