Sternum fixation device and method
An apparatus and technique for infernally securing a plurality of bone segments together. The device incorporates a plate-like structure stabilizing the fracture and integrated fasteners to attach straps circumscribing the bone segments.
1 . A bone plate assembly, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed through a thickness of the plate, with a first aperture and a second aperture of the plurality of apertures being positioned proximal to lateral edges on opposing sides of the plate; and
a locking fastener having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the locking fastener is configured to be positioned around a portion of a bone, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted through the first aperture of the plurality of apertures, wherein the second end is configured to be inserted through the second aperture of the plurality of apertures, wherein the first end and the second end are each configured to be locked into the plate, and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture each comprise a fastener attachment that allows movement of the locking fastener in an insertion direction and that resists movement of the locking fastener in a direction opposite the insertion direction.
2 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are separately tensionable.
3 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking fastener is flexible.
4 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastener attachment at the first aperture comprises a base slot and an exit slot, wherein the base slot is configured to accommodate entry of either of the first end or the second end of the locking fastener into the fastener attachment to accept and secure the locking fastener, and wherein the exit slot is configured to allow either of the first end or the second end of the locking fastener to exit the fastener attachment.
5 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one locking nut configured to be positioned over at least one of the plurality of apertures and having a hollow core configured to allow either of the first end or the second end of the locking fastener to pass through the hollow core in a first direction,
wherein the locking fastener comprises ribs configured to engage an interior surface of the hollow core, thereby resisting movement of the locking fastener in a direction opposite the first direction.
6 . The bone plate assembly of claim 5 , wherein the at least one locking nut comprises a first locking nut and a second locking nut, wherein the first locking nut is configured to be inserted over the first end of the locking fastener until the first locking nut reaches a surface of the plate, and wherein the second locking nut is configured to be inserted over the second end of the locking fastener until the second locking nut reaches the surface of the plate.
7 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking fastener is configured to be passed behind a sternum through an intercostal space on each side of the sternum.
8 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are each textured.
9 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are each tapered.
10 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are configured to be received by a ratcheting fastener.
11 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are configured to be fitted with a cardiac needle.
12 . The bone plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking fastener is cannulated and comprises a cannulation.
13 . The bone plate assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cannulation comprises a channel configured to receive a guide wire.
14 . The bone plate assembly of claim 13 , wherein the guide wire comprises a stop configured to resist movement into the locking fastener.
15 . A bone plate assembly, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed through a thickness of the plate, with a first aperture and a second aperture of the plurality of apertures being positioned proximal to lateral edges on opposing sides of the plate;
a locking fastener having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and
a locking nut configured to be positioned over the first aperture and having a hollow core configured to allow the first end of the locking fastener to pass through the hollow core in a first direction,
wherein the locking fastener is configured to be positioned around a portion of a bone, the first end is configured to be inserted through the first aperture, the second end is configured to be inserted through the second aperture, the first end is configured to be locked into the plate using the locking nut, and the locking fastener is configured to engage an interior surface of the hollow core to resist movement of the locking fastener in a direction opposite the first direction.
16 . A bone plate assembly, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed through a thickness of the plate, with a first aperture and a second aperture of the plurality of apertures being positioned proximal to lateral edges on opposing sides of the plate; and
a locking fastener comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the locking fastener is cannulated and comprises a cannulation,
wherein the locking fastener is configured to be positioned around a portion of a bone, the first end is configured to be inserted through the first aperture of the plurality of apertures, the second end is configured to be inserted through the second aperture of the plurality of apertures, and the first end and the second end are each configured to be locked into the plate.
17 . The bone plate assembly of claim 16 , wherein the cannulation comprises a channel configured to receive a guide wire.
18 . The bone plate assembly of claim 16 , wherein the guide wire comprises a stop configured to resist movement into the locking fastener.
19 . A bone plate assembly, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of apertures formed through a thickness of the plate, with a first aperture and a second aperture of the plurality of apertures being positioned proximal to lateral edges on opposing sides of the plate; and
a locking fastener having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end and the second end of the locking fastener are configured to be fitted with a cardiac needle,
wherein the locking fastener is configured to be positioned around a portion of a bone, the first end is configured to be inserted through the first aperture of the plurality of apertures, the second end is configured to be inserted through the second aperture of the plurality of apertures, the first end and the second end are each configured to be locked into the plate.