CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/865,676 filed on Jun. 24, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/905,017 filed Sep. 24, 2019, which are incorporated herein by referenced in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates generally to apparatuses, devices, and methods for cerclage and more particularly to apparatuses, devices, and methods for cerclage related to femoral fracture fixation.
BACKGROUND Femoral fractures may occur naturally or iatrogenically during total hip arthroplasty. Depending on the fracture pattern, cerclage alone, cerclage with a plate or plates, cerclage with a strut, cerclage with an extended hip stem, or cerclage with a combination of plates, struts, and/or extended hip stems may be used for bone fixation. However, a problem with cerclage is that it may create poor bone unions without using additional support devices. In particular with total hip arthroplasty using additional support may not be desirable or possible. With femoral fractures, there may be a high load on the cerclage wires resulting in adjacent boney erosion and loss of fixation due to wire migration.
There is a need for a cerclage device that provides improved bone unions while minimizing boney erosion and loss of fixation due to wire migration.
SUMMARY The present invention provides in one aspect, a cerclage adjunct device including a plate, having a plurality of lateral extending bores passing through the plate, with the laterally extending bores configured to accommodate a length of binding under tension when the plate is placed in contact with a bone, and with the plurality of laterally extending bores disposed at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a cerclage adjunct device including a plate, having points of contact with a bone, a plurality of bores passing laterally through the plate and disposed at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other. A length of binding under tension, passes through each bore of the plurality of bores, and is positioned around a bone.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of cerclage fixation including aligning a fractured bone and placing a cerclage adjunct device on the fractured bone, the cerclage adjunct device having a plate and a plurality of bores disposed laterally through the plate at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other. The method further includes, threading a binding through the each bore of the plurality of bores and placing the binding around the bone, and immobilizing the bone by imparting tension to the binding.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a cerclage adjunct device insertion tool including, a handle, an elongated neck extending from the handle, and a wire guide extending from the elongated neck and distal from the handle. The wire guide is configured for guiding a length of binding into a wire bore of a cerclage adjunct device, and the wire guide configured for attachment to the cerclage adjunct device by the length of binding.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of connecting a cerclage adjunct device to a femur including, connecting the cerclage adjunct device to a cerclage adjunct device insertion tool. The cerclage adjunct device has an elongated body with a plurality of transverse wire bores passing through the elongated body, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The cerclage adjunct device insertion tool has a handle, a neck, a plurality of wire guides, with the plurality of wire guides aligned with the plurality of wire bores. The method further includes inserting a length of binding through each of the plurality of wire guides and through the plurality of wire bores, the length of binding having a first end and a second end, inserting the first end of the length of binding between tissue and a bone, with the bone having an aligned fracture, such that the length of binding encircles the bone. Further inserting the cerclage adjunct device between tissue and the bone, pushing the cerclage adjunct device to a position proximal to the aligned fracture, removing the cerclage adjunct device insertion tool and disconnecting from the length of binding, inserting the first end and the second end of the length of binding into a locking mechanism, and placing the length of binding under tension, such that the bottom surface of the cerclage adjunct device is in contact with the bone.
The present invention in a further aspect provides, a compressive cerclage system having a first plate with a plurality of laterally extending wire bores passing therethrough, and a plurality of screw bores extending from a top surface through a bottom surface of the first plate. The compressive cerclage system further having an opposable second plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of laterally extending wire bores passing therethrough. A plurality of bindings pass through the laterally extending wire bores of the first plate and the laterally extending wire bores of the second plate to connect the first plate with the second plate. The plurality of laterally extending wire bores of the first plate are disposed at a first fixed longitudinal distance separate from each other relative to a longitudinal dimension of the first plate and the plurality of laterally extending wire bores of the second plate are disposed at a second fixed longitudinal distance separate from each other relative to a longitudinal dimension of the second plate.
The present invention in a still further aspect provides, a method of cerclage fixation including aligning opposing portions of a fractured bone to set the bone, placing a cerclage adjunct device plate on the fractured bone, the cerclage adjunct device plate having a first plate having a plurality of wire bores disposed laterally through the first plate at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other, and a plurality of screw bores extending from a top surface through a bottom surface of the first plate. The method further includes placing a cerclage adjunct device on an opposite side of the fractured bone, the cerclage adjunct device having a second plate and a plurality of wire bores disposed laterally through the second plate at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other. A binding is then threaded through each wire bore of the plurality of bores of the cerclage adjunct device plate and through each wire bore of the plurality of wire bores of the cerclage adjunct device, immobilizing the bone by imparting tension to the binding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.
