Multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly

Claim 2

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for connecting portions of bone across a fracture therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener defining an elongated axis and having external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment, said first fastener defining an coaxial opening with internal uniformly pitched threading extending along at least a portion of the length thereof; a second fastener attachable in non-movable relation with a second bone fragment; an elongated connector including a head portion that accommodates a tool and a shank portion having external uniformly pitched threading corresponding to the internal threading of said first fastener, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the second fastener and into threaded engagement with said first fastener while the head portion of said connector operably engages with said second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments into compressive and proper relation relative to each other; and a retaining apparatus for preventing said connector from inadvertently rotating relative to said second fastener thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 3

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein a leading end of said first fastener has a pointed configuration while a trailing end of said first fastener is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said first fastener such that the external threading threadably engages with said first bone fragment.

Claim 4

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second fastener has an elongated configuration with external threading for anchoring said second fastener in said second bone fragment.

Claim 5

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 3 wherein said second fastener has a coaxial opening extending between leading and trailing ends thereof.

Claim 6

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 4 wherein the trailing end of said second fastener is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said second fastener such that the external threading threadably engages with said second bone fragment.

Claim 7

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 4 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises an insert fitted within said coaxial opening and operably associated with said second fastener for preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 8

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second fastener comprises a member formed from a bone compatible material and configured with a generally concave shaped section that is generally centralized between multiple prongs extending radially away from said central section, and an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element that is seated for rocking movement within said central section of said member, and wherein the shank portion of said elongated connector extends endwise through the said member and said element into threaded engagement with said first fastener, with the head portion of said connector being operably engagable with said element such that rotation of said connector draws the member and said first fastener and the respective bone fragments engaged by each toward and into compressive relationship relative to each other.

Claim 9

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 7 wherein the concave centralized section of said member defines an enlarged opening that permits said member to rock relative to said connector and said element thereby enhancing attachment of said prongs to said second bone fragment.

Claim 10

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises a non-metallic insert disposed along the length of the coaxial opening of said first fastener for engaging the external threading on said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector.

Claim 11

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second fastener comprises an apertured disk that fits about the shank portion of said connector and operably engages an underside of the head portion of said connector to permit relative rotation therebetween, the apertures in said disk permitting said second bone fragment to be attached thereto.

Claim 12

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second fastener comprises an elongated member having first and second ends and an axial bore for allowing the shank portion of said connector to extend endwise therethrough and into threaded engagement with said first fastener, the elongated member of said second fastener further including a bone fragment retainer extending radially away from said elongated member.

Claim 13

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 11 wherein the elongated member of said second fastener has a generally cylindrical configuration between opposite ends thereof.

Claim 14

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 11 wherein the elongated member of said second fastener has a frusto-conical configuration between opposite ends thereof.

Claim 15

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second fastener comprises a plate having upper and lower generally parallel surfaces with an indentation having a closed margin defined by said plate and including a wall depending at an acute angle relative to the upper surface of said plate, said wall defining an aperture through which the shank portion of said connector extends into threaded engagement with the internal threading of said first fastener while the wall of said indentation maintains the head portion on an opposite side of said plate from said first fastener.

Claim 16

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments to each other across a fracture defined therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener formed from a bone compatible material and having external threading for anchoring said first fastener within an interior of the first bone fragment, said first fastener defining an opening with internal uniformly pitched threading; a second fastener formed from a bone compatible material and attachable to an exterior of the second bone fragment, said second fastener comprising a member configured with a generally concave shaped and apertured section that is generally centralized between prongs extending radially outward and away from the central section of said member, said second fastener further including an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element configured to rockingly seat within the central section of said member; an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated threaded shank portion having external uniform pitched threading extending over the length thereof corresponding to the internal threading of said first fastener, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the apertured element and the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said internal threading of said first fastener while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the element of said second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener is configured to allow said member to rock relative to said element with the connector passing therethrough to enhance the ability of the prongs of said member to positively engage the exterior of said second bone fragment to the fullest extend possible; and wherein said first fastener further includes a retaining apparatus arranged along the internal threading thereof for operably engaging the external threading of said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector thus maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between said first and second fasteners and the first and second bone fragments attached thereto.

