Sternum fixation device

• US 20050124996A1
• Filed: 01/05/2005
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Hearn, James P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,221,421 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/71
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8009 the plate having a ratchet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8057 the interlocking form comprising a thread
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8076 for the ribs or the sternum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8085 with pliable or malleable elements or having a mesh-like structure, e.g. small strips A61B17/8071, A61B17/8076 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/823 for the sternum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/863 with thread interrupted or changing its form along shank, other than constant taper
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/905 Rib or sternum plate

Abstract

A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum.

Claims

1. A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum comprising:

a first plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a first attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a second plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a second attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a release member for holding the first and second plates together, wherein the removal of the release member from the first and second longitudinal bores allows separation of the parts of the sternum;

wherein the first and second plates each have at least one series of ratcheting teeth, such that the distance between the first and second plates may be incrementally varied.

2. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the second plate has an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the release member.

3. The sternum fixation device of claim 2, wherein the release member is a cam configured to be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position.

4. The sternum fixation device of claim 2, wherein the release member is a screw configured to be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position.

5. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member is a hook member.

6. The sternum fixation device of claim 5, wherein the first plate further comprises a third attachment member, and wherein the third attachment member is a hook member.

7. The sternum fixation device of claim 5, wherein the first plate further comprises a third attachment member, and wherein the third attachment member is a hole configured to receive at least a portion of a bone fastener.

8. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the first plate further comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive an attachment member.

9. The sternum fixation device of claim 8, wherein the first plate further comprises a third attachment member, and wherein the first and third attachment members are each configured to be inserted in an aperture.

10. The sternum fixation device of claim 8, wherein the number of apertures exceeds the number of attachment members of the first plate.

11. The sternum fixation device of claim 8, wherein the apertures are arranged in a longitudinal array.

12. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second attachments members comprises at least one aperture configured to receive a pin member.

13. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member is a hook member.

14. The sternum fixation device of claim 13, wherein the second plate further comprises a fourth attachment member, and wherein the fourth attachment member is a hole configured to receive at least a portion of a bone fastener.

15. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the second plate further comprises a fourth attachment member, and wherein the second and fourth attachment members are holes configured to receive at least a portion of a bone fastener.

16. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the series of ratcheting teeth are disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

17. The sternum fixation device of claim 1, wherein the engagement of at least one series of ratcheting teeth of the first plate, and at least one series of ratcheting teeth of the second plates cooperates to lock the first and second plates together.

18. A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum comprising:

a first plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a first attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a second plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a second attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a release member for holding the first and second plates together, wherein the removal of the release member from the first and second longitudinal bores allows separation of the parts of the sternum;

wherein the first and second plates are configured to be variably engaged by way of a ratcheting mechanism.

19. A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a first plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a first attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a second plate having an upper surface and a sternum-contacting surface, and a second attachment member for fixation to the sternum;

a release member for holding the first and second plates together, wherein the removal of the release member from the first and second longitudinal bores allows separation of the parts of the sternum;

wherein the first and second plates are engageable such that the length of the device is variable along the longitudinal axis.