Fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments

Abstract

A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A fixation assembly for fixating a cranial bone flap with a cranial bone mass comprising:
 a support plate with an inner surface that is adapted to be applied against the inner face of the outer edges of the cranial bone mass and the cranial bone flap, the support plate having first and second peripheral edges that are situated 180 degrees apart,   a first flexible strip segment extending from the first peripheral edge and a second flexible strip segment extending from the second peripheral edge, the first and second flexible strip segments being integral and forming a single piece with the support plate,   a closure plate with an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface adapted to be applied against the outer face of the outer edges of the cranial bone mass and the cranial bone flap, the closure plate having first and second openings extending there through, each of the first and second openings adapted to respectively receive the first and second flexible strip segments, each of the first and second openings having associated therewith an interlocking feature that permits the passage and movement of the first and second flexible strip segments in a first direction through the respective first and second openings while preventing movement in a second direction opposite the first direction,   when the fixation assembly is in an assembled state the first and second flexible strip segments extend through the respective first and second openings of the closure plate to form with the support plate a closed loop, the closure plate being moveable along the first and second flexible strips in a direction toward the support plate,   when the fixation assembly is in an unassembled state, the first and second flexible segments and support plate capable of assuming an essentially planar position with respect to one another.   
     
     
         15 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second flexible strip segments comprise a face having a rough surface that collaborates with the first interlocking feature of the first and second openings in the assembled state. 
     
     
         16 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second flexible strip segments comprise a face having ratchet teeth that collaborate with the first interlocking feature of the first and second openings in the assembled state. 
     
     
         17 . The fixation assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first interlocking feature comprises a tab that engages the ratchet teeth in the assembled state. 
     
     
         18 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a handle having first and second openings, each of the first and second openings having associated therewith a second interlocking feature that permits the passage and movement of the first and second flexible strip segments in a first direction through the respective first and second openings while preventing movement in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein in the assembled state the first and second flexible strip segments respectively extend through the first and second openings of the handle with the closure plate being positioned on the first and second flexible strip segments between the handle and the support plate. 
     
     
         19 . The fixation assembly of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second flexible strip segments comprise a face having a rough surface that collaborates with the second interlocking feature of the first and second openings in the assembled state. 
     
     
         20 . The fixation assembly of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second flexible strip segments comprise a face having ratchet teeth that collaborate with the second interlocking feature of the first and second openings in the assembled state. 
     
     
         21 . The fixation assembly of  claim 20 , wherein the second interlocking feature comprises a tab that engages the ratchet teeth in the assembled state. 
     
     
         22 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the support plate comprises multiple radially-directed and flexible peripheral flanges that are separated by cuts made in the periphery of the support plate. 
     
     
         23 . The fixation assembly of  claim 22 , wherein at least some of the multiple radially-directed and flexible peripheral flanges are radially-directed in an inclined plane. 
     
     
         24 . The fixation assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the multiple radially-directed and flexible peripheral flanges have an outer end and an inner end, the outer end being wider than the inner end. 
     
     
         25 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the closure plate comprises at least one partially weakened transverse area to provide the closure plate with a degree of flexibility. 
     
     
         26 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second flexible strip segments are formed with the support plate at respective areas of the support plate that have a smaller cross-section thickness than the rest of the support plate. 
     
     
         27 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a handle with a first end portion and a second end portion, in the assembled state a portion of the first and second flexible strip segments being respectively coupled to the first and second end portions, the closure plate being positioned on the first and second flexible strip segments between the handle and the support plate. 
     
     
         28 . The fixation assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the closure plate, support plate and first and second flexible strip segments are made of a radio transparent material.