Bone plates

WE CLAIM: 1. A bone plate for fixing fractures of an elbow region, comprising: a shaft-anchor portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of an arm bone; and an end-anchor portion joined to the shaft-anchor portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilizing a bone discontinuity in an elbow periarticular region of the arm bone, wherein the bone plate includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the arm bone from the shaft region to the elbow periarticular region, and wherein each of the shaft-anchor and end-anchor portions has an average width, the average width of the end-anchor portion being less than the average width of the shaft-anchor portion.

2. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the end-anchor portion has a width that oscillates.

3. The bone plate of claim 1, the end-anchor portion narrowing at a position intermediate at least one pair of the plural openings of the end-anchor portion.

4. The bone plate of claim 3, the end-anchor portion narrowing at a position intermediate each adjacent pair of the plural openings of the end-anchor portion.

5. The bone plate of claim 1, the shaft-anchor portion having a boneopposing surface configured to face away from the shaft region, and the shaft-anchor portion including a transverse cross section in which the bone-opposing surface is at least substantially linear.

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6. The bone plate of claim 5, the bone-opposing surface including a substantially planar region.

7. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the shaft-anchor and end-anchor portions each have an average thickness, the average thickness of the end-anchor portion being less than the average thickness of the shaft-anchor portion.

8. The bone plate of claim 7, wherein the shaft-anchor and end-anchor portions define generally opposing sides that extend generally along a length of the bone plate, the average thickness being defined by the opposing sides.

9. The bone plate of claim 7, wherein the shaft-anchor and end-anchor portions define generally opposing sides that extend generally along a length of the bone plate, the average thickness being defined by positions centered between the opposing sides.

10. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the shaft-anchor portion defines generally opposing sides, and a transverse cross section in at least one region of the shaft-anchor portion thins between the opposing sides.

11. The bone plate of claim 1, at least two of the plural openings of the shaft-anchor portion being elongate.

12. The bone plate of claim 11, each elongate opening of the shaft-anchor portion having a length, the lengths of at least two of the elongate openings being different.

13. The bone plate of claim 12, at least one of the plural openings of the shaft-anchor portion being circular.

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14. The bone plate of claim 1, the plural openings of the end-anchor portion being circular.

15. The bone plate of claim 1, the plural openings of the shaft-anchor portion being disposed at a higher density than the plural openings of the end-anchor portion.

16. The bone plate of claim 1, the plural openings of the shaft anchor portion having an average spacing and being spaced from the plural openings of the end-anchor portion by a distance over which the plate is free of openings, and the distance being greater than the average spacing.

17. The bone plate of claim 1, the arm bone being the humerus.

18. The bone plate of claim 1, the elbow periarticular region being selected from a lateral condyle, a medial condyle, and an olecranon region.

19. The bone plate of claim 1, the shaft-anchor portion defining a plane based on length and width, and a projection of the bone plate on the plane disposes the plural openings of the shaft-anchor and end-anchor portions at least substantially on a line.

20. The bone plate of claim 1, the bone plate being configured for use on only one of a left side and a right side of a body.

21. The bone plate of claim 1, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

22. The bone plate of claim 21, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

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23. The bone plate of claim 1, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the shaft-anchor portion, and the second end portion joining to the end-anchor portion.

24. The bone plate of claim 23, the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

25. A bone plate for fixing distal humerus fractures, comprising: a proximal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a distal humerus; a distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the distal humerus. wherein the bone plate includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the distal humerus from the shaft region to the periarticular region, and wherein the bone plate is configured for use on each of a left side and a right side of a body.

26. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein the shaft region and the periarticular region are disposed one of medially and laterally on the distal humerus.

27. The bone plate of claim 26, wherein the shaft region is disposed posteriorly on the distal humerus.

28. The bone plate of claim 25, the bone plate having a bone-opposing surface configured to face away from bone, the bone plate appearing generally linear when viewed orthogonally from the bone-opposing surface.

