Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed to hold a bone piece in position relative to a host bone for attachment or re-attachment purposes. A body having a plurality of claws extending therefrom engages with the bone piece, at least one of the claws including a mechanism facilitating a first position wherein the claw is opened to fit onto the bone piece and a second position wherein the claw is actively urged into the bone piece. Depending upon the embodiment, the mechanism may include a claw-bearing member having one or more barbs, a claw-bearing member having teeth that engage with a gear, or a threaded post having a pointed end which is tightened through a portion of the body and locked into a desired position with the point actively urged into the bone. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the claws of the device are pre-biased in a closed or gripping position, and a tool is used to temporarily spread the claws to fit over the bone piece, after which the tool is released, allowing the claws to dig into the surface of the bone.

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First Claim