Bone fixation apparatus, system, and methods

Abstract

A bone fixation assembly includes a hook base including a body, a hook channel defined by the body, a hook formed by the body, and one or more hook apertures disposed within the body; a hook clamp assembly including a clamp body, a first aperture disposed within the clamp body or hook base, one or more connector apertures disposed within the clamp body, clamp channel disposed on the clamp body, a rod saddle rotatably connected within the first aperture; and one or more clamp screws or engagement features configured to insert into the one or more connector apertures and / or one or more hook apertures and threadingly engage the one or more connector apertures or hook apertures, connecting the hook clamp assembly to the hook base. The hook base and / or the hook clamp assembly configured to permit the hook base and / or hook clamp assembly to pivot or angulate relative to the longitudinal axis of a rod held therein.

Description

BONE FIXATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODSBACKGROUND

[0001] Bone or spinal fixation systems may be used to surgically fix, adjust, and / or align the spinal column. One type of spinal fixation system employs a spinal rod for supporting the spine and fixing, adjusting, and / or aligning all or portions of the spinal column into a desired orientation. Attachment of the spinal rod to the spinal column has been achieved using a variety of vertebral anchors.

[0002] While various kinds of bone or spinal fixation systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technology will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative rib hook base;

[0005] FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a front elevational view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a back elevational view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom plan view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 7 depicts a side elevational view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 8 depicts a sectional view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

[0012] FIG. 9 depicts a sectional view of illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5;

[0013] FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of an illustrative rib hook clamp assembly;

[0014] FIG. 11 depicts a bottom perspective view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0015] FIG. 12 depicts a side elevational view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0016] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0017] FIG. 14 depicts a bottom plan view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0018] FIG. 15 depicts a side elevational view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0019] FIG. 16 depicts a sectional view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10, taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 13;

[0020] FIG. 17 depicts a sectional view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 13;

[0021] FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of an illustrative rib hook assembly, including the rib hook base of FIG. 1 and the rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 10;

[0022] FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG.

[0023] FIG. 20 depicts a front elevational view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18;

[0024] FIG. 21 depicts a back elevational view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18;

[0025] FIG. 22 depicts a top plan view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18;

[0026] FIG. 23 depicts a bottom plan view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG.18;

[0027] FIG. 24 depicts a side elevational view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18;

[0028] FIG. 25 depicts a sectional view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18, taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

[0029] FIG. 26 depicts a sectional view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 18, taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 22;

[0030] FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative bone fixation assembly connected to an illustrative rib and pelvic of a patient;

[0031] FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative bone fixation assembly connected to an illustrative rib and pelvic of a patient;

[0032] FIG. 29 depicts an illustrative rib hook base, pelvic saddle, and rib hook claim assembly of the bone fixation assembly of FIG. 1 disassembled;

[0033] FIG. 30A depicts a top plan view of an illustrative rib hook assembly of the bone fixation assembly of FIG. 28;

[0034] FIG. 30B depicts a front elevational view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 30 A;

[0035] FIG. 31 depicts a front perspective view of the illustrative rib hook assembly of FIG. 30A without the rod;

[0036] FIG. 32 depicts a top plan view of the illustrative rib hook base of FIG. 31 separated from the rib hook clamp assembly;

[0037] FIG. 33 depicts a sectional view of the rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 31 separated from the rib hook base, taken along line 33-33;

[0038] FIG. 34 depicts a sectional view of the rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 31 separated from the rib hook base, taken along line 34-34;

[0039] FIG. 35 depicts an exploded view of the illustrative rib hook clamp assembly of FIG. 31 separated from the rib hook base;

[0040] FIG. 36 depicts a top perspective view of the illustrative rib hook body of FIG. 31 separated from the rib hook base; and

[0041] FIG. 37 depicts various views of illustrative optional components of an embodiment of a rib-pelvis system.

