U.S. patent application number 16/708782 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for bone plate template systems having one or more removable segments and methods for using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Flower Orthopedics Corporation. Invention is credited to Oliver Burckhardt.
Application Number | 20200113610 16/708782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50883987 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200113610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burckhardt; Oliver |
April 16, 2020 |
BONE PLATE TEMPLATE SYSTEMS HAVING ONE OR MORE REMOVABLE SEGMENTS
AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME
Abstract
Bone plate template systems and methods determine a suitable
bone plate implant from a plurality of bone plate implants. The
systems and methods have a first bone plate implant having a first
length, and a second bone plate implant having a second length that
is less than the first length of the first bone plate implant. The
systems and methods have a bone plate template having a shape and a
length defined between a first end and a second end located
opposite to the first end, wherein at least a portion of the shape
of the bone plate template corresponds to at least portions of a
shape of at least one of the first and second bone plate implants.
The bone plate template has at least one removable segment located
adjacent to the second end of the bone plate template, wherein a
connecting section of the bone plate template has a width and
connects the at least one removable segment to the first end of the
bone plate template. The bone plate template displays first indicia
indicative of the first bone plate and the at least one removable
segment displays second indicia indicative of the second bone
plate.
Inventors: |
Burckhardt; Oliver;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Flower Orthopedics Corporation |
Horsham |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50883987 |
Appl. No.: |
16/708782 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14649746 |
Jun 4, 2015 |
10499962 |
|
|
PCT/US13/73292 |
Dec 5, 2013 |
|
|
|
16708782 |
|
|
|
|
61734003 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/037 20160201;
A61B 50/30 20160201; A61B 17/80 20130101; A61B 2090/061 20160201;
A61B 90/94 20160201; A61B 2090/3937 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/80 20060101
A61B017/80; A61B 90/94 20060101 A61B090/94 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A method for determining a suitable bone plate implant from a
plurality of bone plate implants, wherein each bone plate implant
of the plurality of bone plate implants has a different length, the
method comprising: positioning a bone plate template adjacent to an
operating site of a patient, wherein the bone plate template, has a
shape and an original length defined between a first end and a
second end located opposite to the first end, and comprises at
least one removable segment located along the length of the bone
plate template, wherein at least a portion of the shape of the bone
plate template corresponds to at least a portion of at least one
bone plate implant of the plurality of bone plate implants;
separating the at least one removable segment from the bone plate
template so that the bone plate template has a remaining length
that is less than the original length of the bone plate template,
wherein the remaining length of the bone plate template is similar
to a length associated with the operating site of the patient; and
identifying the suitable bone plate implant from the plurality of
bone plate implants based on the remaining length of the bone plate
template or the at least one removable segment separated from the
bone plate template, wherein the suitable bone plate implant has a
suitable length that is similar to the length associated with the
operating site of the patient.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, prior to positioning
the bone plate template adjacent to the operating site of the
patient, the bone plate template is stored in individual
sterile-packaging, and further wherein each bone plate implant of
the plurality of bone plate implants is stored in an individual
sterile-packaging.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the individual
sterile-packaging storing the bone plate template and each of the
bone plate implants is provided in a kit container.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein a separated removable
segment located opposite to the second end of the bone plate
template displays indicia indicative of the suitable bone plate
implant having the suitable length.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: selecting
the suitable bone plate implant from the plurality of bone plate
implants based on the indicia displayed on the separated removable
segment that is located opposite to the second end of the bone
plate template.
14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: selecting
the suitable bone plate implant from the plurality of bone plate
implants by matching indicia associated with the suitable bone
plate to the indicia displayed on the separated removable segment
located opposite to the second end of the bone plate template.
15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the bone plate
template is made of frangible material such that the at least one
removable segment separates from the bone plate template without
use of a tool.
16-26. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/734,003, filed Dec. 6, 2012, the entirety
of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to one or more bone plate
template systems having one or more removable bone plate templates,
one or more removable segments and one or more methods for using
the bone plate template systems. The present bone plate template
systems and methods may be used to identify one or more bone plates
having a correct, suitable or appropriate sizes, shapes and/or
lengths to be utilized in a bone plate fixation or implant
procedure. The bone plate template systems may have one or more
removable bone plate templates and/or one or more removable
segments that may be removed or separated from the bone plate
template systems to determine, indicate and/or identify a correct,
suitable or appropriate size, shape and/or length for a bone plate
to be affixed to a damaged bone of a patient or implanted into the
patient during a bone fixation or implant procedure. One of the
sides of the bone plate template systems, the removable bone plate
templates and/or the removable segments may have or display indicia
which may be used to determine or identify the correct, suitable
and/or appropriate bone plate to be utilized during the bone plate
fixation or implant procedure. Each bone plate template system and
corresponding bone plate implants may be individually sterilized
and individually packaged such that each bone plate template system
and bone plate implants are immediately ready for use in the
procedure after unpackaging from their individual
sterile-packaging.
[0003] Bone plates are traditionally delivered to the operating
room in various shapes and sizes so that the surgeon can choose the
suitable or appropriate bone plate to be used to complete the
surgical procedure. The surgeon is traditionally required to hold
many different bone plates, having different sizes, shapes and/or
lengths, near an operating sight of the patient to determine or
identify which one of the many different bone plates is correctly
shaped and/or sized for repairing the damaged bone of the patient
based on the one or more dimensions of the operating sight and/or
the damaged bone of the patient. As a result, the many different
bone plates that were handled by the surgeon, but not used by the
surgeon during the procedure, need to be, and are required to be,
subsequently sterilized for future use or discarded all together.
Either subsequently sterilizing the unused, but handled, different
bone plates or discarding the unused, but handled, different bone
plates is costly, time consuming and/or labour intensive, and may
even result in subsequent damage to the unused, but handled, bone
plates or insufficient sterilization of the unused, but handled,
bone plates.
[0004] The present bone plate template systems and methods provide
one or more removable bone plate templates connected to a main body
which may be easily removed, without the use of a tool, in the
operating room or may be removed or separated, by hand, during the
procedure. In embodiments, one or more of the removable bone plate
templates may have one or more removable segments which may be
easily removed, without the use of a tool, in the operating room or
may be removed, by hand, during the procedure. Each bone plate
template system is delivered to the operating room in individual
sterile-packaging within a kit container which may have one or more
individually sterile-packaged sterile containers. The one or more
individually sterile-packaged containers may each contain a sterile
bone plate and/or a set of sterile screws sized for use with the
bone plate.
