Rib Fixation Device and Related Methods

Abstract

A rib fixation plate is provided that is can have one or more locking rib hooks that can translate and rotate independently from one another. The one or more locking rib hooks translate and rotate when in an unlocked conformation and are secured from translation and rotation when in a locked conformation. The plate includes a first end and a second end opposite of the first end, the second end having a housing assembly configured to receive a rod. The rod can be secured to a vertebra with a pedicle screw.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bone fixation plate, comprising:
 an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the second end configured to be secured to a rod;   an aperture in the elongate body;   a rod housing extending from the second end of the elongate body; and   a first locking hook disposed within the aperture, wherein the first locking hook is configured to translate within the aperture in an unlocked conformation, and is configured to be locked against translation in a locked conformation, wherein the first locking hook comprises a post configured to pass through the aperture and engage a locking element.   
     
     
         2 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture extends along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the post of the first locking hook extends from a base of the first locking hook, the base configured to abut a top surface of the elongate body. 
     
     
         4 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the post of the first locking hook is partly threaded on an outer surface thereof and the locking element is threaded on an inner surface thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is configured to contact a bottom surface of the elongate body. 
     
     
         6 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises a first length and the second end comprises a second length along the longitudinal axis, the first length being smaller than the second length. 
     
     
         7 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the rod housing comprises an upper arm extending beyond a top surface of the elongate body. 
     
     
         8 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the rod housing comprises a lower arm extending beyond a bottom surface of the elongate body. 
     
     
         9 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the rod housing is rotatable relative to the second end. 
     
     
         10 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is configured to transition the first locking rib hook between the unlocked conformation to the locked conformation. 
     
     
         11 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the rod housing extends along the longitudinal axis from the second end of the elongate body. 
     
     
         12 . The bone fixation plate of  claim 1 , wherein the rod housing extends laterally from a side of the second end in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         13 . A kit for securing one or more bones of a subject, comprising:
 a bone fixation plate comprising a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end;   a track in the bone fixation plate;   a rod housing extending from the second end of the bone fixation plate;   a first locking rib hook configured to receive at least part of a rib bone, wherein the first locking rib hook is configured to slidably engage the track in a unlocked conformation;   a rod configured to be secured in the rod housing; and   a pedicle screw configured to secure the rod with a bone of the subject.   
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the first locking rib hook includes a post extending from a base, the base configured to abut a top surface of the bone fixation plate. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the post of the first locking rib hook is partly threaded on an outer surface thereof and the locking element is threaded on an inner surface thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the first end comprises a first length and the second end comprises a second length along the longitudinal axis, the first length being smaller than the second length. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the rod housing comprises an upper arm extending beyond a top surface of the bone fixation plate. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the rod housing comprises a lower arm extending beyond a bottom surface of the bone fixation plate. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the rod housing extends along the longitudinal axis from the second end of the bone fixation plate. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the rod housing extends laterally from a side of the second end in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.