Abstract A compression plate for the retention and internal fixation of fragments resulting from a bone fracture. The compression plate is of generally elongate structure and is adapted to be attached to both pieces of the broken bone by screws fitting within slots generally aligned with the length of the compression plate. At least one of the slots in the compression plate is formed with a slot having a taper, generally defined by a portion of the arc of a first hole through the compression plate, a portion of the arc of a second hole through the compression plate, larger in diameter than the first hole and closer to the end of the plate, and lines which are tangential to both holes. The top surface of the tapered slot is preferably chamfered so as to better mate with a screw having a tapered head. Thus, tightening of the screw in the tapered hole causes progression of the compression plate along its axis to encourage and retain the fracture surfaces in firm abutment.
A compression plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one pear shaped slot therethrough, said slot being generally characterized by a first opening at one end of said slot and a second opening at the second end of said slot, said second opening being greater in width than said first opening, said slot having a horizontal widening starting at said first opening and joining said first and second openings, said slot being bound by a side wall of uniform contour from said one end to said second end thereby defining a pear shaped opening at said top surface which extends continously downwardly through the plate to terminate in a pear shaped opening at said bottom surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A compression plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one pear shaped slot therethrough, said slot being generally characterized by a first opening at one end of said slot and a second opening at the second end of said slot, said second opening being greater in width than said first opening, said slot having a horizontal widening starting at said first opening and joining said first and second openings, said slot being bound by a side wall of uniform contour from said one end to said second end thereby defining a pear shaped opening at said top surface which extends continously downwardly through the plate to terminate in a pear shaped opening at said bottom surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The compression plate of claim 1 wherein said pear shaped slot has a chamfered area adjacent its upper edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
101 words
A compression plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one pear shaped hole therethrough, said hole being generally defined by the horizontal widening of a slot binding with tangent lines a small circle on one end of said slot and a large circle at the other end of said slot, said slot being bound by a side wall of uniform contour from said one end to said other end thereby defining a pear shaped opening at said top surface which extends continously downwardly through the plate to terminate in a pear shaped opening at said bottom surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
A compression plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one pear shaped hole therethrough, said hole being generally defined by the horizontal widening of a slot binding with tangent lines a small circle on one end of said slot and a large circle at the other end of said slot, said slot being bound by a side wall of uniform contour from said one end to said other end thereby defining a pear shaped opening at said top surface which extends continously downwardly through the plate to terminate in a pear shaped opening at said bottom surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The compression plate of claim 3 wherein said pear shaped hole has a chamfered area adjacent its upper edges.