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29. The bone plate of claim 25, the bone plate having a bone-opposing surface configured to face away from bone, the plural openings of both portions appearing to be arrayed along one line when viewed orthogonally from the boneopposing surface.

30. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein at least two of the plural openings of the proximal portion are elongate.

31. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein at least two of the plural openings of the distal portion are circular.

32. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein the proximal and distal portions each have an average width, the average width of the distal portion being less.

33. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein the proximal and distal portions each have an average thickness, the average thickness of the distal portion being less.

34. The bone plate of claim 25, the bone plate defining a perimeter, the perimeter being at least substantially symmetrical bilaterally.

35. The bone plate of claim 25, wherein the bone plate defines generally opposing sides, and the plural openings of each of the proximal and distal portions are at least substantially centered between the opposing sides.

36. The bone plate of claim 25, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

37. The bone plate of claim 36, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

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38. The bone plate of claim 25, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the proximal portion, and the second end portion joining to the distal portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

39. A bone plate for fixing distal humerus fractures, comprising: a proximal portion defining at least one opening configured to accept at least one bone screw for fixation to a shaft region of a distal humerus; an intermediate portion joined to the proximal portion; and a distal portion joined to the intermediate portion, the distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the distal humerus, wherein the bone plate has bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bonefacing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along a lateral region of the distal humerus from the shaft region to the periarticular region,STDC0397 and wherein the intermediate portion in profile extends from the proximal portion at a first angle relative to the proximal portion to form a concave region with respect to the bone-opposing surface, and the distal portion in profile extends from the intermediate portion at a second angle relative to the intermediate portion to form a convex region with respect to the bone-opposing surface.

40. The bone plate of claim 39, the second angle being equal to or greater than the first angle.

41. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the intermediate portion defines at least one opening.

42. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the second angle is about twice as large as the first angle.

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43. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the intermediate and distal portions each have a length, and the length of the intermediate portion is equal to or greater than the length of the distal portion.

44. The bone plate of claim 43, the length of the distal portion being about1 to 3 centimeters.

45. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the proximal portion is at least substantially linear.

46. The bone plate of claim 39, the distal portion having at least three circular openings.

47. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the first angle is about 20 degrees.

48. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the second angle is about 40 degrees.

49. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein each of the intermediate and distal portions in profile includes a generally linear region disposed adjacent the convex region of the bone-opposing surface.

50. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the bone plate is configured for use on a left humerus, and the bone plate curves rightward as the plate extends from the proximal to the distal portions when the bone-opposing surface is viewed from an orthogonal viewpoint.

51. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the bone-facing surface viewed in transverse cross section is concave and defines a radius, the radius of the intermediate portion being larger than the radius of the proximal portion.

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52. The bone plate of claim 51, the radius of the distal portion being at least substantially equal to the radius of the intermediate portion.

53. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the intermediate and proximal portions together define plural elongate openings, each of the plural elongate openings having a length, and at least two of the lengths being different.

54 ; The bone plate of claim 53, the intermediate portion having an elongate opening for which the length is greater than the length of each elongate opening of the proximal portion.

55. The bone plate of claim 39, wherein the bone plate defines generally opposing sides, and the plural openings of each portion are at least substantially centered between the opposing sides.

56. The bone plate of claim 39, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

57. The bone plate of claim 56, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

58. The bone plate of claim 39, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the proximal portion, and the second end portion joining to the distal portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

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59. A bone plate for fixing distal humerus fractures, comprising: a proximal portion defining at least one opening configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a distal humerus; an intermediate portion joined to the proximal portion; and a distal portion joined to the intermediate portion, the distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the distal humerus, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along a medial region of the distal humerus from the shaft region to the periarticular region, and wherein the proximal and intermediate portions in profile define a concave arc with respect to the bone-opposing surface,STDC0101 and the distal portion in profile defines a convex arc with respect to the bone-opposing surface.

60. The bone plate of claim 59, wherein the concave arc has a first radius, the convex arc has a second radius, and the first radius is at least twice the second radius.

