WO2021252424A1

WO2021252424A1 - Orthopedic cabling system

Info

Publication number: WO2021252424A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/036301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam ZYSK; Kohsuke Watanabe; Joseph M. Ferrante; Nathaniel K. Grusin
Original assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.; Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Ag; Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
Priority date: 2020-06-09
Filing date: 2021-06-08
Publication date: 2021-12-16

Abstract

An orthopedic cabling system is disclosed. In use, the cabling system enables one or more cerclage cables to be secured about a patient's bone. For example, in one embodiment, a cable clamp may be used to secure a cable about a patient's bone. The cable clamp includes an in-line design so that the cable remains in the same plane of wrapping after it passes through an opening formed in the cable clamp so that the cable acts as a guide for positioning a fixation screw. In an alternate embodiment, a cable saddle assembly is disclosed. In use, the cable saddle assembly engages a screw hole formed in a bone plate and includes an opening for enabling a cable to pass therethrough. In use, the cable saddle assembly provides increased flexibility in positioning the cable. A surgical instrument for inserting the cable saddle assembly into the bone plate is also disclosed.

Description

ORTHOPEDIC CABLING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. provisional patent application number 63/036,660, filed June 9, 2020, entitled “Orthopedic Cabling System,” the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants for stabilizing one or more patient’s bones, bone portions, bone fragments, etc., and more specifically to a cabling system used in orthopedic fixation.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Bone fractures are often repaired by securing an orthopedic implant, prosthesis, device, etc. (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) to one or more patient’s bone(s), bone portions, bone fragments, etc. (terms used interchangeably without the intent to limit). For example, it is not uncommon for a patient to receive an orthopedic knee prosthesis, an orthopedic hip prosthesis, an intramedullary (“IM”) nail, etc. to repair one or more factures in a patient’ s bone.

[0004] On occasion it may be beneficial or necessary to use a cerclage wire, cable, elongated member, or the like (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) to wrap around a patient’s bone. For example, it may be necessary to wrap a cerclage cable about a patient’ s bone. In use, a clamp body may be arranged and configured to receive and secure both ends of the cerclage cable. Alternatively, it may be beneficial or necessary to secure a bone plate to a patient’s bone using one or more cerclage cables. For example, a bone plate may be positioned adjacent to a previously implanted orthopedic implant for one or more reasons. For example, it may be beneficial or necessary to secure a bone plate to a patient’s femur adjacent to a previously implanted orthopedic implant such as, for example, a hip prosthesis. Securing a bone plate to a patient’s femur in such situations poses unique fixation challenges. For example, the previously implanted orthopedic implant may interfere with the placement of the subsequently implanted orthopedic bone plate (e.g., the presence of the previously implanted hip prosthesis may prevent or interfere with placement of bone plate fasteners).

[0005] One commonly known solution is cabling systems such as, for example, the ACCORD cabling system manufactured and sold by Smith & Nephew, Inc. In use, the cabling system uses one or more cables to secure or fix a patient’s bone. For example, referring to FIG. 1, in one example of an embodiment, a cerclage cable 10 can be wrapped about a patient’s bone B and secured utilizing a clamping mechanism such as, for example, a cable clamp 20. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 2, a bone plate 50 may be secured to a patient’s bone B using a plurality of cerclage cables 10 that couple the bone plate 50 to the patient’s bone B.

[0006] Each of these devices however suffers from one or more drawbacks. For example, prior art cable clamps or clamping mechanisms 20, such as shown in FIG. 1, include a clamp body 22 for receiving the cerclage cable 10 and an offset fixation screw 60 to tighten or clamp the clamp body 22 about the cerclage cable 10 (e.g., fixation screw 60 is positioned offset from the path of the cerclage cable 10). Alternatively, prior art clamping mechanisms may utilize a crimp body that accepts the cerclage cable and which requires a crimp die to be placed over the crimp body and permanently deform the crimp body.

[0007] It would be advantageous for orthopedic clamping mechanisms or cable clamps 20 to incorporate a cable securing mechanism that facilitates improved flexibility by enabling surgeons to tighten, loosen, and tighten the cable securing mechanism as needed. In addition, it would be advantageous for the clamping mechanisms or cable clamp 20 to provide guided access for the fixation screw thus alleviating some of the difficulties associated with accessing the final securing instrumentation intraoperatively.

[0008] Referring to FIG. 2, cabling systems arranged and configured to couple one or more cerclage cables to a bone plate generally utilize a bone screw or a locking hole insert that threads into a locking screw hole formed in the bone plate. Thus arranged, the cerclage cable is inserted into the head of a bone screw or in a plug that is inserted into one of the screw holes formed in the bone plate. In either event, rigid fixation between the bone plate and the cerclage cable is not achieved. In addition, during use, these bone screw or inserts require surgeons to insert (e.g., fed) the cerclage cable through the openings formed in the bone plate without much leeway. That is, generally speaking, the cerclage cable must be wrapped about the patient’s bone such that the cable returns to the proper position so that it can be properly inserted into the bone screw or insert.

[0009] Thus, there remains a need to provide improvements to current cabling system.

The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other benefits and advantages in a novel and unobvious manner. It is with this in mind that the present disclosure is provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] In one embodiment, an orthopedic cabling system is disclosed. In use, the cabling system enables one or more cerclage cables to be secured about a patient’s bone. For example, in one embodiment, a cable clamp may be used to enable securement of an orthopedic cerclage cable about a patient’ s bone. The cable clamp includes an in-line design so that the cerclage cable remains in the same plane of wrapping after it passes through the cable clamp so that the cerclage cable acts as a guide for positioning a fixation screw. In an alternate embodiment, a cable saddle assembly is disclosed. In use, the cable saddle assembly engages a screw hole formed in a bone plate and includes an opening for enabling a cerclage cable to pass therethrough. In use, the cable saddle assembly provides increased flexibility in positioning the cerclage cable. In addition, a surgical instrument for inserting the cable saddle assembly into the bone plate is disclosed.

