Bone fixing system and method of use

Abstract

A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.

1 . A bone fixing system, comprising:
 a conformable ligature;   a body comprising a first arm and a second arm forming a U-shaped channel having a longitudinal axis extending from an open end to a closed end thereof, the first arm comprising a first ligature passage disposed therein and the second arm comprising a second ligature passage disposed therein, wherein the first ligature passage or the second ligature passage is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the conformable ligature is positionable within the U-shaped channel while extending through the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage;   a elongate member receivable within the U-shaped channel, the elongate member comprising a first outer surface contacting the conformable ligature within the U-shaped channel; and   a closure member engaging the first arm, the second arm, and the elongate member to secure the elongate member and conformable ligature relative to the body;   wherein the conformable ligature extends through a substantially perpendicular one of the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage.   
     
     
         2 . The bone fixing system of  claim 1 , wherein the closure member comprises a threaded fastener. 
     
     
         3 . The bone fixing system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a threaded portion to engage the closure member. 
     
     
         4 . The bone fixing system of  claim 1 , wherein the conformable ligature comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the conformable ligature further comprises a loop portion when the first end and the second end extend through at least one of the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage. 
     
     
         5 . The bone fixing system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member is a rod. 
     
     
         6 . The bone fixing system of  claim 1 , wherein the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage are positioned to prevent contact between the conformable ligature and the closure member. 
     
     
         7 . The bone fixing system of  claim 1 , wherein the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage are positioned to prevent interference between a tensioning tool and the conformable ligature. 
     
     
         8 . The fixation assembly of  claim 1 , wherein engaging the closure member with the first arm, the second arm, and the elongate member secures the elongate member from movement along the longitudinal axis within the U-shaped channel. 
     
     
         9 . The fixation assembly of  claim 1 , wherein engaging the closure member with the first arm, the second arm, and the elongate member compresses the flexible ligature between the elongate member and a surface of the U-shaped channel. 
     
     
         10 . A bone fixing assembly, comprising:
 a flexible ligature configured to be passed around a bone structure; and   a clamping assembly for securing the flexible ligature around the bone structure in a tensioned state, the clamping assembly comprising:
 a U-shaped body comprising a first passage and a second passage disposed therein; 
 a monolithic elongate member; and 
 a threaded closure member; 
   wherein the flexible ligature extends through the first passage of the U-shaped body and the second passage of the U-shaped body with at least a portion of the flexible ligature positioned within the U-shaped body; and   wherein the threaded closure member presses directly against a surface of the elongate member by threadably engaging threads of the U-shaped body to urge the elongate member directly into contact with the portion of the flexible ligature within the U-shaped body.   
     
     
         11 . The bone fixing system of  claim 10 , wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a threaded portion to engage the threaded closure member. 
     
     
         12 . The bone fixing system of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible ligature comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the flexible ligature forms a loop when the second portion extends through at least one of the first passage and the second passage of the U-shaped body. 
     
     
         13 . The bone fixing system of  claim 10 , wherein the elongate member is a connecting rod. 
     
     
         14 . The bone fixing system of  claim 10 , wherein the first passage and the second passage are positioned to prevent contact between the flexible ligature and the closure member. 
     
     
         15 . The bone fixing system of  claim 10 , wherein the first passage and the second passage are positioned to prevent interference between a tensioning tool and the flexible ligature. 
     
     
         16 . The fixation assembly of  claim 10 , wherein engaging the closure member with the first arm, the second arm, and the elongate member secures the elongate member from movement relative to the U-shaped body. 
     
     
         17 . A bone fixing system, comprising:
 a conformable ligature;   a body comprising a first arm and a second arm forming a U-shaped channel having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the body parallel to the first arm and the second arm, the first arm comprising a first ligature passage disposed therein and the second arm comprising a second ligature passage disposed therein, wherein at least one of the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the conformable ligature is positionable within the U-shaped channel while extending through the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage;   an elongate member receivable within the U-shaped channel, the elongate member comprising a first outer surface contacting the conformable ligature within the U-shaped channel; and   a closure member engaging the first arm, the second arm, and the elongate member to secure the elongate member and conformable ligature relative to the body;   wherein the conformable ligature extends through a substantially perpendicular one of the first ligature passage and the second ligature passage with at least a portion of the conformable ligature positioned within the U-shaped body; and wherein the closure member presses directly against a surface of the elongate member by engaging a portion of the U-shaped body to urge the elongate member directly into contact with the portion of the conformable ligature within the U-shaped body.