FIG. 1 is a superior perspective view of a two-wire cerclage adjunct device, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a superior perspective view of a three-wire cerclage adjunct device, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an inferior perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an inferior perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1 with a hollow interior, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1 with a hollow interior, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a superior perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device of FIG. 1 connected with a length of binding to a femur, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a femur with hip replacement components and the cerclage device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the femur with hip replacement components and the cerclage device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a femur with the cerclage device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cerclage adjunct insertion tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cerclage adjunct insertion tool of FIG. 18 in relation to a femur, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a length of binding with a locking mechanism, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 20, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a compressive cerclage system affixed to a femur, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal perspective view of a cerclage adjunct device plate of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 24A is a superior perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device plate of FIG. 23, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 24B is a transverse cross section view of the cerclage adjunct device plate of FIG. 23, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 24C is a sagittal cross section view of the cerclage adjunct device plate of FIG. 23, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is an inferior perspective view of the cerclage adjunct device plate of FIG. 23, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a lateral perspective view of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22 engaging a femur, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a medial perspective view of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22 engaging a femur, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the compressive cerclage system of FIG. 22 affixed to a femur using an oblique truss configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.
Thus, all the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
The following description references systems, methods, and apparatuses for use in femoral cerclage fixation. However, those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the relevant art will appreciate that fixation of other bones are suitable for use with the foregoing systems, methods and apparatuses. Likewise, the various figures, steps, procedures and work-flows are presented only as an example and in no way limit the systems, methods or apparatuses described to performing their respective tasks or outcomes in different time-frames or orders. The teachings of the present invention may be applied to cerclage related to any bone.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The various embodiments described herein provide for apparatuses, devices, and methods for a cerclage adjunct device for use in fracture fixation. One embodiment is for a cerclage adjunct device for use with cerclage fracture fixation related to femoral and other long bone fractures. A second embodiment is in conjunction with cerclage bone fracture fixation where screws cannot feasibly be used. A third embodiment is with cerclage bone fracture fixation where there may be insufficient space or bone density for the use of screw fasteners. A fourth embodiment is with cerclage bone fracture fixation for use in conjunction with devices using screw fasteners.
FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 refer to a two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, having a top surface 101, a bottom surface 103, wire bores 102, bore walls 117, bottom holes 104, a plurality of channels 105, and a plurality of ribs 106. A first wire bore 150 and a second wire bore 155 of wire bores 102 are depicted bounded by bore walls 117. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is a longitudinally elongated plate, bowed toward top surface 101 between lateral edges 116 of the device. Top surface 101 may, for example, be bowed, such that top surface 101 is convex and bottom surface 103 is concave between the lateral edges 116 of the device. Wire bores 102 pass laterally through the two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, following a bowed curvature of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100. Each of wire bores 102 are configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to have a cerclage wire passed through. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may have, for example, a spacing of 25 mm between the midpoint of the wire bores 102 (e.g. the midpoints of first wire bore 150 and second wire bore 155), as measured in the longitudinal direction of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100. The length of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 in the longitudinal direction may be, for example, from approximately 30 mm-50 mm. Bottom surface 103 has alternating channels 105 and raised ribs 106. Channels 105 and ribs 106 are shown extending between the lateral edges 116 of the two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 and disposed along the longitudinal length between the wire bores 102. On bottom surface 103, bottom holes 104 are depicted. Bottom holes 104 are depicted extending into and intersecting wire bores 102. The presence of bottom holes 104 may be optional
FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11 refer to a three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, having a top surface 201, a bottom surface 203, wire bores 202, bore walls 217, bottom holes 204, a plurality of channels 205, and a plurality of ribs 206. There is a first wire bore 250, a second wire bore 255, and a third wire bore 260 of wire bores 202 depicted, bounded by bore walls 217. Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 is longitudinally elongated and bowed toward top surface 201 between the lateral edges 216 of the device. Top surface 201 may, for example, be bowed, such that top surface 201 is convex and bottom surface 203 is concave between the lateral edges 216 of the device. Wire bores 202 pass laterally through the three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, following a bowed curvature of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200. Each of wire bores 202 (e.g. first wire bore 250, second wire bore 255, and third wire bore 260) are configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to have a cerclage wire passed through. Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may have, for example, a spacing of 50 mm between first wire bore 250 and third wire bore 260 as measured in the longitudinal direction of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, with second wire bore 255 positioned longitudinally in between the first wire bore 250 and third wire bore 260. The second wire bore 255 may be spaced, for example, approximately 25 mm from first wire bore 250 and third wire bore 260. However, in some embodiments, second wire bore 255 may be closer to one of the first wire bore 250 or third wire bore 260. The length of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 in the longitudinal direction may be, for example, from approximately 55 mm-70 mm. Bottom surface 203 has alternating channels 205 and raised ribs 206. Channels 205 and ribs 206 are shown extending between the lateral edges 216 of the three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and disposed along the longitudinal length between wire bores 202. On bottom surface 203, bottom holes 204 are depicted. Bottom holes 204 are depicted extending into and intersecting wire bores 202. The presence of bottom holes 204 may be optional.
