Fixing devices and stabilization systems using said fixing devices

Abstract

A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member is characterized in that it includes a connecting part to be connected to said linking member, a conformable elongate ligature cooperating with the bone suitable for securing the connecting part to the bone, and an adjustable locking means fastened to the connecting part to maintain the ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between the bone and the connecting part. The ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of the bone.

What is clamed is: 
     
         1 . A spinal stabilization system for securement to a spinal column, comprising:
 a linking rod, the linking rod including:
 a main portion configured to extend generally parallel to the spinal column; 
 a first connecting end extending generally perpendicular to the main portion at a first end of the main portion; and 
 a second connecting end extending generally perpendicular to the main portion at a second end of the main portion; 
 each of the first and second connecting ends extending away from the main portion in a first direction; 
   a first fixing device configured to secure the first connecting end to a first vertebra of the spinal column; and   a second fixing device configured to secure the second connecting end to a second vertebra of the spinal column.   
     
     
         2 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fixing device includes a connecting part, a conformable ligature configured to extend around a bony structure of the first vertebra, and a locking member configured to secure the conformable ligature of the first fixing device to the connecting part of the first fixing device. 
     
     
         3 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the locking member is configured to secure the connecting part to the first connecting end of the linking rod. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 3 , wherein the locking member is a threaded screw cooperating with a threaded opening in the connecting part. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the first fixing device includes a passage extending through the connecting part for receiving the first connecting end of the linking rod therethrough. 
     
     
         6 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 5 , wherein the connecting part uninterruptedly surrounds the passage. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 5 , wherein the conformable ligature is extendable through the passage between the first connecting end of the linking rod and an inner surface of the connecting part. 
     
     
         8 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 7 , wherein the conformable ligature includes a loop portion extendable outward from the connecting part. 
     
     
         9 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the second fixing device includes a connecting part, a conformable ligature configured to extend around a bony structure of the second vertebra, and a locking member configured to secure the conformable ligature of the second fixing device to the connecting part of the second fixing device. 
     
     
         10 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the locking member is configured to simultaneous secure the conformable ligature and the first connecting end of the linking rod to the connecting part of the first fixing device. 
     
     
         11 . A spinal stabilization system for securement to a spinal column, comprising:
 a linking rod, the linking rod including:
 a main portion configured to extend generally parallel to the spinal column, the main portion have a first end and a second end; 
 a first connecting end extending from a first side of the main portion at the first end of the main portion; and 
 a second connecting end extending from the first side of the main portion at the second end of the main portion; 
 each of the first and second connecting ends extending generally perpendicular to the main portion; 
   a first fixing device including a passage configured to receive the first connecting end therethrough, wherein the first fixing device is configured to secure the first connecting end to a first vertebra of the spinal column; and   a second fixing device including a passage configured to receive the second connecting end therethrough, wherein the second fixing device is configured to secure the second connecting end to a second vertebra of the spinal column.   
     
     
         12 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 11 , wherein the first fixing device includes a connecting part, a conformable ligature configured to extend around a bony structure of the first vertebra, and a locking member configured to secure the conformable ligature of the first fixing device to the connecting part of the first fixing device. 
     
     
         13 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 12 , wherein the locking member is a threaded screw cooperating with a threaded opening in the connecting part. 
     
     
         14 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the locking member is configured to secure the connecting part to the first connecting end of the linking rod. 
     
     
         15 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the locking member is configured to simultaneous secure the conformable ligature and the first connecting end of the linking rod to the connecting part of the first fixing device. 
     
     
         16 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 12 , wherein the second fixing device includes a connecting part, a conformable ligature configured to extend around a bony structure of the second vertebra, and a locking member configured to secure the conformable ligature of the second fixing device to the connecting part of the second fixing device. 
     
     
         17 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 16 , wherein the conformable ligature of the first fixing device is extendable through the passage of the first fixing device between the first connecting end of the linking rod and an inner surface of the connecting part of the first fixing device. 
     
     
         18 . The spinal stabilization system of  claim 17 , wherein the conformable ligature of the second fixing device is extendable through the passage of the second fixing device between the second connecting end of the linking rod and an inner surface of the connecting part of the second fixing device.