Claim 17

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments to each other across a fracture defined therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener formed from a bone compatible material and having external threading for anchoring said first fastener within an interior of the first bone fragment, said first fastener defining an opening with internal uniformly pitched threading; a second fastener formed from a bone compatible material and attachable to an exterior of the second bone fragment, said second fastener comprising a member configured with a generally concave shaped and apertured section that is generally centralized between prongs extending radially outward and away from the central section of said member, said second fastener further including an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element configured to rockingly seat within the central section of said member; an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated threaded shank portion having external uniform pitched threading extending over the length thereof corresponding to the internal threading of said first fastener, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the apertured element and the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said internal threading of said first fastener while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the element of said second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener is configured to allow said member to rock relative to said element with the connector passing therethrough to enhance the ability of the prongs of said member to positively engage the exterior of said second bone fragment to the fullest extend possible; and wherein said first fastener further includes a retaining apparatus arranged along the internal threading thereof for operably engaging the external threading of said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector thus maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between said first and second fasteners and the first and second bone fragments attached thereto.

Claim 18

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 15 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises a non-metallic ring arranged along the length of the internal threading of said first fastener for operably engaging the external threading of said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector thus maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between the first and second fasteners.

Claim 19

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for connecting portions of bone across a fracture therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: an axially elongated fastener having external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment, said first fastener defining a coaxial opening with internal uniformly pitched threading extending the length thereof; a generally planar member having upper and lower generally parallel surfaces, said planar member defining a generally centralized throughbore with a plurality of apertures arranged in generally circumferential relation relative to said throughbore; an elongated connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and is configured to prevent its movement through said throughbore of said planar member but is smaller than the spacings between opposed apertures defined by said planar member, said connector further including a shank portion defining an elongated axis and that is sized to extend endwise through said throughbore defined by said planar member whereby said planar member is free to turn beneath said enlarged head of said member about said axis defined by said shank portion, and wherein said shank portion has external uniformly pitched threading corresponding to the internal threading of said first fastener; and a retaining apparatus arranged along the internal threading thereof for operably engaging the external threading of said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector relative to said fastener.

Claim 20

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for connecting portions of bone across a fracture therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: an axially elongated fastener having external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment, said first fastener defining a coaxial opening with internal uniformly pitched threading extending the length thereof; a generally planar member having upper and lower generally parallel surfaces, said planar member defining a generally centralized throughbore with a plurality of apertures arranged in generally circumferential relation relative to said throughbore; an elongated connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and is configured to prevent its movement through said throughbore of said planar member but is smaller than the spacings between opposed apertures defined by said planar member, said connector further including a shank portion defining an elongated axis and that is sized to extend endwise through said throughbore defined by said planar member whereby said planar member is free to turn beneath said enlarged head of said member about said axis defined by said shank portion, and wherein said shank portion has external uniformly pitched threading corresponding to the internal threading of said first fastener; and a retaining apparatus arranged along the internal threading thereof for operably engaging the external threading of said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector relative to said fastener.

Claim 21

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading for anchoring said first bone screw in said first bone fragment, said first bone screw defining an axial bore having uniformly pitched internal threading along the majority length thereof; a second bone screw having external threading for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough; an elongated connector including a head portion that is configured to accommodate a tool and an elongated shank portion with external uniformly pitched threading that corresponds to the internal threading of said first screw, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the axial bore defined by said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said the axial bore defined in said first fastener while the head of the connector operably engages with the second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws said first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into compressive relationship relative to each other; and a retainer apparatus for preventing said connector from turning relative to said second fastener thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 22

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading for anchoring said first bone screw in said first bone fragment, said first bone screw defining an axial bore having uniformly pitched internal threading along the majority length thereof; a second bone screw having external threading for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough; an elongated connector including a head portion that is configured to accommodate a tool and an elongated shank portion with external uniformly pitched threading that corresponds to the internal threading of said first screw, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the axial bore defined by said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said the axial bore defined in said first fastener while the head of the connector operably engages with the second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws said first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into compressive relationship relative to each other; and a retainer apparatus for preventing said connector from turning relative to said second fastener thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 23

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 18 wherein a first end of said first bone screw has a pointed configuration while a second end of said first bone screw is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said first bone screw such that the external threading engages with said first bone fragment.

Claim 24

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 18 wherein the external threading on said first and second bone screws generally correspond relative to each other.

Claim 25

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 18 wherein a trailing end of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said second bone screw such that the external threading threadably engages with said second bone fragment.

Claim 26

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 18 wherein the axial bore defined by said second bone screw has a first lengthwise portion that opens to a trailing end of said second bone screw and has a non-circular cross-sectional configuration that is sized to allow the head portion and shank portion of said connector to pass endwise therethrough and a second lengthwise portion that opens to a leading end of said second bone screw and is sized to allow only said shank portion of said connector to pass endwise therethrough.

Claim 27

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 22 wherein said retainer apparatus comprises a element having a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-section of the first portion of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw whereby said element is prevented from turning relative to said second bone screw, said element having a pliant annular ring that operably engages with said second bone screw for preventing the connector from inadvertently turning in a direction whereby loosening the compressive relationship between the fasteners beyond a preset amount.

Claim 28

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 22 wherein the head portion of said connector defines a socket and an annular recess radially extending outwardly from the socket, and wherein said retainer apparatus comprises an element having a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-section of the first portion of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw whereby said element is prevented from turning relative to said second bone screw, said element having a pliant annular ring that operably engages with the annular recess in the socket defined by said connector, and wherein said element further includes a finger that axially extends from said element into said socket and operably engages with said connector for preventing said connector from turning relative to said second member.

Claim 29

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 24 wherein said element includes a plurality of fingers that axially extend from one end of said element and into the socket and operable engagement with said connector for preventing inadvertent turning movement of said connector relative to said second bone screw.

Claim 30

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 18 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises a non-metallic insert disposed along the length of the internal threading of said axial bore for engaging the external threading on said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector.

Claim 31

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a proximal end of said first screw along a lengthwise portion of said screw for anchoring said first bone screw in said first bone fragment and a reduced diameter portion extending from said external threading to a distal end of said first screw, with said reduced diameter portion of said screw having an axially tapering configuration along an outer surface thereof, said first bone screw defining an axial bore having uniformly pitched internal threading along the majority length thereof; a second bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a distal end of said second screw and along a lengthwise portion of said second screw for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment and a reduced diameter portion extending from said external threading to a proximal end of said second screw, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough, and wherein the axial bore defined by said second screw includes a counterbore portion extending axially away from the distal end of said screw, said counterbore having an axially tapered configuration that complements the tapered configuration on the reduced diameter portion of said first screw; an elongated connector including a head portion that is configured to accommodate a tool and an elongated shank portion with external uniformly pitched threading that corresponds to the internal threading of said first screw, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the axial bore defined by said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said the axial bore defined in said first fastener while the head of the connector operable engages with the second fasteners such that rotation of said connector draws said first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other and with the reduced diameter portion of said first screw fitting axially into the counterbore portion defined by said second screw whereby effecting alignment of the bone fragments relative to each other.

Claim 32

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a proximal end of said first screw along a lengthwise portion of said screw for anchoring said first bone screw in said first bone fragment and a reduced diameter portion extending from said external threading to a distal end of said first screw, with said reduced diameter portion of said screw having an axially tapering configuration along an outer surface thereof, said first bone screw defining an axial bore having uniformly pitched internal threading along the majority length thereof; a second bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a distal end of said second screw and along a lengthwise portion of said second screw for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment and a reduced diameter portion extending from said external threading to a proximal end of said second screw, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough, and wherein the axial bore defined by said second screw includes a counterbore portion extending axially away from the distal end of said screw, said counterbore having an axially tapered configuration that complements the tapered configuration on the reduced diameter portion of said first screw; an elongated connector including a head portion that is configured to accommodate a tool and an elongated shank portion with external uniformly pitched threading that corresponds to the internal threading of said first screw, and wherein the shank portion of said connector extends endwise through the axial bore defined by said second fastener and into threaded engagement with said the axial bore defined in said first fastener while the head of the connector operable engages with the second fasteners such that rotation of said connector draws said first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other and with the reduced diameter portion of said first screw fitting axially into the counterbore portion defined by said second screw whereby effecting alignment of the bone fragments relative to each other.