Referring to FIG. 11, second wire bore 255 is shown in cross-section and depicted as bowing between lateral edges 216 of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200. Also depicted is a bore wall 218 bounding second wire bore 255. While FIG. 11 refers to three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, second wire bore 255 of wire bores 202 is representative of wire bores 202 on three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and wire bores 102 on two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100.
FIGS. 12-13 depict two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, having, for example, a hollow interior 107. However, wire bores 102 and wire bores 202 may have, for example, solid walls, separating the bore from the hollow interior, such that wire bores 102 and wire bores 202 may support or brace a cerclage wire, passing through. The above described features are applicable to aspects including three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200.
Referring to FIGS. 1-11, two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 and three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may have, for example, a solid interior, longitudinally elongated plate. In an alternate embodiment, the longitudinally elongated plate may be, for example, of a porous material.
FIG. 14 illustrates a femur 109 having a fracture 110. Femur 109 has been aligned and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 has been placed on an outside surface of femur 109, with a binding 108 passing through wire bore 201 and around the circumference of femur 109. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may be positioned such that, for example, bottom surface 103 is in contact with the surface of femur 109. Binding 108 is depicted as passing through first wire bore 150 of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 but may also be, for example, passed through second wire bore 155. Binding 108 may be, for example a wire, a cord, a band, or a cable. The use of the terms wire, cord, band cable and binding may be used interchangeably.
Referring to FIG. 14, binding 108 may be pulled tight around femur 109 using, for example, a tensioner (not shown) and held by a locking mechanism (not shown) placed onto binding to maintain tension to secure the fracture fixation. When passed through wire bores 102 and placed under tension, binding 108 may also, for example, secure two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, pressing bottom surface 103 against the surface of femur 109.
Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be positioned similarly to two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, with three identical or similar instances of binding 108 passed through, for example, all three wire bores of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200. When binding 108 is under tension, three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be secured against femur 109.
While FIG. 14 depicts use with femur 109, two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 (or three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200) may be used for bone fixation to promote bone fusion with a femur having hip replacement implants, including a femoral stem (not shown).
Referring to FIGS. 1-14, two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 inhibits or prevents binding 108 from migrating longitudinally along the bone by maintaining tension and by remaining secured against the surface of femur 109. The presence of ribs 106 and channels 105 along the bottom surface 103 provides friction points in contact with femur 109, to further prevent migration of binding 108. While two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is described, this description also applies to three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200.
Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, with three wire bores (e.g. wire bores 202), would have three lengths of a binding (e.g. binding 108) providing tension on three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200. Bottom surface 203 is in contact with a bone surface (e.g. of a femur), providing a greater surface area in contact with the bone along the bottom surface with ribs 206 and channels 205, than if wires alone were used for fixation. Furthermore, bottom surface 203 may distribute (e.g. longitudinally along the bone) the circumferential forces of cerclage wire when in contact with the bone surface. While three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 is described, this description also applies to two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100.
Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 and three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be made from, for example, plastic, or titanium and/or cobalt and/or chrome.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11, wire bores 202 of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and wire bores 102 of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, for example, extend from and between the lateral edges of each respective device. Wire bores 202 and 102 may be used to, for example, channel binding 108. Bore walls 217 bound wire bores 202 and bore walls 117 bound wire bores 102. Bore walls 217 and bore walls 117 may, for example, support binding 108 and inhibit or prevent movement longitudinal to the device (e.g. device 100 or device 200). Bore walls (e.g. bore walls 217 and 117) may be smooth to help binding 108 pass through. However, other embodiments may include a raised section of top surface 101 and top surface 201, extending laterally but with the raised section between the edges of the respective device, with a bore passing through. In another embodiment, instead of a wire bore 102 or wire bore 202, for example, a channel or a groove or a recess, extending laterally within or on top surface 101 and top surface 102 may be used to support a wire in contact with three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 or two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100. In another embodiment, for example, raised hooks or a recess of hooks may be positioned laterally along or laterally within top surface 101 and top surface 102.
