Importance

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Abstract

A fastener system for use in reattaching a skull flap in an opening formed in a patient's skull during brain surgery is simple, quick and easy to use, and cost effective. The system includes a fastener element and a substantially disc shaped lock element. The fastener element has a shank with a plurality of ratchet teeth, and a plurality ridges extending upwardly from the shank a distance greater than the height of the ratchet teeth, and substantially perpendicular to the ratchet teeth. The ridges engage at least one of the skull and skull flap and either bend or collapse, or cut locking grooves into the skull or skull flap, to provide a force holding the shank in engagement with the skull and skull flap. The lock element may have force concentrating projections extending outwardly toward the fastener head, and the head may have a plurality of resilient[ outrigger leaves.

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First Claim