[0012] In one embodiment an in-line cable clamp system or orthopedic cabling system is disclosed. In use, the orthopedic cabling system is arranged and configured to secure a cerclage cable about a patient’s bone. In one embodiment, the cabling system comprises a cerclage cable and a cable clamp for coupling or securing a position of the cerclage cable after it has been positioned about a patient’ s bone. The cerclage cable includes a first end and a second end. The cable clamp includes a body having a bone contacting surface, a first opening for receiving and securing the first end of the cerclage cable, and a second opening for allowing passage of the second end of the cerclage cable therethrough. The cabling system also includes a fixation screw. In use, the fixation screw is arranged and configured to threadably engage the second opening formed in the cable clamp to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp. [0013] In use, the cerclage cable remains in the same plane of wrapping after it passes through the second opening formed in the cable clamp so that the second end of the cerclage cable guides the fixation screw into the second opening for securing a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp. That is, in use, the cerclage cable is wrapped about the patient’s bone in a first plane, the second opening formed in the cable clamp being aligned with the first plane so that the cerclage cable remains in the first plane after it passes through the second opening formed in the cable clamp so that the second end of the cerclage cable guides the fixation screw into the second opening for securing a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp.

[0014] In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the cerclage cable and a longitudinal axis of the fixation screw are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second opening through which the cerclage cable passes. That is, the cerclage cable includes a longitudinal axis, the fixation screw includes a longitudinal axis, and the second opening formed in the clamp body includes a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the cerclage cable, the fixation screw, and the second opening are parallel when the fixation screw is coupled to the second opening with the cerclage cable passing therethrough.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second opening is positioned within the same plane as the first opening. That is, the first and second openings each reside in a first plane so that the second opening is positioned the same plane as the first opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first end of the cerclage cable includes an enlarged diameter portion. The first opening formed in the cable clamp includes a reduced diameter portion so that the first opening is sized and configured to enable the cerclage cable (e.g., the second end of the cerclage cable) to pass freely therethrough, however the reduced diameter portion is arranged and configured to prohibit the enlarged diameter first portion of the cerclage cable from passing therethrough.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second opening formed in the cable clamp includes a first end, a second end, threads (e.g., internal threads), and a tapered surface (e.g., an internally tapered surface) extending from the second end towards the first end.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fixation screw is arranged and configured as an externally threaded, cannulated deformable screw. In one embodiment, the fixation screw includes a first end, a second end, and threads (e.g., external threads) positioned between the first and second ends, the external threads arranged and configured to engage the internal threads formed in the second opening. In addition, the fixation screw includes a tapered outer surface arranged and configured to interact with the tapered inner surface of the second opening of the cable clamp, one or more slots extending longitudinally from the first end thereof towards the second end to render the fixation screw at least partially compressible, and a cannulated bore extending from the first end to the second end thereof, the cannulated bore being arranged and configured to enable the cerclage cable to pass therethrough.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fixation screw includes a plurality of machined geometries formed in an inner surface thereof, the machined geometries arranged and configured to facilitate grabbing the orthopaedic cerclage cable.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method for securing a cerclage cable about a patient’s bone is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a cable clamp adjacent to the patient’s bone, inserting the cerclage cable through a first opening formed in the cable clamp, wrapping the cerclage cable about the patient’s bone, inserting (e.g., passing) the cerclage cable through a second opening formed in the cable clamp, inserting a cannulated fixation screw over the cerclage cable, and guiding the cannulated fixation screw using the cerclage cable into engagement with the second opening formed in the cable clamp, and tightening the cannulated fixation screw within the second opening to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp.

[0021] In one embodiment, inserting a cannulated fixation screw over the cerclage cable and guiding the cannulated fixation screw using the cerclage cable into engagement with the second opening formed in the cable clamp comprises passing a free end of the cerclage cable through a cannulated bore of the fixation screw and sliding the fixation screw along a length of the cerclage cable until the fixation screw contacts the second opening formed in the clamp body.

[0022] In one embodiment, tightening the cannulated fixation screw within the second opening to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp comprises threading the fixation screw into the second opening formed in the cable clamp to compress a portion of the fixation screw about the cerclage cable passing through the cannulated bore.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fixation screw includes a tapered outer surface and the second opening includes a tapered inner surface so that threading the fixation screw into the second opening causes the fixation screw to compress about the cerclage cable. [0024] In one embodiment, the method further comprises passing the cerclage cable through a cannulated screwdriver.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cerclage cable is wrapped about the patient’ s bone in a first plane, the second opening formed in the cable clamp being aligned with the first plane so that the cerclage cable remains in the first plane after it passes through the second opening formed in the cable clamp.

[0026] In an alternate embodiment, an orthopedic cabling system is disclosed. The orthopedic cabling system includes a bone plate including a plurality of screw holes, one or more cerclage cables, and one or more cable saddle assemblies arranged and configured to couple one of the one or more cerclage cables to one of the plurality of screw holes formed in the bone plate so that the bone plate may be coupled to a patient’ s bone by wrapping the one or more cerclage cables about the patient’s bone.

[0027] In one embodiment, each of the cable saddle assemblies may be arranged and configured to couple with one of the threaded screw holes formed in a bone plate and is arranged and configured to receive a cerclage cable. In one embodiment, each of the cable saddle assemblies include an insert and a cable saddle. The insert is arranged and configured to engage one of the plurality of screw holes formed in the bone plate (e.g., to engage one of the threaded screw holes). The cable saddle is arranged and configured to receive one of the one or more cerclage cables therethrough. The cable saddle is arranged and configured to engage the insert. In one embodiment, the cable saddle is moveably coupled to the insert such as, for example, the cable saddle is freely rotatable relative to the insert. Thus arranged, in use, the cable saddle assembly is arranged and configured to couple the cerclage cable to the bone plate while providing increased flexibility in positioning the cerclage cable relative to the bone plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cable saddle is arranged and configured to freely rotate relative to the insert. In addition, the cable saddle is prevented from decoupling from the insert.

[0029] In one embodiment, the insert includes external threads for engaging a screw hole in the bone plate (e.g., threadably engaging an internally threaded screw hole formed in the bone plate). In addition, the insert includes an aperture or bore extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the aperture or bore includes a projection extending from an inner surface thereof to thereby form a reduced diameter portion (e.g., the insert includes a projection extending from an inner surface of the bore). In one embodiment, the projection includes radially extending threads.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cable saddle includes a head portion and a shaft portion, the head portion including an opening or eyelet formed therein for enabling the cerclage cable to pass therethrough, the shaft portion extending into the bore of the insert for coupling the cable saddle to the insert. In one embodiment, the shaft portion includes a plurality of diameters including a reduced diameter portion. In one embodiment, the shaft portion includes a larger diameter proximal portion, a smaller or reduced diameter intermediate portion, and an externally threaded distal end portion. The projection formed in the insert may be arranged and configured to interact with the reduced diameter portion to prevent the shaft portion from being removed from the insert. Thus arranged, in one embodiment, the shaft portion of the cable saddle is threaded into the aperture or bore of the insert such that the threaded distal end portion of the shaft portion of the cable saddle is arranged and configured to extend beyond the internally threaded projection formed in the aperture or bore of the insert to prevent unintended decoupling of the cable saddle from the insert.

