Adjustable joint optimizations

An apparatus for fixing bone comprising:

• a first plate comprising a screw slot;
• a second plate comprising a through hole corresponding to the screw slot, the second plate coupled to the first plate at a region of overlap by a hinge joint configured to allow rotation of the first and second plates relative to one another about a pivot axis, wherein the screw slot and the through hole are disposed in the region of overlap;
• and
• a screw configured to be inserted into the screw slot and the through hole to couple the first plate to the second plate, the screw comprising a threaded portion, a non-threaded portion, and a recess configured to receive an alignment guide of a compression tool, wherein the threaded portion of the screw is configured to form an interference fit with the through hole of the second plate;
• wherein at least one of the screw, a portion of the first plate coupled to the screw, or a portion of the second plate coupled to the screw is configured to be partially deformed in response to a force exerted by the compression tool to advance the screw into the screw slot and the through hole, wherein the partial deformation of the screw, the first plate, and/or the second plate is configured to prevent the screw from backing out of the screw slot and the through hole.

A system for fixing bone, the system comprising:

• a first plate comprising a screw slot;
• a second plate comprising a through hole corresponding to the screw slot, the second plate coupled to the first plate at a region of overlap by a hinge joint configured to allow rotation of the first and second plates relative to one another about a pivot axis, wherein the screw slot and the through hole are disposed in the region of overlap;
• a screw configured to be inserted into the screw slot and the through hole to couple the first plate to the second plate, the screw comprising a threaded portion, a non-threaded portion, and a recess, wherein the threaded portion of the screw is configured to form an interference fit with the through hole of the second plate;
• and
• a compression tool comprising an alignment guide and a punching pin, wherein:
• the alignment guide is configured to be placed into the recess of the screw to align the compression tool with the screw;
• the punching pin is configured to impact the screw at a seam of the screw and the first plate or a seam of the screw and the second plate;
• and
• at least one of the screw, a portion of the first plate coupled to the screw, or a portion of the second plate coupled to the screw is configured to be partially deformed in response to a force exerted by the compression tool to advance the screw into the screw slot and the through hole, wherein the partial deformation of the screw, the first plate, and/or the second plate is configured to prevent the screw from backing out of the screw slot and the through hole.