Abstract: A combined magnetic and bioabsorbable device for ventral hernia closure and/or tension distribution for maintenance of tissue apposition for healing, while avoiding a long-term footprint of foreign material and precluding materials spanning the interior layer of the abdominal closure where risk to visceral structures exists.

Abstract: An occipital fixation assembly is provided. The occipital fixation assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for placement within a sinus cavity adjacent a rear portion of a skull of a patient. A threaded post extends from the first mounting plate. A coupling member includes an aperture configured to receive the threaded post therethrough. The coupling member includes an offset extension configured to support a surgical rod thereon. A fixation nut configured to threadably engage the threaded post of the first mounting plate is rotatable about the threaded post and translatable therealong. The fixation nut is rotatable with respect to the first mounting plate and the coupling member such that rotation of the fixation nut in a predetermined direction brings the first mounting plate and the coupling member toward one another and into secured engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: A bone drilling cover fixing device includes an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member. The upper fastening member includes a first base portion and a first coupling portion. The first coupling portion protrudes from an underside of the first base portion and can be inserted into a drilled hole. The lower fastening member includes a second base portion and a second coupling portion. The second base portion includes at least one first arm and at least one second arm. The first arm has a length equal to that of the second arm. The length of the first arm and the length of the second arm are greater than a radius of the drilled hole. When in use, the first and second arms are inserted in an oblique manner into the drilled hole to be positioned at two ends of an underside of the drilled hole.

Abstract: A bone drilling cover device comprises an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member. The upper fastening member includes a first base portion and a first coupling portion. The lower fastening member includes a second base portion and a second coupling portion engagable with the first coupling portion. The second base portion is composed of at least one first arm and at least one second arm. The first arm has a length greater than a length of the second arm. A total length of the first arm and the second arm is greater than a diameter of a drilled hole. Through the first arm and the second arm having different lengths, the first arm and the second arm can be inserted in an oblique manner and positioned to the underside of the drilled hole for covering the drilled hole of any bone.

Abstract: A quick release sternum closing fixator has a locking roller, and a male fixing piece and a female fixing piece that can be plugged together. The male fixing piece has an elastic plug and the first claw hook plate. The elastic plug has the first serration on both sides and a tightening groove in the middle, thus forming two elastic claws. A tensioning device forces the two elastic claws to move against each other is provided between the said locking roller and the two elastic claws. After the locking roller rotates, when the elastic claws on the male fixing piece lose resilience due to the growth of human tissues, the two elastic claws can be forcibly pulled back to the initial state by rotating the locking roller, thus smoothly and quickly opening the sternum closing fixator.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies that are configured to clamp onto the rods. A distractor/compression instrument is used to adjust the location of a clamp assembly along the length of its rod.

Abstract: A method of affixing a cranial burr hole cover comprising an elongated internal bracing member, a locking external cover member joined by one or more connecting members, and a locking mechanism, whereby the interior bracing member is tilted and one end is inserted through the burr hole and under the skull. The internal bracing member is then moved laterally relative to the burr hole to allow the opposite end of the internal bracing member to clear the opposite edge of the burr hole. The internal bracing member is then centered beneath the burr hole. The external cover member is now moved distally toward the skull to cover the burr hole. The locking mechanism secures the cover in place on the skull and the connecting members extending from the cover member are cut flush with the cover member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined intramedullary and extramedullary bone stabilization and alignment system, which includes both methods and apparatuses for the alignment and stabilization of a first bone or piece of bone to a second bone or piece of bone. Embodiments of the system may include an implant device which has an elongated framework within the intramedullary portion and an extramedullary portion which are cannulated. The cannulated aspect of the framework includes a wire aperture through both the intramedullary portion and the extramedullary portion.

Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements, has of at least one clamping assembly having at least one reception provided by means of grooves to accommodate a fixation element along the longitudinal axis of the reception. At least one locking element extends through the clamping assemblies for blocking the position of the clamping assemblies in a defined angular position. The clamping assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw which are in contact with each other via respective contact surfaces. The clamping assembly comprises at least two orientation devices that extend from and/or into said contact surfaces which at least two orientation devices serve to orient the first jaw with respect to the second jaw.

Abstract: A fixation device for use in securing a cranial bone flap with a cranial bone mass at the location of a burr hole. In one implementation the fixation device includes a closure plate having a substrate with an outer surface and an inner surface and with at least a portion of the inner surface adapted to be applied against the outer face of the outer edges of the cranial bone mass and the cranial bone flap at the location of the burr hole. The closure plate is also adapted with a burr hole fitting coupled to and spaced a distance below the inner surface of the substrate and adapted for being inserted entirely into the burr hole. The fitting may include one or more peripheral portions adapted for being pressed against the inner wall of the burr hole when the fitting is inserted therein. The peripheral portions are endowed with a freedom of movement that enables the fitting to be inserted into the burr hole.