Binding 108 has, for example, a range of diameters from approximately 0.5 mm-3 mm. To accommodate the length of binding, wire bore 102 and wire bore 202 may be wider to accommodate binding 108 passing through. The cerclage adjunct device may be sized for use with specific diameters of binding 108, such that a surgeon may be able to select cerclage adjunct device based on the diameter of the binding 108 used to affix a fracture of the bone (e.g. femur 109) sought to be set.
Referring to FIGS. 9-10, three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may have, for example, ribs 205 and channels 205 on bottom surface 203 and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may have ribs 106 and channels 105 on bottom surface 103. Alternate embodiments may have, for example, a ridged, a rippled, a wavy surface, or any geometry which provides bone surface contact with a standoff geometry. A still further embodiment may be, for example, a smooth bottom surface. Embodiments having bottom surface 103 or bottom surface 203 with a standoff geometry, such as, for example, ribbed with channels, ridged, rippled, or wavy surfaces may encourage fluid flow for bone regeneration.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11, a lateral width and lateral curvature of three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may depend on the specific surgical requirements, such as, for example, bone dimensions and bone density. However, the lateral width may be, for example, from approximately 10 mm-40 mm. With devices of, for example, approximately 15 mm wide or less, curvature may be unnecessary, without bowing toward a top surface, between the lateral edges of the device. Devices with lateral widths from approximately 15 mm-40 mm may bow toward the top surface between the lateral edges of the device. The fit may be further improved if the curvature of the device (e.g. device 100 or device 200) matches that of the bone, for example, having a radius from approximately 10 mm-50 mm, from the approximate center of the bone.
While two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 and three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be described, there may be embodiments having more than three wire bores.
FIG. 15 depicts femur 109, having a replacement femoral head 401 connected to a superior end of femur 109, and a fracture 110 in femur 109. The bones on opposite sides of fracture 110 have been aligned, and three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and a plate 400 have been fastened to femur 109 using binding 108.
FIG. 16 depicts femur 109 in transverse cross section, with a hip replacement stem 405 longitudinally positioned (e.g. coaxially aligned) through femur 109. Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 is shown in relation to femur 109, binding 108 of a plurality of lengths of bindings and plate 400.
FIG. 17 illustrates femur 109 with fracture 110 thereof being aligned and fixed by using a three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200. Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be connected to plate 400 by a plurality of lengths of binding 108.
FIGS. 20-21 depict binding 108, with a locking mechanism 111. Binding 108 may be, for example a wire, a cord, or a cable. Locking mechanism 111 may represent any commercially available locking mechanism for holding binding 108. The use of the terms wire, cord, cable and length of binding may be used interchangeably. Binding 108 may have, for example, a first end and a second end such that binding 108 may be placed around a bone (e.g. femur 109) with first and second end threaded through locking mechanism 111. Binding 108 may be tightened through the locking mechanism 111 using a tensioning device (not shown). To complete fastening, binding 108 may be held in place by the fastener or crimped before excess material is removed.
FIGS. 15-16 depict aspects of the invention for use in bone fixation to promote bone fusion with femur 109 having hip replacement implants, including femoral stem 405. FIG. 17 depicts the aspects of the invention of FIGS. 15-16 the invention used with femur 109.
Generally referring to FIGS. 15-17, three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 may be positioned in contact with an outside surface of femur 109, such that wire bore 202 is laterally disposed for binding 108 to pass through wire bore 202 and around a circumference of femur 109. Plate 400 may be affixed to femur 109 to aid in bone fixation and fusion. If bone density is sufficient to support screws and if there are no impeding objects, such as hip replacement stem 405, plate 400 may be affixed to femur 109 using, for example, screws. If screws cannot be used to affix plate 400, a plate may be held in place by binding tension of cerclage, in conduction with the cerclage adjunct device (e.g. 100 or 200), or an alternative to a plate may be used. In another embodiment, for example, a strut or a graft may be connected to femur 109 in place of or in addition to plate 400. A strut or a graft may be placed against a bone (e.g. femur 109) and held in place by binding tension of cerclage, in conduction with the cerclage adjunct device (e.g. 100 or 200). By placing binding 108 under tension, contact between three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and femur 109 may be promoted. Binding 108 may be placed under tension by, for example, using a locking mechanism through which ends of binding 108 pass and are prevented from moving freely as a tensioner (not shown) may be used to tighten the binding.