[0042] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be conducted in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated forconducting the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0044] Bone or spinal fixation assemblies or systems of one or more embodiments disclosed herein may engage various bones in a patient, including but not limited to the pelvis, one or more ribs, and may be used in, for example, a surgical correction treatment for spinal deformity, including but not limited to scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome. The one or more embodiments disclosed herein may include multi-axial implant hooks used in, for example, a surgical correction treatment for the above- mentioned spinal deformities. One or more embodiments comprise geometry which permits the angulation of the rip hook assembly opening to vary when compared to the longitudinal axis of the rod. One or more embodiments permit angulation relative to the rod longitudinal axis and that are compatible with common spinal rods, i.e., not requiring a specialized plate.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-37, an illustrative bone (e.g., spinal) fixation system 10 is shown. Referring particularly to FIGS 27 and 28, the bone fixation system 10 includes a bone fixation assembly (e g., rib hook assembly 20), a pelvic saddle 50, a rod 80, and a connector 70. The rod 80 has a first end that detachably connects to the rib hook assembly 20 and a second end detachably connects to an end of the connector 70. The pelvic saddle 80 includes a saddle rod 54 that detachably connects to an end of the connector 70, opposite the rod 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the rib hook assembly 20 is connected to a rib and the pelvic saddle is connected to a pelvic bone, for example, an ilium. The bone fixation assembly 10 may include one or more hooks that each connect to or hook onto a rib.

[0046] In one or more embodiments the bone fixation system 10 may not include the pelvic saddle 50 and / or the connector 70. For example, the bone fixation system 10 may include a bone anchor (e g., bone hook or bone screw) that replaces the pelvic saddle and connects to a bone such as an ilium. The bone anchor may connect directly to a secondend of the rod 50 opposite the rib hook assembly 20 or connect to the second end of the rod 50 via a connector.

[0047] Referring back to FIGS. 1-26, the rib hook assembly 20 may include a rib hook base 22 and a rib hook clamp assembly 30 detachably connected to the rib hook base 22. In particular, FIGS 1-9 show an embodiment of the rib hook base 22, separated from the rib hook clamp assembly 30. The rib hook base 22 includes a rib body 23 that includes two hook apertures 24 disposed therein. The rib hook apertures 24 may include internal threads 25 and be configured to receive respective clamp screws 38. It is understood that the rib hook base may include one or more rib hook apertures and is not limited to two apertures. The rib hook body 23 may form a hook 26. The hook 26 configured to form a rib channel 28 that attaches to or hooks onto a rib. The hook 26 may comprise a single hook, a wide hook, or multiple hooks (e.g., two hooks) as shown, for example, in FIG. 37. The hook 26 may have any variety of configurations.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the rib hook base 22 includes a rod channel 21 disposed on side of the rib hook body 23, opposite the hook 26. The rib hook channel 21 may be formed by a first pair of opposed side walls 90, a second pair of opposed side walls 91, and a third pair of opposed side walls 95. As shown in FIG. 5, the first pair of opposed side walls 90 angle outwardly from a longitudinal axis A-A of the channel 21 and the second pair of opposed side walls 91 angle outwardly from a longitudinal axis A-A of the channel 21. The angled pair of side walls 90 and 91 assist in enabling a rip hook assembly opening (e.g., 100) to vary when compared to the longitudinal axis of a rod (e.g., a rod 80) as mentioned above. In other words, the angled pair of side walls 90 and 91 assist in enabling the rib hook assembly to pivot or angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 80 as will be described further below. In one or more embodiments herein, the rib hook channel 21 may have curved side walls instead of angled, linear side walls. Also, in one or more embodiments herein, the rib hook channel 21 may have only one side wall instead of pairs of opposed angled side walls. In one or more embodiments, the rib hook channel 21 may have a portion of the material removed from the body. In any of these embodiments, e.g., angled side walls (pairs or singular), curved (pairs or singular), or a portion of the body 23 removed are allconfigured to enable the pivoting, rotating, and / or angulation of the rib assembly relative to rod as discussed herein.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 10-17, an embodiment of the rib hook clamp assembly 30 is shown. The rib hook clamp assembly 30 includes a clamp body 32, first aperture 33 disposed within the clamp body, connector apertures 36 dispose within the clamp body, clamp screws 38 configured to be received within the connector apertures 36, a clamp rod channel 39 disposed within the clamp body 32, and a rod saddle 40 configured to be received within first aperture 33. The claim screws 38 may include external threads configured to threadingly engage the internal threads 25 of the hook apertures 24.

