Self-retaining bone holding devices and methods

A method, comprising:

• providing a tensioning element, wherein the tensioning element comprises:
• a connection element that is configured to be coupled to a fixation element, and
• an anchoring element that is configured to be coupled to a fixed location in a surgical environment,
• wherein the tensioning element is operable to apply a tension between the connection element and the fixed location in the surgical environment so as to retain the connection element in a fixed position with respect to the fixed location;
• coupling the anchoring element of the tensioning element to a fixed location in a surgical environment;
• providing the fixation element, wherein the fixation element comprises:
• a first portion that is configured to be coupled to the tensioning element, and
• a second portion that is configured to be coupled to bony tissue in a bone of a patient;
• coupling the first portion of the fixation element to the connection element of the tensioning element;
• coupling the second portion of the fixation element to the bony tissue in the bone of the patient,
• wherein the second portion of the fixation element is coupled to the bony tissue at a location to one side of a fracture in the bone;
• operating the tensioning element so as to retain the bony tissue in a fixed position with respect to the fixed location in the surgical environment,
• wherein the position is a location for temporary reduction of the fracture;
• and
• applying a bone repair device to thereby permanently fix the fracture while the tensioning element is operated to retain the bony tissue in the location for temporary reduction of the fracture,
• wherein the bone repair device is a separate device from the tensioning element.