A bone plate screw-blocking system and method that comprises a plate with at least two bone screw receiving holes, blocking elements, bone screws, and a tool capable of simultaneously actuating at least two blocking elements. The plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface with bone screw receiving holes that extend through both surfaces of the plate. The bone screws couple the plate to the bone via the bone screw receiving holes. The blocking elements are movably positioned proximate each bone screw receiving hole. In an initial unblocked position, the blocking elements do not cover the bone screw receiving holes. Upon movement into final blocked positions, the blocking elements cover at least a portion of the bone screw receiving holes and preferably extend over at least a portion of the bone screw during use.

Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

A surgical plate system, components and methods of using are described. A surgical plate system includes a plate having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a through hole passing through the anterior and posterior surfaces. A variable fastener is configured and dimensioned to connect to the plate, the variable fastener having a head and a shaft extending distally from the head. The head is configured to assume different proximal end diameters. The head, in a first configuration allows inward flexing to reduce a diameter of the head to allow the head to pass through an entrance opening of the through hole. In a second configuration, the head is prevented from flexing inwardly thereby preventing the head from backing out of the entrance opening, while allowing articulation of the head, within the through hole, relative to the plate.

Bone plates and bone plate systems are provided in which a bone plate includes a plurality of bone screw holes formed therein and positioned in laterally adjacent pairs. Positioned between the laterally adjacent pairs of bone screw holes are stabilizing strut. The bone plate system can additionally include windows positioned between longitudinally adjacent struts. Transverse bone screw planes can extend across the superior and inferior edges of the bone screw holes and define the minimum longitudinal boundaries of the windows. A guide device adapted for mating with the bone plate is also disclosed.

A cerclage cable system is disclosed which includes a bone plate, one or more securing devices, and one or more cerclage cables. The bone plate includes a plurality of bone plate apertures thereupon, wherein the bone plate is configured to be affixed to a bone. The one or more securing devices include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least one securing device aperture is disposed toward the proximal end, wherein the distal end of the securing device is configured to be inserted into and received by the plurality of bone plate apertures. The one or more cerclage cables include two terminal ends, wherein the one or more cerclage cables are wrapped around the bone, wherein one terminal end of the one or more cerclage cables is passed through at least one securing device aperture.

A cerclage cable system is disclosed which includes a bone plate, one or more securing devices, and one or more cerclage cables. The bone plate includes a plurality of bone plate apertures thereupon, wherein the bone plate is configured to be affixed to a bone. The one or more securing devices include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least one securing device aperture is disposed toward the proximal end, wherein the distal end of the securing device is configured to be inserted into and received by the plurality of bone plate apertures. The one or more cerclage cables include two terminal ends, wherein the one or more cerclage cables are wrapped around the bone, wherein one terminal end of the one or more cerclage cables is passed through at least one securing device aperture.

A surgical fixation system including a base plate, a plurality of anchors and a locking element. The base plate has at least a pair of fixation apertures configured to receive at least a portion of the anchors therethrough. The fixation apertures are located within the base plate such that upon proper placement of the base plate within a surgical target site, one of the fixation apertures is positioned over a first bone segment (e.g., a first vertebral body), and the other fixation aperture is positioned over a second bone segment (e.g., a second vertebral body).

The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

A modular bone fixation implant includes a center post having exterior bone engaging features and configured to be implanted within a bone. The center post includes an aperture at an outer end of the center post. One or more interchangeable modular components may be placed within the bone and anchored to the aperture of the center post. Interchangeable modular components may include staples, bone plates, and spacers, each having at least a first end including a post engaging arm sized and shaped to seat within an interlocking feature of the aperture. A locking screw is provided to anchor all components to the center post when the interchangeable modular components have been placed.

A driver-specific back-out prevention mechanism is disclosed that includes a screw and a body. A first driver can be used for coupling and decoupling the screw with the body, and a second driver can only be used for adjusting the position of the screw in the receiving body. The body includes a cavity for receiving a head of the screw, with the cavity having an inward flange. The screw includes upper and lower sockets, with a channel extending though the head from the lower socket and a lock body disposed in the channel. Engagement with the first driver allows the locking body to move such that the fastener can be inserted and removed from the body. Engagement with the second driver displaces the locking body such that the locking body interferes with the flange such that screw fastener cannot be removed from the body by the second driver.