Bone plate with insert(s) for optimally directing fasteners

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for fusing bones of the human body. The apparatus comprises a bone plate which generally is a member having one or more fixation apertures, configured to receive fasteners, and an insert aperture. The bone plate comprises a semi-rigid material, such as a biocompatible metal or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possessing a tensile strength suitable for immobilizing bones. A convertible insert is configured to be retained within the insert aperture. The convertible insert is configured to optimally direct a fastener towards a chosen point of purchase for fixating or compressing bones. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at a substantially right angle relative to the fusion plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for fusing bones of the human body, comprising:
 a bone plate having one or more fixation apertures and one or more insert apertures;   a convertible insert configured to be retained within the insert aperture, the insert being configured with a tapered, counter-bored, or countersunk internal shape to convert the direction of a fastener for fixating or compressing the bones; and   one or more fixation screws configured to be received into the one or more fixation apertures and driven into the bones so as to fixate or compress the bones.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bone plate is comprised of a semi-rigid material, such as a biocompatible metal or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possessing a tensile strength suitable for immobilizing bones. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the convertible insert is configured to be press-fit into the insert aperture. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the convertible insert is configured to be mechanically retained within the insert aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the insert aperture comprises a countersunk edge, the perimeter of which includes a round portion and a flat portion configured to orient the convertible insert to advantageously convert the fastener direction within the bone plate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bone plate comprises a longitudinal rib and a multiplicity of lateral ribs, the longitudinal rib providing structural strength to the bone plate, the multiplicity of lateral ribs being configured to minimize contact between the implant and the bone. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bone plate comprises a longitudinal rib and a multiplicity of radial ribs, the longitudinal rib inhibiting bending along a length of the bone plate, the multiplicity of radial ribs being configured to minimize contact between the bone plate and the bone, each radial ribs comprising a radius of curvature. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the convertible insert is an insert comprising an aperture configured to receive a smooth headed fastener, such that the fastener is directed at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the oblique angle of the fastener facilitates compressing adjacent bones together so as to encourage bone fusion. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the insert aperture orients the insert, such that the fastener is directed at any angle between 0 to 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal implant axis so as to direct the fastener to an optimal point of bone purchase to successfully fuse the bone parts together. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the fixation apertures comprises a countersunk or threaded surface configured to receive a head of the fastener, such that the fastener fixates the bone plate to the bones. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the convertible insert has an aperture configured to direct a fastener at a substantially right angle relative to the fusion plate. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the substantially right angle facilitates immobilizing adjacent bone of the human body. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the substantially right angle facilitates fixating bones across a joint. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the insert aperture is configured to receive a circular insert comprising threads configured to engage with threads of the insert aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the circular insert comprises an aperture configured to receive a smooth-headed screw, such that the fastener is directed at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the oblique angle facilitates compressing adjacent bones together so as to encourage bone fusion. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the insert threads orient the insert fastener relative to a longitudinal dimension of the fusion plate, thereby directing the fastener at an angle across a fusion site between the adjacent bones or an optimal point of bone purchase. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the angle ranges between substantially 0 degrees and 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal dimension of the fusion plate. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the circular insert comprises at least one engagement hole or peripheral slots configured to receive a distal protrusion of an insert driver, whereby the distal protrusion may be engaged into the engagement feature and the insert driver may be twisted so as to securely attach the circular insert within the insert aperture so as to direct the compression screw at the angle across a fusion site between the bones.