[0050] The clamp channel 39 is formed from a first pair of opposed side walls 93, a second pair of opposed side walls 94, and a third pair of opposed side walls 96. As shown in FIG. 14, the first pair of opposed side walls 93 angle outwardly from a longitudinal axis B-B of the channel 39 and the second pair of opposed side walls 94 angle outwardly from a longitudinal axis B-B of the channel 39. The angled pair of opposed side walls 93 and 94 in conjunction with the angled pair of opposed side walls 90 and 91 enable a rip hook assembly opening (e.g., 100) to vary when compared to the longitudinal axis of a rod (e.g., a rod 80) as mentioned above. In other words, angled pair of opposed side walls 93 and 94 in conjunction with the angled pair of opposed side walls 90 and 91 enable the rib hook assembly to pivot or angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 80 as will be described further below. In one or more embodiments herein, the clamp channel 39 may have curved side walls instead of angled, linear side walls. Also, in one or more embodiments herein, the clamp channel 39 may have only one side wall instead of pairs of opposed angled side walls. In one or more embodiments, the clamp channel 39 may have a portion of the material removed from the body 32. In any of these embodiments, e.g., angled side walls (pairs or singular), curved (pairs or singular), or a portion of the body removed are all configured to enable the pivoting, rotating, and / or angulation of the rib assembly relative to rod as discussed herein.

[0051] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 18 and 34, the first aperture 33 includes one or more ribs 31 that extend radially inward from the perimeter of the first aperture 33. Theone or more ribs may include a ramped lower surface (e.g., the surface on the channel 39 side of the rib). The first aperture 33 may also include one or more detents 34 extending outwardly from the perimeter of the first aperture 33 into the clamp body 32. The one or more detents 34 includes a first stop 37 on one side of the detent and a second stop 37 on a side, opposite the first detent. The first aperture 33 may include angled, annular inner side wall 35 at a distal portion (e.g., lower portion or lower one-third portion) of the first aperture 33. The angled side wall 35 is configured to frictionally engage a corresponding exterior side wall on the rod saddle 40 when it is inserted into the first aperture 33 of the clamp body 32.

[0052] The rod saddle 40 may include a radially outwardly ridge 41 at the proximal end that extends at least partially around the perimeter of the rod saddle proximal end. The ridge 41 may, in some embodiments, form a flange end — for example, forming annular indentation 49. The rod saddle 40 may also include an exterior surface that is angled to engage the corresponding angled surface 35 of the first aperture 33. The ridge 41 may include one or more protrusions 43 extending radially further outward form the ridge. In the embodiment shown, the ridge 41 includes two protrusions 43 disposed on opposite sides of the rod saddle 40. A distal end of the rod saddle 40 may define a saddle having a first radius 42 (e.g., rounded apex), two angled sides 44 opposed from each other and each extending and angling outward from the first radius 42, and two second radii 46 opposed from each other and disposed at the distal ends of each angled side 44.

[0053] Due to this configuration, the rod saddle 40 allows for it to be compatible with multiple rod diameters such as, for example, 4.0 mm through 6.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, and any size therebetween. Other sizes may be used with the one or more embodiments disclosed herein or such embodiments may be modified to accommodate other sizes outside this range.

[0054] Referring to, for example, FIGS. 17, 18, 25, 33, and 34, the rod saddle 40 may be inserted into the distal end of the first aperture 33 of the clamp body 32 such that an upper surface (e.g., optionally ramped) of the ridge 41 engages the lower surface (e.g., optionally ramped) of a first one of the one or more ribs 31 and slides past the first one ofthe one or more ribs 31. As shown, in this embodiment, the ridge 41 is disposed between a first rib 31 (e.g., distal rib) and a second rib 31 (e.g., proximal rib). As such, the first and second ribs 31 create a channel or groove that the ridge 41 is slideably disposed therein. The ribs assist in preventing the rod saddle 40 from sliding out of the first aperture 33. In addition, when the rod saddle 40 is inserted into the first aperture 33 until the angled side wall 45 engages the angled side wall 35 of the first aperture 33. In some embodiments, such an angled engagement may include a Morse taper fit. Additionally, the one or more protrusions 43 are disposed within the one or more detents 34 such that the rib hook assembly 20 rotating (or rib hook clamp assembly) rotate, pivot, or angulate relative to the rod 80 and rod saddle 40 (e.g., in rotational direction R, FIGS. 13 and 22) until the one or more protrusions 41 engage the stops 37 of the detents 34. The stops 37 and this engagement prevents over-rotation, over-pivoting, or over-angulating in direction R.