[0005] Some of the individually packaged sterile containers may
contain other components necessary for completing the bone plate
fixation or implant procedure. In an embodiment, one of the bone
plate template systems and/or removable bone plate templates may
have a size, shape and/or length that corresponds to a size, shape
and/or length of a largest and/or longest bone plate that is
included in the kit container. During the procedure, a surgeon may
hold one or more bone plate template systems and/or removable bone
plate template up to, near or adjacent to the operating site on the
patient to determine or identify the correct, suitable or
appropriate size, shape and/or length of the bone plate that is
needed to complete the procedure. Then, unless the largest bone
plate in the kit container is the correct size, shape and/or length
necessary for completing the procedure based on the operating site,
the surgeon may tear off or physically remove or separate one or
more of the removable segments from the bone plate template system
and/or removable bone plate template in order to determine and/or
identify the suitable bone plate implant having the suitable size,
shape and/or length to be utilized during the procedure based on
the one or more dimensions of the operating site and/or damaged
bone of the patient.
[0006] The removable segments, including the removable segments
separated from the bone plate template system, may be stamped or
marked with and/or display indicia, such as, for example, letters,
numbers, symbols, designs, graphics and/or combinations thereof. As
a result, the indicia on the removable segments separated from the
bone plate template system may be used, inspected or observed to
determine and/or identify the suitable bone plate, having the
suitable size, shape and/or length, for completing the procedure.
Subsequently, the suitable bone plate, identified or determined by
the indicia of the removable segments separated and/or removed from
the bone plate template system, may then be selected from the kit
container, unpackaged from its individual sterile-packaging, and
used to complete the bone plate fixation and/or implant procedure.
As a result, only the suitable bone plate, that is needed to
complete the procedure, is unpackaged and/or handled in the
operating room prior to affixation to the bone of the patient or
implantation into the patient. Other differently shaped and/or
sized bone plates, included in the kit container, that are not
suitable for completing the procedure remain sterile in their
individual sterile-packaging within the kit container for
subsequent use in a different subsequent procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In embodiments, a bone plate template may identify a
suitable bone plate implant. The bone plate template may have a
length defined between a first end of the bone plate template and a
second end of the bone plate template located opposite to the first
end of the bone plate template, wherein at least a portion of the
length of the bone plate template has a shape that corresponds to
at least a portion of a shape of the suitable bone plate implant.
Further, the bone plate template may have a first portion of the
bone plate template having a first width and located adjacent to
the first end of the bone plate template and at least one first
removable segment of the bone plate template having a second width
and located adjacent to the second end of the bone plate template.
Moreover, the bone plate template may have at least one connecting
section of the bone plate template connecting the first portion to
the at least one first removable segment, wherein the at least one
connecting section has a third width that is less than the first
width of the first portion and the second width of the at least one
removable segment.
[0008] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may have first
indicia displayed on the at least one first removable segment,
wherein the first indicia is indicative of a first bone plate
implant having a first length.
[0009] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may have at least
one second removable segment located between and connected to the
first portion and the at least one first removable segment.
[0010] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may have second
indicia displayed on the at least one second removable segment,
wherein the second indicia is indicative of a second bone plate
implant having a second length that is less than the first length
of the first bone plate implant.
[0011] In an embodiment, third indicia ma be displayed on the bone
plate template that is indicative of a third bone plate implant
having third length that is less than the first length of the first
bone plate implant and the second length of the second bone plate
implant.
[0012] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may be stored
within individual sterile-packaging.
[0013] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may have a
thickness and may be made of a frangible material.
[0014] In an embodiment, the thickness of the bone plate template,
the frangible material of the bone plate template or the third
thickness of the at least one connecting section may be configured
such that the bone plate template is breakable at the at least one
connecting section without use of a tool.
[0015] In embodiments, a method may determine a suitable bone plate
implant from a plurality of bone plate implants, wherein each bone
plate implant of the plurality of bone plate implants has a
different length. The method may position a bone plate template
adjacent to an operating site of a patient, wherein the bone plate
template, has a shape and an original length defined between a
first end and a second end located opposite to the first end, and
comprises at least one removable segment located along the length
of the bone plate template, wherein at least a portion of the shape
of the bone plate template corresponds to at least a portion of at
least one bone plate implant of the plurality of bone plate
implants. Further, the method may separate the at least one
removable segment from the bone plate template so that the bone
plate template has a remaining length that is less than the
original length of the bone plate template, wherein the remaining
length of the bone plate template is similar to a length associated
with the operating site of the patient. Moreover, the method may
identify the suitable bone plate implant from the plurality of bone
plate implants based on the remaining length of the bone plate
template or the at least one removable segment separated from the
bone plate template, wherein the suitable bone plate implant has a
suitable length that is similar to the length associated with the
operating site of the patient.
[0016] In an embodiment, prior to positioning the bone plate
template adjacent to the operating site of the patient, the bone
plate template may be stored in individual sterile-packaging, and
further wherein each bone plate implant of the plurality of bone
plate implants is stored in an individual sterile-package.
[0017] In an embodiment, the individual sterile-packaging storing
the bone plate template and each of the bone plate implants may be
provided in a kit container.
[0018] In an embodiment, a separated removable segment may be
located opposite to the second end of the bone plate template
displays indicia indicative of the suitable bone plate implant
having the suitable length.
[0019] In an embodiment, the method may select the suitable bone
plate implant from the plurality of bone plate implants based on
the indicia displayed on the separated removable segment that is
located opposite to the second end of the bone plate template.
[0020] In an embodiment, the method may select the suitable bone
plate implant from the plurality of bone plate implants by matching
indicia associated with the suitable bone plate to the indicia
displayed on the separated removable segment located opposite to
the second end of the bone plate template.
[0021] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may be made of
frangible material such that the at least one removable segment
separates from the bone plate template without use of a tool.
[0022] In embodiments, a bone plate template system may determine a
suitable bone plate implant from a plurality of bone plate
implants. The system may have a first bone plate implant having a
first length and a second bone plate implant having a second length
that is less than the first length of the first bone plate implant.
Further, the system may have a bone plate template having a shape
and a length defined between a first end and a second end located
opposite to the first end, wherein at least a portion of the shape
of the bone plate template corresponds to at least portions of a
shape of at least one of the first and second bone plate implants,
wherein the bone plate template comprises at least one removable
segment located adjacent to the second end of the bone plate
template, wherein a connecting section of the bone plate template,
has a width and connects the at least one removable segment to the
first end of the bone plate template, wherein the bone plate
template displays first indicia indicative of the first bone plate
and the at least one removable segment displays second indicia
indicative of the second bone plate.
[0023] In an embodiment, the width of the connecting section may be
less than other widths of the bone plate template located between
first and second ends of the bone plate template.
[0024] In an embodiment, the bone plate template may be made of a
frangible material such that the at least one removable segment is
separable from the bone plate template without use of a tool.
