BONE HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

A bone holding device comprising: at least one conformable elongated member having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween; a rod with at least one transverse passage which opens into at least one of two opposite side faces of the rod, said passage being delimited by inner surfaces of the rod, and at least one compression member, the compression member and said inner surfaces both defining clamping surfaces and cooperating so that the first and second portions of the elongated member can be inserted and clamped between said clamping surfaces. A method using such a device.

Claims

1. A bone holding device comprising: at least one elongated member having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, a rod extending longitudinally along a main axis and being adapted to connect together two bony structures, more particularly two vertebrae, being spaced from each other along the main axis, the rod having at least one transverse passage which opens into at least one of two opposite side faces of the rod, said passage being delimited by inner surfaces of the rod, and at least one compression member being adapted for interacting with said inner surfaces to define clamping surfaces, so that the first and second portions of the elongated member can be inserted and clamped between said clamping surfaces.

2. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the compression member and the rod are two distinct pieces, the compression member being moveable relative to the rod, the first and second portions of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member and the rod by moving the compression member relative to the rod.

3. A bone holding device according to claim 2, wherein the compression member is provided with a thread for rotative engagement with a complementary thread provided on the rod, the first and second portions of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member and the rod by tightening the compression member relative to the rod.

4. A bone holding device according to claim 2, wherein the compression member is spring-mounted to the rod by means of a spring which urges the compression member toward the clamping surfaces of the rod, the first and second portions of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member and the rod when the compression member is urged.

5. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the compression member is deformable, the first and second portions of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member and the rod by deforming said compression member.

6. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the compression member comprises: a compression part which is configured to be inserted, at least partially, into said passage, and at least one leg extending from said compression part and being configured so that the compression member can be clipped onto the rod.

7. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein said inner surfaces are deformable, the first and second portions of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member and the rod by deforming said inner surfaces.

8. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the compression member and the rod are one single piece.

9. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the elongated member are provided with a stiff tip.

10. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the compression member is provided with protrusions on its clamping surfaces.

11. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the elongated member are provided with protrusions.

12. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rod comprises at least one portion provided with one transverse passage, said portion having a section which is larger than the average section of the rod.

13. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein said passage and the compression member are configured to clamp both the first and second portions of the elongated member in this passage.

14. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rod comprises at least two transverse passages which are spaced from each other along the main axis.

15. A bone holding device according to claim 1, wherein said passage has an elongate cross-section, more particularly an oval or oblong cross-section, with the longer dimension of the cross-section being essentially parallel to the main axis.

16. A method for holding a bone in position, comprising the steps of: providing a bone holding device according to claim 1; passing the intermediate portion of a first elongated member around a first bony structure and the first and second portions of the first elongated member through a first passage of the rod; applying tension to the first elongated member by pulling on its ends; fastening the first elongated member to the rod by clamping the first and second portions of the first elongated member between a first compression member and the rod.

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: passing the intermediate portion of a second elongated member around a second bony structure and the first and second portions of the second elongated member through a second passage of said rod; applying tension to the second elongated member by pulling on its ends; fastening the second elongated member to said rod by clamping the first and second portions of the second elongated member between a second compression member and the rod.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said first bony structure is a vertebra.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein said first and second bony structures are a vertebra.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In the drawings, like reference signs generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Moreover, parts of different embodiments having the same or analogous function are identified by the same reference sign.

[0056] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a partial view of a first example of rod.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a first example of bone holding device, comprising the rod of FIG. 1, this rod being sectioned in plane II-II.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a sectional view, like that of FIG. 2, of another example of bone holding device.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a partial view of another example of bone holding device,

[0061] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 4, in plane V-V.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a sectional view, like that of FIG. 4, of another example of bone holding device.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a partial view of another example of bone holding device.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 7, in plane VIII-VIII.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a sectional view, like that of FIG. 8, of another example bone holding device.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another example of bone holding device.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 10, in plane XI-XI.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another example of bone holding device.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another example of bone holding device.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of another example of bone holding device.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 14, in plane XV-XV.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] FIGS. 1 to 15 show different examples of bone holding devices according to the present disclosure, each of them comprising: [0073] at least one conformable elongated member 7 having a first portion 7a, a second portion 7b and an intermediate portion 7c therebetween; [0074] a rod 5 to which the first and second portions 7a, 7b, are to be secured; and [0075] at least one compression member 14.

