Fixation assembly with multiple sections for securing parts of a sternum
View Patent ↗A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum has a first section having a first attachment structure for securing the first section to a first sternum part. The fixation assembly includes a second section having a second attachment structure for securing the second section to a second sternum part. A mating arrangement is provided defining a mating direction and a predetermined relative position between the first and second sections in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. At least one holding member is provided for detachably holding the first and second sections in an abutting relationship in the predetermined relative position. This may be achieved in one variant by simultaneous engagement of the first and second sections substantially along the mating direction.
1. A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum, the assembly comprising:
a first section having a first attachment structure for securing the first section to a first sternum part; a second section having a second attachment structure for securing the second section to a second sternum part; a mating arrangement defining a mating direction and a predetermined relative position between the first and second sections in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction; and at least one holding member for detachably holding the first and second sections in an abutting relationship in the predetermined relative position, wherein the first and second sections are configured to abut against each other along a zig-zag junction in the predetermined relative position.
2. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one holding member is configured to detachably hold the first and second sections in the abutting relationship in the predetermined relative position by simultaneous engagement of the first and second sections substantially along the mating direction.
3. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly is configured to maintain the abutting relationship by engaging two substantially oppositely facing surfaces of the first and second sections with the at least one holding member.
4. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly is configured to have the at least one holding member cut open by a surgical tool.
5. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one aperture associated with the at least one holding member for facilitating access with a surgical tool to cut the at least one holding member when holding the first and second sections.
6. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly is configured to establish the holding of the first and second sections by the holding member by a snap fit.
7. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one holding member comprises a shape-memory material, and wherein the holding of the first and second sections by the holding member has been achieved by activation of the shape-memory material.
8. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the zig-zag junction is flush with an exterior surface of the fixation assembly in the predetermined relative position.
9. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first or the second attachment structures comprises a circular, elongated or oblong hole configured to exert a force on the opposite section when a bone fastener is screwed through the hole to the sternum.
10. The fixation assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the first and second sections each comprises an alternate arrangement of circular holes and elongated or oblong holes.
11. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second attachment structures includes a locking feature configured to lock a bone fastener to the first or second attachment structure.
12. The fixation assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the locking feature includes a threaded portion or one or more lips in a circumferential direction adapted to engage a bone fastener.
13. The fixation assembly according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second sections is constituted by a bone plate.
14. A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum, the assembly comprising:
a first section having a first attachment structure for securing the first section to a first sternum part; a second section having a second attachment structure for securing the second section to a second sternum part; a mating arrangement defining a mating direction and a predetermined relative position between the first and second sections in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction; and at least one holding member for detachably holding the first and second sections in an abutting relationship in the predetermined relative position, wherein the first or the second attachment structures comprises a circular, elongated or oblong hole configured to exert a force on the opposite section when a bone fastener is screwed through the hole to the sternum, wherein the first and second sections each comprises an alternate arrangement of circular holes and elongated or oblong holes.