Abstract: A compression plate kit that allows for manual compression of a bone discontinuity includes a bone plate, two or more reduction fasteners in the form of screws or pins, for example, and a compression clamp. The compression clamp can include engagement members configured to engage the reduction screws or pins, thereby allowing a practitioner to compress a bone discontinuity by manually closing the compression clamp. One or more implementations of a kit of the present invention can provide a practitioner with physical or tactile feedback during the compression of a bone discontinuity, and thus, provide the practitioner with the ability to better control the compression and spacing of bone portions during a reduction. One implementation of the kit includes a coupler for coupling the upper portions of the reduction fasteners together for selective fine tuning adjustments.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing an interspinous space to receive an implantable device. The system may comprise a cutting tool guide having a guiding surface for directing a cutting tool therethrough and a holder for positioning the cutting tool guide relative to the interspinous space. The holder may be configured to adjustably attach to at least one of a pair of spinous processes defining the interspinous space.

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone.

Abstract: A cranial clamp for attaching a cranial flap to the skull comprises a clamp having a base to be placed against the lamina interna, and a cap acting as a locking member against the lamina externa. The clamp and the cap are linked together by an extension spring within the diploe through a burr hole or along/within the line of a craniotomy.

Abstract: A reinforcing implant for the lamina of a vertebra includes a transverse support, one anchoring device for the right-hand side and one anchoring device for the left-hand side of the lamina of the vertebra. An expansion element with a guide device and cheek elements is provided, the cheek elements being mounted to be longitudinally movable along the guide device. Bearing surfaces for the lamina are formed on outer faces of the cheek elements directed away from each other, and a return stop for the cheek elements is provided. At least one of the cheek elements is provided with an aligning device for modifying the orientation of its bearing surface relative to the guide device. In this way, a secure anchoring of the reinforcing implant on the resected surfaces produced during a laminectomy can be achieved, with precise adaptation of the reinforcing implant to the actual anatomical conditions following the laminectomy.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly including a handle and a plurality of surgical tools configured to be selectively coupled with the handle. The handle includes a housing and a lever moveably coupled to the housing. Each surgical tool of the plurality of surgical tools includes a first clamping element and a second clamping element configured to move relative to the first clamping element. The second clamping element is configured to be coupled to the lever such that moving the lever relative to the housing advances the second clamping element toward the first clamping element to clamp a bone of a patient.

Abstract: A sternal clamp having a first sliding body member and a second sliding body member telescopically mated, and a suture-receiving channel disposed on the exterior of the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, wherein the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member are securable about a severed sternum by encircling and securing a suture about the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, the suture being received and retained within the suture-receiving channel.

Abstract: FIG. 1 shows an inventive implant 1. It has a central fillet 2 extending along a longitudinal axis L. The fillet 2 has openings 3 which are formed at regular intervals. At the level of the openings 3 and extending at right angles on both sides are clamps 4, which, when the implant is inserted, are brought into mutual engagement with a tubular bone and clamped to it. The fillet 2 is formed so as to be bendable in three-dimensions. It can be bent in two planes relative to the longitudinal axis L of the fillet 2 and torqued about the longitudinal axis L. Thus, a simple implant 1 with an overall regular structure is provided which can be cut with a cutting pliers to a desired length.

Abstract: An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purposes of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.

Abstract: A vertebral fixing system comprising a connecting part with two longitudinal elements coupled to each other at a first end and having mutually facing recesses for receiving a rod. A portion of a flexible ligature extends through orifices of the two longitudinal elements to define a loop opposite two free ends of the flexible ligature. The two longitudinal elements are engaged at a second end of the connecting part via a locking means. When the two longitudinal elements of the connecting part are locked at the second end of the connecting part, two strands of the flexible ligature are pinched between the rod and a wall of the mutually facing recesses of the two longitudinal elements of the connecting part, preventing the flexible ligature from moving in translation relative to the connecting part.

Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member (18) is characterized in that it comprises; —a connecting part (12, 20, 22) to be connected to said linking member (18), having an outer face; —a conformable elongate ligature (14) cooperating with said bone suitable for securing said connecting part to said bone; said ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of said bone; and—adjustable locking means (46) fastened to said connecting part (12) to maintain said ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between said bone and said connecting part (12).

Abstract: A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.

Abstract: Coupling element for an external fixator which connects a pin or rod to a second pin or rod. The coupling element comprises a first coupling section to clamp the first pin or rod in engagement with a second clamp for clamping the second pin or rod and a pivoting section for adjusting the orientation of the first coupling section relative to the post section in the space. The pivoting section extends along a third axis. The first coupling section is rotatable around a first axis with respect to the pivoting section and wherein via the pivoting section the first coupling section is pivotable around a second axis with respect to the post section, wherein the second axis is arranged at an angle to the first axis.