[0076] The rod 5 comprises several passages 8, 8, 8. In other embodiments, the rod 5 can include a single passage. Each passage 8, or hole, is a through hole opening into two opposite side faces 5a, 5b of the rod 5, i.e. each passage 8 goes through the rod 5, from a first side face 5a of the rod to a second side face 5b which is substantially opposed to the first one with respect to the main axis A of the rod 5. In other embodiments, the passage may not pass through the entire rod 5. The side faces 5a, 5b are so called in contrast with the end faces (not shown on the drawings) of the rod 5, both the side and end faces being outer faces of the rod 5.

[0077] Each passage 8 is delimited by inner surfaces 9 of the rod 5. These inner surfaces 9 and the compression member 14 both define clamping surfaces 14a, 9a, such that the clamping surfaces 14a of the compression member 14 face the clamping surfaces 9a of the inner surfaces 9, once the compression member 14 is properly positioned within the passage 8.

[0078] The compression member 14 and the inner surfaces 9 cooperate so that the portions 7a, 7b, of the elongated member 7 can be inserted and damped between the clamping surfaces 14a, 9a.

[0079] The compression member 14 may be made from polymeric material such as, for example, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), silicon or from metallic material such as, for example, titanium (for example, pure, alloy, beta), stainless steel, cobalt chromium,

[0080] The rod 5 may be made from polymeric material such as, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or from metallic material such as, for example, titanium (for example, pure, alloy, beta), stainless steel, cobalt chromium or any other material providing enough stiffness for holding one or several bones in a desired configuration.

[0081] In one embodiment, the elongated member 7 is a tie having a band shape. In other embodiments, the elongate member 7 may be a cord or other shape. It may he made from a polymeric material such as, for example, polyester, polyethylene (for example, PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or any other material that provides the desired conformability and a certain amount of elasticity. For example, it may be made by weaving.

[0082] The devices of FIGS. 1 to 15 may be used by a physician, or another operative, as follows: [0083] the intermediate portion 7c of a first elongated member 7 is passed around to a first bone (not shown) and the first and second portions 7a, 7b of the first elongated member 7 are passed through a first passage 8 of the rod 5; [0084] tension is applied to the first elongated member 7 by puffing on its ends 6a, 6b; and [0085] the first elongated member 7 is fastened to the rod 5 by clamping its first and second portions 7a, 7b between a first compression member 14 and the inner surfaces 9 of the first passage 8.

[0086] In one procedure, one of the ends 6a, 6b of the first elongated member 7 may be passed through a first passage 8 of the rod 5, passed around bony anatomy (not shown), and then passed back through the passage 8 of the rod 5 for subsequent tensioning and damping. The ends 6a, 6b may be any portion of the elongated member 7 that extends outside of the passage B of the rod 5 opposite the intermediate portion 7c of the elongated member 7.

[0087] In some cases, for passing the first elongated member 7 through the passage 8 of the rod 5, it may be necessary to use a special tool, such as a needle, having a shape adapted to that of the passage 8.

[0088] Also, for applying tension to the first elongated member 7 and/or for fastening the first elongated member 7 to the rod 5, it may be necessary to use a special tool.

[0089] When two bones need to be held in a relative position, the method further comprises the following steps: [0090] an intermediate portion of a second elongated member (not shown) is passed around a second bone (not shown) and first and second portions of the second elongated member are passed through a second passage 8 (or 8) of said rod 5; [0091] tension is applied to the second elongated member by pulling on its ends; [0092] the second elongated member is fastened to said rod 5 by damping the first and second portions between a second compression member not shown) and the inner surfaces 9 of the second passage 8.

[0093] When more than two bones need to be held in a relative position, the above-mentioned steps are repeated, as many elongated members, compression members and passages as necessary being used.

[0094] The number of passages 8, 8, 8, may be higher than the number of bones to be held, which allows one to select a passage depending on the position of the bone to be held. In other embodiments, the rod may have a is single passage.

[0095] In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 15, the rod 5 extends along a main axis A (see FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 14). In the present disclosure, the axial direction corresponds to the direction of the main axis A of the rod 5, and a radial direction is a direction perpendicular to axis A and intersecting axis A. Similarly, an axial plane is plane containing axis A, and a radial plane is a plane perpendicular to axis A. Unless specified to the contrary, the adjectives and adverbs axial, axially,radial and radially are used relative to the above-mentioned axial and radial directions. Accordingly, the sectional views of FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15, are radial sectional views.

