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An apparatus and method for securing a discontinuity in a bone. The apparatus generally comprises a bone plate with varying rigidity that includes a bridge portion configured to span the discontinuity and two anchor portions configured to contact the bone on opposite sides of the discontinuity. At l

An apparatus and method for securing a discontinuity in a bone. The apparatus generally comprises a bone plate with varying rigidity that includes a bridge portion configured to span the discontinuity and two anchor portions configured to contact the bone on opposite sides of the discontinuity. At least one anchor portion is an elongate structure having at least three apertures adapted to receive fasteners for affixing the elongate anchor portion to the bone. The minimum rigidity of the elongate anchor portion between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the minimum rigidity between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion. In addition, the separation in the elongate anchor portion between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the separation between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion. The method includes the step of securing a discontinuity in a bone using a bone plate with varying rigidity.

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[ I claim:] [1.] An elongate bone plate with varying rigidity for securing a discontinuity in a bone, the bone plate being formed of a bio-compatible material and comprising:a bridge portion configured to span the discontinuity in the bone; andtwo anchor portions extending outward from the bridge po

[ I claim:] [1.] An elongate bone plate with varying rigidity for securing a discontinuity in a bone, the bone plate being formed of a bio-compatible material and comprising:a bridge portion configured to span the discontinuity in the bone; andtwo anchor portions extending outward from the bridge portion and configured to contact the bone on opposite sides of the discontinuity, at least one anchor portion being an elongate structure having at least three apertures adapted to receive fasteners for affixing the elongate anchor portion to the bone;wherein in the elongate anchor portion the width of the anchor portion about the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the minimum width of the anchor portion between such apertures;wherein in the elongate anchor portion the minimum rigidity of the anchor portion between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the minimum rigidity of the anchor portion between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion; andwherein in the elongate anchor portion the separation between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the separation between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion.