Patent attributes
Apparatuses, systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed herein. A fixation apparatus is disclosed having a head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area, and the head portion also having an inner bottom surface. A shank portion can extend from the head portion. An expander hub is provided for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place when the fixation apparatus is positioned within a hole of a plate. The fixation apparatus can advantageously be used with a plate whereby the fixation apparatus and plate can compress bone separately from locking the fixation apparatus in a desired position. Also, the angle, alignment or position of the fixation apparatus can be changed if desired even after locking of the fixation apparatus. Separate drivers can be used to drive the fixation apparatus, to rotate the expander hub to lock it in place, and to remove the fixation apparatus. The drivers can be cannulated as desired such that the drivers can be assembled in a nested and concentric configuration and can be used without removal from the nested configuration.
