Abstract: The cerclage instrument comprises a hollow housing having a handgrip at its proximal end for gripping in the user's hand to support and control movement of the device. At the distal end of the housing is a tapered tip with an opening therein. Disposed slidably within the housing is an extendable tongue formed from spring metal or similar material that will coil or curl to form a loop when extended outside of the housing. At its distal end, the tongue has an eyelet or notch for retaining the end of a cerclage wire so that it can be pulled around the bone. At its proximal end, the tongue is attached to a plunger or slide within the housing which permits the tongue to be extended from and retracted into the housing. The curvature of the tongue when extended causes it to closely follow the circumference of the bone during extension and retraction.