Claim 33

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 27 further including a retaining apparatus for preventing said connector from inadvertently rotating relative to said bone screws thereby maintaining the predetermined compressive relationship between the screws and the bone fragments attached thereto.

Claim 34

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 27 wherein a trailing end of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said second bone screw such that the external threading threadably engages with said second bone fragment.

Claim 35

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 27 wherein the axial bore defined by said second bone screw has a first lengthwise portion that opens to a trailing end of said second bone screw and has a non-circular cross-sectional configuration that is sized to allow the head portion and shank portion of said connector to pass endwise therethrough and a second lengthwise portion that opens to a leading end of said second bone screw and is sized to allow only said shank portion of said connector to pass endwise therethrough.

Claim 36

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 30 wherein said retainer apparatus comprises a element having a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-section of the first portion of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw whereby said element is prevented from turning relative to said second bone screw, said element having a pliant annular ring that operably engages with an annular grove disposed along the length of said first portion of said axial bore defined by said second bone screw for preventing the connector from inadvertently turning in a direction whereby loosening the compressive relationship between the fasteners beyond a preset amount.

Claim 37

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 30 wherein the head portion of said connector defines a socket and an annular recess radially extending outwardly from the socket, and wherein said retainer apparatus comprises an element having a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-section of the first portion of the axial bore defined by said second bone screw whereby said element is prevented from turning relative to said second bone screw, said element having a pliant annular ring that operably engages with the annular recess in the socket defined by said connector, and wherein said element further includes a finger that axially extends from said element into said socket and operably engages with said connector for preventing said connector from turning relative to said second member.

Claim 38

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 32 wherein said element includes a plurality of fingers that axially extend from one end of said element and into the socket and operable engagement with said connector for preventing inadvertent turning movement of said connector relative to said second bone screw.

Claim 39

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 28 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises a non-metallic insert disposed along the length of said coaxial opening for engaging the external threading on said connector and thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of said connector.

Claim 40

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for connecting fragments of bone across a fracture therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener with external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment; a second fastener configured for non-movable attachment to a second bone fragment; and a rotatable and elongated connector for drawing the first and second fasteners and thereby the bone fragments attached to each into compressive and proper relationship relative to each other, with the connector and said first fastener being threadably interconnected to each other along at least a portion of their length, and wherein at least a portion of the threadable connection being configured to prevent the connector from inadvertently rotating relative to said first fastener thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 41

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for connecting fragments of bone across a fracture therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener with external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment; a second fastener configured for non-movable attachment to a second bone fragment; and a rotatable and elongated connector for drawing the first and second fasteners and thereby the bone fragments attached to each into compressive and proper relationship relative to each other, with the connector and said first fastener being threadably interconnected to each other along at least a portion of their length, and wherein at least a portion of the threadable connection being configured to prevent the connector from inadvertently rotating relative to said first fastener thereby maintaining the proper compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments.

Claim 42

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein a leading end of said first fastener has a pointed configuration while a trailing end of said first fastener is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said first fastener such that the external threading threadably engages with said first bone fragment.

Claim 43

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein said second fastener has an elongated configuration with external threading for anchoring said second fastener in said second bone fragment.

Claim 44

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 37 wherein said second fastener has a coaxial opening extending between leading and trailing ends thereof.

Claim 45

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 38 wherein the trailing end of said second fastener is configured to accommodate a driving tool capable of turning said second fastener such that the external threading threadably engages with said second bone fragment.

Claim 46

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein said second fastener comprises a member formed from a bone compatible material and configured with a generally concave shaped section that is generally centralized between multiple prongs extending radially away from said central section, and an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element that is seated for rocking movement within said central section of said member, and wherein a shank portion of said elongated connector extends endwise through the said member and said element into threaded engagement with said first fastener, with a head portion of said connector being operably engagable with said element such that rotation of said connector draws the member and said first fastener and the respective bone fragments engaged by each toward and into compressive relationship relative to each other.

