Apparatus for bone stabilization and distraction and methods of use

Abstract

In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a flexible band through an aperture of a support member, the support member having a fixation portion configured to secure the support member to a first bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the flexible band through an attachment portion of the flexible band until the flexible band is secured to a second bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the fixation portion of the support member into the first bone portion until the support member is secured to the first bone portion.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method, comprising:
 disposing a flexible elongate body through an aperture of a support member, the flexible elongate body comprising a distal end portion, a body portion, and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising an attachment portion;   advancing the distal end portion and the body portion through the attachment portion to form a loop around a first bone portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to permit movement of the body portion in a first direction but substantially limit the movement of the body portion in a second direction; and   positioning the support member to define a distraction distance between the first bone portion and a second bone portion, wherein the support member is adjustable to define a plurality of distraction lengths.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein positioning the support member comprises:
 positioning a first member comprising the aperture;   positioning a second member configured to couple the second bone portion; and   positioning a third member configured to couple to the first member and the second member.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the first member and the second member are independently positioned. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the first member and the third member are independently positioned. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the second member and the third member are independently positioned. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein positioning the support member comprises positioning a coupler member relative to a rod. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising positioning a fixation member to maintain the distraction distance. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the plurality of distraction lengths are defined along a rod of the support member. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the first bone portion is a spinous process of a first vertebra. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the second bone portion is a transverse process of a second vertebra. 
     
     
         39 . A method, comprising:
 coupling a flexible elongate body with a support member, the flexible elongate body comprising a distal end portion, a body portion, and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising an attachment portion;   advancing the distal end portion and the body portion through the attachment portion to form a loop around a first bone portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to permit movement of the body portion in a first direction but substantially limit the movement of the body portion in a second direction; and   positioning the support member laterally relative to the flexible elongate body, wherein the support member defines a distraction distance between the first bone portion and a second bone portion.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising positioning a second support member laterally relative to the flexible elongate body. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the first bone portion is a spinous process of a first vertebra. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein positioning the support member comprises coupling the support member to a right transverse process of the second vertebra. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising coupling a second support member to a left transverse process of the second vertebra. 
     
     
         44 . A method, comprising:
 disposing a flexible elongate body through an aperture of a support member, the flexible elongate body comprising a distal end portion, a body portion, and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising an attachment portion;   advancing the distal end portion and the body portion through the attachment portion to form a loop around a first bone portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to permit movement of the body portion in a first direction but substantially limit the movement of the body portion in a second direction; and   adjusting the support member to define a distraction distance between the first bone portion and a second bone portion by coupling a first member of the support member at a first point of a plurality of points and coupling a second member of the support member at a second point of the plurality of points.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein adjusting the support member comprises adjusting the first point and the second point along a rod. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising maintain the distraction distance with a fixation member. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising disposing the flexible elongate body through an aperture of a second support member. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising adjusting a second support member.