61. The bone plate of claim 59, the proximal portion defining a long axis proximally, and the intermediate portion in profile extending distally at an angle of about 25 to 45 degrees relative to the long axis.

62. The bone plate of claim 59, wherein the convex arc has a radius of about 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters.

63. The bone plate of claim 59, wherein the proximal portion defines a long axis proximally, and the distal portion in profile crosses the long axis.

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64. The bone plate of claim 59, wherein the distal portion in profile defines a concave arc with respect to the bone-opposing surface, the concave arc of the distal portion being distal to the convex arc.

65. The bone plate of claim 64, wherein the distal portion that defines the concave arc also defines at least one opening.

66. The bone plate of claim 59 wherein the bone-facing surface viewed in transverse cross section is concave and defines a radius, the radius of the intermediate portion being larger than the radius of the proximal portion.

67. The bone plate of claim 59, the at least one opening of the proximal portion including a set of plural openings, each opening of the set having a length, and the lengths of at least three openings of the set being different.

68. The bone plate of claim 67, at least one of the openings of the set being circular.

69. The bone plate of claim 59, the intermediate portion defining no openings.

70. The bone plate of claim 59, the proximal and intermediate portions each having an average width, and the average width of the intermediate portion being less than the average width of the proximal portion.

71. The bone plate of claim 59, the intermediate and distal portions each having an average width, and the average width of the distal portion being greater than the average width of the intermediate portion.

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72. The bone plate of claim 59, wherein the bone plate defines generally opposing sides, and the plural openings of each portion are at least substantially centered between the opposing sides.

73. The bone plate of claim 59, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

74. The bone plate of claim 73, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

75. The bone plate of claim 59, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the shaft-anchor portion, and the second end portion joining to the end-anchor portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

76. A bone plate for fixing distal humerus fractures, comprising: a proximal portion defining at least one opening configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a posterior shaft region of a distal humerus, the proximal portion also defining a long axis proximally; an intermediate portion joined to the proximal portion;STDC0727 and a distal portion joined to the intermediate portion, the distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the distal humerus, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along a lateral region of the distal humerus from the posterior shaft region to the periarticular region, and wherein the bone plate in profile bends away from the long axis to define a convex bend with respect to the bone-opposing surface as the plate extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

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77. The bone plate of claim 76, the distal portion in profile defining an angle of about 35 to 75 degrees with the long axis.

78. The bone plate of claim 76, the convex bend including a first arc as the plate extends from the proximal portion to the intermediate portion and a second arc as the plate extends from the intermediate portion through the distal portion, the first and second arc having radii, and the radius of the first arc being substantially larger than the radius of the second arc.

79. The bone plate of claim 76, the at least one opening of the proximal portion being plural openings, and the intermediate portion defining at least one opening.

80. The bone plate of claim 76, the proximal portion and the intermediate portion together defining plural elongate openings having a length, the length of at least two of the plural elongate openings being different.

81. The bone plate of claim 76, the distal portion having proximal and distal regions, the proximal region in profile at least partially defining the convex bend of the bone plate, and the distal region in profile being substantially linear.

82. The bone plate of claim 76, wherein the bone plate defines generally opposing sides, and the plural openings of each portion are at least substantially centered between the opposing sides.

83. The bone plate of claim 76, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

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84. The bone plate of claim 83, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

85. The bone plate of claim 76, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the proximal portion, and the second end portion joining to the distal portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

86. A bone plate for fixing proximal ulna fractures, comprising: a distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a posterior shaft region of a proximal ulna; and a proximal portion joined to the distal portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in an olecranon region of the proximal ulna, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the posterior shaft region to the olecranon region, and wherein the bone-opposing surface of the distal portion is configured to face bone in an orientation generally orthogonal to a posterior-anterior axis of the proximal ulna.

87. The bone plate of claim 86, the bone plate in profile defining a convex arc with respect to the bone-opposing surface.

88. The bone plate of claim 86, the convex arc being defined at least substantially by the proximal portion.

89. The bone plate of claim 86, the proximal portion including an end region and an intermediate region, the end region in profile extending obliquely relative to the distal portion.

