Bone connection device

Abstract

An implantable orthopedic device having a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, with at least one opening for a fixation element and one insert which can be inserted in an inclined opening in a receptacle in the bore. This insert has an external form that is at least partially complementary to the internal form of the receptacle and a central through-bore for receiving the body of the fixation element such as a bone screw. The insert also provides a locking system for holding the insert in the receptacle, in which the insert exhibits at least one locking mechanism with which conformal locking with the load-bearing element may be achieved.

1 . An implantable orthopedic device comprising an elongated load-bearing element with at least one opening for a fixation element and with an insert that may be inserted in a receptacle in the opening wherein the insert exhibits an external form that is at least partially complementary to an internal form of the receptacle and wherein the insert exhibits a central through-bore for mounting the body of the fixation element, and in which the implantable orthopedic device exhibits a means for holding the insert in the receptacle wherein the insert exhibits at least one locking mechanism with which conformingly locks with the load-bearing element.  
     
     
         2 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the insert or the locking mechanism has at least one extension that goes along one side of the insert.  
     
     
         3 . The device as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the extension is configured in a flexible manner in the standard direction or inclined to the principal plane of the load-bearing element along the axis and/or that the extension includes a groove running in the principal plane of the load-bearing element.  
     
     
         4 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism include at least one projection extending away from the through-bore and intended for engagement with the load-bearing element.  
     
     
         5 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanisms can be fixed against the load-bearing element by means of a fixation element in the opening and remain engaged with it and cannot be released until the aforementioned fixation element has been removed from the opening.  
     
     
         6 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the insert exhibits at least one locking mechanism which can interact with a complementary area in the area of the underside of the load-bearing element.  
     
     
         7 . The device as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the load-bearing element exhibits at least one recess on the underside of the load-bearing element, in which the locking mechanisms can be engaged, so that the insert, does not extend beyond the aforementioned underside.  
     
     
         8 . The device as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the locking mechanism can be engaged under the underside of the load-bearing element so that the insert extends beyond the aforementioned underside and acts as a spacer.  
     
     
         9 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the inner bore of the insert exhibits an inclined axis that deviates from the normal axis to the principal plane of the load-bearing element, in which the aforementioned inclined axis is inclined towards a narrow side of the load-bearing element and/or in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the load-bearing element.  
     
     
         10 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the insert and opening are elongated in the longitudinal direction.  
     
     
         11 . A bone stabilization device comprising: 
 an elongated bone plate having a plurality of apertures extending through the bone plate, at least one insert having a body with a threaded bore and an outer surface for engaging an inner surface of said aperture, at least part of said aperture is surrounded by a locking surface and said insert outer surface having a resilient extension for engaging said locking surface.    
     
     
         12 . The bone stabilization device as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said aperture has a central axis extending from a top plate surface to a bottom plate surface and said bore in said insert has a central axis inclined with respect to said aperture central axis.  
     
     
         13 . The bone stabilization device as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the aperture is in the form of an elongate slot.  
     
     
         14 . The bone stabilization device as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said insert has an elongate outer surface for placement adjacent an elongate inner surface of said slot and said resilient extension extends between said adjacent surfaces.  
     
     
         15 . The bone stabilization device as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said locking surface is a ledge formed around at least part of said aperture inner surface and said extension has an outwardly extending lip for engaging said ledge.