[0096] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the rod 5 has a radial section which is round and constant along the main axis A of the rod 5, and the, compression member 11 is separable from the rod 5. However, the radial section of the rod 5 may have other shapes (for example, an oval), may not be constant along its main axis A, and may include varying degrees of curvature.

[0097] Each passage 8, 8, 8 has an opening section, or cross-section, with an oblong shape extending axially, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the longer dimension of the cross-section is parallel to the main axis A and the longer side walls of the passage 8 are parallel to the main axis A.

[0098] The compression member 14 is a wedge configured to be inserted into the passage 8. The axial length (i.e. the length in the direction of the main axis A) of the compression member 14 is smaller than the axial length of the passage 8 and, preferably, larger than the width of the elongated member 7.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 2, in radial section, the compression member 14 has a tapered tip portion 14b. Once the elongated member 7 is in a desired position, this tip portion 14b of the compression member 14 is inserted by force into the passage 8, and the elongated member 7 is clamped between clamping surfaces 14a, defined by the side faces of the tip portion 14b, and the damping surfaces 9a defined by the inner surfaces 9 surrounding the passage 8.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping surfaces 14a of the compression member 14 have a concave profile whereas the damping surfaces 9a of the of the rod 5 have a convex profile. The cooperation between the concave and convex profiles reduces the risk of disengagement of the compression member 14.

[0101] Another example of bone holding device is shown in FIG. 3. This example differs from the one of FIG. 2, in that the clamping surfaces 14a of the compression member 14 have protrusions 30 (instead of a concave profile) and in that the inner surfaces 9 of the passage 8 have a straight profile (instead of a convex profile). Due to the protrusions 30, the radial section of the tapered tip portion 14b of the compression member 14 has a fir tree shape. The protrusions 30 prevent relative movement between the compression member 14 and the elongated member 7.

[0102] In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the rod 5 has a varying radial section along its main axis. The rod 5 has portions 5 with a larger section and portions 5 with a smaller section. Portions 5 and 5 are alternated in the axial direction. Each portion 5 is provided with one passage 8 (8, 8). Thus, the loss of mechanical strength due to the presence of a passage 8 is compensated, at least in part, by the section increase, the weight of the rod 5 remaining limited.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, the compression member 14 has a central compression part 14c having a V-shaped profile and being configured to be partially inserted into the passage 8, and two legs 14d extending from said compression part 14c and encircling partially the outline of the radial section of the rod 5, so that the compression member 14 can be clipped onto the rod 5. As shown in FIG. 5, in radial section, the proximal end of each leg 14 is connected to the central compression part 14c in the vicinity of one opening of the passage 8, then each leg 14 follows the outline of the rod 5, and the distal end of each leg 14 is located in the vicinity of the other opening of the passage 8.

[0104] The first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 are clamped between the clamping surfaces 14a of the compression part 14c and is the inner surfaces 9 of the rod 5.

[0105] Another example of bone holding device is shown in FIG. 5. This example differs from that of FIG. 5 in that the clamping surfaces 14a of the compression part 14c have protrusions 30.

[0106] In the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, the compression member 14 and the rod 5 form one single piece. The compression member 14 is a pushed-in external wail 15 of the rod 5 and the passage 8 opens into the side face 5a of the rod 5, on each side of the compression member 14, thereby forming two passages 19 (see FIG. 7) surrounding the compression member 14. Each passage 19 is defined between the compression member 14 and an inner surface 9 of the rod 5.

[0107] The compression member 14 in radial section has a V shape. The compression member 14 is elastically deformable between an original stable configuration, wherein the arms 15a of the V-shaped compression member 14 are spaced-apart, and an unstable configuration wherein the arms 15a of the V shaped compression member 14 are close together. When the compression member 14 is in its original stable configuration, the width of each passage 19 is smaller than the thickness of the elongated member 7.

[0108] The elongated member 7 is inserted by force through the passages 19. In order to make the insertion easier, the portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 may have, respectively, stiff tips 17a, 17b. Once insertion forces are no longer applied, the elongated member 7 being in a desired position, the compression member 14 returns to its original stable shape, i.e. arms 15a move apart, thereby damping the elongated member 7 between the arms 15a and the rod 5.

[0109] In the example of FIGS. 9, the compression member 14 and the rod 5 in form one single piece. The passage 8 opens into the side face 5a of the rod 5, on each side of the compression member 14, thereby forming two passages 19 surrounding the compression member 14. Each passage 19 is defined between the compression member 14 and an inner surface 9 of the rod 5.