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90. The bone plate of claim 89, the end region in profile extending at an angle of about 40 to 80 degrees relative to the distal portion.

91. The bone plate of claim 86, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

92. The bone plate of claim 86, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the distal portion, and the second end portion joining to the proximal portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

93. A bone plate for fixing proximal ulna fractures, comprising: a distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a proximal ulna; and a proximal portion joined to the distal portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in an olecranon region of the proximal ulna, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the olecranon region, and wherein the distal portion has an average width, and the proximal portion includes a widened region having a width greater than the average width of the distal portion.

94. The bone plate of claim 93, the widened region defining at least two of the plural openings of the proximal portion.

95. The bone plate of claim 93, the widened region having sides and defining at least one opening that is not centered between the sides.

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96. The bone plate of claim 95, the distal portion defining a long axis, and the at least one opening of the widened region being at least two openings aligned at least substantially transverse relative to the long axis.

97. The bone plate of claim 93, the proximal portion having a proximal end region and a distal intermediate region, the intermediate region including the widened region, and the end region in profile extending obliquely from the intermediate region.

98. The bone plate of claim 97, the end region defining at least one of the plural openings of the proximal portion.

99. The bone plate of claim 97, the end region having at least one spacing member defined by the bone-facing surface.

100. The bone plate of claim 93, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

101. The bone plate of claim 93, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion joining to the distal portion, and the second end portion joining to the proximal portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

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102. A bone plate for fixing proximal ulna fractures, comprising: a distal portion defining a first set of plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a proximal ulna; and a proximal portion joined to the distal portion and defining a second set of plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in an olecranon region of the proximal ulna, the proximal portion having a proximal end region and a distal intermediate region, the end region defining at least one opening of the second set, the intermediate region defining at least two openings of the second set, and the at least two openings of the intermediate region being spaced more closely to each other than to the at least one opening of the proximal region, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces,STDC0160 the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the olecranon region.

103. The bone plate of claim 102, the at least two openings of the intermediate region including three openings disposed to form a triangle.

104. The bone plate of claim 102, the plural openings of the second set being circular.

105. The bone plate of claim 102, the end region in profile extending obliquely from the intermediate region.

106. The bone plate of claim 102, the end region including at least one spacing member defined by the bone-facing surface.

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107. A bone plate for fixing proximal ulna fractures, comprising: a distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a proximal ulna; and a proximal portion defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in an olecranon region of the proximal ulna, the proximal portion have generally opposing sides, at least one of the plural openings of the proximal portion being disposed asymmetrically between the opposing sides, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the olecranon region.

108. The bone plate of claim 107, the distal portion defining a central long axis, the at least one asymmetrically disposed opening of the proximal portion being at least two openings, and the at least two openings having centers disposed on opposing sides of the central long axis.

109. The bone plate of claim 107, the at least two openings disposed on opposing sides being aligned at least substantially transversely of the central long axis.

110. The bone plate of claim 107, the anatomical contour extending to a proximally facing surface of the olecranon region and defining an obtuse angle between the shaft region and the proximally facing surface.

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111. A bone plate for fixing proximal ulna fractures, comprising: a distal portion defining a first set of plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of a proximal ulna; and a proximal portion joined to the distal portion and defining a second set of plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilization of a bone discontinuity in an olecranon region of the proximal ulna, the proximal portion having an proximal end region and a distal intermediate region, and the end region bending relative to the intermediate region and defining at least one opening of the second set, wherein the bone plate includes bone-opposing and bone-facing surfaces, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the olecranon region,STDC0158 and the bonefacing surface of the end region includes at least one spacing member configured to extend toward an adjacent surface of the olecranon region.

112. The bone plate of claim 111, the end region bending in profile at an angle relative to the intermediate portion, and the angle being about 40 to 80 degrees.

