Ultrasound-guided method for reduction of fractured ribs and fixation device

Abstract

This invention discloses an ultrasound-guided method and fixation device for reducing and fixing fractured ribs, relating to the field of rehabilitation equipment. This ultrasound-guided method and device employs minimally invasive techniques, requiring only a small incision in the fracture area. Through this incision, a specially designed flexible bandage is precisely inserted and wrapped around the fractured rib using blunt dissection to avoid muscle tissue. Once tightened, the bandage provides continuous and stable external tension to the precisely reduced fracture ends, effectively counteracting the traction tension generated by respiratory movements and ensuring that the fractured rib maintains ideal alignment throughout the healing process. This technique avoids the extensive muscle stripping required in traditional surgery, significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain, facilitating early ambulation, and greatly reducing the risk of complications such as pulmonary infection, achieving the treatment goal of minimal trauma and rapid recovery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to rehabilitation equipment technology, specifically to a method and fixation device for fractured ribs based on ultrasound guidance. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional internal fixation surgery for rib fractures typically employs an open approach, which is considered a highly invasive procedure in thoracic surgery. To obtain adequate surgical field exposure, surgeons often need to make an incision of 10 to 15 centimeters or even longer in the chest wall, sequentially cutting through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Simultaneously, depending on the fracture location, superficial chest wall muscles such as the latissimus dorsi and trapezius, as well as the intercostal muscles located between the ribs, are bluntly dissected or severed. During the dissection process, the periosteum must be pushed away from the fracture ends to expose sufficient bone length for placing the metal plate. While this extensive tissue incision and dissection provides a clear view for reduction, it inevitably severs some muscle fibers and nerve endings, leading to relatively large intraoperative bleeding and potentially affecting postoperative chest wall muscle function. More importantly, extensive tissue trauma activates a strong inflammatory response, causing patients to endure severe incision pain postoperatively. This pain severely restricts the patient's breathing range and effective expectoration, increasing the risk of postoperative complications such as atelectasis and pulmonary infection. This is one of the core reasons why postoperative hospital stays and overall recovery periods are significantly prolonged.

[0003] Beyond the physical trauma and recovery challenges, traditional open surgery also places a heavy psychological burden on patients, leading to generally low acceptance rates. First, large incisions inevitably leave noticeable postoperative scars, affecting not only appearance but also potentially causing long-term psychological distress, especially for patients with a tendency to form keloids or high expectations for quality of life. Second, due to the extensive surgical trauma, patients often require chest drainage tubes, strong analgesics, and prolonged bed rest and recovery periods, making the entire treatment process painful and frustrating, thus exacerbating their fear and resistance to surgery. Furthermore, the extensive dissection of muscles and soft tissues can lead to long-term complications such as weakened chest wall muscles, local numbness or abnormal sensations, and even discomfort in the incision area during weather changes. These potential long-term functional impacts also make patients hesitant when considering surgery.

[0004] Therefore, although traditional open internal fixation can achieve anatomical reduction of fractures, its dual impact on the patient's physical and mental health has prompted the medical community to continuously explore less invasive and more minimally invasive treatment options for rib fractures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasound-guided method and fixation device for reducing fractured ribs, in order to solve the problem of large trauma and difficulty in recovery caused by open internal fixation in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an ultrasound-guided rib fracture reduction and fixation device, comprising:

[0007] The cable tie has one end narrowed to a pointed tip, and a locking tooth is provided on the side of the cable tie near the pointed tip. The other end is connected to a buckle, and a guide hole is provided in the middle of the cable tie along the length direction.

[0008] A pad, wherein two symmetrically arranged perforations are provided on the pad, and the pad is composed of a lower pad layer and an upper pad layer.

[0009] Preferably, the cable tie has a width of 5mm and a length of 8cm.

[0010] Preferably, the cable tie is made of polyetheretherketone absorbable polymer material.

[0011] The ultrasound-guided method for reducing fractured ribs includes the following steps:

[0012] S1. Local anesthesia is administered to the patient's fractured area. Ultrasound is used to detect the fracture area, marking the location of the fracture ends, the direction of displacement, and the course of the intercostal nerve and blood vessel bundles. The area is then disinfected and draped.

[0013] S2. Make an incision in the patient's fracture area;

[0014] S3. Reduction of fractured ribs;

[0015] S4. Using hemostatic forceps or periosteal elevator, closely follow the surface of the rib periosteum and bluntly separate the tunnel between the deep surface of the rib and the pleura. Insert the guide wire through the incision, pass it around the fractured rib along the separated tunnel, and then exit through the incision.

