Methods and apparatus for stabilizing bone
AssigneeSpinal Elements, Inc.
InventorJason Blain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.
Claims21
An apparatus, comprising:
- a flexible elongate body including a proximal end portion, a first portion, a second portion, and a distal end portion;
- the distal end portion of the flexible elongate body including a fastener configured to accept the proximal end portion and the first portion;
- wherein the first portion and the second portion have substantially the same cross-sectional shape and comprise a first material;
- and
- wherein the first portion is more flexible than the second portion.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a flexible elongate body including a proximal end portion, a first portion, a second portion distal to the first portion, and a distal end portion;
- and
- a fastener configured to accept the proximal end portion and the first portion;
- the first portion of the flexible elongate body having a length and a substantially uniform cross-sectional first shape, the first portion having a recessed engagement portion;
- the second portion of the flexible elongate body having a length and a substantially uniform cross-sectional second shape, different from the first cross-sectional shape, that is configured to substantially compliment a shape of first bone portion and a shape of a second bone portion;
- and
- the fastener configured to receive the recessed engagement portion of the first portion of the flexible elongate body when the second portion of the flexible elongate body is disposed in contact with the first bone portion and in contact with the second bone portion.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a flexible elongate body including a proximal end portion, a first portion, a second portion mutually exclusive from and distal to the first portion, and a distal end portion;
- and
- a fastener configured to accept the proximal end portion and the first portion;
- the first portion of the flexible elongate body having a length and a substantially uniform first shape, the first portion having a recessed engagement portion;
- the second portion of the flexible elongate body having a length and a substantially uniform second shape, different from the first shape, that is configured to substantially compliment a shape of first bone portion and a shape of a second bone portion;
- and
- a third portion, disposed between the second portion and the distal end portion, and having the first shape;
- the fastener configured to receive the recessed engagement portion of the first portion of the flexible elongate body when the second portion of the flexible elongate body is disposed in contact with the first bone portion and in contact with the second bone portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.