Insertion tool for bone plates
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of installing a bone plate, comprising:
- selecting an insertion tool attached to a bone plate, the insertion tool including a holder portion defining an opening in which the bone plate is held substantially coplanar with the holder portion, the holder portion also including a blade formed forward of the bone plate, at least part of the blade being tapered in thickness generally in a direction of advancement defined by the insertion tool; and
moving the insertion tool in the direction of advancement along a surface of bone such that soft tissue is urged away from the bone by the blade ahead of the bone plate,wherein the bone plate has opposing lateral side surfaces and opposing end surfaces that collectively form a perimeter of the bone plate, and wherein the holder portion at least substantially encircles the perimeter of the bone plate when the holder portion is holding the bone plate.
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Abstract
System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for installation of a bone plate using an insertion tool attached to a bone plate and providing a blade for lifting soft tissue off bone in front of the bone plate as the insertion tool is advanced along a surface of the bone.
59 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of installing a bone plate, comprising:
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selecting an insertion tool attached to a bone plate, the insertion tool including a holder portion defining an opening in which the bone plate is held substantially coplanar with the holder portion, the holder portion also including a blade formed forward of the bone plate, at least part of the blade being tapered in thickness generally in a direction of advancement defined by the insertion tool; and moving the insertion tool in the direction of advancement along a surface of bone such that soft tissue is urged away from the bone by the blade ahead of the bone plate, wherein the bone plate has opposing lateral side surfaces and opposing end surfaces that collectively form a perimeter of the bone plate, and wherein the holder portion at least substantially encircles the perimeter of the bone plate when the holder portion is holding the bone plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of installing a bone plate, the method comprising:
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selecting an insertion tool attached to a bone plate, the insertion tool including a holder portion defining an opening in which the bone plate is held, wherein the holder portion when holding the bone plate has an average height measured orthogonally with respect to an inner surface of the bone plate, and wherein the average height is not substantially greater than an average height of the bone plate; moving the insertion tool along a surface of a bone such that soft tissue is urged away from the bone by a blade of the insertion tool disposed ahead of the bone plate; advancing the insertion tool to dispose the bone plate under at least a portion of the soft tissue; and attaching the bone plate to the bone. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of installing a bone plate, comprising:
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selecting an insertion tool attached to a bone plate defining a longitudinal axis, the insertion tool including a holder portion defining a through-hole in which the bone plate is held, the through-hole being at least about as long and wide as the bone plate, the holder portion tapering away from the bone plate along the longitudinal axis at a leading end of the holder portion to form a blade; moving the insertion tool along a surface of bone such that soft tissue is urged away from the bone by the blade; and attaching the bone plate to the bone.
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Specification