Generally referring to FIGS. 1-17, since bindings (i.e., multiple instances of binding 108) are under tension and threaded through wire bores 202, bore walls 217 prevent bindings (i.e. multiple instances of binding 108) from moving longitudinally, thus binding 108 is inhibited or prevented from slipping. Furthermore, the channels 205 and ribs 206 on bottom surface 203 may provide frictional contact with femur 109 in addition to bone growth encouragement, thereby inhibiting or preventing three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 from slipping. While three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 is described, the described correction to femur 109 also applies to two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100.
Generally referring to FIGS. 1-17, three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 are placed on a bone (e.g. femur 109) and multiple bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) are inserted through wire bores (e.g. wire bores 102 and wire bores 202) and around the bone (e.g. femur 109) to secure fracture fixation. Due to the positioning of wire bores (e.g. wire bores 102 and wire bores 202), multiple bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) are commonly parallel to each other, to maintain binding 108 tension and to minimize or prevent binding 108 from cutting into bone.
FIGS. 18-19 refers to a cerclage adjunct insertion tool 300, having a handle 301, a neck 302, a wire bore 303, a wire guide 304, and a tool head 305. Wire bore 303 passes through wire guide 304, with wire guide 304 being configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for binding 108 to pass through. Cerclage adjunct insertion tool 300 is depicted as configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for use with two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may be placed on femur 109 using tool 300.
Referring generally to FIGS. 18-21, cerclage adjunct insertion tool 300 has two wire guides (e.g. two of wire guide 304) and is shown configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for use with two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, having two wire guides (e.g. two of wire guide 102). However, a tool with, for example, three wire guides (e.g. three of wire guide 304), may be configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for use with three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, and with the following method interchangeably used for either device.
Referring to FIGS. 15-21, fracture 110 of femur 109 may, for example, be aligned and plate 400 may be affixed to femur 109. In a situation where hip replacement stem 405 is inserted longitudinally through the femur 109, the bone (e.g. femur 109) may be too brittle or there may not be sufficient space to use screws to secure plate 400 or a strut to the bone. Cerclage adjunct insertion tool 300 may maintain contact with two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 by aligning wire bores 102 with wire guide 304, such that binding 108 is passed through wire guide 304 via wire bore 303 and through wire bore 102. Tool 300 and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may be threaded by binding 108 prior to commencing the surgical procedure or during the surgical procedure. Binding 108 may have a first end and a second end such that first end may be inserted between bone and tissue, such that first end may be positioned around femur 109. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 may be inserted between tissue and a bone (e.g. femur 109), following binding 108 and using tool 300 to push two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 into a position proximal to the aligned fracture. In particular, tool head 305 may be in contact with two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 with a surgeon grasping handle 301, and using cerclage adjunct insertion tool 300 to push two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 into position between bone and tissue. Tool 300 alignment with two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is maintained by threading with binding 108. Advancing force to two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is transmitted via contact with tool head 305. Once positioned, cerclage adjunct device insertion tool 300 may be removed and disconnected from binding 108. The first end and the second end of binding 108 may be inserted into locking mechanism 111. Binding 108 may be pulled through locking mechanism 111 placing binding 108 under tension, such that bottom surface 103 of two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is in contact with the bone surface of femur 109. Any plate or strut or graft, that may be utilized to hold bones aligned to set fracture or promote bone growth, would also be encircled by binding 108 (e.g. multiple instances thereof) and held under tension against the bone surface. Three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200 or two-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, may be used with plate 400 and/or a strut or a graft, the cerclage adjunct device (e.g. device 100 or device 200). Cerclage adjunct device (e.g. device 100 or device 200) may be positioned on a surface of the bone (e.g. femur 109), with binding 108 through the device bores (e.g. wire bores 102 or wire bores 202) and encircling the bone (e.g. femur 109) and plate 400 and/or strut or graft affixed to the bone (e.g. femur 109).