[0031] As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the cable saddle assembly is arranged and configured so that the cable saddle is prevented from decoupling from the insert. For example, in one embodiment, the cable saddle assembly may include a retaining ring positioned between the shaft portion of the head portion and a groove formed in the bore of the insert to prevent the cable saddle from being decoupled from the insert. In another embodiment, the shaft portion of the head portion is arranged and configured to be press fitted into the bore of the insert to prevent the cable saddle from being decoupled from the insert. In yet another embodiment, the distal end portion of the shaft portion comprises a flared portion arranged and configured to prevent the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert. In yet another embodiment, the insert further comprises a drive feature arranged and configured to engage a surgical instrument to couple the insert within one of the screw holes formed in the bone plate.

[0032] In an alternate embodiment, a cable saddle assembly is disclosed. In use, the cable saddle assembly is arranged and configured to couple and secure a cerclage cable to a bone plate. In one embodiment, the cable saddle assembly includes an integral or one-piece design. In one embodiment, the cable saddle assembly includes a proximal head portion and a distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion including threads arranged and configured to engage a screw hole of a bone plate for coupling the cable saddle assembly to the bone plate. For example, the distal shaft portion may include threads arranged and configured to threadably engage threads formed in a screw hole of a bone plate for threadably coupling the cable saddle assembly to the bone plate.

[0033] In one embodiment, the distal shaft portion includes slots or channels formed therein to reduce the stiffness of the shaft portion, the slots or channels defining externally threaded legs. In use, the reduced stiffness formed by the slots or channels allows the threaded legs to deform as they are driven further into the screw holes formed in the bone plate, allowing for improved cable saddle capture into the plate during cable application as well as additional rotational freedom to orient the cable saddle assembly in a desired position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the proximal head portion includes a plurality of holes or slots arranged and configured about the head portion to enable the cerclage cable to pass through opposite holes as well as adjacent holes to increase cable placement options.

[0035] In one embodiment, a surgical saddle driver for inserting the two-piece cable saddle assembly is disclosed. In use, the surgical saddle driver is arranged and configured to capture the cable saddle to prevent the cable saddle from rotating while the cable saddle assembly is being inserted into the screw hole formed in a bone plate. In addition, the surgical saddle driver is arranged and configured to engage the insert so that rotation of the surgical saddle driver rotates the insert into the screw hole formed in a bone plate.

[0036] In one embodiment, the surgical saddle driver includes an elongated shaft having a distal end. The distal end is arranged and configured to retain the freely rotating cable saddle and is arranged and configured to engage and apply torque to the insert to threadably engage the insert, and hence the cable saddle assembly, into one or more of the screw holes formed in a bone plate.

[0037] In one embodiment, the distal end includes first and second arms. In use, each of the first and second arms includes a longitudinally extending projection formed on a distal end of the first and second arms to engage a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned, elongated slot formed in a proximal end of the insert. Thus arranged, the first and second arms are fixedly coupled to the insert so that rotation of the surgical saddle driver rotates the insert so that the insert, and hence the cable saddle assembly, can be coupled to one of the screw holes formed in the bone plate. [0038] In addition, in one embodiment, each of the first and second arms include a channel cut or formed therein. In use, the channels form a flexible limb in each of the first and second arms to allow sufficient deflection of the limbs to enabling capture of the cable saddle. In one embodiment, each of the limbs includes a radially protruding projection arranged and configured to adjust the amount of axially applied force required to deflect the limbs to allow for passage of the cable saddle.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide numerous advantages. For example, by incorporating one or more features of the present disclosure, the cable clamp enables the cerclage cable to act as a guide in positioning the fixation screw so that the surgeon can quickly and easily locate (e.g., position) the screw into the opening formed in the cable clamp to secure the cerclage cable. In addition, in connection with the cable saddle assembly for coupling a cerclage cable to a bone plate, the cable saddle assembly provides an insert with a cable saddle that is mechanically captured within the insert such that the cable saddle is freely rotatable thus allowing the surgeon to position the cable saddle in the desired angular orientation, while simultaneously preventing, or at least inhibiting, the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert.

[0040] Further features and advantages of at least some of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] By way of example, a specific embodiment of the disclosed device will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known cabling system including a clamp body for securing a cerclage cable to a patient’s bone;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of an alternate known cabling system used to couple a bone plate to a patient’ s bone in the vicinity of a previously implanted orthopedic implant;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a cabling system including a clamp body for securing a cerclage cable to a patient’s bone in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure; [0045] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a cannulated deformable fixation screw used to secure a position of a cerclage cable to the clamp body shown in FIG. 3;

[0046] FIG. 4B is a side view of the cannulated deformable fixation screw shown in

FIG. 4A;

[0047] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the cannulated deformable fixation screw shown in FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional view taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4B;

[0048] FIG. 4D is a top view of the cannulated deformable fixation screw shown in FIG. 4A;

[0049] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly received in a screw hole formed in a bone plate in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5B is a side view of the cable saddle assembly received in a screw hole formed in a bone plate shown in FIG. 5A;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the cable saddle assembly including a retaining ring arranged and configured to prevent the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert;

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an alternate example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the cable saddle assembly including a geometry arranged and configured to accept a retaining ring to prevent the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert;

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the cable saddle assembly including an enlarged end portion arranged and configured to prevent the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert; [0055] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an alternate example of an embodiment of a cable saddle assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, FIG. 10A illustrates an example of an embodiment of an insert, FIG. 10B illustrates an example of an embodiment of a cable saddle, FIG. IOC illustrates an example of an embodiment of a retaining ring used to couple the cable saddle to the insert;

[0056] FIG. 11A is a side view of an alternate example of an embodiment of a cable saddle in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 11B is an alternate side view of the cable saddle shown in FIG. 11A;

[0058] FIG. llC is a top view of the cable saddle shown in FIG. 11A;

[0059] FIG. 12A is a side view of an example of an embodiment of a surgical cable driver in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the surgical cable driver being arranged and configured to insert the cable saddle assembly of FIGS. 6-9;

[0060] FIG. 12B is a detailed, side view of a distal end of the surgical cable driver of

FIG. 12 A;

[0061] FIG. 12C is an alternate detailed, side view of the distal end of the surgical cable driver of FIG. 12A;

[0062] FIG. 12D is an alternate detailed, side view of the distal end of the surgical cable driver of FIG. 12A;

[0063] FIG. 12E is an alternate detailed, side view of the distal end of the surgical cable driver of FIG. 12A;

[0064] FIG. 13A illustrates an example of an embodiment of an insert in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the insert including elongated slots for coupling with the surgical saddle driver of FIG. 12A; and

[0065] FIG. 13B illustrates the surgical saddle driver of FIG. 12A coupled to a cable saddle assembly including the insert of FIG. 13A.