113. The bone plate of claim 111, the at least one spacing member being at least two prongs.

114. The bone plate of claim 111, the at least two prongs flanking one of the at least one opening of the end region.

115. The bone plate of claim 111, the bone plate defining generally opposing sides, and the at least two prongs being formed by thickening the opposing sides.

116. The bone plate of claim 111, the end region of the proximal portion defining a plane based on length and width, the at least one spacing member extending generally orthogonal to the plane.

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117. The bone plate of claim 111, wherein the end region of the proximal portion is configured to be disposed on a triceps tendon, the triceps tendon overlying a proximally facing surface of the olecranon region.

118. The bone plate of claim 111, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

119. A bone plate for fixing coronoid fractures, comprising: a first portion configured to be attached to a shaft region of a proximal ulna using at least one fastener, the first portion having at least one opening configured to receive the at least one fastener; and a second portion joined to the first portion, the second portion being configured to support a coronoid region of the ulna when the first portion is attached to the shaft region, wherein the bone plate includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface at least substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the coronoid region.

120. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the anatomical contour extends from a medial side of the shaft region to a surface of the coronoid region that faces generally distally.

121. The bone plate of claim 119, the first portion being configured to be disposed more distally than the second portion.

122. The bone plate of claim 119, the first portion defining plural openings.

123. The bone plate of claim 119, the at least one opening being circular.

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124. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the first portion has width and thickness and defines a long axis, at least one of the width and the thickness varying along the long axis.

125. The bone plate of claim 124, wherein the first portion includes a pair of openings separated by a spacer region, the first portion having a width at each of the two openings and the spacer region, and the width at the spacer region being less than the width at the at least two openings.

126. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the first portion includes plural openings and the shaft region of the ulna defines a long axis, and the first portion is configured to be attached to the shaft region such that a line extending through centers of a pair of the plural openings extends obliquely to the long axis.

127. The bone plate of claim 126, wherein the first portion is further configured to be attached to the shaft region such that a line extending through centers of a distinct pair of the plural openings extends substantially parallel to the long axis.

128. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the second portion is configured to resist separation from the coronoid region at least substantially through attachment of the first portion to the shaft region.

129. The bone plate of claim 128, wherein the second portion defines no openings.

130. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the second portion includes at least one projection configured to contact the coronoid.

131. The bone plate of claim 130, wherein the second portion has length and width that define a plane, and the at least one projection includes plural spaced prongs that project generally orthogonal to the plane.

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132. The bone plate of claim 131, wherein the second portion defines first and second generally opposing sides, the first side being configured to be disposed more anteriorly on the coronoid region than the second side, the plural spaced prongs projecting from the first side.

133. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the first and second portions each define a plane with length and width, the planes being generally orthogonal to each other.

134. The bone plate of claim 119, the first portion being twisted relative to the second portion.

135. The bone plate of claim 119, further comprising an intermediate portion that joins the first and second portions, the intermediate portion being narrowed relative to the first and second portions.

136. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the first and second portions define a bone-opposing surface configured to face away from bone, the bone plate being generally crescent-shaped when viewed from the bone-opposing surface.

137. The bone plate of claim 119, wherein the first and second portions each define a long axis, the long axes being generally orthogonal.

138. The bone plate of claim 119, the bone plate being configured for use on only one of a right and a left ulna.

139. The bone plate of claim 1'9, the anatomical contour being an averaged target shape, and the bone-facing surface being precontoured at least substantially to match the averaged target shape.

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140. The bone plate of claim 139, the target shape being averaged over a set of adults.

141. The bone plate of claim 119, the bone plate further comprising first and second opposing ends, the first end joining to the first portion, the second end joining to the second portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end to the second end.

142. A bone plate for fixing coronoid fractures, comprising: a first portion configured to be attached to a shaft region of a proximal ulna using at least one fastener, the first portion having at least one opening configured to receive the at least one fastener; and a second portion joined to the first portion and having at least one projection configured to project toward a surface of a coronoid region of the proximal ulna when the first portion is attached to the shaft region.

143. The bone plate of claim 142, the first portion being configured to be disposed more distally than the second portion.

