Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An elongate tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy fixation plate is disclosed. The plate generally conforms in three dimensions to the proximal tibial segment and metaphysis that are separated and rotated for such fixation. The plate has formed therein six holes, three in a proximal triangular expanse overlying the metaphysis and three in a distal elongate expanse overlying the proximal tibia, with the cylindrical osteotomy lying between these sets of holes. Two of the holes in the triangular expanse are elongate, with their long axes intersecting at the center of the curvilinear osteotomy. The two elongate holes include in their circular ends oppositely 45.degree. beveled features that allow the plate, when secured by fasteners or screws in all six holes, compressibly or distractably to urge the proximal tibia and the metaphysis together or apart along a radius of the osteotomy that generally bisects the arc of the curvilinear cut, or neutrally to fix them in a position of neither compression nor distraction. All six holes include in their remaining regions arcuately curved 'countersink' beveled features that conform with the curved head of the screws with which the plate is fixed to the osteotomy site. The compressive/distractive forces incident to securing one or more screws through the elongate hole(s) into the metaphysis cooperate with the forces incident to securing one or more screws through the round hole(s) into the proximal tibia, thereby better to fix the plate against inadvertent movement relative to either section.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim