Bone Plating System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bone plating system and method for fracture fixation of bone. The bone plating system includes a bone plate, at least one locking screw, and at least one non-locking screw. The bone plate has locking holes with threads and non-locking holes. The locking screws have a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head with a thread configured and dimensioned to mate with the thread of the locking holes. The non-locking screws have a thread for engaging bone and a non-threaded head. Both the locking and non-locking screws remain seated in their respective holes for substantially as long as the bone plate is implanted. The non-locking screws compress the bone plate against the bone and hold fracture reduction while the locking screws are secured to the plate at a fixed angular relationship. The mixed fixation achieved by this bone plating system and method is particularly useful for treatment of per-articular fractures.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A bone plating system for fixation of bone comprising:
 a bone plate having:
 an upper surface; 
 a bone-contacting surface; 
 at least one first hole passing through the upper and bone-contacting surfaces and having a thread; and 
 at least one second hole passing through the upper and bone-contacting surfaces; a first screw having a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head with a thread configured and dimensioned to mate with the thread of the first hole; and a second screw having a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head, wherein the first and second screws remain seated in their respective holes for substantially as long as the bone plate is implanted.