Cerclage adjunct device (e.g. device 100 or device 200) may also be positioned on plate 400 or strut or graft, such that bottom surface (e.g. bottom surface 103 or bottom surface 203) is in contact with plate 400 or strut or graft. Bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) may pass through device bores (e.g. wire bores 102 or wire bores 202), encircling a bone (e.g. femur 109), and fastening cerclage adjunct device (e.g. device 100 or device 200) as binding 108 is placed under tension and locked into position using locking mechanism 111.
FIG. 22 depicts a compressive cerclage system 600 affixed to femur 109, with the parts of femur 109 on opposite sides of fracture 110 having been aligned. Compressive cerclage system 600 has a cerclage adjunct device plate 500, longitudinally aligned on a lateral surface 530 of femur 109. Compressive cerclage system 600 has two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, longitudinally aligned on a medial surface 525 of femur 109. Cerclage adjunct device 100 and cerclage adjunct device plate 500 are depicted on opposite sides of femur 109 and connected with bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108). Cerclage adjunct device plate 500, may have bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) that encircle and contact femur 109 without being connected to two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100.
FIG. 23 depicts cerclage adjunct device plate 500 having a top surface 501 and a bottom surface 503. Bottom surface 503 is depicted as curved or bowed toward the top surface 501 between lateral edges 516. Top surface 501 may, for example, be bowed, such that top surface 501 is convex and bottom surface 503 is concave between the lateral edges 516 of the device.
FIGS. 24A-24C depicts cerclage adjunct device plate 500 having a thickness T, a plurality of wire bores 502, and a plurality of screw bores 522. Wire bores 502 are depicted as having a first wire bore 550, a second wire bore 555, a third wire bore 560, a fourth wire bore 565, a fifth wire bore 570, a sixth wire bore 575, and a seventh wire bore 580. Wire bores 502 extend laterally through cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and are bounded by bore walls 517. Screw bores 522 are depicted as having a first screw bore 561, a second screw bore 562, a third screw bore 563, and a fourth screw bore 564. Screw bores 522 extend from top surface 501 through bottom surface 503, and have a first surface 519 and a screw bore wall 518. Wire bores 502 pass laterally through cerclage adjunct device plate 500, following a bowed curvature of cerclage adjunct device plate 500. Each of wire bores 502 are configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to have binding 108 passed through.
FIG. 25 depicts cerclage adjunct device plate 500 having bottom surface 503, the plurality of screw bores 522, with a plurality of alternating channels 505 and raised ribs 506. Channels 505 and ribs 506 are shown extending between lateral edges 516 of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and may be disposed along the longitudinal length between wire bores 502. Screw bore 564 is depicted extending through cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and through the plurality of alternating channels 505 and raised ribs 506.
Referring to FIGS. 23-25, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 is depicted with a lateral width, and a lateral curvature or bowing between lateral edges 516 which may depend on the specific surgical requirements, such as, for example, bone dimensions and bone density. The lateral width may be, for example, from approximately 10 mm-40 mm. With devices of, for example, approximately 15 mm wide or less, curvature may be unnecessary, without bowing toward a top surface, between the lateral edges 516 of the device. Devices with lateral widths from, for example, approximately 15 mm-40 mm may curve or bow toward the top surface between the lateral edges 516 of the device. The fit may be further improved if the curvature of the device (e.g. device 100 or device 200) matches that of the bone, for example, having a radius from approximately 10 mm-50 mm, from the approximate center of the bone. Cerclage adjunct device plate 500 may have, for example, lengths from approximately 25 mm-250 mm in the longitudinal direction.
Wire bores 502 may be used to, for example, channel binding 108. Wire bores 502 have bore walls 517, bounding wire bores 502 to support binding 108 and to inhibit or prevent movement longitudinal to cerclage adjunct device plate 500. Bore walls 517 may be smooth to help binding 108 pass through. However, other embodiments may include raised sections of top surface 501, extending laterally but with the raised sections between the edges of the respective device, with wires bores 502 passing through. In another embodiment, instead of wire bore 502, for example, a channel or a groove or a recess, extending laterally within or on top surface 501 may be used to support a wire in contact with cerclage adjunct device plate 500. In another embodiment, for example, raised hooks or a recess of hooks may be positioned laterally along or laterally within top surface 501 and top surface 502.
