Bone fixation member systems and methods of use

Abstract

A bone fixation member can be configured to secure first and second bone segments of a target bone together in a compressed approximated position. The bone fixation member can include a strap made of a first material, a locking head extending from a proximal end of the strap, and a leader portion extending from a distal end of the strap. The locking head can have a housing and a strap receiving slot that extends through the housing, slot is configured to receive a distal end of the strap. The housing can be tapered such that a distal end of the housing has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of a proximal end of the housing. The leader portion can be configured to be more flexible than the strap. The leader portion can be made of a second material that is different than the first material.

Description

[0001] Cross references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61,616,555, filed March 28, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 756,758, filed January 5, 2013, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety incorporated into this article. Background technique

[0003] To provide access to certain internal anatomy, such as the heart, during open heart surgery, a midline sternotomy is often performed. A midline sternotomy essentially makes an incision along the midline of the sternum, bisecting the rib cage and allowing the surgeon to move the rib cage in order to provide access to the heart. When performing open heart surgery, it is desirable to bring the sternum into proximity and compress the sternum, and to hold the sternal halves rigidly in their approximate position relative to each other so as to prevent movement of the sternal halves relative to ea...

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