[0025] In an embodiment, the first length of the first bone plate
implant may be less than the second length of the second bone plate
implant.
[0026] In an embodiment, each of the first bone plate implant, the
second bone plate implant and the bone plate template may be
individually packaged in sterile-packaging.
[0027] In an embodiment, a bone plate template system may determine
a suitable bone plate implant from a plurality of bone plate
implants. The system may have a first removable bone plate
template, wherein at least a portion of a shape of the first
removable bone plate template corresponds to at least a portion of
a shape of a first bone plate implant. Further, the system may have
a second removable bone plate template removably connected to the
first removable bone plate template, wherein at least a portion of
a shape of the second removable bone plate template corresponds to
at least a portion of thea shape of a second bone plate implant,
wherein the shape of the first removable bone plate template is
different than the shape of the second removable bone plate
template.
[0028] In an embodiment, the first removable bone plate template or
the second removable bone plate template may have one or more
removable segments.
[0029] In an embodiment, the system may have a main body removably
connecting the first and second removable bone plate templates.
[0030] In an embodiment, the main body may have connecting points
removably connecting the first and second removable bone plate
templates to the main body.
[0031] In an embodiment, the system may have at least one removable
segment removably connecting the first and second removable bone
plate templates.
[0032] In an embodiment, the system may have first indicia,
displayed on the first removable bone plate template, indicative of
the first bone plate implant, and second indicia, displayed on the
second removable bone plate template, indicative of the second bone
plate implant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] So that the features and advantages of the present
disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the systems and methods may be had by reference to
the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only some typical embodiments of the present systems and
methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the systems and methods may admit to other equally
effective embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a bone plate template
system in an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bone plate
template system in an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of a bone plate template
system having removable segments separated from a bone plate
template system in an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of at least one bone
plate implant that may be provided in a kit container along with
the bone plate template system shown in FIG. 2 in an
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of bone plate template
system having a plurality of bone plate templates connected to a
main body of the bone plate template system in an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0039] The present bone plate template systems and methods may have
one or more removable bone plate templates and/or removable
segments which may easily be removed, without the use of a tool, to
determine, identify and/or select a correct, suitable and/or
appropriate bone plate (hereinafter "suitable bone plate") from a
plurality of differently sized and/or shaped bone plates
(hereinafter "plurality of bone plates") for completing a surgical
procedure, a bone plate fixation, bone plating or implantation
procedure (hereinafter "the procedure"). After being separated from
the bone plate template system, the separated bone plate templates
and/or separated segments themselves, or indicia displayed thereon,
may be utilized, inspected or observed to determine, identify
and/or select the suitable bone plate from the plurality of bone
plates. The suitable bone plate may be subsequently used for
fixation to or implantation into a patient during the procedure.
Alternatively, the bone plate template, whereby the separated
segments may have been removed therefrom, may be utilized,
inspected or observed to determine, identify and/or select the
suitable bone plate from the plurality of bone plates.
[0040] In embodiments, the bone plate template system, the
removable bone plate templates and/or each bone plate of the
plurality of bone plates are individually sterilized and
individually packaged such that, during the surgical procedure,
only the bone plate template system, the removable bone plate
templates and/or the suitable bone plate are opened or unpackaged
and the remaining unused components and/or the unused bone plates
of the plurality of bone plates remain in their individual
sterile-packaging for use during subsequent procedures. The bone
plate template systems and/or the removable bone plate templates
are single-use disposable medical components, such that, after
completion of the procedure, the bone plate template systems and/or
the removable bone plate templates along with any separated
removable segments may be disposed without requiring any further
attention from the surgical staff and/or medical providers.
[0041] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to
like parts, a first bone plate template 10 (hereinafter "template
10"), and a second bone plate template 30 (hereinafter "template
30") are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. A bone plate
template system 100 (hereinafter "system 100") having a plurality
of removable bone plate templates 104a-104z (hereinafter "templates
104a-104z") is shown in FIG. 5. Each of the template 10, the
template 30 and/or the templates 104a-104z (collectively known
hereinafter as "templates 10, 30, 104a-104z") may have a general
shape and/or an outer perimeter that may be the same as, similar to
or corresponds to a general shape and/or an outer perimeter of at
least one corresponding bone plate implant that is provided in a
surgical procedure kit container (not shown in the drawings).
Further, each of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may have a length
that is the same as, similar to or corresponds to a length of at
least one corresponding bone plate provided in the kit container.
For example, template 30 (as shown in FIG. 2) has a general shape,
outer perimeter, width and/or length that is the same as, similar
to or corresponds to a general shape, outer perimeter, width and/or
length of a corresponding bone plate implant, such as, for example,
bone plate implant 40 (hereinafter "plate 40") as shown in FIG. 4.
The template 10 may have a general shape, outer perimeter, width
and/or length that may be the same as, similar to or corresponding
to a general shape, outer perimeter, width and/or length of at
least one corresponding bone plate implant (not shown in the
drawings). Each of the templates 104a-104z may have a general
shape, outer perimeter, width and/or length that may be the same
as, similar to or corresponding to a general shape, outer
perimeter, width and/or length of at least one corresponding bone
plate implant (not shown in the drawings).
[0042] In embodiments, only portions of the templates 10, 30,
104a-104z have general shapes, outer perimeters, widths and/or
lengths that may be the same as, similar to or corresponding to
general shapes, outer perimeters, widths and/or lengths of at least
portion of at least one corresponding bone plate implant (not shown
in the drawings). In an embodiment, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z
may have a general shape and/or an outer perimeter that corresponds
to or substantially corresponds to a general shape and/or an outer
perimeter of one or more corresponding bone plate implants
(hereinafter "corresponding plates") which may be provided in a kit
container along with the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z,
respectively.
[0043] For example, the kit container, including the template 30,
the plate 40 and corresponding plates that have corresponding or
similar general shapes or outer perimeters with respect to the
system 30 and the plate 40, may be utilized by a surgeon or medical
provider to complete at least one procedure. The corresponding
plates, included in the kit container, may have corresponding
general shapes and/or outer perimeters that are the same as,
similar to or correspond to the general shapes and/or outer
perimeters of the template 30 and plate 40; however, each of the
corresponding plates of the kit container may have different
overall lengths which may be less than or shorter than overall
lengths of the template 30 and/or the plate 40. In embodiments,
each of the corresponding plates of the kit container may have at
least one different dimension with respect to each other, the
template 30 and/or the plate 40. For example each corresponding
plate of the kit container may have different heights, different
widths, different thicknesses and/or different lengths when
compared to heights, widths, thicknesses and/or lengths of other
corresponding plates, the template 30 and/or the plate 40 provided
in the kit container.
