Interchangeable orthopedic blade

Abstract

An interchangeable orthopedic blade including an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion more accurately places the interchangeable orthopedic blade in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone and ultimately provide absolute stable fixation by the interchangeable orthopedic blade holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion. The internal portion is received in the external portion and rotates relative to the external portion, but has the external portion move non-rotatably axially with the internal portion into the bone as the internal portion threads. In a first preferred embodiment, the internal portion is a screw with an externally threaded head. In a second preferred embodiment, the internal portion is an externally threaded set screw.

Claims

1. An interchangeable orthopedic blade for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate, said interchangeable orthopedic blade comprising: a) an internal portion; and b) an external portion; wherein said internal portion is for more accurately placing said interchangeable orthopedic blade in, without excessive damage to, the bone when repairing the fracture in the bone and ultimately providing absolute stable fixation by said interchangeable orthopedic blade holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide the stable anatomic restoration and eliminate the need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion; wherein said internal portion is received in said external portion; wherein said internal portion is configured to rotate relative to said external portion, and cause said external portion to move non-rotatably axially with said internal portion into the bone as said internal portion threads; wherein said internal portion is an elongated screw; wherein said elongated screw of said internal portion has: a) a proximal end; b) a distal end; and c) external threads; wherein said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion is a screw head; wherein said screw head of said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion has external threads; and wherein said external threads of said screw head of said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion are for threadably engaging in said applicable interchangeable plate; wherein said external portion is an elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve; wherein said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion has: a) a proximal end; and b) a distal end; wherein said distal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion is at least one of a tapered distal end and a fluted distal end; wherein said at least one of said tapered distal end and said fluted distal end of said distal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion is for facilitating passage through the bone during threading of said elongated screw of said internal portion into the bone; wherein said proximal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion is a ring-like proximal end; wherein said ring-like proximal end of said proximal end of said and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion is defined at least by a shoulder; wherein said external portion has at least one fin; and wherein a portion of said at least one fin of said external portion extends radially outwardly from said ring-like proximal end of said proximal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion to be flush with said screw head of said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion and extends divergently radially outwardly so as to form at least one diverging fin extension.

2. The interchangeable orthopedic blade of claim 1, wherein said external threads of said elongated screw of said internal portion extend axially from said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion to said distal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion; and wherein said external threads of said elongated screw of said internal portion are for threadably engaging into the bone.

3. The interchangeable orthopedic blade of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion is a tapered distal end; and wherein said tapered distal end of said distal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion is for facilitating passage through the bone.

4. The interchangeable orthopedic blade of claim 1, wherein said internal portion sits axially in said external portion.

5. The interchangeable orthopedic blade of claim 1, wherein said at least one fin of said external portion extends axially from said at least one of said tapered distal end and said fluted distal end of said distal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion to said ring-like proximal end of said proximal end of said elongated and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of said external portion so as to be flush with said screw head of said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion.

6. The interchangeable orthopedic blade of claim 1, wherein said at least one diverging fin extension of said at least one fin of said external portion is adjacent to said screw head of said proximal end of said elongated screw of said internal portion; and wherein said at least one diverging fin extension of said at least one fin of said external portion rests in at least one tapered cutout of the specifically configured through bore in the applicable interchangeable plate, respectively.

Description

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

(1) The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a common screw;

(3) FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the threads of a common screw, which are defined by its major or outside and minor or root diameters, pitch, lead, and number of threads;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the head drive types of the common screw;

(5) FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the biomechanics of cannulated and noncannulated screws;

(6) FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of lag screw fixation that produces maximum interfragmentary compression when the screw is placed perpendicular to the fracture line;

(7) FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side elevational view showing lag screw fixation producing maximum interfragmentary compression when the screw is placed perpendicular to the fracture line;

(8) FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side elevational view showing lag screw fixation producing minimum interfragmentary compression when the screw is not placed perpendicular to the fracture line;

(9) FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side plan views of a T-lag screw compressing a clean fracture;

(10) FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a T-lag screw compressing a jagged fracture;

(11) FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a locked plate screw functioning as a bolt;

(12) FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of another locked plate screw functioning as an internal-external fixator;

(13) FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side elevational view illustrating the dynamic compression principle;

(14) FIG. 13 is diagrammatic side elevational view of the structure of a limited-contact dynamic compression plate;

(15) FIG. 14A is a diagrammatic side elevational view illustrating that in the dynamic compression plate, the area at the plate holes is less stiff than the area between them so that during bending, the plate tends to bend only in the areas of the holes;

(16) FIG. 14B is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the limited-contact dynamic compression plate having an even stiffness without the risk of buckling at the screw holes;

(17) FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the application of the drill guides depending on the proposed function of the screw through a neutral position and a compression position;