Abstract: A mount to accommodate an oblong medical instrument for computer-assisted surgery, has a clamp bracket with a variable cross section for clamped fixing of the instrument, and a localization device rotatable relative to the clamp bracket for detection of the spatial position of the instrument.

Abstract: A device for treating bone fractures, comprises an actuating mechanism removably coupleable to a clamping mechanism including a clamp defining a cable receiving channel extending therethrough and a compression member coupled to the clamp for movement relative thereto, movement of the compression member relative to the clamp in a first direction moving the clamping mechanism into a clamping configuration in which at least a portion of the clamp is compressed into the channel to fix a cable received therein relative to the clamping mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first member and a second member removably engagable with a clamping mechanism so that, when engaged, relative movement between the first and second members causes relative movement between the clamp and the compression member to move the clamping member between the clamping configuration and a release configuration, the actuating mechanism further including a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: An implant for the purpose of osteosynthesis, for the immobilization and stabilization of tubular bones, especially of tubular bones that have a fracture or an osteotomy, especially of rib bones, comprises at least a first implant component that has an attachment section with means of attachment for the purpose of attaching the first implant component to a tubular bone, especially in a region of the tubular bone close to a fracture or osteotomy. The first implant component further has a connection section, with the connection section being formed for insertion of a second implant component and immobilization of the second implant component in a position adjustable relative to the first implant component. The connection section comprises a guide device for the purpose of guiding the second implant component as the second implant component is being positioned relative to the first implant component.

Abstract: A surgical tensioning device for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another comprises a resilient body having a plurality of spring elements, and a plurality of stop members for limiting travel of the spring elements in order to control energy stored or delivered by the spring elements. A length of suture is also provided, wherein a first end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a first attachment point and a second end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a second attachment point. In one embodiment, the stop members contact one another to limit compression of the spring elements. When the suture is placed in tension, the spring elements move to an extended configuration and the stop members move apart, creating gaps between ends of each of the stop members.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device to realign bone segments comprises first and second attachment members and a spacer member. The first attachment member is attached to a first rib bone or first transverse process of a vertebra. The second attachment member is attached to a second rib bone or second transverse process of a vertebra adjacent to the first rib bone or the first transverse process. The spacer member is positioned between the first and second attachment members. The spacer member provides distraction between the first and second rib bones or transverse processes to realign the rib bones. The spacer member is releasably connected to the first and second attachment members. The attachment members comprise a clamp and screw combination.

Abstract: An implant 1 for sternal osteosynthesis has a clamp 10 with a first prong 101, a second prong 102 and a connecting portion 100. In the connecting portion 100 is formed a member 11 for the purpose of providing engagement with or for positionally stable support for a compatible supporting member of a bending tool (not shown). On both sides of the connecting portion 100 of the clamp 10, the member 11 has protrusions, which, together with the edges of the connecting portion, form angles for the purpose of engagement of the bending tool.

Abstract: A cranial flap fixation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rod having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion. The rod has a threaded portion between the first end and the intermediate portion. The system also includes an inferior disk coupled with the rod, proximate the first end of the rod, and a superior disk with an orifice through a central region of the superior disk. The orifice is sized to allow the superior disk to engage the threaded portion and movably couple the superior disk to the rod. The system further includes an installation tool having a central cavity. The installation tool is configured to engage the superior disk and the threaded portion, such that rotation of the installation tool in a first direction directs the superior disk toward the inferior disk.

Abstract: A sternal closure clamp device assembly for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the assembly having at least two sternal clamps retained by clamp receiving members, the clamp receiving members being joined by a linking assembly whereby the distance between the clamps can be adjusted and fixed.

Abstract: Atraumatic fasteners involving flexible membranes and tensioning means can be used in conjunction with one or more plates, other fastener types of other materials, particularly locked cannulated screws-plate interfaces providing improved capture and restraint of articular and/or juxta-articular bone fragments. A method of securing bone fragments includes securing or capturing a fragment, at least in part, with an atraumatic foldable and/or expandable device which can be inserted “inside out”, that is, the expandable form is inserted through a channel which has been created in the bone or tissue, from the opposite side of the bone or tissue fragment.

Abstract: A clamping device for an external fixation system includes a first clamp having an opening for receiving an external fixation element, the first clamp having an axle seat. A first base component includes a concave first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The concave first surface is in selective engagement with the clamp. A swivel element comprises an axle component and a post component. The axle component is disposed on the axle seat of the first clamp. The post component extends from the axle component and has a length sized to extend from the axle component through a second external fixation clamp. The post component is arranged to swivel relative to the axle seat. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An external fixation system includes a clamp system configured to capture a fixation element. The clamp system has a first and a second jaw and a first and a second link attached to the first and second jaws that are configured to control the motion of the jaws. The links are arranged such that, when the first and second jaws are moved to a closed position, the action of trying to open the jaws is resisted by the position of the links, and to open the jaws, the links must be actuated.

Abstract: An implant (1) for attaching the first implant (1) to a tubular bone, in particular a rib bone, includes: a clamp (10) having a fillet (100) and prongs (101, 102, 103) extending from the fillet (100); and a first connecting element (11) for connecting the first implant (1) to a connector implant. The clamp (10) and the connecting element (11) are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis.

Abstract: A locking member for a bone fixation device can include a locking body that defines an outer surface, an opposed bone contacting surface, and a slot that extends from the bone contacting surface to the outer surface. The locking member can further include at least one locking tooth that extends into the slot and a biasing member that extends into the slot and defines an abutment surface that faces the at least one locking tooth. The slot can be configured to receive a toothed member along an insertion direction and the biasing member can be configured to bias the toothed member toward the at least one locking tooth such that at least one tooth of the toothed member engages the at least one locking tooth of the locking member so as to prevent the toothed member from translating through the slot along a direction that is opposite the insertion direction.

Abstract: A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A pair of clamps are attached to a damaged linear or non-linear bone one each side of a fracture site during a surgical reduction, one clamp on each side of the fracture site, after which the two clamps are slidably engaged to a pivotal alignment bar, with the clamps then being adjusted to properly align the linear or non-linear bone for a surgical attachment using a bone plate. The pivotal alignment bar provides at least one pivotal ball joint which may be aligned as a straight bar for a linear bone or adjusted to an angle for non-linear bones to achieve optimal alignment of the bone. Each clamp provides axially adjustable plate retainers which slides along a track on the end of each segment of the each clamp to position the retainers at a location where the bone plate is to be attached to the bone.

Abstract: A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.

Abstract: A cable fixation device comprises a clamp including a head portion and a body portion along with a lumen extending therethrough. The head portion is removably coupleable with an actuating mechanism. The lumen is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate a cable in combination with a clamping ring including a channel extending therethrough. The channel includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate the cable therethrough. The second portion is sized and shaped to engage the clamp. A portion of the clamp is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the cable slidable therethrough in the first configuration. The portion of the clamp moves radially inward in the second configuration to clamp the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping element for setting a bone fracture. The element comprises a flexible and substantially non-plastically deformable continuous loop inside which at least two fixing elements can be pushed through, and an extension element of alterable length that can be inserted into and is expandable inside the continuous loop in such a manner that in order to enable the extension element to apply forces to the fixing elements, said forces being directed towards each other, a predetermined tensile stress can be generated over the circumference of the continuous loop. Also disclosed is a setting device comprising the clamping element.

Abstract: A surgical reduction clamp has a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm movable relative to the first clamping arm. The first clamping arm comprises a base portion, a tip portion, a joint movably coupling the tip portion to the base portion, and a locking member adapted to lock the joint so as to fasten a position of the tip portion relative to the base portion. The joint is a revolute joint having a spherical portion which can be locked into position by a clamping force.

Abstract: A device for reducing a bone fracture includes (a) a first arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a first substantially spherical tip; (b) a second arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a second substantially spherical tip, the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm; and (c) an insert removably attachable to the first or second tips. The insert includes a connection mechanism lockingly engaging the first or second spherical tips. Also, the insert includes a first face sized and shaped to be seated over a target portion of skin in an operative configuration. The first face has a first substantially planar portion and a second substantially curved portion attached thereto. The first and second portions define a contour conforming to a contour of skin's target portion.

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a securing device that is used to secure a fixation device to two bone portions to promote healing between the two bone portions. The bone portions commonly include a skull bone portion and a skull bone flap or implant, and the fixation device is commonly a cranial clamp. The securing device provides for securing the fixation device in a uniform, single movement as opposed to currently available products. The securing device has two handles pivotably connected, and a gripping means moveably associated with one handle. As the handles are activated, the gripping means travels proximally along the one handle and grips an elongated section of the fixation device and exerts a tensioning force along the shaft of the elongated section prior to the cutting means cutting the elongated shaft to secure the fixation device in place.

Abstract: A surgical assembly has a first section having a first hole with a smallest diameter and a second section having a threaded second hole with a minor thread diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the first hole. The first hole encloses a center axis of the second hole and a clearance is provided between the first section and the second section. The assembly includes a screw member having a length for engaging the first hole and the second hole so as to bridge the clearance. The screw member has a first portion with a largest outer diameter smaller than or equal to the smallest diameter of the first hole, and a threaded second portion axially spaced from the first portion and configured to threadedly engage the second hole. A major thread diameter of the second portion is larger than the smallest diameter of the first hole.