Bone plate systems using provisional fixation

Abstract

Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and a plurality of holes extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces for receiving bone screws are disclosed. Each hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone plate. Provisional fixation of a bone plate to a bone may be accomplished using provisional fixation pins through the screw-receiving holes of the bone plate.

1 . A bone plate system for reducing a fracture of a bone, the system comprising:
 a bone plate comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hole extending between the upper and lower surfaces;   a hole comprising a frustoconical portion, an upper opening at the upper surface, and a lower opening at the lower surface, the lower opening having a first diameter;   a provisional fixation pin configured to be inserted within the hole for provisional engagement with the bone; and   a fastener comprising a head and a bone engagement portion, the head comprising a spherical portion and the bone engagement portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter;   wherein the spherical portion of the head engages the frustoconical portion of the hole when the fastener is inserted into the hole and the bone engagement portion engages the bone.