The longitudinal spacing between wire bores 502 may be, for example, approximately 5 mm-100 mm between wire bore 502 midpoints, with preferred spacing of 20 mm-25 mm between wire bore 502 midpoints. The longitudinal spacing between screw bores 522 may be, for example, approximately 10 mm-100 mm between screw bore 522 midpoints, with preferred spacing of 20 mm-25 mm between screw bore 522 midpoints. While wire bores 502 are depicted as evenly spaced longitudinally along a portion of cerclage adjunct device plate 500, the spacing need not be even and may vary to accommodate bone dimension and/or bone density. Screw bores 522 are depicted as evenly spaced longitudinally along a portion of cerclage adjunct device plate 500, however, the spacing need not be even and may vary to accommodate bone dimension and/or bone density.
Referring to FIGS. 26-27, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 is depicted having cerclage adjunct device plate 500 having thickness T, a plurality of wire bores 502, and a plurality of screw bores 522. Wire bores 502 are depicted as having a first wire bore 550, a second wire bore 555, a third wire bore 560, a fourth wire bore 565, a fifth wire bore 570, a sixth wire bore 575, and a seventh wire bore 580. Screw bores 522 are depicted as having a first screw bore 561, a second screw bore 562, a third screw bore 563, and a fourth screw bore 564. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, is depicted with wire bores 102 having a first wire bore 150 and a second wire bore 155. Two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 is depicted as being connected to cerclage adjunct device plate 500 with bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108). A first binding 508 is depicted connecting first wire bore 150 with second wire bore 555 and a second binding 509 is depicted connecting second wire bore 155 with third wire bore 560, with first binding 508, second binding 509, and additional bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) connecting the two devices and encircling the bone (e.g. femur 109). First binding 508 and second binding 509 are most commonly parallel. Screws 543 are depicted as having been inserted through screw bores 522. Screws 543 may be of a locking or non-locking type.
Referring to FIGS. 24A-24C, 26, and 27, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 is depicted as having thickness T being thicker in a region 587 adjacent to and surrounding screw bores 522. A region 586 with just wire bores 502 is depicted as having thickness T being thinner than the region 587 surrounding screw bores 522.
Screw bores 522 may be for screw insertion to attach cerclage adjunct device plate 500 to femur 109. Screw bores 522 have first surface 519 which may be, for example, a counter sunk or a counter bored surface to accommodate angled or flat headed screws. The first surface provides screw bores 522 that may accommodate screws 543 fully inserted into bore so that screws 543 may be inserted in the screw bore 522 with minimal or no protrusion above the top surface 501. Screw bore walls 518 may be smooth or grooved to engage with screws 542.
FIG. 28 depicts cerclage adjunct device plate 500, longitudinally aligned on lateral surface 530 of femur 109. Bindings (e.g. binding 508, binding 509, and multiple instances of binding 108) pass through cerclage adjunct device plate 500. Also depicted are screws 543 inserted into second screw bore 562, third screw bore 563, and fourth screw bore 564.
FIG. 29 depicts two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, longitudinally aligned on medial surface 525 of femur 109. First binding 508 is depicted as passing through first wire bore 150 and second binding 509 is depicted as passing through second wire bore 155. Further depicted are screws 543 passing through femur 109.
Referring to FIGS. 22, and 28-29, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 is depicted as being loose fitting, with screw 543 only partially tightened within femur 109, and bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) are also depicted as being loose. Screw 543 may normally be tightened and bindings 108 may be normally tightened such that lower surface 503 of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 is positioned substantially against the surface of the bone (e.g. femur 109). Bindings 108 may be placed under sufficient tension to maintain bone fixation and to promote bone (e.g. femur 109) fusion and healing. A plurality of screws (e.g. multiple instances of screw 543) are depicted as inserted into screw bores 522 (e.g. second screw bore 562, third screw bore 563, and fourth screw bore 564), through lateral surface 530 (e.g. a first cortical crossing), and passing out from medial surface 525 (e.g. a second cortical crossing). The plurality of screws (e.g. multiple instances of screw 543) may be used to fasten cerclage adjunct device plate 500 to femur 109, with multiple bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) being used for bone fixation.
FIG. 30 depicts compressive cerclage system 600 affixed to femur 109, with the parts of femur 109 on opposite sides of fracture 110 having been aligned. Compressive cerclage system 600 has cerclage adjunct device plate 500, longitudinally aligned on lateral surface 530 of femur 109. Compressive cerclage system 600 has two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100, longitudinally aligned on medial surface 525 of femur 109. First binding 508 connects first wire bore 150 with second wire bore 555 and second binding 509 connects second wire bore 155 with third wire bore 560. An oblique binding 583 passes through first wire bore 150, connecting with and passing through first wire bore 550 in a truss configuration.