[0044] In embodiments, the kit container comprises the
corresponding plates and the plate 40 whereby each corresponding
plate has a different length when compared to the each other and a
shorter length than the overall length of the plate 40. As a result
of these different lengths, the surgeon or medical provider must
determine, identify and select a suitable bone plate, from the
plate 40 and the corresponding plates of the kit container, having
a correct, suitable or appropriate length (hereinafter "suitable
length") for affixing to a damaged bone or for implantation into
the patient. The suitable length of the suitable bone plate is
determined or identified based on a length associated the operating
site or the damaged bone of the patient. The suitable length for
the suitable bone plate may be determined by visual inspection of
the operating site or the damaged bone of the patient or direct
comparison of the system 30 and the operating site and/or damaged
bone of the patient.
[0045] In embodiments, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z have at
least one dimension, such as, for example, a height, a width, a
thickness and/or a length that is the same as, similar to,
substantially similar to or corresponding to at least one dimension
of a largest bone plate implant of the corresponding plates
included in the kit container. For example, template 30 may have an
overall length that is the same as, similar to or corresponding
town overall length of the longest bone plate implant (hereinafter
"longest plate"), such as, for example, plate 40. The other bone
plate implants of the corresponding plates provided in the kit
container have smaller or shorter overall lengths than the overall
lengths of the system 30 and the longest plate (i.e., plate
40).
[0046] Based on the shape and/or length associated with the
operating site and/or the damaged bone of the patient, the suitable
bone plate having the suitable shape and/or length may be the
longest bone plate provided in the kit container (i.e., plate 40)
or may be one of the corresponding plates having a shorter length
than the longest bone plate implant of the kit container. In order
to determine the suitable shape and/or length and the suitable bone
plate, the surgeon or medical provider may visually inspect the
operating site or the damaged bone and utilize one of the templates
10, 30, 104a-104z to determine or identify the shape and/or length
associated with the operating site and/or the damaged bone. After
the suitable shape and/or length for the suitable bone plate is
determined or identified based on the shape and/or length
associated with the operating site and/or the damaged bone, at
least a portion of one of the systems 10, 30 may be removed or
separated to determine and/or select the suitable bone plate from
the plate 40 and the corresponding plates included in the kit
container. After the suitable bone plate is determined and/or
selected from the kit container, the individually sterile-packaging
housing, storing or protecting the suitable bone plate is opened or
unpackaged, and the unpackaged suitable bone plate is subsequently
affixed to or implanted into the patient during the procedure.
[0047] In embodiments, the plate 40 and corresponding plates
included in the kit container may be, for example, an anatomic
plate, a reconstruction plate or an osteosynthesis plate. In an
embodiment, the plate 40 and corresponding plates may be, for
example, a veterinary orthopedic implant. Outer surfaces of the
plate 40 and corresponding plates may be made of one or more
biomedical materials, such as, for example, titanium, silicone,
apatite and/or the like. In embodiments, the plate 40 and
corresponding plates may be one selected from the group consisting
of a hand plate, a foot plate, a reconstruction S-plate, a
reconstruction M-plate, a proximal humerus plate, a distal radius
plate and an osteosynthesis S-plate. In an embodiment, the hand
and/or foot plate may be, for example, a straight plate, a L-plate,
an oblique T-plate, a T-plate, a H-plate, a mediocarpal plate, an
elongated L-plate, a straight plate with slots, or an angled and/or
inclined plate. In an embodiment, the reconstruction S-plate may
be, for example, a straight plate or a T-plate. In an embodiment,
the distal radius plate may be, for example, volar, narrow L-plate,
a volar, narrow R-plate, a volar, wide L-plate, a volar, wide
R-plate, a dorsal L-plate, a dorsal R-plate, a volar L-plate or a
volar R-plate. The plate 40 and corresponding plates may have a
thickness, such as, for example, less than about 4.0 millimetres
(hereinafter "mm"), less than about 3.0 mm, less than about 2.0 mm,
less than about 1.5 mm or about 1.0 mm. It should be understood
that the present disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment
of the plate 40, the one or more biomedical materials on the outer
surfaces of the plate 40 and/or the thickness of the plate 40
and/or the corresponding plates. Moreover, the plate 40 may be any
bone plate or bone-fixation implant as known to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0048] The system 100, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z, the plate
40, the corresponding plates and/or the kit container may be used
for internal fixation of fractures and/or reconstruction of one or
more bones of patients. The one or more bones may include a
scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, pelvis, distal tibia,
fibula, hand bones and/or foot bones of the patients. The internal
fixation and/or reconstruction may include compression fractures,
intra-articular and/or extraarticular fractures, displaced
fractures, osteotomies, non-unions and/or mal-unions. Moreover, the
system 100, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z, the plate 40, the
corresponding plates and/or the kit container may be used for
palmar, ventral, dorsal and/or orthogonal applications. It should
be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a
specific embodiment of the one or more bones, the internal
fixation, reconstruction and/or application for the system 100, the
templates 10, 30, the plate 40, the corresponding plates and/or the
kit container.
[0049] In embodiments, each of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may
be one selected from the group consisting of a mediocarpal plate
template, a recon plate template, a H & F plate template, a
recon T-plate template, a straight osteo plate template, a H-plate
template, a dorsal distal radius plate template, volar distal
radius plate template, a narrow volar distal radius plate template,
a wide volar distal radius plate template, a humerus plate
template, a straight osteo plate template, an elongated L-plate
template, an angled & inclined plate template, and a straight
plate with slots template. The templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may have
one or more structural features that correspond to one or more
structural features of a bone plate implant, such as, for example,
the plate 40. In embodiments, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may
have outer perimeters, curvatures, indentations, angles, ridges
and/or holes which may correspond to outer perimeters, curvatures,
indentations, angles, ridges and/or screw holes that may be present
in and/or on the plate 40, the corresponding plates and/or other
bone plate implants included in the kit container.
[0050] In embodiments, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be made
of at least one frangible material such that the templates 10, 30,
104a-104z may be broken or separated into pieces or fragments,
without the use of a tool, by hands of user, such as, for example,
a surgeon, surgical staff member or medical provider. In
embodiments, a first portion of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may
be made of the frangible material and a second portion may be made
of a non-frangible material such that the first portion of the
templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be fragmented, broken or separated
away from the second portion, without the use of a tool, by hands
of the user. The at least one frangible material may include, for
example, one or more frangible metal materials, one or more
frangible polymer materials, one or more frangible composite
materials and/or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the
frangible material may be a frangible metal material, such as, for
example, aluminium.
[0051] In embodiments, the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may have a
thickness that is substantially thin and/or sized, configured or
adapted such that the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be broken or
separated into pieces or fragments, without the use of a tool, by
hands of user. In embodiments, the first portion of the templates
10, 30, 104a-104z may have the substantially thin thickness and the
second portion may have a substantially thicker thickness than the
thickness of the first portion such that the first portion of the
templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be fragmented, broken or separated
away from the second portion, without the use of a tool, by hands
of the user. The thickness of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z or
the first portions of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be in the
range of about 0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm. In embodiments, the
thickness of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may be, for example,
less than about 4.0 mm, less than about 3.0 mm, less than about 2.0
mm, less than about 1.5 mm or about 1.0 mm.
[0052] In embodiments, one of more of the templates 10, 30,
104a-104z, the bone plate 40 and the corresponding plates may be
included in the kit container. However, other components necessary
for performing and completing the procedure may also be included in
the kit container. For example, other components that may be
included in the kit container may be at least one selected from
surgical instruments, wires, drill bits, locking screws,
non-locking screws, plate bending or contouring systems and
reamers. The wires may include, for example, K-wires and/or olive
wires, and the reamers may include a distal reamer and/or a reamer
for a mediocarpal plate. One or more, or preferably all, of the
other components included in the kit container may be housed,
protected and/or stored within individual sterile-packaging such
that each of the other components of the kit container is sterile,
can be easily opened or unpackaged and immediately ready for
utilization during the procedure. Some of the components of the kit
container may be single-use components which are disposable after
being used during procedure. The type or configuration of one of
the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z, the plate 40, the corresponding
plates and/or other components that are included in the kit
container are determined, identified and/or selected based on a
type of surgery or operation that is necessary or needed by the
patient. For example, different kits containers include different
templates 10, 30, 104a-104z, different plates 40, different
corresponding plates and/or different other components based on
different types of bone-fixation or implantation surgeries that are
necessary or needed by different patients.
[0053] The individual sterile-packaging that houses, stores and
protects the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z, the plate 40, the
corresponding plates and other components of the kit container may
be packed in clear sterile-packaging so that contents of each
individual sterile-packaging may be visible to allow for quick and
easy identification of the contents during surgeries or medical
procedures. Additionally, the individual sterile-packaging may, in
embodiments, display markings or indicia and/or have color coding
which may be indicative of the contents of the packaging. As a
result, the markings, indicia and/or color coding may simplify
handling and provide easy recognition of the contents during the
procedure. In embodiments, the individual sterile-packaging may
contain, have or display, for example, one or more scannable images
to facilitate quick, easy and reliable identification of the
contents of the packaging along with facilitating automated
tracking, ordering and/or re-ordering of specific components of the
kit container when such specific components have been depleted or
utilized during the procedure. In an embodiment, each individual
sterile-packaging may have one or more bar codes and/or quick
response codes that are indicative of the contents of each
packaging. The present disclosure should not be deemed limited to a
specific embodiment of markings, indicia, color coding and/or one
or more scannable images displayable on the individual
sterile-packaging.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the templates 10, 30 have
a length defined between a first end 12 and a second end 14
(collectively known hereinafter as "first and second ends 12, 14")
that is located opposite to the first 12, and a thickness defined
between a top side 16 and a bottom side 18 located opposite to the
top side 16. The length of each of the templates 10, 30 may be the
same as, similar to or correspond to the length of the longest
plate that may be included in the kit container of each of the
templates 10, 30. For example, the template 30 may have a length
that corresponds to the length of the longest plate in the kit
container including the template 30, which may be, for example, the
plate 40 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] Each of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z may have a general
shape and/or an outer perimeter 19 (collectively known hereinafter
as "perimeter 19") which may extend the entire length of the
templates 10, 30, 104a-104z and may include both the first and
second ends of each of the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z. The
perimeter 19 of each of the systems 10, 30, 104a-104z may be
shaped, adapted or configured to correspond to, be the same as, or
substantially the same as a general shapes and/or outer perimeters
of the plurality of bone plates that are included in the kit
container along with the templates 10, 30, 104a-104z. For example,
the perimeter 19 of the systems 10, 30, 104a-104z may correspond to
the general shapes and/or outer perimeters of a first plurality of
bone plates (not shown in the drawings) that are included in a
first kit container along with the template. 10, and the perimeter
19 of the template 30 may correspond to the general shapes and/or
outer perimeters of a second plurality of bone plates (not shown in
the drawings) that are included in a second kit container along
with the template 30 and the plate 40. Further, the general shapes
and/or outer perimeters of the first plurality of bone plates of a
first kit container may or may not be the same as or similar to the
general shapes and/or outer perimeters of the second plurality of
bone plates of a second kit container. Moreover, the first
plurality of bone plates may or may not different bone plate
implants than bone plate implants of the second plurality of bone
plates.
[0056] In embodiments, the template 10 may have a base section 20
is located adjacent to the first end 12 and a removable segment
section 22 that is located adjacent to the second end 14 as shown
in FIG. 1. Further, the perimeter 19 of the template 10 may
comprise the outer perimeters of the base section 20 and/or the
removable segment section 22. In embodiments, the template 30 may
be free of a base section and may have a removable segment section
(not shown in the drawings) which extends the entire length of the
template 30 between the first and second ends 12, 14 of the
template 30 shown in FIG. 2.
[0057] The templates 10, 30 and/or the base section 20 and/or the
removable segment section 22 of the template 10 may have a
cross-sectional shape that may be the same as, similar to and/or
corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of at least a portion of a
damaged bone of a patient requiring a surgical procedure. Further,
the cross-sectional shape of the templates 10, 30, at least a
portion of the templates 10, 30, and/or the base sections 20 and
the removable segment section 22 of the template 10 may be a shape
similar to a circle; an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a
polygon, and/or combinations thereof. Moreover, the cross-sectional
shape may have or be made of one or more lines selected from the
group consisting of straight lines, curved lines, angled lines,
parallel lines, perpendicular lines and combinations thereof.
[0058] In embodiments, the base section 20 and/or the removable
segment section 22 of the template 10 may be made of the at least
one frangible material such that the template 10, the base section
20 of the template 10 and/or the removable segment section 22 of
the template 10 may be broken or separated into pieces or
fragments, without the use of a tool, by hands of user. In other
embodiments, the base section 20 and/or the removable segment
section 22 of the template 10 may have the substantially thin
thickness that is sized, configured and adapted such that the
template 10, the base section 20 of the template 10 and/or the
removable segment section 22 of the template 10 may be broken or
separated into pieces or fragments, without the use of a tool, by
hands of user. A portion of the length, or the entire length, of
the template 30 may be made of the at least one frangible material
and/or may have the substantially thin thickness such that the
portion of the length, or the entire length, of the template 30 may
be broken or separated into pieces or fragments, without the use of
a tool, by hands of user.