[0066] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and devices or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be further understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Various features or the like of an orthopedic cabling system will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more features of the cabling system will be shown and described. It should be appreciated that the various features or the like may be used independently of, or in combination, with each other. It will be appreciated that a cabling system as disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain features of the cabling system to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Disclosed herein are various cabling systems including one or more features arranged and configured to enable securement of an orthopedic cerclage cable, wire, elongated member, or the like (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) either via a cable clamp system where a cerclage cable is used in a stand-alone procedure or via a cable saddle assembly where a cerclage cable is used in combination with an orthopedic implant such as, for example, a bone plate.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of an embodiment of an in-line cable clamp system 100 in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure is illustrated.

As illustrated, the cable clamp system 100 includes a cerclage cable 110 and a cable clamp 120 for coupling or securing a position of the cerclage cable 110 after it has been positioned (e.g., wrapped) about the patient’s bone B. In use, the cerclage cable 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114, the first end 112 includes an enlarged diameter portion 116. The cable clamp 120 includes a fixation screw 160 (FIGS. 4A-4D) arranged and configured to secure a position of the cerclage cable 110 relative to the cable clamp 120. As will be described in greater detail herein, in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the cerclage cable 110 (e.g., the free or second end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 remains in the same plane of wrapping after it passes through an opening formed in the cable clamp system 100 - a longitudinal axis of the cerclage cable 110 and a longitudinal axis of the fixation screw 160 are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the opening through which the cerclage cable 110 passes).

[0070] As illustrated, in one embodiment, the cable clamp 120 includes a body 122 having a bone contacting surface 124 arranged and configured to be position adjacent to or in contact with a patient’s bone B. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the bone contacting surface 124 may have an arcuate or curved surface. In addition, as illustrated, the cable clamp 120 (e.g., body 122) includes a first opening 130 for receiving and holding the first end 112 of the cerclage cable 110 and a second opening 140 for allowing passage of the free or second end 114 of the cerclage cable 110. In use, the second opening 140 may be arranged and configured to receive the fixation screw 160, which may be arranged and configured as an externally threaded deformable screw, as will be described in greater detail. In use, the second opening 140 is positioned within the same plane as the first opening 130.

[0071] In use, as illustrated, the first opening 130 includes a reduced diameter portion 132. Thus arranged, the diameter of the first opening 130 is sized and configured to enable the cerclage cable 110 to pass freely therethrough. However, the reduced diameter portion 132 is arranged and configured to prohibit the enlarged diameter portion 116 formed at the end of the first end 112 of the cerclage cable 110 from passing therethrough (e.g., the first end 112 of the cerclage cable 110 may include an enlarged portion, a crimp, a beaded end, etc. thus preventing the cerclage cable 110 (e.g., the first end 112) from being pulled completely through the first opening 130).

[0072] After passing through the first opening 112, the cerclage cable 110 may be wrapped about the patient’s bone B and then inserted (e.g., fed) through the second opening 140. In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the second end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 remains in the same plane of wrapping of the cerclage cable 110 after it passes through the second opening 140 formed in the cable clamp 120. Thus arranged, after passing through the cable clamp 120, the second end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 may be used as a guide to direct the fixation screw 160 into the second opening 140 for securing the position of the cerclage cable 110 relative to the cable clamp 120.

[0073] As illustrated, in one embodiment, the second opening 140 formed in the body 122 of the cable clamp 120 includes a first end 142 and a second end 144. In addition, the second opening 140 includes threads 146 such as, for example, internal threads positioned adjacent to the second end 144. The second opening 140 may also be tapered, that is the second opening 140 may include a tapered portion, a tapered nose, or a tapered inner surface 148. The tapered nose 148 may extend from the second end 144 towards the first end 142 (e.g., the larger diameter portion may be positioned closer to the second end 144 and the smaller diameter portion may be positioned closer to the first end 142). In one embodiment, the tapered surface 148 may be positioned at the conclusion of the threads 146. Thus arranged, the second opening 140 is arranged and configured with internal threads 146 and a tapered nose 148 arranged and configured to threadably engage the fixation screw 160, which for reasons that will become apparent, is arranged and configured as an externally threaded deformable fixation screw.

[0074] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the fixation screw 160 may include a first end 162 and a second end 164. The second end 164 may include an enlarged head portion 166 arranged and configured to engage a driver (not shown) for engaging and rotating the fixation screw 160 (e.g., the head portion 166 includes a drive feature 168 arranged and configured to accept a surgical instrument such as, for example, a screwdriver. In use, the drive feature 168 may be any suitable form now known or hereafter developed such as, for example, a hex, a hexalobe, a square, a cruciform, etc.). In addition, the fixation screw 160 may include external threads 170 positioned between the first and second ends 162, 164. The first end 162 also includes a tapered outer surface 172 arranged and configured to interact with the tapered inner surface 148 of the second opening 140 of the cable clamp 120. That is, the fixation screw 160 includes external threads 170 and a tapered nose 172 for engaging the threaded tapered screw opening 140 formed in the body 122 of the cable clamp 120. In addition, the fixation screw 160 may include one or more slots 174 extending longitudinally from the first end 162 thereof towards the second end 164. Thus arranged, the fixation screw 160 (e.g., at least the first end 162 of the fixation screw 150) is arranged and configured to deform or compress. That is, in one embodiment, the fixation screw 160 may include a plurality of cut-outs or slots 174 radially positioned around the body of the fixation screw 160 for reducing the stiffness of the screw 160.

[0075] In addition, referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the screw 160 includes an inner passage or cannulated central bore 180 extending from the first end 162 to the second end 164 thereof.

