Vertebral fixation system

Abstract

A vertebral fixing system having a flexible elongated member, a connecting part, and an anchor, where the anchor may engage a bone structure (e.g., a vertebra) through an opening of the connecting part and the flexible elongated member may connect to the connecting part. In some cases, the vertebral fixing system may include a tightening part configured to apply a tension to the elongated member and/or secure the elongated member with respect to the connecting part. The vertebral fixing system may be configured to receive a rod and may be capable of connecting thereto. The connecting part may have a plurality of connecting members, where at least one of the connecting members includes an opening for receiving the anchor and at least one of the connecting members connects to the elongated member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vertebral fixing system comprising:
 a flexible elongated member having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion;   a connecting part having an opening, wherein the flexible elongated member is connected to the connecting part;   a bone anchor configured to be inserted through the opening of the connecting part to engage a bone.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tightening part in adjustable connection with the flexible elongated member, wherein the tightening part is configured to secure the flexible elongated member with respect to the connecting part.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting part comprises:
 a first connecting member having an opening; and 
 a second connecting member having an opening; and 
   the bone anchor is configured to be inserted through the opening of the first connecting member and the opening of the second connecting member to engage a bone.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible elongated member engages the first connecting member and/or the second connecting member. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first connecting member is configured to move with respect to the second connecting member. 
     
     
         6 . A vertebral fixing system, comprising
 a flexible elongated member having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion;   a connecting part, wherein the flexible elongated member is connected to the connecting part;   a tightening part engaging the flexible elongated member, wherein the tightening part is configured to secure the flexible elongated member with respect to the connecting part; and   wherein the first portion of the flexible elongated member and/or the second portion of the flexible elongated member is/are configured to be wrapped around a bone and inserted into the tightening part.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 an opening in the connecting part; and   a bone anchor configured to be inserted through the opening of the connecting part and to engage a bone.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the opening of the connecting part is a first opening;   the connecting part has a second opening;   the bone anchor is configured to be inserted through the first opening; and   the flexible elongated member connects to the connecting part through the second opening.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the tightening part engages the first portion of the flexible elongated member and the second portion of the flexible elongated member to secure the flexible elongated member with respect to the connecting part. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the tightening part includes a one-way catch mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the tightening part includes a release to allow for adjustment of the flexible elongated member with respect to the bone. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the first portion of the flexible elongated member is mechanically affixed to the connecting part. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the flexible elongated member is configured to be wrapped around the bone and inserted into the tightening part. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a spacer having a first opening, a second opening, and an extending portion extending between the first opening of the spacer and the second opening of the spacer; and   wherein the spacer receives the flexible elongated member in the first opening of the spacer and/or the second opening of the spacer.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the spacer has a lumen; and   the spacer receives the flexible elongated member in the lumen.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the spacer has a length extending substantially from the first opening of the spacer to the second opening of the spacer; and   the lumen has a length substantially equal to the length of the spacer.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the flexible elongated member extends into a first end of the lumen, along the length of the lumen, and out of a second end of the lumen. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the spacer has an intermediate opening between the first opening of the spacer and the second opening of the spacer; and   the intermediate opening communicates with the lumen.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the tightening part engages the flexible elongated member adjacent the intermediate opening of the spacer. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a set screw engaging the spacer; and   the set screw engaging the first portion of the flexible elongated member, the second portion of the flexible elongated member and/or the intermediate portion of the flexible elongated member.   
     
     
         21 . A method for manipulating spinal anatomy, the method comprising:
 connecting a bone anchor inserted through an opening of a connecting part to a first portion of the spinal anatomy;   extending a flexible elongated member connected to the connecting part around a second portion of the spinal anatomy;   inserting a first end of the elongated member and/or a second end of the elongate member into a tightening part;   tensioning a portion of the elongated member extending between the connecting part and the second portion of the spinal anatomy; and   locking the inserted elongated member in the tightening part to maintain a tension in the tensioned portion of the elongated member.