Claim 47

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 40 wherein the concave centralized section of said member defines an enlarged opening that permits said member to rock relative to said connector and said element thereby enhancing attachment of said prongs to said second bone fragment.

Claim 48

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein said second fastener comprises an apertured disk that fits about a shank portion of said connector and operably engages an underside of a head portion of said connector to permit relative rotation therebetween, the apertures in said disk permitting said second bone fragment to be attached thereto.

Claim 49

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein said second fastener comprises an elongated member having first and second ends and an axial bore for allowing a shank portion of said connector to extend endwise therethrough and into threaded engagement with said first fastener, the elongated member of said second fastener further including a bone fragment retainer extending radially away from said elongated member.

Claim 50

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein the elongated member of said second fastener has a generally cylindrical configuration between opposite ends thereof.

Claim 51

The multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 35 wherein said second fastener comprises a plate having upper and lower generally parallel surfaces with an indentation having a closed margin defined by said plate and including a wall depending at an acute angle relative to the upper surface of said plate, said wall defining an aperture through which a shank portion of said connector extends into threaded engagement with the internal threading of said first fastener while the wall of said indentation maintains a head portion of said connector on an opposite side of said plate from said first fastener.

Claim 52

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments to each other across a fracture defined therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener formed from a bone compatible material and having external threading for anchoring said first fastener within an interior of the first bone fragment; a second fastener formed from a bone compatible material and attachable to an exterior of the second bone fragment, said second fastener comprising a member configured with a generally concave shaped and apertured section that is generally centralized between prongs extending radially outward and away from the central section of said member, said second fastener further including an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element configured to rockingly seat within the central section of said member; an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated and externally threaded shank portion extending endwise through the apertured element and the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener and into threaded engagement with internal threading of said first fastener while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the element of said second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener is configured to allow said member to rock relative to said element with the connector passing therethrough to enhance the ability of the prongs of said member to positively engage the exterior of said second bone fragment to the fullest extent possible, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of the internal threading of said fastener is configured such that when the preselected compressive relationship is established between the fasteners the external threading on the connector is wedged against the internal threading of the first fastener to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector thereby maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments connected thereto.

Claim 53

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments to each other across a fracture defined therebetween, said interfragmentary fixation assembly comprising: a first axially elongated fastener formed from a bone compatible material and having external threading for anchoring said first fastener within an interior of the first bone fragment; a second fastener formed from a bone compatible material and attachable to an exterior of the second bone fragment, said second fastener comprising a member configured with a generally concave shaped and apertured section that is generally centralized between prongs extending radially outward and away from the central section of said member, said second fastener further including an apertured hemi-spherically shaped element configured to rockingly seat within the central section of said member; an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated and externally threaded shank portion extending endwise through the apertured element and the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener and into threaded engagement with internal threading of said first fastener while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the element of said second fastener such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second fasteners and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein the apertured center section of the member of said second fastener is configured to allow said member to rock relative to said element with the connector passing therethrough to enhance the ability of the prongs of said member to positively engage the exterior of said second bone fragment to the fullest extent possible, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of the internal threading of said fastener is configured such that when the preselected compressive relationship is established between the fasteners the external threading on the connector is wedged against the internal threading of the first fastener to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector thereby maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between the fasteners and the bone fragments connected thereto.

Claim 54

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a proximal end of and along a lengthwise portion of said first bone screw for anchoring said first bone screw to said first bone fragment; a second bone screw having external threading along a lengthwise portion thereof for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough; and an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated and externally threaded shank portion extending endwise through the axial bore of said second bone screw and into threaded engagement with internal threading of said first bone screw while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the second bone screw such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second bone screws and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of the internal threading of said first bone screw is configured such that when the preselected compressive relationship is established between the bone screws the external threading on the connector is wedged against the internal threading of the first bone screw to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector thereby maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between the bone screws and the bone fragments connected thereto.

