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  Plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal jointUSPTO Application #: 20080091197Title: Plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint Abstract: A plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular of a metatarso-phalangeal joint, for the purpose of performing arthodesis. The plate comprises two sections, respectively a proximal section and a distal section, each section having a respective longitudinal axis of symmetry S1, S2 such that the projection onto a horizontal plane of the axis of symmetry S2 of the distal section presents an angle of inclination relative to the projection of the axis of symmetry S1 of the proximal portion, the projections inserting at a point A. The projection onto a vertical plane of the axis of symmetry S2 presents an angle of inclination relative to the projection of the axis of symmetry S1, their intersection taking place at a point A2 which is distinct from the point A1. (end of abstract) Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP - Atlanta, GA, US Inventor: Michael John Coughlin USPTO Applicaton #: 20080091197 - Class: 606060000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Surgery, Instruments, Orthopedic Instrumentation, Internal Fixation Means The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080091197. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/255,204, filed on Sep. 26, 2002 and entitled "PLATE FOR FIXING THE BONES OF A JOINT, IN PARTICULAR A METATARSO-PHALANGEAL JOINT", incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the general technical field of surgical devices for fixing together and aligning the two bony parts of a joint relative to each other, and in particular a joint including the phalanges of a toe or a finger in order to perform arthrodesis. [0003] The present invention relates to a plate for fixing together the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint, in order to perform arthrodesis. [0004] In a preferred but non exclusive application of the invention, the fixing plate is more particularly, but not exclusively, intended and designed for setting an angular position and then performing arthrodesis on a metatarso-phalangeal joint. However, it should be understood that in the meaning of the invention applications to other joints can be envisaged, whenever the purpose is to bond the two bony parts of a joint together in a fixed relative position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] In the event of arthrosis in joints between bones, and in particular in a metatarso-phalangeal joint, it is often necessary to perform arthrodesis in order to fuse the two bones together. As a general rule, arthrodesis constitutes an operation that is difficult in that it sets a joint in a position that is defined and it does so in a manner that is not reversible. Thus, it is very important for arthrodesis of a metatarso-phalangeal joint to be performed correctly insofar as the joint is involved as an essential actor in the walking cycle of a human being. It will thus be understood that it is essential for the two bones to be positioned relative to each other prior to fusion with an orientation that is implemented as accurately as possible in order to avoid any subsequent difficulty. [0006] It is therefore essential for the axes of the bones to be fixed relative to each other so as to comply as well as possible with the flexing and the axes of the patient, and this must be done as a function of the patient's sex, gait, and morphology. [0007] Until now, metatarso-phalangeal arthrodesis has been performed using fixing plates of a variety of shapes and provided with slots for receiving fixing screws in order to secure the plate to each of the two bones to be fused together. [0008] Thus, by way of example, fixing plates are known that present a curved "quarter-tube" cross-section which the surgeon places across the joint between the bones to be fused together. That known plate is bent by the surgeon so as to take up an angle in the dorsi-flexion plane having a value that has been determined by the surgeon and that is specific to the patient. Once a joint has been blocked, plates of that type thus make it possible to confer a particular orientation in elevation on one of the two bones on which arthrodesis is performed. This constitutes an advantage to the patient since the joint is blocked under conditions close to normal conditions of use for that joint, thereby reducing difficulty for the patient while walking and reducing possible future complications. [0009] Nevertheless, fixing plates of that type turn out to suffer from a variety of drawbacks, and in particular they are quite difficult for the surgeon to bend. In addition, it turns out that bending is rarely performed with sufficient accuracy and that bending gives rise to deformed zones of the plate presenting edges that can be quite sharp and likely to generate irritation or inflammation on coming into contact with adjacent tissue such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, skin, etc. Finally, plates of that type are unsuitable for bending through a varus-valgus angle, which means that they are not capable of implementing arthrodeses that are sufficiently close to conditions of optimum geometrical orientation between the two bones to be fused together for the purpose of reducing to the greatest possible extent any risk of subsequent difficulties and complications for the patient. [0010] Fixing plates that are completely plane are also known, and although they greatly reduce the risk of complications for the patient following the operation of installing them, insofar as no bending is performed, they nevertheless do not make it possible to perform an arthrodesis in which the bones present specific dorsi flexion and varus-valgus angles. [0011] As a general rule, it also turns out that fixing plates for bending by the surgeon require a special bending tool to be used that is specific to each type of plate, thereby constituting a further constraint. Finally, it turns out that a fixing plate that has been bent suffers from weakening of its metal in the bend zone, and that can constitute a drawback in terms of strength. Furthermore, the need to provide openings through the plate for passing fixing screws complicates the operation of bending the plate, specifically because of the presence of said openings. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] Consequently, the object of the invention is to remedy the various drawbacks set out above and to propose a novel plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint, for the purpose of performing arthrodesis between two bone fragments under good conditions while ensuring that the relative orientation of the two bones to be fused together is determined with excellent accuracy. [0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel plate for fixing the bones of a joint that makes it easier to put the plate into place and to seek a precise geometrical orientation. [0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel plate for fixing the bones of a joint with improved placing of the plate. [0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel plate for fixing the bones of a joint that is particularly well adapted to the anatomy of the bones to be fused together. [0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel plate for fixing the bones of a joint that is suitable for being adapted to various possible anatomical configurations. [0017] The objects given to the invention are achieved by means of a plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint, for the purpose of performing arthrodesis, wherein: [0018] the plate comprises two sections, respectively a proximal section and a distal section, each section presenting a respective longitudinal axis of symmetry S.sub.1, S.sub.2 said plate being designed to be placed across the joint, the axes S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 being parallel and aligned with the longitudinal axes of the two bone fragments to be fused together such that the projection onto a horizontal plane of the axis of symmetry S.sub.2 of the distal section is inclined at an angle .alpha. relative to the projection of the axis of symmetry S.sub.1 of the proximal portion, the projections intersecting at a point A.sub.1; and [0019] the projection onto a vertical plane of the axis of symmetry S.sub.2 presents an angle of inclination .beta. relative to the projection of the axis of symmetry S.sub.1, the projections intersecting at a point A.sub.2 which is distinct from the point A.sub.1, the distal section extending over a first length fraction L.sub.1 away from the proximal section while remaining in the same plane P.sub.1 as the proximal section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Continue reading... Full patent description for Plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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