[0059] The removable segment section 22 of template 10 may have
removable segments 24a-24z which may extend from the base section
20 of the template 10 to the second end 14 of the template 10,
whereby removable segment 24a is adjacent to the base section 20
and removable segment 24z is adjacent to the second end 14 of the
template 10. For example, the template 10 may have a total of seven
(7) removable segments 24a-24z that extend from the base section 20
to the second end 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The total number of
removable segments 24a-24z which may be included in the removable
segment section 22 of the template 10 may depend or be based on the
overall length of the longest bone plate (not shown in the
drawings) that is included in the kit container along with the
template 10. As a result, the length of the template 10, from the
first end 12 to the second end 14 may be the same as, similar to or
substantially similar to the overall length of the longest bone
plate include the kit container along with the template 10.
[0060] The template 10 has connection sections 26a-26z that
connect, attach and/or affix the removable segments 24a-24z to each
other and to the base section 20 of the template 10. The total
number of connections sections 26a-26z may correspond to the total
number removable segments 24a-24z, the connection section 26a may
be located adjacent to the base section 20 and/or the removable
segment 24a, and the connection section 26z may be located adjacent
to the removable segments 24z and the second end 14 of the template
10. In embodiments, at least the removable segments 24a-24z and/or
the connection sections 26a-26z of the template 10 may be made of
the at least one frangible material and/or may have the
substantially thin thickness such that at least the removable
segments 24a-24z and/or the connection sections 26a-26z of the
template 10 may be broken or separated into pieces or fragments,
without use of a tool or by hands of user.
[0061] The connection sections 26a-26z have widths that are less
titan or smaller than widths of the base section 20 and the
removable segments 24a-24z. In embodiments, the widths of the
connection sections 26a-26z are sized, configured or adapted such
that the connection sections 26a-26z may be broken or separated
into pieces or fragments, without use of a tool or by hands of a
user. In embodiments, the widths of the connection sections 26a-26z
may be greater than about 1 mm, less than about 1 mm or about 1
mm.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the removable segments 24a-24z of the
template 30 may extend the entire length of the template 30 between
the first and second ends 12 and 14 of the template 30. The
removable segment 24a may be located adjacent to the first end 12
of the template 30, and the removable segment 24z may be located
adjacent to the second end of the template 30. The connection
sections 26a-26z may connect, attach and/or affix the removable
segments 24a-24z of the template 30 to each other. The connection
section 26a may be located adjacent to the first end 12 and may
connect the removable segment 24a to the other removable segments
of the template 30, and the connection section 26z may be located
adjacent to the second end 14 and may connect the removable segment
24z to the other removable segments of the template 30. Similar to
the system 10, the widths of the connection sections 26a-26z of
template 30 may be sized, configured or adapted such that the
connection sections 26a-26z may be broken or separated into pieces
or fragments, without use of a tool or by hands of a user.
[0063] The plate 40, as shown in FIG. 4, has a length defined
between a first end 42 and a second end 44 (collectively known
hereinafter as "first and second ends 42, 44") located opposite to
the first end 42 of the plate 40. The plate 40 may have a general
shape or an outer perimeter 45 (hereinafter "perimeter 45") which
may extend the entire length of the plate 40 and may include the
first and/or second ends 42, 44 of the plate 40. Moreover, the
plate 40 may have screw holes 46 which may extend through the plate
40 and/or along at least a portion of the length, or the entire
length, of the plate 40.
[0064] In embodiments, the system 10 and the template 30 may have
one or more structure features that may correspond to one or more
structure features of the suitable plate and the corresponding
plates that may be provided in the kit containers with the template
10 or the template 30, respectively. For example, the kit container
may include the template 30 and the bone plate 40, and the template
30 may have one or more holes 28 extending through the template 30
which may correspond to the screw holes 46 of the plate 40 as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0065] In an embodiment, the plate 40 may be the longest plate
provided in the kit container along with template 30 and the other
corresponding plates for completing a bone plate fixation
procedure. The corresponding plates may have the same outer
perimeter as perimeter 44 of the plate 40, and the perimeter 19 of
the template 30 may the same as, similar to or substantially
similar to the perimeter 44 of the plate 40 and/or the perimeter of
the corresponding plates. The corresponding plates of the kit
container may have different lengths with respect to each other and
shorter or smaller lengths with respect to the longest plate, the
plate 40.
[0066] The number of removable segments 24a-24z of the template 30
depends or is based on the overall length the longest bone plate
implant, such as, for example, the plate 40, provided in the kit
container for the template 30. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the
template 30, in an embodiment, has a total of ten (10) removable
segments 24a-24z extending along the length of the template 30
between the first and second ends 12, 14 of the system. The total
number of removable segments 24a-24z corresponds to the ten (10)
sections each having a screw hole 46 extending along the length of
the plate 40 between the first and second ends 42, 44 of the plate
40. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a
specific embodiment of the total number of removable segments
24a-24z of the templates 10, 30 or the total number of segments or
screw holes of the plate 40 or the corresponding plates.
[0067] One method for using the template 10 to determine, identify
and select the suitable plate for affixing to a damaged bone of a
patient or for implanting into the patient at the operating site
comprising delivering the kit container to the surgeon, surgical
staff or medical provider. The delivered kit container may include
the template 10, a longest bone plant implant and corresponding
bone plate implants, each have lengths that are different from one
another and shorter than the length of the longest bone plate
implant included in the kit container. Each component of the kit
container is wrapped or packaged in individual sterile-packaging
and the template 10 has a shape that corresponds to at least a
portion of the longest bone plate and corresponding bone implants.
Moreover, the template 10 has an overall length that corresponds to
the overall length of the longest bone plate implant included in
the kit container.
[0068] The template 10 is unpackaged from the individual
sterile-packaging and the user of the template 10 holds or
positions the template 10 next to, near and/or adjacent to the
operating site or the damaged bone on the patient. The user
visually compares the length of the operating site or the damaged
bone to the length of the template 10 to determine or identify the
suitable length for the suitable plate that is needed to
successfully complete the surgical procedure. If the suitable
length, based on the length of the operating site and/or the
damaged bone, corresponds to the overall length of the longest bone
plate implant of the kit container, then the longest bone plate
implant of the kit container is determined and/or identified to be
the suitable plate used to complete the surgical procedure. Then,
the longest bone plate implant is unpackaged from its individual
sterile-packaging and utilized by the surgeon to complete the
surgical procedure, and, the template 10 is disposed of after the
suitable plate is determined.
[0069] However, if the suitable length, based on the visual
inspection or comparison of the length of the operating site and/or
the damaged bone, is shorter than overall length of the longest
bone plate implant provide in the kit container, then the user may
utilize the system 10 to determine the suitable length which is
then utilized to identify and select the suitable plate from the
corresponding, plates provided in the kit container. The user may
determine, via visual comparison and/or inspection, that the length
of the operating site and/or the damaged bone is the same as, equal
to or similar to a portion of length of the template 10. It may be
determined by the user that the length of the operating site and/or
the damaged bone may correspond to a remaining length of the
template 10 after one or more removable segments 24a-24z may be
removed from the template 10 or removed from the base section 20
and the removable section 22 of the template 10. The user may, by
hand and without use of a tool, brake, remove or separate the one
or more removable segments 24a-24z from the template 10 at one of
the connecting sections 26a-26z such that the template 10 has a
remaining length that corresponds to the length of the operating
site and/or the damaged bone of the patient. As a result, the
remaining length of the template 10 corresponds to the suitable
length for the suitable plate to successfully complete the surgical
procedure.
[0070] Each of the body section 20 and the removable segments
24a-24z of template 10 and each of the removable segments 24a-24z
of template 30 display indicia that is indicative of the longest
and corresponding bone plate implants provided in the kit
container. For example, the indicia displayed on the body section
20 of the template 10 is indicative of the shortest bone plate
implant provided in the kit container, and the indicia displayed on
the removable segment 24z is indicative of the longest bone plate
implant provided in the kit container. The indicia displayed on
each of the removable segments 24a-24y located between the body
section 20 and the removable segment 24z is indicative of a
corresponding bone plate implant of the kit container having a
length greater than the shortest bone plate implant and less than
the longest bone plate implant, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 3.
[0071] Indicia displayed on the templates 10, 30 may be, for
example, letters, numbers, symbols, designs, graphics and/or
combinations thereof. The indicia may be marked onto a top side
and/or a bottom side of the templates 10, 30 by a known marking
technique. For example, the indicia may be stamped, printed,
engraved, cut or carved into one or more of the top and bottom
sides of the templates 10, 30. In a preferred embodiment, the
indicia is laser-marked into the top surface of the templates 10,
30 by known laser-marking techniques. It should be understood that
the present disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment of
the indicia and/or the known marking technique used to mark the
indicia onto the templates 10, 30.
[0072] Because the remaining length of the template 10 corresponds
to the length of the operating site and/or the damaged bone of the
patient, the removable segment 24x that was separated from the
template 10 and that is located opposite to the second end 14 of
the template 10 also corresponds to the length of the operating
site and/or damaged bone. Moreover, the indicia displayed on the
removable segment 24x is indicative of the suitable plate having
the suitable length that is the same as, similar to or
corresponding to the length of the operating site and/or the
damaged bone of the patient.
[0073] A user, surgical staff member or medical provide may
visually inspect the indicia displayed on the removable segment
24x, located opposite to the second end 14 of the template 10,
which is indicative of the suitable plate for completing the
surgical procedure and is indicative of the corresponding bone
plate implant of the kit container that has a length that
corresponds to the suitable length and the length of the operating
site and/or the damaged bone of the patient. After the
corresponding bone plate implant that is determined to be the
suitable plate is identified from the corresponding plates provided
in the kit container, the suitable plate is selected and removed
from the kit container to be used to complete the surgical
procedure. The suitable plate may then be unpackaged from the
individual sterile-packaging and utilized by the surgeon to
complete the surgical procedure, and the template 10 along with the
separated removable sections 24x-24z may be disposed of without any
further attention from the surgical staff or medical provider.
[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the indicia displayed on
the base plate 20 of the template 10 may include letters and
numbers, such as, for example, "FRP 432", and the indicia displayed
on removable segments 24a-24z may include letters and increasing
numbers, such as, for example, "FRP 433" to "FRP 439",
respectively. The user physically, without use of a tool, removes
or separates the removable segments 24x-24z (collectively known
hereinafter as "separated portion 32") from the template 10 so that
the remaining length of a remaining portion 34 of the template 10
has a length that is the same as, similar to or corresponding to
the length of the operating site and/or the damaged bone and the
suitable length for the suitable plate to complete the surgical
procedure as shown in FIG. 3. The user, a surgical staff member or
medical reads the indicia displayed on the removable segment 24x
that is located opposite to the second end 12 of the separated
portion 32. In this example, the indicia "FRP 437" displayed on the
removable segment 24x is read and used to determine and identify
which bone plate implant provided in the kit container is the
suitable plate having the suitable length for completing the
surgical procedure. Each individual sterile-packaging, containing
one bone plate implant, displays indicia that correspond to or
match the indicia displayed on one of the base portion 20 or one of
the removable segments 24a-24z of the template 10. After the
individual sterile packaging that displays the indicia "FRP 437" is
identified and removed from the kit container, the suitable bone
plate implant is removed from its sterile-packaging, and utilized
by the surgeon to complete the surgical procedure, and the
separated portion 32 and the remaining portion 34 are readily
disposed of without further attention by the surgical staff or
medical provider.
[0075] Similar to the indicia displayed on the template 10 and as
shown in FIG. 2, the indicia displayed on each of the removable
segments 24a-24z of the template 30 may be indicative of one bone
plate implant having a different length that is provided in a kit
container for the template 30. The indicia displayed on the
template 30 may include, for example, sets of letters, such as
"FPR" and sets of different numbers, such as, "704," "705," "706,"
"707," "708," "709," 710, "712," "714," and "716". Each set of
letters and numbers displayed on the template 30 may be indicative
of one bone plate implant that is provided in the kit container for
the template 30. It should be understood that the present
disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment of the indicia
displayed on the templates 10, 30 and/or on the individual
sterile-packaging protecting each bone plate implant provided in
the kit container. Moreover, the indicia displayed on the templates
10, 30 and/or on the individual sterile-packaging provided in the
kit may be any indicia as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0076] In embodiments, a method of using the template 30 to
determine and identify the suitable plate for a bone plate fixation
procedure may comprise the user placing the template 30 adjacent to
the operating site of the patient. After visually comparing the
length of the template 30 to the operating site, the user may rip,
tear or separate removable segments 24e-24z away from the template
30, based on the suitable length for the suitable plate identified
by the visual inspection and/or comparison of the operating site or
damaged bone of the patient. The user, a surgical staff member or
medical provider may read the indicia "FPR 706" displayed on the
separated removable segment 24c and subsequently locate and remove
the individual sterile-packaging displaying the indicia "FPR 706"
from the kit container. The surgeon may removed the suitable plate,
having the suitable length, from the removed sterile-packaging and
use the suitable plate for completing the bone plate fixation
procedure, and the removed sterile-packaging and separated portions
of the system 30 may be proper disposed of by the surgical staff
member or medical provider.
