| abstract |
A bone plate for use in stabilizing a fractured bone is provided having first and second end portions longitudinally spaced from one another and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the end portions. The end portions and intermediate portion combine to define an upper surface, a lower surface for application to a bone, and an edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The plate includes at least one interior hole formed in the intermediate portion for receiving a fastener such as a bone screw to attach the plate to the fractured bone. A plurality of apertures are formed in the plate, with each of the end portions including at least one of the apertures which extend through the plate from the upper surface to the lower surface for receiving a bone screw. Each aperture also extends to and through the edge of the plate whereby each aperture may be temporarily positioned around an external fixation rod temporarily secured to the bone, which facilitates positioning the bone plate. Fasteners may be inserted through the apertures to further secure the plate after the rods have been removed. The plate may have a variety of shapes including rectangular, L-shape, Y-shape and others. Depending upon the size of the apertures formed in the end portions, washers may be used in conjunction with the apertures in the end portions to receive bone screws. |