Patent ID: 7833227

Claim:
A fastening apparatus for fixing bone elements comprising: a. a flexible cable having a first end, a second end, and a width, the first end including an enlargement greater than the width of the cable; b. a crimp member including i. a first hole having a length, a slot, a proximal opening formed on a first planar face of the crimp member and opening into a proximal portion of the slot, a distal opening formed on a second planar face of the crimp member and opening into a distal portion of the slot, and a planar opening formed on a third planar face of the crimp member and opening into the proximal and distal portions, wherein the third planar face is perpendicular to the first and second planar faces, the proximal opening being configured and dimensioned to accept the enlargement at the first end of the cable, the proximal portion of the slot being configured and dimensioned to permit the enlargement of the cable to pass therethrough, the planar opening being configured and dimensioned to permit the width of the cable to pass therethrough and prevent the enlargement from passing therethrough, and the distal portion of the slot configured and dimensioned to permit the width of the cable to pass therethrough and prevent the enlargement from passing therethrough, and ii. a second hole having a length, the second hole configured and dimensioned to permit insertion of the second end of the cable through the second hole.