US Patent 12076066 Method and device for bone fixation

A method and device for repairing a bone fracture include the use of a bone plate and a bone hook that engages the interior of the bone. The method includes the steps of using at least one bone hook that engages the interior of the bone to apply a counterforce to the bone plate installation forces. The bone plate is configured to be positioned over the hook while the bone hook is in place. In an exemplary configuration, two bone hooks are used to position and then hold the ends of the fractured bone. The hooks are positioned through the bone plate and apply a counterforce to the installation of the bone plate. The hooks are removed after the plate is installed. In the case of a rib fracture, with the hook or hooks engaging the interior of the bone, there is minimal disruption to the intercostal material around the fracture and no engagement between the tools and the pleura behind the bone.