144. The bone plate of claim 142, the first portion defining plural openings.

145. The bone plate of claim 142, further comprising a third portion that joins the first and second portions, each portion having an average width, and the average width of the third portion being least.

146. The bone plate of claim 142, wherein the second portion is configured to resist separation from the coronoid region at least substantially through the attachment of the first portion to the shaft region.

147. The bone plate of claim 146, wherein the second portion includes no openings.

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148. The bone plate of claim 142, wherein the second portion has length and width that define a plane, and the at least one projection includes plural spaced prongs that project toward the coronoid process in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the plane.

149. The bone plate of claim 142, the second portion having a bone-facing surface configured to face the coronoid region, and the at least one projection being at least two prongs defined by the bone-facing surface.

150. The bone plate of claim 142, wherein the first and second portions each define a plane based on length and width, the planes being generally orthogonal to each other.

151. The bone plate of claim 142, the first portion being twisted relative to the second portion.

152. A set of bone plates for fixing fractures of an elbow region, comprising : a plurality of precontoured bone plates configured for fixation of overlapping anatomical regions of bone, each bone plate including a shaft-anchor portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of an arm bone, and an end-anchor portion joined to the shaft-anchor portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilizing a bone discontinuity in an elbow periarticular region of the arm bone, wherein each bone plate of the plurality includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the arm bone from a first position in the shaft region to a second position in the periarticular region,STDC0193 and wherein the first positions in the shaft region are at least substantially identical and the second positions in the periarticular region are different.

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153. The set of claim 152, each shaft-anchor portion having a length, and the lengths of the plurality being at least substantially identical.

154. A set of bone plates for fixing fractures of an elbow region, comprising: a plurality of precontoured bone plates configured for fixation of overlapping anatomical regions of bone, each bone plate including a shaft-anchor portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of an arm bone, and an end-anchor portion joined to the shaft-anchor portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilizing a bone discontinuity in an elbow periarticular region of the arm bone, wherein each bone plate of the plurality includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the arm bone from a first position in the shaft region to a second position in the periarticular region, and wherein the anatomical contours matched by the plurality overlap substantially,STDC0071 and the second positions in the periarticular region are different.

155. The set of claim 154, wherein each bone plate includes opposing end portions, the opposing end portions being a first end portion that joins to the shaft- anchor portion and a second end portion that joins to the end-anchor portion, and the bone-facing surface substantially matching the anatomical contour from the first end portion to the second end portion.

156. The set of claim 154, the end-anchor portions of the plurality each having a length, and at least two of the lengths being different.

157. The set of claim 154, the shaft-anchor portions of the plurality each having a length, and at least two of the lengths being at least substantially identical.

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158. A set of bone plates for fixing fractures of an elbow region, comprising: a plurality of precontoured bone plates configured for fixation of a distal humerus, each bone plate of the plurality including a proximal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of the distal humerus, and a distal portion joined to the proximal portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilizing a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the distal humerus, wherein each bone plate of the plurality includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the distal humerus from the shaft region to the periarticular region,STDC0165 and wherein the proximal portions for at least two bone plates of the plurality are configured to be attached to generally opposing surfaces of the shaft region.

159. The set of claim 158, the generally opposing surfaces being a lateral surface and a medial surface of the distal humerus.

160. The set of claim 158, wherein the proximal portions for at least two bone plates of the plurality are configured to be attached to generally orthogonal surfaces of the shaft region.

161. The set of claim 160, the generally orthogonal surfaces being a medial surface and a posterior surface of the distal humerus.

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162. A set of bone plates for fixing fractures of an elbow region, comprising : a plurality of precontoured bone plates configured for fixation of a proximal ulna, each bone plate including a distal portion defining plural openings configured to accept bone screws for fixation to a shaft region of the proximal ulna, and a proximal portion joined to the shaft-anchor portion and defining plural openings configured to accept fasteners for stabilizing a bone discontinuity in a periarticular region of the proximal ulna, wherein each bone plate of the plurality includes a bone-facing surface, the bone-facing surface substantially matching an anatomical contour defined along the proximal ulna from the shaft region to the periarticular region, and wherein the periarticular regions for at least two bone plates of the plurality are an olecranon region and a coronoid region.

