Paragraph Number

153

In one embodiment, the external threads 1402 serve to engage internal threads of a fastener opening 132, 414, 514, 618 and/or a connector opening 652 formed in one of a proximal plate part 620, distal plate part 622 or a proximal extender part 624 or distal extender part 626. In certain embodiments, a proximal extender part 624 may fit over a proximal plate part 620 and a distal extender part 626 may fit over a distal plate part 622 and the proximal plate part 620 and distal plate part 622 may each include one or more connector openings 652. In such a configuration, the external threads 1402 of the fastener 1400 may engage internal threads of the connector opening 652 and draw the fastener 1400 toward the proximal plate part 620 or distal plate part 622. A side wall 1406 of the fastener 1400 may taper from narrower to wider such that as the fastener 1400 enters the connector opening 652 the side wall engages a proximal extender part 624 or distal extender part 626.

Added by DJM 8 2021