[0077] FIG. 5 shows the system 100 having a main body 101 with the
templates 104a-104z arranged, positioned, and/or located around a
perimeter 102 of the main body 101. Each of the templates 104a-104z
may be removably attached, connected and/or affixed to the
perimeter 102 of the main body 101. As a result, each of the
templates 104a-104z may be removable attached, connected and/or
affixed to each other via the main body 101. In embodiments, one or
more of the templates 104a-104z may be removably attached,
connected and/or affixed to at least one of the other templates
104a-104z. In embodiments, the system 100 may have one or more
removable segments 24a-24z which may connect one or more templates
104a-104z to at least one of the other templates 104a-104z and/or
to the main body 101. For example, a template 104b may be removable
attached, connected and/or affixed to a template 104e by removable
segment 24a as shown in FIG. 5. Similar to templates 10, 30, one or
more of the templates 104a-104z may have one or more of the
removable segments 24a-24z.
[0078] The system 100 may have connection points 106 which may be
removably connect, attach and/or affix one or more of the templates
104a-104z to the perimeter 102 of the main body 101. In
embodiments, at least two connection points 106 may removably
connect, attach and/or affix each of the templates 104a-104z to the
main body 101 of the system 100 as shown FIG. 5. Each of the
connections points 106 of the system 100 may include at least one
protrusion formed on the main body 101 of the system 100 and at
least one recession formed on each of the templates 104a-104z. In
embodiments, the system 100, the main body 101, one or more of the
templates 104a-104z, the connection points 106, the at least one
protrusion of each connection point 106 and/or the recession of
each connection point 106 may be made of the at least one frangible
material such that one or more of the main body 101, the templates
104a-104z and/or the connection points 106 may be broken or
separated into pieces or fragments, without the use of a tool, by
hands of user. In an embodiment, portions of the system 100 may be
made of the at least one frangible material such that portions of
the system 100 may be broken or separated into pieces or fragments,
without the use of a tool, by hands of user.
[0079] The system 100 may be housed, stored or protected in the
individual sterile-packaging and may be provided in the kit
container for completing the procedure. Each of the templates
104a-104z may have a different shape and/or size when compared to
the shapes and sizes of the other templates 104a-104z of the system
100. Each of the templates 104a-104z may have a shape and size that
may correspond to a corresponding bone plate implant (not shown in
the drawings) provided in the kit container. Each of the templates
104a-104z may have a general shape, outer perimeter, width and/or
length that may be the same as, similar to or corresponding to a
general shape, outer perimeter, width and/or length of at least one
corresponding bone plate implant provided in the kit container. For
examples, templates 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 104x, 104y,
104z may have different shapes and/or that correspond to the
different shapes and/or sized of nine different bone plate implants
provided in the kit container. In an embodiment, the system 100 may
include a total number of fourteen (14) differently shaped and
sized bone plate templates as shown in FIG. 5. The total number of
bone plate templates 104a-104z of the system 100 may be any total
number of bone plate templates as known to one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0080] Similar to templates 10, 30, the templates 104a-104z may
have one or more of the removable segments 24a-24z which may be
removed and/or separated therefrom based on size, shape and/or
length of the operating site or damaged bone of the patient. The
user may unpackage the system 100 from the individual
sterile-packaging and position the system 100 near or adjacent to
the operating site of the patient to make a visual comparison or
determination of the templates 10, 30 with respect to the size,
shape and/or length of the operating site or damaged bone of the
patient. Based on the visual comparison or determination, the user
may select one of the templates 104a-104z, having a suitable size,
shape and/or length with respect to the operating site or damaged
bone, to be the suitable bone plate template (hereinafter "suitable
template") from the system 100. The user may remove or separate the
suitable bone plate template from the system 100 via the connecting
points 106, without use of a tool, by hands of the user.
[0081] The user may position the suitable template adjacent to or
near the operating site or damaged bone to make a visual comparison
or determination of the length and/or width of the suitable
template with respect to the length and width of the operating site
or damaged bone. Based on the visual comparison or determination,
the user may determine that one or more of the removable segments
24a-24z of the suitable bone plate template must be removed or
separated such that the remaining portion of the suitable template
has a suitable length and/or width when compared to the length
and/or width of the operating site or damaged bone.
[0082] Similar to templates 10, 30 and removable segments 24a-24z
of the templates 10, 30, the templates 104a-104z and/or the
removable segments of the system 100 may stamped or marked with or
may display the indicia. The indicia of each of the templates
104a-104z and/or the removable segments of the system 100 may be
indicative of one bone plate implant, provided in the kit
container, which has a corresponding shape, size and/or length with
respect to shape, size and/or length of each template 104a-104z. In
other words, each of the different sized and/or shaped templates
104a-104z correspond to differently sized and/or shaped bone plate
implants provided in the kit container, and the indicia displayed
on each of the differently sized and/or shaped templates 104a-104z
is indicative the corresponding differently sized and/or shaped
bone plate implants.
[0083] After the suitable template is selected from the templates
104a-104z of the system 100 by the user. The indicia displayed on
the suitable template may be utilized, observed and/or inspected to
determine and/or identify the corresponding suitable bone plate
implant from the plurality of bone plate implants provided in the
kit container. After the suitable bone plate implant is identified,
the suitable bone plate implant may be removed from the kit
container, unpackaged from its individual sterile-packaging and
utilized to complete the bone plate fixation or implantation
procedure. The unused portion(s) of the system 100, excluding the
suitable template, may be discarded without further attention from
the surgical staff or medical provider.
[0084] For example, the user may determine that the suitable
template comprises templates 1046, 104c and removable segment 24a
as shown in FIG. 5. The user may remove the suitable template from
the system 100 and may position the suitable template adjacent to
the operating site of the patient. Based on visual comparison of
the length of the suitable template and the length of the operating
site, the user may remove or separate the removable segment 24a and
the template 104e from the template 104b because the template 104b
may have the suitable, length when compared to the length of the
operating site of the patient. The separated or removed removable
segment 24a and the template 104c may be discarded and the
remaining portion of the suitable template, i.e., template 104b,
may be utilized to determine, identify and/or select the suitable
plate from the plurality of bone plate implants provided in the kit
container. For example, the indicia on suitable template 104b may
include "FHF 408" which may be indicative of a corresponding
suitable bone plate implant provided in the kit container. After
the suitable bone plate implant is identified by the indicia
displayed on the suitable template 104b, the suitable bone plate
implant may be removed from the kit container, unpackaged from its
individual sterile-packaging and utilized to complete the
procedure.
[0085] It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems and/or
methods. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated
alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may
be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, and are also
intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
* * * * *