Paragraph Number

31

As used herein, a “bone plate” refers to a flat structure. In certain embodiments, a bone plate can be configured to support a load (including a tension, compression, shear, torsion, and/or bending load). In certain embodiments, a bone plate may comprise a generally planar structure. A bone plate can be a separate structure connected to, or integrated with, another structure. Alternatively, a bone plate can be connected to part of another structure. A bone plate can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and can have a variety of geometric shapes and/or cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a rectangle, a square, or other polygon, as well as a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape. A bone plate can be made from a variety of materials including, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, or the like. One bone plate may be distinguished from another based on where the plate is positioned within a structure, component, or apparatus.

Added by DJM 5 2021