Bone compression device

Abstract

The invention relates to bone compression devices and bone compression systems, and in particular, to bone compression devices and systems for use in connection with vertebrae. The bone compression devices and bone compression systems are disposed, or installed, along at least one bone to maintain the at least one bone in a desired spatial relationship. Broadly, the invention is directed to a bone compression device for placing in communication with at least one bone having a bone radius of curvature, the bone compression device comprising a plate having a pre-formed shape, a deformed shape, and at least one elastic shape therebetween, the pre-formed shape having a pre-formed radius of curvature less than the bone radius of curvature, the deformed shape having a deformed radius of curvature greater than the bone radius of curvature, and at least one of the at least one elastic shapes having an elastic radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the bone radius of curvature. The invention is also directed to a bone compression system wherein the plate includes a string attached to each end of the plate and a tensioner for facilitating the movement of the plate from the pre-formed shape to the at least one elastic shape. Methods of maintaining a bone in a spatial relationship and methods of contouring the bone compression devices are also disclosed.

1 . A device to maintain at least two vertebrae in a spatial relationship with each other, the at least two vertebrae forming a bone radius of curvature, the device comprising: 
 a plate having a pre-formed shape, a deformed shape, and at least one elastic shape between the preformed shape and the deformed shape;    wherein the pre-formed shape has a pre-formed radius of curvature less than the bone radius of curvature;    wherein the deformed shape has a deformed radius of curvature greater than the bone radius of curvature;    wherein at least one of the elastic shapes has an elastic radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the bone radius of curvature;    wherein said plate has an axis of elastic curvature;    means for fastening said plate to the spine, said fastening means defining a direction of fastening; and    wherein the direction of fastening is substantially orthogonal to said axis of elastic curvature.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes at least one fastener hole adapted to receive a fastener.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a first end and a second end.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the plate includes at least one fastener hole adapted to receive a fastener at the first end and at least one fastener hole adapted to receive a fastener at the second end.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one fastener is selected from a group consisting of bone screws and bolts.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one fastener at the first end is selected from a group consisting of bone screws and bolts and wherein the at least one fastener at the second end is selected from a group consisting of bone screws and bolts.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a length having a longitudinal axis and a width having a lateral axis, the preformed radius of curvature being disposed along the length.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a length having a longitudinal axis and a width having a lateral axis, the pre-formed radius of curvature being disposed along the width.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a first end, a second end, at least two fastener holes disposed near the first end, and at least two fastener holes disposed near the second end.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a first end, a second end, and at least two attachment members.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the at least two attachment members is a hole.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the at least two attachment members is a loop.