[0016] S5. Thread the cable tie onto the guide wire, guide the cable tie into the insertion tunnel through the guide wire, pass it around the fractured rib and out, pass both ends of the cable tie through the perforations of the pad and tighten it with the buckle, and cut off the cable tie that is exposed to the buckle.

[0017] Preferably, the incision opening procedure is to make a 5mm diameter incision next to the marked point of the patient's fracture area, along the skin line direction or along the rib direction, and then sequentially cut the subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia, and bluntly separate the chest wall muscles along the muscle fiber direction until the rib fracture ends are exposed.

[0018] Preferably, the rib fracture reduction steps are as follows: using a periosteal elevator to peel off the periosteum on the surface of the fracture ends, cleaning the hematoma and soft tissue embedded between the fracture ends, and using reduction tools including tissue forceps and rat-tooth forceps to clamp the fracture ends of the rib and reduce the fracture ends.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the ultrasound-guided rib reduction and fixation device provided by this invention employs minimally invasive techniques, requiring only a tiny incision in the fracture area. Through this incision, a specially designed flexible ligature is precisely inserted and wrapped around the fractured rib using blunt dissection to avoid muscle tissue. Once tightened, the ligature provides continuous and stable external tension to the precisely reduced fracture ends, effectively counteracting the traction tension generated by respiratory movements and ensuring that the fractured rib maintains ideal alignment throughout the healing process. This technique avoids extensive muscle stripping required in traditional surgery, significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain, facilitating early ambulation, and greatly reducing the risk of complications such as pulmonary infection, achieving the treatment goal of minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fixing device provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fixing device provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cable tie provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the cable tie provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for reducing fractured ribs provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another pad structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another way of using the pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1. Cable tie; 11. Clip; 12. Piercing hole; 13. Buckle; 2. Pad; 21. Lower pad; 22. Upper pad; 23. Perforation. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 7 As shown:

[0032] Example:

[0033] This invention provides an ultrasound-guided rib fracture reduction and fixation device, comprising:

[0034] Cable tie 1, one end of which is narrowed to a pointed tip to facilitate the cable tie 1 to pass through the insertion tunnel opened on the patient's tissue, and the side of the cable tie 1 near the pointed tip is provided with a locking tooth 11, and the other end is connected to a buckle 13. The end with the locking tooth 11 will be locked after being inserted into the buckle 13. The effective length of the cable tie 1 can be adjusted in sequence. The cable tie 1 has a guide hole 12 opened in the middle along the length direction. The cable tie 1 is sleeved on the guide wire through the guide hole 12 and passes through the guide wire into the insertion tunnel.

[0035] The pad 2 has two symmetrically arranged perforations 23. The two ends of the cable tie 1 pass through the two perforations 23 respectively and are snapped together. The pad 2 is attached to the patient's skin surface by the cable tie 1. The pad 2 has a large surface area, which can disperse the pressure of the cable tie 1, thereby reducing the pressure of the pad 2 on the patient's skin and alleviating the patient's skin discomfort. The pad 2 is composed of a lower pad layer 21 and an upper pad layer 22. The lower pad layer 21 is made of a soft and breathable material, taking into account both biocompatibility and breathability. The upper pad layer 22 is made of a material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as a steel plate.

[0036] In one implementation, such as Figure 7-8 As shown, the pad 2 is long and narrow with a certain degree of curvature, which can better fit the patient's chest cavity. The perforations 23 are symmetrically arranged in two rows on the long side of the pad 2. The perforations 23 can be directly grooved on the side of the top plate 2. When using this pad 2 in conjunction with the ties 1 to fix the fractured ribs, multiple ties 1 can be tied on one pad 2, so as to apply multiple time reduction forces to the fractured ribs at the same time.

[0037] The cable tie 1 is 5mm wide and 8cm long, ensuring that there is a large enough contact area between the cable tie 1 and the patient's ribs, avoiding excessive pressure between the cable tie 1 and the ribs when tightened, which could cause secondary cutting damage. It also ensures that after the cable tie 1 passes around the ribs, it still has enough length to pass through the buckle 13 and bind the pad 2.

[0038] The ligature 1 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), an absorbable polymer. Such materials (e.g., PEEK) have an elastic modulus (approximately 4 GPa) much lower than titanium alloys and closer to that of bone. They are typically thermoplastic, allowing surgeons to soften them with warm water during surgery, shape them to fit the curvature of the rib, and harden and fix them upon cooling. The degradation rate of absorbable materials (e.g., polylactic acid) (approximately 3 months or more) matches the bone healing cycle.