163. A set for fixing bone fractures, comprising: a plurality of bone plates, each of the bones plates defining plural openings and being configured to be attached to an anatomical region of bone using fasteners received through the openings, wherein the anatomical regions for at least two of the bone plates are different, and each of the at least two bone plates includes a different color that relates to one of the at least two different anatomical regions for which such plate is configured.

164. The set of claim 163, the at least two different anatomical regions being defined by one bone.

165. The set of claim 163, the at least two different anatomical regions being included in one periarticular region.

166. The set of claim 165, wherein the one periarticular region corresponds to an elbow region.

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167. The set of claim 163, wherein the at least two bone plates are selected from the group consisting of bone plates configured to fix a lateral condyle, a medial condyle, an olecranon, and a coronoid.

168. The set of claim 163, each of the at least two bone plates being precontoured at least substantially to match an averaged target shape corresponding to the different anatomical region for which the bone plate is configured.

169. The set of claim 163, wherein the at least two bone plates include a first bone plate configured to be attached to only a left side of a body and a second bone plate configured to be attached to only a right side of the body, the different color included in each of the first and second bone plates corresponding to the side for which the bone plate is configured to be attached.

170. The set of claim 169, the first bone plate being configured to be attached to a left anatomical region, and the second bone plate being configured to be attached to a right-sided analogue of the left anatomical region.

171. The set of claim 169, wherein the first bone plate is one of plural first plates configured to be attached to the left side, and the second bone plate in one of plural second plates configured to be attached to the right side, and wherein each of the first plates includes a first color and each of the second plates includes a distinct second color.

172. The set of claim 169, wherein the at least two bone plates includes a bone plate configured for use on each of the left and right sides, such bone plate including a color distinct from the first and second colors.

173. The set of claim 163, wherein the different color is disposed on plural surfaces of each of the at least two bone plates.

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174. The set of claim 163, wherein each of the at least two bone plates includes a marking that relates to the different anatomical region for which the bone plate is configured.

175. The set of claim 163, further comprising instructions that relate each of the at least two bone plates to the different anatomical region for which the bone plate is configured.

176. A set for fixing bone fractures, comprising: a plurality of bone plates, each of the plurality defining plural openings and being configured to be attached to a bone region using fasteners received through the openings, wherein the plurality include a first bone plate configured to be attached only to a left side of a body and having a first color and a second bone plate configured to be attached only to a right side of the body and having a distinct second color.

177. The set of claim 176, wherein the first bone plate is one of a first subset of plural bone plates of the plurality configured to be attached only to the left side, and the second bone plate in one of a second subset of plural plates of the plurality configured to be attached only to the right side.

178. The set of claim 177, wherein each plate of the first subset includes the first color, and each plate of the second set includes the second color.

179. The set of claim 177, the bone region being different for at least two bone plates of each of the first and second subsets.

180. The set of claim 176, wherein the plurality of bone plates includes a third bone plate configured for use on each of the left and right sides, such bone plate including a color distinct from the first and second colors.

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181. The set of claim 180, the third bone plate being one of a subset of plural bone plates of the plurality configured for use on each of the left and right sides.

182. The set of claim 181, the bone region for at least two bone plates of the subset being different, each of the at least two bone plates having a color distinct from each other and from the first and second colors.

183. The set of claim 176, wherein at least a subset of the plurality is configured to be attached to a periarticular region.

184. The set of claim 183, the periarticular region being an elbow region.

185. The set of claim 184, wherein the first and second bone plates are selected from the group consisting of bone plates configured to fix a lateral condyle, a medial condyle, an olecranon, and a coronoid.

186. The set of claim 176, the first color being blue and the second color being green.

187. The set of claim 176, wherein each of the first and second bone plates is precontoured at least substantially to match an averaged target shape.