(18) FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the 3.5 one-third tubular plate that is 1 mm thick and allows for limited stability so that the thin design allows for easy shaping and is primarily used on the lateral malleolus and distal ulna, wherein the oval holes allow for limited fracture compression with eccentric screw placement;

(19) FIGS. 17A-17D are diagrammatic side elevational views of angled or blade plates that are useful in repair of metaphyseal fractures of the femur, but the popularity has declined with the rise of sliding screw plates and locking plates, wherein proper insertion requires careful technique, with the blade inserted with consideration for 3 dimensions (varus/valgus blade angulation, anterior/posterior blade position, and flexion/extension rotation of blade plate);

(20) FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrammatic perspective views of reconstruction plates that are thicker than the tubular plates but not quite as thick as dynamic compression plates, and designed with deep notices between the holes, and can be contoured in 3 planes to fit complex surfaces, as around the pelvis and acetabulum, wherein reconstruction plates are provided in straight and slightly thicker and stiffer precurved lengths, and wherein as with tubular plates, they have oval screw holes allowing potential for limited compression;

(21) FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrammatic side elevational views illustrating the tension-band principle;

(22) FIG. 20 is diagrammatic side elevational view illustrating the tension-band principle at the femur;

(23) FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an angled plate;

(24) FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another type of angled plate;

(25) FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the first embodiment of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate;

(26) FIG. 24 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 24 in FIG. 23;

(27) FIG. 25 is a reduced diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along LINE 25-25 in FIG. 24;

(28) FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate identified by ARROW 26 in FIG. 23;

(29) FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate identified by ARROW 27 in FIG. 23;

(30) FIG. 28 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW 28 in FIG. 26;

(31) FIG. 29 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW 29 in FIG. 27;

(32) FIG. 30 a diagrammatic perspective view of the second embodiment of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate;

(33) FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention taken along LINE 31-31 in FIG. 30;

(34) FIG. 32 is an exploded diagrammatic side elevational view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade identified by ARROW 32 in FIG. 30; and

(35) FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention taken along LINE 33-33 in FIG. 30.

5. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

A. IntroductoryFirst Embodiment

(36) 30 interchangeable orthopedic blade of embodiments of present invention for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, bone 32 when repairing fracture 34 in bone 32 so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding fracture 34 in anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide stable anatomic restoration and eliminate need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with applicable interchangeable plate 40 32 bone 34 fracture of bone 32 40 applicable interchangeable plate

B. Overall Configuration of First Embodiment of Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 30

(37) 42 internal portion for more accurately placing interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 in, without excessive damage to, bone 32 when repairing fracture 34 in bone 32 and ultimately provide absolute stable fixation by interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 holding fracture 34 in anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide stable anatomic restoration and eliminate need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion 44 external portion

C. Specific Configuration of Internal Portion 42 and External Portion 44

(38) (1) Internal Portion 42. 45 slender and elongated screw of internal portion 42 46 proximal end of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 48 distal end of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 50 external threads of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 for threadably engaging into bone 32 52 tapered distal end of distal end 48 of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 for facilitating passage through bone 32 54 screw head of proximal end 46 of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 for threadably engaging in applicable interchangeable plate 40 56 external threads of screw head 54 of proximal end 46 of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42

(39) (2) External Portion 44. 58 slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of external portion 44 60 proximal end of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of external portion 44 62 distal end of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of external portion 44 64 tapered and/or fluted distal end of distal end 62 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of external portion 44 for facilitating passage through bone 32 during threading of slender and elongated screw 45 of internal portion 42 into bone 32 66 ring-like proximal end of proximal end 60 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of external portion 44 72 at least a shoulder defining ring-like proximal end 66 of proximal end 60 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of external portion 44 74 at least one fin of external portion 44 76 portion of at least one fin 74 of external portion 44 78 at least one diverging fin extension of at least one fin 74 of external portion 44

D. Method of Utilizing Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 30 in Cooperation with Applicable Interchangeable Plate 40

(40) 80 specifically configured through bore in applicable interchangeable plate 40 82 at least one tapered cutout of specifically configured through bore 80 in applicable interchangeable plate 40 84 threads in specifically configured through bore 80 in applicable interchangeable plate 40

E. IntroductorySecond Embodiment

(41) 130 interchangeable orthopedic blade of embodiments of present invention for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, bone 132 when repairing fracture 134 in bone 132 so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding fracture 134 in anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide stable anatomic restoration and eliminate need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with applicable interchangeable plate 140 132 bone 134 fracture in bone 132 140 applicable interchangeable plate

F. Overall Configuration of Second Embodiment of Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 130

(42) 142 internal portion 144 external portion

G. Specific Configuration of Internal Portion 142 and External Portion 144

(43) (1) Internal Portion 142. 144a fastener of internal portion 142 144c externally threaded set screw of fastener 144a of internal portion 142

