Osteotomy plate, plate driver and method for their use

A plate system for use in an associated bone, comprising:

• a locking screw having distal threads and a head having external threads;
• a non-locking screw having distal threads and a head having a rounded rear Shoulder surface;
• and
• a plate having a top surface configured to face away from the associated bone when implanted and a bottom surface configured to be in contact with the associated bone when implanted, the plate having a first tab and an opposing second tab aligned along a longitudinal axis of the plate and joined by a middle section which has a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
• wherein the first tab terminates in a cutting edge configured to cut the associated bone upon application of a driving force;
• wherein the middle section defines a first hole for the non-locking screw, wherein the first hole does not include internal threads;
• wherein the second tab includes a second hole for the locking screw, the second hole including internal threads for interacting with the external threads of the head of the locking screw;
• wherein the first hole defines a screw hole axis that forms an angle other than 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plate, the first hole permitting variation of an axis of the non-locking screw when inserted therein by up to 20° of conical rotation;
• and
• wherein the first hole further includes a shroud which is formed on and raised above the top surface of the plate in order to sufficiently support the non-locking screw when it is received in the first hole and to shroud the head of the non-locking screw so as to minimize the possibility of tissue irritation from the head of the non-locking screw.

A plate system for use in an associated bone, comprising:

• a plate having a top surface configured to face away from the associated bone when implanted and a bottom surface configured to be in contact with the associated bone when implanted, the plate having a longitudinal axis;
• a locking screw having distal threads and a head having external threads;
• a non-locking screw having distal threads and a head having a rounded rear shoulder surface;
• a plate driver which includes a recess which is configured to be secured to the plate for insertion of the plate into the associated bone, the plate driver including a handle having a longitudinal axis that projects in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate when the plate is seated in the recess;
• and
• a drill and a drill guide;
• wherein the drill guide can be mounted from the plate driver to guide placement of the drill to drill an opening into the associated bone for a first hole of the plate;
• wherein the plate comprises a first tab and an opposing second tab aligned along the longitudinal axis of the plate and joined by a middle section which has a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
• wherein the first tab terminates in a cutting edge configured to cut the associated bone upon application of a driving force, and also includes the first hole for the non-locking screw, wherein the first hole does not include internal threads, and
• wherein the first hole defines a variable screw hole axis that forms an angle other than 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plate, the first hole permitting variation of an axis of the non-locking screw when inserted therein by up to 20° of conical rotation, and which further includes a shroud which is formed on and raised above the top surface of the plate in order to sufficiently support the non-locking screw when it is received in the first hole and to shroud the head of the non-locking screw;
• wherein the second tab includes a second hole which is a locking screw hole for the locking screw, wherein the second hole includes internal threads for interacting with the external threads of the head of the locking screw.