Claim 55

A multipiece interfragmentary fixation assembly for interconnecting first and second bone fragments, comprising: a first bone screw having external threading axially extending away from a proximal end of and along a lengthwise portion of said first bone screw for anchoring said first bone screw to said first bone fragment; a second bone screw having external threading along a lengthwise portion thereof for anchoring said second bone screw in said second bone fragment, said second bone screw defining an axial bore extending therethrough; and an elongated screw connector including an enlarged head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated and externally threaded shank portion extending endwise through the axial bore of said second bone screw and into threaded engagement with internal threading of said first bone screw while the enlarged head portion of said connector operably engages with the second bone screw such that rotation of said connector draws the first and second bone screws and thereby the first and second bone fragments toward and into preselected compressive relationship relative to each other, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of the internal threading of said first bone screw is configured such that when the preselected compressive relationship is established between the bone screws the external threading on the connector is wedged against the internal threading of the first bone screw to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector thereby maintaining the preselected compressive relationship between the bone screws and the bone fragments connected thereto.

Claim 56

The interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 47 wherein the internal threading defined by said first bone screw further includes a wedge ramp at a root of each thread defined by said first bone screw.

Claim 57

The interfragmentary fixation assembly according to claim 1 wherein said retaining apparatus comprises a unidirectional thread form extending axially along the internal threading defined by said first elongated fastener such that crest areas of the external threading on said connector coact therewith in a manner preventing the connector from inadvertently rotating relative to said second fastener.

Claim 58

An interfragmentary fixation kit, comprising: a collection of first axially elongated fasteners, each fastener in said collection having an elongated length that is different from the elongated length of another fastener in said collection, and with each fastener in said collection having external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment, and wherein each fastener in said collection of fasteners having a coaxial bore extending therethrough with internal uniformally pitched threading extending the length of said bore; a series of second fasteners, with each fastener in said series of fasteners being adapted for attachment in non-movable relation relative to a second bone fragment and having a different configuration than the other fasteners in said series of second fasteners; a set of elongated connectors, each connector in said set of connectors having a head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated lengthwise shank portion having external uniformly pitched threading corresponding to the internal threading of each fastener in said collection of first fasteners, and wherein the length of the shank portion of each connector in said set of connectors varies from one another, and wherein the shank portion of each connector in said set of connectors is configured to extend endwise through each fastener in said series of second fasteners and into threaded engagement with the internal threading of a fastener chosen from said collection of first fasteners while the head portion of said connector is adapted to operably engage with a second fastener chosen from said series of second fasteners such that rotation of the connector draws the first and second fasteners chosen from said collection of first fasteners and the series of second fasteners into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other and thereby drawing the bone fragments attached to the respective fasteners into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other.

Claim 59

An interfragmentary fixation kit, comprising: a collection of first axially elongated fasteners, each fastener in said collection having an elongated length that is different from the elongated length of another fastener in said collection, and with each fastener in said collection having external threading for anchoring said first fastener into a first bone fragment, and wherein each fastener in said collection of fasteners having a coaxial bore extending therethrough with internal uniformally pitched threading extending the length of said bore; a series of second fasteners, with each fastener in said series of fasteners being adapted for attachment in non-movable relation relative to a second bone fragment and having a different configuration than the other fasteners in said series of second fasteners; a set of elongated connectors, each connector in said set of connectors having a head portion that accommodates a driving tool and an elongated lengthwise shank portion having external uniformly pitched threading corresponding to the internal threading of each fastener in said collection of first fasteners, and wherein the length of the shank portion of each connector in said set of connectors varies from one another, and wherein the shank portion of each connector in said set of connectors is configured to extend endwise through each fastener in said series of second fasteners and into threaded engagement with the internal threading of a fastener chosen from said collection of first fasteners while the head portion of said connector is adapted to operably engage with a second fastener chosen from said series of second fasteners such that rotation of the connector draws the first and second fasteners chosen from said collection of first fasteners and the series of second fasteners into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other and thereby drawing the bone fragments attached to the respective fasteners into a predetermined compressive relationship relative to each other.