In use, the cannulated bore 180 is arranged and configured to enable the cerclage cable 110 to pass therethrough. That is, the screw 160 may include an inner passage or cannulated bore 180 arranged and configured to receive the orthopaedic cerclage cable 110. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the cannulated bore 180 may include machined geometries 182 (FIGS. 4A and 4C) arranged and configured to facilitate grabbing the orthopaedic cerclage cable 110. The machined geometries 182 may be provided in any suitable form that is arranged and configured to engage the cerclage cable 110 such as, for example, projections, serrations, ridges, or the like. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the deformable cannulated fixation screw may be permanently coupled to the second opening. For example, the deformable cannulated fixation screw and the second opening may include an anti- backout thread form such as a ramp on one of the mating threads or a circular retaining ring may be placed on the screw and a groove placed within the second opening allowing the screw to be retained within the second opening.

[0076] Thus arranged, in use, after the cerclage cable 110 has been fed through the first opening 130 formed in the cable clamp 120 and around the patient’s bone B and through the second opening 140 formed in the cable clamp 120, the cerclage cable 110 may be inserted through the cannulated bore 180 formed in the fixation screw 160 so that the cerclage cable 110 may then be used to guide the fixation screw 160 into engagement with the second opening 140 formed in the cable clamp 120 (e.g., after passing the cerclage cable 110 through the second opening 140, the free end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 may be passed through the cannulated bore 180 of the fixation screw 160). The fixation screw 160 may then be moved along a length of the cable 110 until the screw 160 contacts the clamp body 120 (e.g., until the first end 162 of the screw 160 contacts the second end 144 of the second opening 140).

As such, the fixation screw 160 is guided into proper position by the cerclage cable 110. Thereafter, rotation of the fixation screw 160 into the second opening 140 formed in the cable clamp 120 causes the threads 170 formed on the screw 160 to engage the threads 146 formed in the second opening 140 and causes the outer tapered portion 172 formed adjacent to the first end 162 of the screw 160 to interact with the tapered surface 148 formed in the second opening 140, which causes the screw 160 to compress about the cerclage cable 110 passing through the cannulated bore 180 and thus securing the position of the cerclage cable 110 relative to the cable clamp 120.

[0077] That is, in use, after passing through the first opening 130 formed in the clamp body 120 and around the patient’s bone B and through the second opening 140 formed in the clamp body 120, the free or second end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 can be fed through the cannulated, deformable screw 160 that is arranged and configured to pass over (e.g., slide) the free end 114 of the cerclage cable 110 (e.g., the cannulated, deformable (e.g., compressible) fixation screw 160 may be inserted over the cerclage cable 110 and moved along a length of the cerclage cable 110). As such, the fixation screw 160 can be guided into position with the second opening 140 formed in the body 122 of the inline cable clamp 120. In addition, by utilizing a surgical instrument such as a cannulated screwdriver, the cerclage cable 110 can also act as a guide for the cannulated screwdriver (e.g., a cannulated surgical instrument such as, for example, a cannulated screwdriver, may then be inserted over the cerclage cable 110 and guided to the drive feature 168 of the screw 160). The screwdriver can then be used to drive (e.g., rotate) the fixation screw 160 into the cable clamp 120, thus compressing the screw 160 resulting in the screw 160 grabbing and securing the cerclage cable 110. That is, for example, the fixation screw 160 may be rotated, advancing the fixation screw 160 into the second opening 140. The interacting tapered portions 148, 172 compresses the nose of the fixation screw 160 causing the fixation screw 160 to grab the cerclage cable 110 thus securing the position of the cable 110 relative to the cable clamp 120 (e.g., preventing the cable 110 from being pulled or pushed out of the fixation screw 160 and body 122).

[0078] Thus arranged, in contrast with known cabling systems, the inline cable clamp system 100 enables the cerclage cable 110 to act as a guide in positioning the fixation screw 160. In addition, the surgeon can quickly and easily locate (e.g., position) the screw 160 into the opening 140 formed in the cable clamp 120 to secure the cable 110. Moreover, the screw 160 and body 122 allow the surgeon to repeatedly tighten and loosen the cerclage cable 110 as needed and allows for access through a minimal surgical exposure.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure that may be used separately from or in combination with the cable clamp 120 discussed above in connection with FIG. 3, an improved cable saddle assembly 200 is shown. In use, the cable saddle assembly 200 is arranged and configured to couple and secure a cerclage cable to a bone plate 205.

[0080] In one example of an embodiment, as will be described herein, the cable saddle assembly 200 is in the form of a two-piece design. In use, the cable saddle assembly 200 is arranged and configured to couple or mate with one of the screw holes 206, such as, for example, a threaded screw hole, formed in the bone plate 205 and is arranged and configured to receive the cerclage cable (e.g., cable saddle assembly 200 includes an opening for enabling the cerclage cable to pass therethrough). As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cable saddle assembly 200 may be provided in various sizes depending on the size of the screw hole 206. [0081] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, as will be described in greater detail below, the cable saddle assembly 200 includes an insert 210 arranged and configured to engage a screw hole (e.g., threaded screw hole) formed in the bone plate 205. For example, as shown, the insert 210 may include external threads 212 for engaging internal threads formed in a screw hole 206 formed in a bone plate 205.

[0082] In addition, as illustrated, the cable saddle assembly 200 includes a cable saddle 240 that is arranged and configured to engage the insert 210. In one embodiment, the cable saddle 240 may be freely rotatable relative to the insert 210. In addition, the cable saddle 240 may be arranged and configured to receive the cerclage cable therethrough. In one embodiment, the cable saddle 240 is preferably freely rotating relative to the insert 210 so that the cable saddle 240 can rotate 360 degrees. Thus arranged, in use, the cable saddle assembly 200 may be arranged and configured to couple the cerclage cable to the bone plate 205 while providing increased flexibility in positioning the cerclage cable relative to the bone plate 205.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment and as previously mentioned, the cable saddle assembly 200 includes an insert 210 with radially extending threads 212 on an exterior surface thereof for threadably engaging an internally threaded screw hole 206 formed in the bone plate 205. In addition, as illustrated, the insert 210 may include an aperture or bore 214 extending therethrough, the aperture or bore 214 being substantially aligned with a central axis of the insert 210. In use, the aperture or bore 214 formed in the insert 210 may include a projection 218 extending from an inner surface 216 of the aperture or bore 214 to thereby form a reduced diameter portion of the aperture or bore 214. In one embodiment, the projection 218 may include radially extending threads 220.