Referring to FIGS. 22-30, compressive cerclage system 600 is depicted having opposing components on medial surface 525 and lateral surface 530 of femur 109, in the form of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 on lateral surface 530 and two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 on the medial surface 525. Screws 543 may be used to connect cerclage adjunct device plate 500 into position, with bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) being placed under tension and used to hold the bone fragments in place after fixation has occurred. Placing bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) under tension creates compression from lateral surface 530 and medial surface 525 of femur 109, and thus promoting bone fusion. The curvature of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 between lateral edges 516 may help promote bone contact by approximating bone curvature. Bottom surface 503 depicts alternating channels 505 and raised ribs 506. Channels 505 and ribs 506 are shown extending between the lateral edges 516 of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and may, for example, be disposed along the longitudinal length between wire bores 502. Ribs 506 help promote contact between cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and the bone surface of femur 109. Channels 505 help promote blood supply between cerclage adjunct device plate 500 and the bone surface of femur 109.
A longitudinal channel or ridge (not shown) may extend along the length of the bottom surface 503. The channel or ridge (not shown) may, for example, help promote blood supply to the bone surface.
Further referring to FIGS. 22-30, the presence of medial surface 525 components (e.g. two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100) and lateral surface 530 components (e.g. cerclage adjunct device plate 500) of compressive cerclage system 600 may provide stability and through the use of cerclage or cerclage with truss configurations (e.g. using oblique binding 583), provides support and captures bone fragments to promote bone fusion and healing. While aspects are depicted using two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 as the component on medial surface 525, other aspects may use a three-wire cerclage adjunct device 200, and still other aspects might use cerclage adjunct devices with more wire bores (e.g. 102 or 202) and bindings (e.g. 108). Aspects of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 are depicted with four screw bores (e.g. first screw bore 561, second screw bore 562, third screw bore 563, and fourth screw bore 564), however, there may be aspects with fewer or more screw bores 522. There may be other aspects with as few as one screw bore and there may be aspects with more than more than four screw bores. Aspects of cerclage adjunct device plate 500 are depicted with seven wire bores (e.g. first wire bore 550, second wire bore 555, third wire bore 560, fourth wire bore 565, fifth wire bore 570, sixth wire bore 575, and seventh wire bore 580) however, there may be aspects with fewer or more wire bores 502.
Compressive cerclage system 600 may be used for fracture fixation and bone fusion with, for example, bone breaks involving a hip replacement stem and classified as Vancouver grade B. As such, two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 would most commonly be positioned on medial surface 525 where two-wire cerclage adjunct device 100 would be pushed between tissue and bone, and with cerclage adjunct device plate 500 positioned on lateral surface 530. Cerclage adjunct device plate 500 may be in close proximity to an incision and for easier positioning for screw 543 insertion. Furthermore, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 would be positioned so that screw bores 522 may be, for example, below fracture 110 for stable attachment to femur 109 with bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) used for fracture fixation. In other aspects, cerclage adjunct device plate 500 would be positioned so that screw bores 522 are below fracture 110 and below any implant stem (e.g. hip replacement stem 405) so that screws (e.g. multiple instances of screw 543) would not interfere with fracture 110 or implant stem.
Still referring to FIGS. 22-30, the configuration of aspects may be directed as the anatomy dictates. Screws 543 are depicted as being inserted into first screw bore 561, second screw bore 562, and third screw bore 563 but not fourth screw bore 564. There may be, for example, aspects where screws 543 are inserted in fewer than three or all screw bores 522. Binding 108 may be directed into positions where, for example, diagonal or oblique force is preferred to radial force to stiffen constructs of compressive cerclage system 600. There may be aspects where, for example, oblique bindings (e.g. multiple instances of oblique binding 583) or a combination of multiple binding 108 and oblique bindings (e.g. multiple instances of oblique binding 583) are preferred based on anatomy features. There may also be aspects where bindings (e.g. multiple instances of binding 108) are parallel, maintaining radial tension.
Aspects of the invention described herein include bone fixation of fractures to promote bone fusion in femur 109. Those same aspects also include bone fixation of fracture to promote bone fusion in a femur having a hip replacements stem inserted. Aspects of the invention referring to cerclage with femur 109 may also be used for cerclage with a femur having a hip replacement stem. Aspects of the invention referring to femur 109 with hip replacement stem 405, may also be used with femur 109.
While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