(44) (2) External Portion 144. 158 slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve of external portion 144 160 proximal end of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of external portion 144 162 distal end of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of external portion 144 164 tapered and/or fluted distal end of distal end 162 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of external portion 144 for facilitating passage through bone 132 166 ring-like proximal end of proximal end 160 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of external portion 144 172 shoulder of ring-like proximal end 166 of proximal end 160 of slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of external portion 144 174 at least one fin of external portion 144 176 portion of at least one fin 174 of external portion 144 178 at least one diverging fin extension of at least one fin 174 of external portion 144 180 specifically configured through bore in applicable interchangeable plate 140 182 at least one tapered cutout of specifically configured through bore 180 in applicable interchangeable plate 140

H. Method of Utilizing Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 130 in Cooperation with Applicable Interchangeable Plate 140

(45) 184 internal threads in specifically configured through bore 180 in applicable interchangeable plate 140

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A. IntroductoryFirst Embodiment

(46) Referring now to FIG. 23, the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 30 for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone 32 when repairing a fracture 34 in the bone 32 so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture 34 in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate 40.

B. Overall Configuration of the First Embodiment of the Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 30

(47) The overall configuration of the first embodiment of the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 can best be seen in FIG. 24, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(48) The interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 comprises an internal portion 42 and an external portion 44.

(49) The internal portion 42 is for more accurately placing the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 in, without excessive damage to, the bone 32 when repairing the fracture 34 in the bone 32 and ultimately provide absolute stable fixation by the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 holding the fracture 34 in its anatomic position and resisting applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion. The internal portion 42 is received in the external portion 44. The internal portion 42 rotates relative to the external portion 44, but has the external portion 44 move non-rotatably axially with the internal portion 42 into the bone 32 as the internal portion 42 threads.

C. Specific Configuration of the Internal Portion 42 and the External Portion 44

(50) The specific configuration of the internal portion 42 and the external portion 44 can best be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(51) (1) The Internal Portion 42.

(52) The internal portion 42 is a slender and elongated screw 45.

(53) The slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 has a proximal end 46, a distal end 48, and external threads 50.

(54) The external threads 50 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 extend axially from the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 to the distal end 48 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42, and are for threadably engaging into the bone 32.

(55) The distal end 48 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 is a tapered distal end 52. The tapered distal end 52 of the distal end 48 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 is for facilitating passage through the bone 32.

(56) The proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 is a screw head 54. The screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 has external threads 56. The external threads 56 of the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 are for threadably engaging in the applicable interchangeable plate 40.

(57) (2) The External Portion 44.

(58) The external portion 44 is a slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58.

(59) The slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 has a proximal end 60 and a distal end 62.

(60) The distal end 62 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 is a tapered and/or fluted distal end 64. The tapered and/or fluted distal end 64 of the distal end 62 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 is for facilitating passage through the bone 32 during threading of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 into the bone 32.

(61) The proximal end 60 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 is a ring-like proximal end 66.

(62) The ring-like proximal end 66 of the proximal end 60 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 is defined at least by a shoulder 72.

(63) The internal portion 42 sits axially in the external portion 44, with the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 threading coaxially in the applicable interchangeable plate 40.

(64) The external portion 44 further has at least one fin 74. The at least one fin 74 of the external portion 44 extends axially from the tapered and/or fluted distal end 64 of the distal end 62 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 to past the ring-like proximal end 66 of the proximal end 60 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 so as to be flush with the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42.

(65) That portion 76 of the at least one fin 74 of the external portion 44 extending upwardly from the ring-like proximal end 66 of the proximal end 60 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44 to flush with the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 extends divergently upwardly so as to form at least one diverging fin extension 78.

(66) The at least one diverging fin extension 78 of the at least one fin 74 of the external portion 44 is adjacent to the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 and rests in at least one tapered cutout 82 of the specifically configured through bore 80 in the applicable interchangeable plate 40, respectively.

D. Method of Utilizing the Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 30 in Cooperation with the Applicable Interchangeable Plate 40

(67) The method of utilizing the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 can best be seen in FIGS. 26-29, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(68) The method of utilizing the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 in cooperation with the applicable interchangeable plate 40 comprises the steps of: STEP 1: Dropping the external portion 44 through a specifically configured through bore 80 in the applicable interchangeable plate 40 until the at least one diverging fin extension 78 of the at least one fin 74 of the external portion 44 rests in at least one tapered cutout 82 of the specifically configured through bore 80 in the applicable interchangeable plate 40, respectively; STEP 2: Dropping the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 through the specifically configured through bore in the applicable interchangeable plate 40 and into the external portion 44; and STEP 3: Threading the external threads 56 of the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 into internal threads 84 in the specifically configured through bore 80 in the applicable interchangeable plate 40 until the screw head 54 of the proximal end 46 of the slender and elongated screw 45 of the internal portion 42 bottoms out against the ring-like proximal end 66 of the proximal end 60 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 58 of the external portion 44, to thereby lock the interchangeable orthopedic blade 30 in place on the applicable interchangeable plate 40.