[0110] The first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 have protrusions 40 forming folds or ribs on their outer surface. These protrusions 40 are distant from the extremities of the elongated member 7.

[0111] Each portion 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 is inserted by force through a passage 19. When the protrusions 40 enter into the passage 19, the friction between the elongated member 7 and the clamping surfaces 14a, 9a increases until locking of the protrusions 40 in the passage 19 occurs, so these protrusions 40 are clamped between the compression member 14 and the rod 5.

[0112] For instance, the protrusions 40 are made from polymeric material such as polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), silicon or from metallic material such as, for example, titanium (for example, pure, alloy, beta), stainless steel, cobalt chromium. These protrusions 40 may be added-on pieces encased in the elongated member 7 during its manufacturing process, e.g. during the weaving of the elongated member 7.

[0113] Another example of bone holding device is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this example, the compression member 14 and the rod 5 form one single piece. The passage 8 opens into the side face 5a of the rod 5, on each side of the compression member 14, thereby forming two passages 19 (see FIG. 10) surrounding the compression member 14. Each passage 19 is defined between the compression member 14 and an inner surface 9 of the rod 5.

[0114] Each inner surface 9, which delimits the passage 8, is defined on the inner side of an external wall 20 forming part of the rod 5 and having a limited thickness so as to be easily deformed. Once the elongated member 7 is in a desired position, the wall 20 is plastically deformed, from the outside of the rod 5, so as to push and clamp the elongated member 7 against the compression member 14.

[0115] A tool such as pliers (not shown) may be used for deforming the walls 20. In order to make the deformation of the walls 20 easier, these walls 20 may have memory shape properties.

[0116] Two other examples of bone holding devices are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In both examples, the compression member 14 is spring-mounted to the rod 5 by means of a spring 13 which urges the compression member 14 toward the clamping surfaces 9a of the rod 5, the first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member being clamped between the compression member 14 and the rod 5 when the compression member is urged toward said damping surfaces 9a. In both examples, the physician (or other operative) need to push in the compression member 14 (see arrow P) in order to pass the first and second portions 7a, 7b through the passage 8. By releasing the pressure on the compression member 14, the elongated member 7 is automatically clamped between the compression member 14 and the rod 5.

[0117] In the example of FIG. 12, the compression member 14 extends in the same direction as the passage 8. Thus, there exist two secondary passages 19, on each side of the compression member 14, each secondary passage 19 being defined between the compression member 14 and an inner surface 9 of the rod. The portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 are passed through these secondary passages 19.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 13, the compression member 14 extends in the a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the passage 8 (called first passage 8) of the rod 5. The compression member 14 comprises a second passage 18 extending in the same direction as that of the first passage 8. When the compression member 14 is pushed in the first and second passages 8, 18, are aligned and the first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 can be passed through these passages 8, 18. When the compression member 14 is released, the first and second passages 8, 18 become misaligned and the elongated member 7 is clamped between the clamping surfaces 14a and 9a.

[0119] Another example of bone holding device is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this example, the compression member 14 is provided with a thread 14t for rotative engagement with a complementary thread 5t provided on the rod, the first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 being clamped between the compression member 14 and the rod 5 by tightening (by rotating) the compression member 14 relative to the rod 5.

[0120] More particularly, the compression member 14 is a screw 24 with a head 24a and a shaft 24b. The screw head 24a has a profile 24c (or screw drive) that allows the screw to be driven. The screw shaft 24b is provided with the external thread 14t. The screw shaft 24b can engage with a complementary thread 5t of a threaded hole provided in the rod 5. The screw 24 extends in substantially the same direction as the passage 8. The screw head 24a has a tapered shape, a truncated shape in the example. One opening of the passage 8 is funnel-shaped, so that it can receive the screw head 24a. When the screw 24 is rotatable tightened, the screw head 24a bears on the surfaces of the funnel-shaped opening.

[0121] There exist two passages 19, on each side of the compression member 14, each passage 19 being defined between the compression member 14 and an inner surface 9 of the rod. The first and second portions 7a, 7b of the elongated member 7 can be passed through these passages 19 and clamped between the clamping surfaces 14a of the screw head 24a and the clamping surfaces 9a of the rod 5, as shown on FIG. 15.

[0122] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments or examples disclosed herein can be used alone or in varying combinations with each other, and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein.