Surgical tool for tensioning a cranial-flap clamp

A crainial flap fastening system, comprising:

• a cranial-flap clamp comprising a first closure member at an end thereof, a stem extending upwardly from the first closure member, and a second closure member slidably connected to the stem;
• and
• a cranial-flap clamp tensioning tool comprising:
• first and second handles pivotally attached to one another intermediate ends thereof;
• spring means for biasing the first and second jaws into contact with one another;
• a first jaw extending from the first end of the first handle and having an aperture configured to accept the stem therethrough;
• a second jaw extending from the first end of the second handle and having an aperture configured to align with the aperture of the first jaw and accept the stem therethrough;
• and
• a ratcheting mechanism associated with the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture;
• whereby the first and second closure members are fastened relative to one another upon positioning the first jaw over the second closure member and inserting the stem through the apertures of the first and second jaws and moving the jaws away from one another, causing the stem to be gripped by the ratcheting mechanism and the second closure member to be slid towards the first closure member.