E. IntroductorySecond Embodiment

(69) Referring now to FIG. 30, the interchangeable orthopedic blade of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 130 for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone 132 when repairing a fracture 134 in the bone 132 so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture 134 in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, and for further cooperating with an applicable interchangeable plate 140.

F. Overall Configuration of the Second Embodiment of the Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 130

(70) The overall configuration of the second embodiment of the interchangeable orthopedic blade 130 can best be seen in FIG. 31, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(71) The interchangeable orthopedic blade 130 comprises an internal portion 142 and an external portion 144.

(72) The internal portion 142 is received in the external portion 144. The internal portion 142 rotates relative to the external portion 144, and the external portion 144 moves non-rotatably axially into the bone 132.

G. Specific Configuration of the Internal Portion 142 and the External Portion 144

(73) The specific configuration of the internal portion 142 and the external portion 144 can best be seen in FIGS. 32 and 33, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(74) (1) The Internal Portion 142.

(75) The internal portion 142 is a fastener 144a. The fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 is an externally threaded set screw 144c. The externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 threads into the applicable interchangeable plate 140 locking the external portion 144 from backing out.

(76) (2) The External Portion 144.

(77) The external portion 144 is a slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158.

(78) The slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 has a proximal end 160 and a distal end 162.

(79) The distal end 162 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 is a tapered and/or fluted distal end 164. The tapered and/or fluted distal end 164 of the distal end 162 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 is for facilitating passage through the bone 132.

(80) The proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 is a ring-like proximal end 166.

(81) The ring-like proximal end 166 of the proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 is defined at least by a shoulder 172.

(82) The internal portion 142 sits axially in the external portion 144, with the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 threading coaxially into the applicable interchangeable plate 140.

(83) The external portion 144 further has at least one fin 174. The at least one fin 174 of the external portion 144 extends axially from the tapered and/or fluted distal end 164 of the distal end 162 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 to past the ring-like proximal end 166 of the proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 so as to be flush with the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142.

(84) That portion 176 of the at least one fin 174 of the external portion 144 extending upwardly from the ring-like proximal end 166 of the proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144 to flush with the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 extends divergently upwardly so as to form at least one diverging fin extension 178.

(85) The at least one diverging fin extension 178 of the at least one fin 174 of the external portion 144 is adjacent to the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 and rests in at least one tapered cutout 182 of the specifically configured through bore 180 in the applicable interchangeable plate 140, respectively.

(86) The externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 threads coaxially into the applicable interchangeable plate 140, rests against the at least a shoulder 172 of the ring-like proximal end 166 of the proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144, and is adjacent to the at least one diverging fin extension 178 of the at least one fin 174 of the external portion 144.

H. Method of Utilizing the Interchangeable Orthopedic Blade 130 in Cooperation with the Applicable Interchangeable Plate 140

(87) The method of utilizing the interchangeable orthopedic blade 130 can best be seen in FIG. 33, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

(88) The method of utilizing the interchangeable orthopedic blade 130 in cooperation with the applicable interchangeable plate 140 comprises the steps of: STEP 1: Dropping the external portion 144 through the specifically configured through bore 180 in the applicable interchangeable plate 140 until the at least one diverging fin extension 178 of the at least one fin 174 of the external portion 144 rests in at least one tapered cutout 182 of the specifically configured through bore 180 in the applicable interchangeable plate 140, respectively; STEP 2: Dropping the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 into the specifically configured through bore 180 in the applicable interchangeable plate 140; and STEP 3: Threading the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 into internal threads 184 in the specifically configured through bore 180 in the applicable interchangeable plate 140 until the externally threaded set screw 144c of the fastener 144a of the internal portion 142 bottoms out against the ring-like proximal end 166 of the proximal end 160 of the slender, elongated, and generally cylindrically shaped sleeve 158 of the external portion 144, to thereby lock the interchangeable orthopedic blade 130 in place on the applicable interchangeable plate 140.

I. Impressions

(89) It will be understood that each of the elements described above or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

(90) While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as embodied in an interchangeable orthopedic blade for more accurately placing in, without excessive damage to, a bone when repairing a fracture in the bone by cooperating with an interchangeable orthopedic plate, so as to provide absolute stable fixation by holding the fracture in its anatomic position and resist applied forces while healing, to thereby provide a stable anatomic restoration and eliminate a need for revision surgery due to failure of fixation or malunion, nevertheless, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention.

(91) Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.