[0039] The ultrasound-guided method for reducing fractured ribs includes the following steps:

[0040] S1. Local anesthesia is administered to the patient's fractured area. Ultrasound is used to detect the fracture area, marking the location of the fracture ends, the direction of displacement, and the course of the intercostal nerve and blood vessel bundles. The area is then disinfected and draped.

[0041] S2. Make an incision in the fracture area of ​​the patient. Next to the marked point of the fracture area of ​​the patient, make an incision with a diameter of 5mm along the skin line or along the direction of the rib. Cut the subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia in sequence, and bluntly separate the chest wall muscles along the direction of the muscle fibers until the fracture ends of the ribs are exposed.

[0042] S3. To reduce the fractured rib, use a periosteal elevator to peel off the periosteum on the surface of the fracture ends, clean up the hematoma and soft tissue embedded between the fracture ends, and use reduction tools, including tissue forceps and rat-tooth forceps, to clamp the fracture ends of the rib and reduce the fracture ends.

[0043] S4. Using hemostatic forceps or periosteal elevator, closely follow the surface of the rib periosteum and bluntly separate the tunnel between the deep surface of the rib and the pleura. Insert the guide wire through the incision, pass it around the fractured rib along the separated tunnel, and then exit through the incision.

[0044] S5. Thread the cable tie 1 onto the guide wire, guide the cable tie 1 into the tunnel through the guide wire, pass it around the fractured rib and out, pass both ends of the cable tie 1 through the perforation 23 of the pad 2 and tighten it with the buckle 13, and cut off the cable tie 1 that is exposed by the buckle 13.

[0045] As can be seen from the above, the ultrasound-guided rib reduction method and fixation device provided by this invention employs minimally invasive techniques, requiring only a small incision in the fracture area. Through this incision, a specially designed flexible ligature 1 is precisely inserted and wrapped around the fractured rib using blunt dissection to avoid muscle tissue. Once tightened, the ligature 1 provides a continuous and stable external pulling force to the precisely reduced fracture ends, effectively counteracting the traction tension generated by respiratory movements and ensuring that the fractured rib maintains ideal alignment throughout the healing period. This technique avoids the extensive muscle stripping required in traditional surgery, significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain, facilitating early ambulation, and greatly reducing the risk of complications such as pulmonary infection, achieving the treatment goal of minimal trauma and rapid recovery.

[0046] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasound-guided rib fracture reduction and fixation device, characterized in that, include: Cable tie (1), one end of the cable tie (1) is narrowed to a pointed end, and a tooth (11) is provided on the side of the cable tie (1) near the pointed end, and a buckle (13) is connected to the other end. A lead hole (12) is provided in the middle of the cable tie (1) along the length direction. The pad (2) has two symmetrically arranged perforations (23) and is composed of a lower pad (21) and an upper pad (22).

2. The ultrasound-guided rib reduction and fixation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable tie (1) has a width of 5mm and a length of 8cm.

3. The ultrasound-guided rib fracture reduction and fixation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable tie (1) is made of polyetheretherketone absorbable polymer material.

4. A method for reducing fractured ribs based on ultrasound guidance, characterized by the following steps: include: S1. Local anesthesia is administered to the patient's fractured area. Ultrasound is used to detect the fracture area, marking the location of the fracture ends, the direction of displacement, and the course of the intercostal nerve and blood vessel bundles. The area is then disinfected and draped. S2. Make an incision in the patient's fracture area; S3. Reduction of fractured ribs; S4. Using hemostatic forceps or periosteal elevator, closely follow the surface of the rib periosteum and bluntly separate the tunnel between the deep surface of the rib and the pleura. Insert the guide wire through the incision, pass it around the fractured rib along the separated tunnel, and then exit through the incision. S5. Thread the cable tie (1) onto the guide wire, guide the cable tie (1) into the tunnel through the guide wire, pass around the fractured rib and out, thread both ends of the cable tie (1) through the perforations (23) of the pad (2) and tighten and tie it with the buckle (13), and cut off the cable tie (1) that is exposed by the buckle (13).

5. The ultrasound-guided rib reduction method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The incision procedure involves making a 5mm incision next to the marked point in the patient's fracture area, along the skin lines or along the direction of the ribs. The subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia are then cut in sequence, and the chest wall muscles are bluntly dissected along the direction of the muscle fibers until the fractured ends of the ribs are exposed.

6. The ultrasound-guided rib reduction method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steps for rib fracture reduction are as follows: use a periosteal elevator to peel off the periosteum on the surface of the fracture ends, clean up the hematoma and soft tissue embedded between the fracture ends, and use reduction tools, including tissue forceps and rat-tooth forceps, to clamp the fracture ends of the rib and reduce the fracture ends.

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