Clavicle fixation

Abstract

A substantially rigid plate is secured to a medial portion of a clavicle relative to a fracture in the clavicle. The plate is positioned so that it extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass. A hole is formed in the clavicle. A washer may be positioned at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle. Alternatively, the plate may include suture holes or edge features for securing a suture. A suture is secured to the washer, to at least one suture hole or to at least one edge feature, and extends through the first opening, through the hole in the clavicle and is secured to the coracoid process.

1 . A method of treating a fractured clavicle, the method comprising:
 securing a substantially rigid plate to a medial portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture so that the secured plate extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture, the plate having one or more surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass;   forming a hole in the clavicle;   positioning a washer at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle; and   extending a suture through the washer, the first opening, and the hole in the clavicle and securing the suture to the coracoid process.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing the suture to the washer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising tensioning the suture at the washer to substantially align the medial portion of the clavicle and the distal portion of the clavicle. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first opening in the plate is elongated in a direction that generally follows the length of the clavicle, and wherein the hole in the clavicle is formed to be aligned with at least part of the first opening in the plate and to extend substantially toward the coracoid process. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plate contains a recess at a side thereof opposite the clavicle, wherein the recess is adapted to receive the washer, the method further comprising positioning the washer substantially within the recess and engaging the suture to the washer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the washer is adapted to fit snugly into the recess. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the washer is substantially oblong and has one or more surfaces that define one or more holes distributed longitudinally across the washer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein securing the suture to the coracoid process comprises wrapping the suture around the coracoid process. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein securing the suture to the coracoid process comprises:
 forming a hole in the coracoid process in substantial alignment with the hole in the clavicle; 
 positioning an anchor, coupled to the suture, beneath the coracoid process with the suture passing through the hole in the coracoid process. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the anchor is substantially oblong and is dimensioned so that in one orientation, it can pass through the hole, but in another orientation, it resists passing through the hole. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing the plate to the distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. 
     
     
         12 .- 30 . (canceled)