[0084] Moreover, as illustrated, the cable saddle 240 may include a head portion 250 and a lower shaft portion 270. In one embodiment, the shaft portion 270 may include a plurality of diameters including, for example, a larger diameter proximal portion 272, a smaller diameter intermediate portion 274, and an externally threaded distal end portion 276.

[0085] As illustrated, the head portion 250 may include an eyelet 252 arranged and configured to receive varying sizes of an orthopaedic cerclage cable.

[0086] The shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 may be threaded into the aperture or bore 214 of the insert 210 thru (e.g., past) the reduced diameter portion of the aperture or bore 214 formed in the insert 210. In one embodiment, the threaded distal end portion 276 of the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 is arranged and configured to extend or protrude beyond the internally threaded projection 218 formed in the aperture or bore 214 of the insert 210 to prevent unintended backing out of the cable saddle 240 (e.g., prevent unintended decoupling of the cable saddle 240 from the insert 210, although as will be described in greater detail below, the cable saddle 240 may be prevented from decoupling from the insert 210 by any now known or hereafter developed mechanism). In one embodiment, the insert 210 may include specific geometries to facilitate expansion of the end portion of the shaft portion 270 such that the size of the end portion is larger than the internally threaded projection 218 formed in the aperture or bore 214 of the insert 210 to prevent removal of the cable saddle 240 from the insert 210.

[0087] Thus arranged, the cable saddle 240 is arranged and configured to be freely rotatable relative to the insert 210, the cable saddle 240 is coupled to but prevented, or at least inhibited, from decoupling from the insert 210, and the insert 210 is arranged and configured to threadably engage an internally threaded screw hole formed in the bone plate.

[0088] In use, the cable saddle assembly 200 may be coupled or received within one of the screw holes (e.g., threaded screw holes) 206 formed in, for example, a bone plate 205 using a surgical instrument such as, for example, a surgical saddle driver as will be described in greater detail below. Once properly positioned within the screw hole 206 of the bone plate 205, the surgical instrument may be removed and a cerclage cable may be passed radially (e.g., wrapped) about the patient’s bone. The wrapped cerclage cable may pass thru or be inserted thru the eyelet 252 of the cable saddle 240. In use, because the cable saddle 240 is not fixedly coupled to the insert 210 (e.g., because the cable saddle 240 is freely rotatable relative to the insert 210), the eyelet 252 can be aligned as needed to facilitate insertion of the cerclage cable therethrough. In addition, tightening of the cerclage cable self-aligns the eyelet 252 and hence the cable saddle 240 to the axis of the cerclage cable. Finally, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the cerclage cable may be inserted thru a locking device and tension may be applied via a tensioning instrument. Once final tension is achieved, the cerclage cable is locked and the free end may be cut flush with the cable saddle assembly 200.

[0089] In use, in contrast to current designs, the cable saddle assembly 200 provides a number of advantages including combining the use of an insert 210 having a long clinical history of creating a plate construct with improved fatigue characteristics with a cable saddle 240 that is mechanically captured within the insert 210 such that it is able to freely rotate thus allowing the surgeon to position the cable saddle 240 in the desired angular orientation, while simultaneously preventing, or at least inhibiting, the cable saddle 240 from decoupling from the insert 210 as a result of applied cable tension. In addition, the cable saddle assembly 200 enables the insert 210 to be fully engaged to the bone plate while still providing a fixed position for receiving the cable, thus preventing cable mitigation during positioning and tightening.

[0090] As previously mentioned, in use, the cable saddle 240 may be coupled to the insert 210 while being prevented, or at least inhibited, from being decoupled therefrom. In use, preventing the cable saddle 240 from being decoupled from the insert 210 may be accomplished via any now known or hereafter developed mechanism. For example, referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, a retaining ring 280 may be utilized between the insert 210 and the cable saddle 240. For example, a retaining ring 280 may be inserted into a drive portion of the insert, forcing the ring to deform within the drive portion, and springing out within a groove contained within the drive feature of the insert. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 may include a groove 271 and the inner surface of the insert 210 may include a groove 211, the grooves 211, 271 being arranged and configured to receive the retaining ring 280 therein for coupling the cable saddle 240 to the insert 210. Thus arranged, the cable saddle 240 is prevented from decoupling from the insert 210 during cable application while allowing the surgeon to freely rotate the cable saddle 240 to the desired orientation.

[0091] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the cable saddle assembly 200 may contain specific geometry amenable to create an interference or press fit. For example, the cable saddle assembly 200 may include a separate press fit ring wherein the cable saddle 240 is inserted into the insert 210 and then the press fit ring is pressed onto an end of the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240, capturing the cable saddle 240 within the insert 210.

That is, referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the cable saddle 240, and more specifically, for example, the end portion of the shaft portion 270 may include a geometry 285 that is arranged and configured to accept a pressed on, welded, joined, etc. ring (not shown). In use, the retaining ring may be positioned between the end portion of the shaft portion 270 and the end portion of the insert 210. In addition, the retaining ring may be arranged and configured with a clearance between the retaining ring and the cable saddle 240 that prevents the cable saddle 240 from being pulled out of the insert 210 while allowing the cable saddle 240 to rotate freely. Alternatively, for example, a recess may be formed in the insert to receive the retaining ring. Thus arranged, the insert 210 can be engaged within one of the screw holes formed in the bone plate while allowing the cable saddle 240 to freely rotate.

