Abstract: Bone fixation system including methods, apparatus, and kits, for steering a leading end of a fastener within bone. In some embodiments, the system may include (a) a flexible fastener having an external thread, and (b) a guide including a graspable handle attached or attachable to a wire having a distal end portion with a preformed longitudinal curvature in a direction indicated by the handle. The wire may be extendable through the fastener and configured to be advanced longitudinally, while extending through the fastener, such that the distal end portion of the wire penetrates bone ahead of a leading end of the fastener and creates a curved travel path for the leading end of the fastener.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits for binding bone. The system may include an encircling member and a fastening member that secures the encircling member in a loop around a portion of bone. In some embodiments, the fastening member may include any combination of the following: a cutting window, a guide aperture to guide a jaw of a crimping tool to a crimp region of the fastening member, multiple crimp regions, and/or apertures to receive adjustable prong members, among others.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits for binding bone. The system may include an encircling member and a fastening member that secures the encircling member in a loop around a portion of bone. In some embodiments, the fastening member may include any combination of the following: a cutting window, a guide aperture to guide a jaw of a crimping tool to a crimp region of the fastening member, multiple crimp regions, and/or apertures to receive adjustable prong members, among others.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for rib stabilization. The system may comprise a clip member having a bridge region and a pair of leaf portions connected to each other by the bridge region. The clip member may be configured to be placed on a rib bone with the leaf portions disposed on opposite sides of the rib bone. The system also may comprise a securing member, such as a suture, to attach the clip member to the rib bone, with the securing member extending at least twice between the leaf portions.

Abstract: Method of stabilizing a sternum with a fastening member defining a plurality of cleats. In the method, the fastening member may be disposed on a sternum having a discontinuity, with the fastening member spanning the discontinuity and the cleats contacting the sternum. The fastening member may be arranged with a wire or cable such that the wire or cable extends twice through the fastening member and forms a loop around a portion of the sternum. The fastening member may be crimped to secure both ends of the loop to the fastening member.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for tensioning a surgical wire with a tensioning device and/or fixing bone with a surgical wire tensioned with a tensioning device.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for rib stabilization. The system may comprise a clip member having a bridge region and a pair of leaf portions connected to each other by the bridge region. The clip member may be configured to be placed on a rib bone with the leaf portions disposed on opposite sides of the rib bone. The system also may comprise a securing member, such as a suture, to attach the clip member to the rib bone, with the securing member extending at least twice between the leaf portions.

Abstract: Cerclage system, including methods, devices, and kits, for stabilizing bone, such as a sternum. The cerclage system may include a wire or cable that encircles bone, and a bone plate to which segments of the wire or cable lock. The cerclage system also or alternatively may include a tensioner for applying tension to a wire or cable.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.

Abstract: A cable tie system, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for stabilizing bone. The system may provide a tie device comprising a strap including a leading region and a trailing region, a needle connected to the leading region of the strap, and a buckle connected to the trailing region of the strap. The buckle may be configured to receive the leading region of the strap such that the buckle and the strap collectively form a loop and a ratchet mechanism. The tie device also may comprise a handle connected to the buckle, to allow a person to tension the loop around bone by pulling the strap and the handle in opposite directions. The handle may be detached from the tie device after use.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for tensioning a surgical wire with a tensioning device and/or fixing bone with a surgical wire tensioned with a tensioning device.