[0055] The rib hook clamp assembly 30 is mounted on the rib hook base 22 to form a rod channel 100 defined by the channel 21 and the combination of the channel 39 and rod saddle 40. When the rib hook clamp assembly 30 is positioned upon the rib hook base 22, the clamp screws 38 can be inserted through the clamp apertures 36 and threadingly engaged with the internal threads of the hook apertures 24, detachably connecting the rib hook assembly 30 to the rib hook base 22 and forming the rib hook assembly 20. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments herein, the clamp screws 38 could be received through the hook apertures of the rib hook base and threadingly engaged with the connector apertures 36. Additionally, it is understood that in one or more embodiments herein other engagement features or connections (e.g., clamps, frictional engagement features, spring ball / protrusion and detent connection, snap-fit, Morse tapers, etc.) may be used in combination with or instead of the clamp screws. The rod 80 can be positioned within the channel 21 or channel 39 prior to assembling the rib hook assembly 20.

[0056] It is understood that in one or more embodiments the rib hook base 22 could be configured to include the first aperture 33 to receive the rod saddle 40 instead of the rib hook clamp assembly. In one or more embodiments, the clamp body 32 could include a hook or protrusion on one side that mates with a detent on one side of the body 23 of therib hook base 22 and then on an opposite side include a connector aperture 36 that aligns with a hook aperture on the rib hook base 22 such that a clamp screw 38 may threadingly engage the aperture and connect the rib hook base and rib hook clamp assembly as shown in Appendix B, which is incorporated by reference herein. It should be understood that other ways of detachably connecting the rib hook clamp assembly to the rib hook base are contemplated herein.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 30A an d30B, the one or more embodiments of the channel 100 allows for the rib hook assembly 20 to rotate, pivot, or angulate relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 80 an angle a such as, for example, from -20 degrees to +20 degrees relative to / from the longitudinal axis of the rod, from -18 degrees to +18 degrees relative to / from the longitudinal axis of the rod, -15 degrees to +15 degrees relative to / from the longitudinal axis of the rod, -10 degrees to +10 degrees relative to / from the longitudinal axis of the rod, -5 degrees to +5 degrees relative to / from the longitudinal axis of the rod, any ranges within these ranges or combinations of these ranges.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 27-29, and 37, the pelvic saddle 50 may include a saddle body 52, a saddle rod 54 extending from the saddle body 52, a saddle aperture 55 disposed within the saddle body 52, and one or more saddle legs 56 extending from the saddle body 52, opposite the saddle rod. The one or more saddle legs 56 form a saddle channel 58 configured to receive a pelvic bone, e.g., an ilium. The saddle aperture 55 is configured to receive a pelvic saddle screw 60 therein, permitting the screw 60 to be driven into the pelvic bone, e.g., an ilium, that the pelvic saddle legs 56 straddle and is held within the saddle channel 58.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 27, 28, and 37, the connector 70 may be any dual end connector. As shown, the connector 70 include a rod connector body 72, a first opening 74 at one end of the rod connector body 72, a second opening 76 at an end opposite the first opening 74, one or more threaded apertures 78 disposed within the rod connector body 72, and one or more set screws configured to threading engage with the one or more apertures 78. The one or more set screws are configured to engage the rod 80 and / or the saddle rod 54 to connect the rib hook assembly 20 to the pelvic saddle 50.

[0060] A bone fixation kit may include a bone fixation assembly as shown and described herein, a rod as shown and described herein, and a bone anchor or pelvic saddle as shown and described herein.

[0061] An illustrative method of use includes the following: placing the hook 26 of the rib hook base 22 on a rib to engage such rib; positioning the rod 80 in the channel 21, positioning the rib clamp assembly 30 onto the rib hook base 22, capturing the rod 80 within the channel 100, created by the channel 21 and channel 39 and within the saddle of the rod saddle 40; pivoting (e.g., angulating) rib hook assembly 20 relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 80 to achieve bone engagement (e.g., maximum bone engagement); connecting a second end of rod 80 to a first opening 74 of the rod connector 70; positioning pelvic saddle legs 56 over a pelvic bone (e.g., an ilium) such that the bone is within the saddle channel 58; inserting saddle rod 54 into a second opening 76 of the rod connector; connecting the rod connector 70 to the saddle rod 54; attaching the pelvic saddle to the pelvic bone; and / or tightening the clamp screws 38 to attach the rib hook clamp assembly 30 to the rib hook base 20 and to lock the rod saddle 40 at the desired position (e.g., desired angulation relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 80). The rod 80 is now at is permanently captured within the rib hook assembly 20. One or more of these steps may be eliminated and performed in any order. The order and the steps disclosed above are only illustrative and not meant to be limiting.

[0062] One or more illustrative embodiments of methods of the present disclosure are shown and described within the enclosed Appendix A, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0063] It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0064] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, which is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0065] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A bone fixation apparatus comprising:(a) a bone hook base including a body, a channel defined by the body, a hook formed by the body, and one or more hook apertures disposed within the body;(b) a bone hook clamp assembly including a clamp body, a first aperture disposed within the clamp body or the body of the bone hook base, one or more connector apertures disposed within the clamp body, clamp channel disposed on the clamp body,(c) a rod saddle rotatably connected within the first aperture; and(d) one or more clamp screws or other engagement features configured to insert into the one or more connector apertures and one or more hook apertures and threadingly or otherwise engage the one or more connector apertures or one or more hook apertures connecting the bone hook clamp assembly to the bone hook base;(e) wherein the channel of the bone hook base includes a longitudinal axis, a pair of opposed, angled or curved sides at one end of the channel of the bone hook base, each side of the pair of opposed, angled or curved sides angle or curve outwardly from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel of the bone hook;(f) wherein the clamp channel includes a longitudinal axis, a pair of opposed, angled or curved sides at one end of the clamp channel, each side of the pair of opposed, angled or curved sides angle or curve outwardly from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the clamp channel.

2. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second pair of opposed, angled or curved sides at an end of the channel of the bone hook base opposite the end that includes the pair of opposed, angled or curved sides.

3. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second pair of opposed, angled or curved sides angle or curve outwardly from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel of the bone hook base.

4. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more clamp screws comprise two clamp screws with external threading, wherein the one or more hook apertures comprise two hook apertures, and wherein the one or more connector apertures comprise two connector apertures.

5. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the bone hook clamp assembly is mounted upon the bone hook base, each one of the two hook apertures is aligned with a respective one of the two connector apertures.

6. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 5, wherein each one of the two clamp screws is threadingly engaged within a respective one of the combination of the aligned hook and connector apertures.

7. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the bone hook clamp assembly is mounted upon the bone hook base, the channel of the bone hook base is aligned with the clamp channel to form a rod channel.

8. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the rod saddle includes a distal end, wherein the distal end defines a saddle.

9. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the saddle is disposed within the rod channel.

10. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the saddle having a first radius, two angled sides opposed from each other and each extending and angling outward from the first radius, and two second radii opposed from each other and disposed at the distal ends of each angled side.

11. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first aperture includes a first rib and a second rib spaced apart from the first rib, and wherein the rod saddle includes a ridge disposed between the first and second ribs.

12. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the ridge extends at least partially around the perimeter of a proximal end of the rod saddle.

13. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod saddle includes an exterior surface that is angled to engage a corresponding angled surface of the first aperture.

14. The bone fixation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the ridge includes two protrusions disposed on opposite sides of the rod saddle.1 . A bone fixation system, the bone fixation system comprising:(a) a bone fixation apparatus according to claim 1; and(b) a rod including a first end and a second end, the first end connected within the channel of the bone hook base and claim channel of the combination of the rib hook clamp assembly and rib hook base.

16. The bone fixation system of claim 15, further comprising a bone anchor connected to the second end of the rod.

17. The bone fixation system of claim 15, further comprising:(a) a rod connector connected to the second end of the rod; and(b) a pelvic saddle including a saddle body, a saddle rod extending from the saddle body, and one or more saddle legs extending from the saddle body, opposite the saddle rod, wherein the saddle rod is connected to the rod connector, opposite the rod.

18. A bone fixation kit, the kit comprising:(a) a bone fixation apparatus according to claim 1;(b) a rod; and(c) a bone anchor or pelvic saddle.

19. A bone fixation assembly comprising:(a) a hook base including a body, a hook channel defined by the body, and a hook formed by the body;(b) a hook clamp assembly detachably connecting to the hook base and including a clamp body and clamp channel disposed within the clamp body; and(c) a rod saddle rotatably connected within a first aperture disposed within either the body of the hook base or clamp body;(c) wherein the hook channel and clamp channel are configured to allow a rod when positioned within the hook channel and clamp channel to pivot relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

20. A pelvic bone fixation saddle comprising:(a) a pelvic saddle including a saddle body, a saddle rod extending from the saddle body, and one or more saddle legs extending from the saddle body,opposite the saddle rod, wherein the saddle rod is configured to connect to a rod connector, opposite the rod and(b) one or more apertures permitting threadingly or otherwise capture of a screw, peg, or other bone engagement device.

Images