[0092] Alternatively, in another embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 may be arranged and configured so that the end portion of the shaft portion 270 may be flared out to prevent the cable saddle 240 from decoupling from the insert 210 during cable application while allowing the surgeon to freely rotate the cable saddle 240 to the desired orientation. That is, as illustrated, the wall thickness of the shaft portion 270 (e.g., the wall thickness of the distal end portion 276) may be reduced and/or contain a chamfer or lead in for a flaring tool to expand the distal end portion 276 of the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 resulting in an enlargement of the distal end portion 276 of the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 preventing decoupling of the cable saddle 240 from the insert 210. Alternatively, it is envisioned that other mechanisms or forming processes capable of enlarging the distal end portion 276 of the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 to a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture or bore 214 of the insert 210 may be used to prevent the cable saddle 240 from decoupling from the insert 210 (e.g., swaging or enlarging the distal end portion of the shaft portion of the cable saddle to prevent the end portion from being pulled through the aperture formed in the insert). Alternatively, cohesive or adhesive joining techniques may be used to, for example, couple a retaining ring to the shaft portion of the cable saddle may be used to prevent the cable saddle from decoupling from the insert.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, in another example of an embodiment, the insert 210 (FIG. 10 A) may be arranged and configured with a drive feature 215 formed therein such as, for example, a hex, a hexalobe, a square, a cruciform, etc.), so that the insert 210 may be inserted within one of the screw holes 206 formed in the bone plate 205 via, for example, a standard orthopaedic driver. Thereafter, the cable saddle 240, and more specifically, the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 (FIG. 10B) may be inserted into the aperture or bore 214 of the insert 210. In use, the cable saddle 240 may be coupled to the insert 210 by any of the mechanisms disclosed herein such as, for example, via a retaining ring 280 (FIG. IOC) arranged and configured to couple the shaft portion 270 of the cable saddle 240 to the insert 210 thus preventing the cable saddle 240 from decoupling from the insert 210 while permitting the cable saddle 240 to rotate relative thereto allowing the cable saddle 240 to self-align to the desired cerclage cable orientation. In use, the retaining ring may be manufactured from any suitable material now known or hereafter developed such as, for example, a metallic or other materials capable of elastically deforming when placed within a groove formed in the shaft portion of the cable saddle.

[0094] Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, an alternate example embodiment of a cable saddle assembly 300 is shown. Similar to the two-piece design cable saddle assembly 200 described above in connection with FIGS. 6-9, in use, the cable saddle assembly 300 is arranged and configured to couple and secure a cerclage cable to a bone plate 205.

[0095] As illustrated, however, in this embodiment, the cable saddle assembly 300 is in the form of a one piece design arranged and configured to couple or mate with one of the screw holes 206 formed in the bone plate 205 and for receiving the cerclage cable (e.g., the cable saddle assembly includes an opening for enabling the cerclage cable to pass therethrough).

[0096] As illustrated, the cable saddle assembly 300 includes a proximal head portion 310 and a distal shaft portion 330. As illustrated, the distal shaft portion 330 may include external threads 332 arranged and configured to engage the screw hole formed in a bone plate (e.g., external threads 332 may threadably engage the threads formed in a screw hole formed in a bone plate) so that the cable saddle assembly 300 can be coupled to the bone plate. In addition, as illustrated, the distal shaft portion 330 may include slots or channels 334 formed therein to reduce the stiffness of the shaft portion 330 (e.g., slots or channels 334 may be cut in the threaded distal shaft portion 330 of the cable saddle assembly 300 to reduce stiffness of the externally threaded legs 336 formed by the slots or channels 334). Thus arranged, in use, the cable saddle assembly 300 may be threaded directly into the bone plate. In use, the reduced stiffness formed by the slots or channels 334 allows the threaded legs 336 to deform as they are driven further into the screw holes formed in the bone plate, allowing for sufficient cable saddle capture into the plate during cable application as well as additional rotational freedom to orient the cable saddle assembly in a desired position.

[0097] As illustrated, the proximal head portion 310 of the cable saddle assembly 300 may include a plurality of holes or slots 312 arranged and configured about the head portion 310 to enable the cerclage cable to pass through opposite holes 312 as well as adjacent holes 312 to increase cable placement options. In addition, as illustrated, the proximal head portion 310 may include a drive feature 318 for enabling the cable saddle assembly 300 to couple to and be driven by a surgical instrument such as, for example, a screwdriver. In use, the drive feature 318 may have any suitable form now known or hereafter developed. [0098] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12E, in accordance with another feature of the present disclosure and as previously mentioned, a surgical instrument or surgical saddle driver 400 for inserting the two-piece design cable saddle assembly 200 (as described above in connection with FIGS. 6-9) is illustrated. In use, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to capture the cable saddle 240 (e.g., prevent the cable saddle 240 from rotating while the cable saddle assembly 200 is being inserted into the screw hole formed in a bone plate) and simultaneously to drive the insert 210 into one of the screw holes formed in a bone plate. That is, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to hold the cable saddle assembly 200 to thereby prevent rotation of the cable saddle 240 and to transmit torque to the cable saddle assembly 200 so that the insert 210 can threadably engage a screw hole formed in the bone plate.

[0099] In one embodiment, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to retain the freely rotatable cable saddle 240. In addition, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to engage the insert 210 to transmit torque to the insert 210 so that the insert 210, and hence the cable saddle assembly 200, can be threaded into one of the screw holes formed in, for example, a bone plate.

[00100] Referring to FIG. 12A, in one embodiment, the surgical saddle driver 400 includes an elongated shaft 402 with a first or proximal end 404 and a second or distal end 406. As illustrated, the proximal end 404 may include a drive feature 408 arranged and configured to engage, for example, a surgical instrument. In use, the drive feature 408 may have any suitable shape now known or hereafter developed.

[00101] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12E, in one embodiment, the distal end 406 is arranged and configured to (e.g., contains one or more geometries) for retaining the freely rotating cable saddle 240. In addition, the distal end 406 is arranged and configured to (e.g., contains one or more geometries) for applying torque to the insert 210 to threadably engage the insert 210, and hence the cable saddle assembly 200, into one or more of the screw holes formed in, for example, a bone plate.

[00102] In one embodiment, the distal end 406 includes first and second arms, limbs, or the like 410, 412. That is, for example, the distal end 406 includes elongated slots 414 extending from the distal end thereof. In use, the elongated slots 414 define, form, etc. the first and second arms 410, 412. In addition, the elongated slots 414 provide sufficient clearance for the proximal portion (e.g., eyelet) of the cable saddle 240. [00103] Referring to FIGS. 12D and 12E, in use, each of the first and second arms 410, 412 includes a longitudinally extending protrusion, projection, ramp, or the like 420 (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit). In use, each of the longitudinally extending projections 420 formed on the distal end of the first and second arms 410, 412 is arranged and configured to engage a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned, elongated slot 500 (FIG. 13A) formed in a first or proximal end of the insert 210. Thus arranged, the first and second arms 410, 412 may be fixedly coupled to the insert 210 so that rotation of the surgical saddle driver 400 rotates the insert 210 so that the insert 210, and hence the cable saddle assembly 200, may be threadably coupled to one of the screw holes formed in the bone plate. While the surgical saddle driver 400 is described as including longitudinally extending projections 420 for engaging corresponding slots formed in the insert 210, it is envisioned that other corresponding engaging features may be used.

[00104] With continued reference to FIGS. 12D and 12E, each of the first and second arms 410, 412 may also include a channel 430 cut or formed therein. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the channel 430 may have a substantially U-shape, although other shapes are envisioned. In use, the channels 430 define, form, etc. a flexible limb 432 in each of the first and second arms 410, 412 (e.g., U-shaped channels 430 reduce the overall stiffness of the limbs 432 to allow sufficient motion so that the limbs 432 can flex to capture the proximal portion of the cable saddle 240). In addition, as illustrated, each of the limbs 432 may include a radially protruding projection, ramp, or the like 434 (FIGS. 12B and 12C). In use, the radially protruding ramps 434 are arranged and configured (e.g., positioned at a specific depth and angle) to adjust the amount of axially applied force required to open the limbs 432 to allow for passage of the proximal portion of the cable saddle 240.

[00105] That is, referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, in use, the insert such as, for example, insert 210 may include elongated slots 500 formed in a first or proximal end of the insert 210. In use, the longitudinally extending projections 420 formed on each of the first and second arms 410, 412 is arranged and configured to engage the elongated slots 500 formed in the first or proximal end of the insert 210. Thus arranged, the first and second arms 410, 412 may be fixedly coupled to the insert 210 so that rotation of the surgical saddle driver 400 rotates the insert 210. In addition, each of the first and second arms 410, 412 include a channel 430 and a flexible limb 432 to receive the proximal portion of the cable saddle 240. Thus arranged, the cable saddle assembly 200 can be coupled to the surgical saddle driver 400 so that rotation of the surgical saddle driver 400 rotates the insert 210 to threadably engage the insert 210 within one of the screw holes 206 formed in the bone plate 205 while maintaining the cable saddle 240 within the surgical saddle driver 400.

[00106] In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, a surgical saddle driver 400 is provided that is arranged and configured to retain the freely rotating cable saddle 240 while also being arranged and configured to engage the insert 210 of the cable saddle assembly 200 to transfer rotation from the surgical saddle driver 400 to the insert 210, and hence the cable saddle assembly 200. In use, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to maintain sterility of the cable saddle assembly 200 during the surgical procedure. In addition, the surgical saddle driver 400 is arranged and configured to provide an easy to use instrument that facilitates proper handling of the cable saddle assemblies 200, which are minimal in size and difficult to hold and thus creates a risk of dropping out of the sterile field during surgical procedures.

[00107] The foregoing description has broad application. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these example embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

[00108] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein. The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation.

[00109] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, underside, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An orthopedic cabling system arranged and configured to secure a cerclage cable about a patient’s bone, the cabling system comprising: a cerclage cable including a first end and a second end; a cable clamp including a body having a bone contacting surface, a first opening for receiving and securing the first end of the cerclage cable, and a second opening for allowing passage of the second end of the cerclage cable therethrough; a fixation screw arranged and configured to threadably engage the second opening formed in the cable clamp to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp.

2. The cabling system of claim 1, wherein the cerclage cable is wrapped about the patient’s bone in a first plane, the second opening formed in the cable clamp being aligned with the first plane so that the cerclage cable remains in the first plane after it passes through the second opening formed in the cable clamp so that the second end of the cerclage cable guides the fixation screw into the second opening for securing a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp.

3. The cabling system of claim 1, wherein the cerclage cable includes a longitudinal axis, the fixation screw includes a longitudinal axis, and the second opening formed in the clamp body includes a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the cerclage cable, the fixation screw, and the second opening are parallel when the fixation screw is coupled to the second opening with the cerclage cable passing therethrough.

4. The cabling system of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings each reside in a first plane so that the second opening is positioned the same plane as the first opening.

5. The cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the cerclage cable includes an enlarged diameter portion and the first opening formed in the cable clamp includes a reduced diameter portion so that the first opening is sized and configured to enable the second end of the cerclage cable to pass freely therethrough, the reduced diameter portion is arranged and configured to prohibit the enlarged diameter first portion of the cerclage cable from passing therethrough.

6. The cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening formed in the cable clamp includes a first end, a second end, internal threads, and an internally tapered surface extending from the second end towards the first end.

7. The cabling system of claim 6, wherein the fixation screw comprises an externally threaded, cannulated deformable screw.

8. The cabling system according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the fixation screw includes: a first end; a second end; external threads positioned between the first and second ends, the external threads arranged and configured to engage the internal threads formed in the second opening; a tapered outer surface arranged and configured to interact with the tapered inner surface of the second opening; one or more slots extending longitudinally from the first end thereof towards the second end to render the fixation screw at least partially compressible; and a cannulated bore extending from the first end to the second end thereof, the cannulated bore being arranged and configured to enable the cerclage cable to pass therethrough.

9. The cabling system of claim 8, wherein the fixation screw includes a plurality of machined geometries formed in an inner surface thereof, the machined geometries arranged and configured to facilitate grabbing the orthopaedic cerclage cable.

10. A method for securing a cerclage cable about a patient’s bone, the method comprising: positioning a cable clamp adjacent to the patient’s bone; inserting a cerclage cable through a first opening formed in the cable clamp; wrapping the cerclage cable about the patient’s bone; passing the cerclage cable through a second opening formed in the cable clamp; inserting a cannulated fixation screw over the cerclage cable; guiding the cannulated fixation screw using the cerclage cable into engagement with the second opening formed in the cable clamp; and tightening the cannulated fixation screw within the second opening to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein inserting a cannulated fixation screw over the cerclage cable and guiding the cannulated fixation screw using the cerclage cable into engagement with the second opening formed in the cable clamp comprises: passing a free end of the cerclage cable through a cannulated bore of the fixation screw; and sliding the fixation screw along a length of the cerclage cable until the fixation screw contacts the second opening formed in the clamp body.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein tightening the cannulated fixation screw within the second opening to secure a position of the cerclage cable relative to the cable clamp comprises threading the fixation screw into the second opening formed in the cable clamp to compress a portion of the fixation screw about the cerclage cable passing through the cannulated bore.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fixation screw includes a tapered outer surface and the second opening includes a tapered inner surface so that threading the fixation screw into the second opening causes the fixation screw to compress about the cerclage cable.

14. The method according to any of claims 10-13, further comprising passing the cerclage cable through a cannulated screwdriver.

15. The method according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the cerclage cable is wrapped about the patient’ s bone in a first plane, the second opening formed in the cable clamp being aligned with the first plane so that the cerclage cable remains in the first plane after it passes through the second opening formed in the cable clamp.