An auxiliary device for fracture healing

Abstract

The application discloses an auxiliary device for fracture healing, which comprises a supporting device, a traction device and a control device. The supporting device is composed of a pair of mutually articulated fixed blocks one and two, forms a ring structure after being closed, and is made of degradable PLGA through 3D printing. The traction device comprises an arc-shaped rod, an extension rod one, an extension rod two and a connecting block, the connecting block is externally provided with a deformation piece, and a sensor is arranged at the deformation piece. The control device is internally provided with a power supply and a controller, can collect sensor data and control the movement of the extension rods. The device applies a moderate and small traction force to the fracture site through the traction device, simulates physiological load, promotes osteoblast activity and accelerates the formation of new bone matrix. The controller combines AI technology to analyze data and intelligently adjust the size and direction of the traction force, so that the needs of different stages of fracture healing are met. The supporting device is degradable, and secondary surgery for removal is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an auxiliary device for fracture healing. Background Technology

[0002] Fracture healing is a complex biomechanical process involving multiple stages such as osteoblast proliferation, bone matrix deposition, and angiogenesis. Stabilizing the fracture site is a crucial step in fracture treatment, but traditional fixation and external traction methods have many problems in practical applications.

[0003] Traditional fixation methods primarily rely on internal metal fixation devices, such as bone plates and intramedullary nails. While these rigid fixation devices provide stable support for the fracture site, their excessive rigidity restricts micromovement at the fracture ends. Moderate physiological stress stimulation is crucial for fracture healing; however, traditional fixation methods cannot provide this micromovement environment, potentially reducing the stress adaptation capacity of bone tissue and leading to delayed or even nonunion. Furthermore, rigid fixation devices cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the progress of fracture healing during postoperative rehabilitation, failing to meet the needs of different patients and different stages of healing.

[0004] Traditional traction therapies, such as skin traction and skeletal traction, are typically used for severe fractures or during postoperative rehabilitation. However, these external traction methods have significant limitations. First, external traction devices are usually bulky, restricting the patient's range of motion and causing considerable inconvenience. Prolonged bed rest or restricted activity can lead to complications such as muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, further impacting rehabilitation outcomes. Second, the traction force of external traction devices is usually fixed and cannot be adjusted in real time according to the actual fracture healing process, making it difficult to meet the needs of personalized treatment.

[0005] Current mechanical traction methods mostly employ a fixed approach, lacking intelligent adjustment capabilities. During fracture healing, the need for mechanical stimulation varies at different stages. For example, in the early stages of fracture healing, stable fixation is required to promote initial bone healing; in the middle stages, moderate mechanical stimulation is needed to promote bone growth and remodeling; and in the later stages, the mechanical load needs to be gradually increased to enhance bone strength. However, existing traction devices cannot dynamically adjust according to these different healing stages, failing to provide personalized treatment plans. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an auxiliary device for fracture healing, in order to address the shortcomings of existing fracture fixation and traction techniques in terms of biomechanical regulation, patient freedom of movement, and intelligent control.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an auxiliary device for fracture healing, comprising a support device, a traction device, and a control device. The support device includes a pair of hinged fixing blocks, namely, a first fixing block and a second fixing block. When the first fixing block and the second fixing block are closed, they can form a ring structure. The surfaces of the first fixing block and the second fixing block that abut after closing are respectively provided with a latch and a buckle. An arc-shaped support column is fixedly connected to the top of the first fixing block, and an installation block is fixedly connected to the top of the support column. The inner walls of the first fixing block and the second fixing block are evenly provided with a plurality of serrations. The inner wall of the second fixing block has an opening that cooperates with the installation block. The mounting slot has connection holes on the outer walls of both the first and second fixing blocks. The traction device includes a pair of arc-shaped rods, both ends of which are connected to a pair of telescopic rods. Both ends of the first telescopic rods are fixedly connected to a pair of sliders. A second telescopic rod is mounted on the slider. The free end of the second telescopic rod is fixedly connected to a connecting block that mates with the connection hole. A deformable piece is fixedly connected to the outside of the connecting block. A sensor is mounted on the deformable piece. The traction device is connected to a control device. The control device has a built-in power supply and controller. The controller can collect data from the sensor to control the movement of the first and second telescopic rods.

[0008] Preferably, the support device is made of biodegradable PLGA and is manufactured by 3D printing.

[0009] Preferably, the deformable sheet is made of shape memory alloy material, and the sensor is a strain sensor.

[0010] Preferably, a miniature pressure sensor is provided at the connecting block.

[0011] The principle and beneficial effects of this technical solution:

[0012] This device applies a moderate, minute traction force to the fracture site using a traction device, simulating physiological load. This minute traction force typically ranges from 0.1N to 1N. During fracture healing, osteoblast activity is crucial for the deposition of new bone matrix. Moderate mechanical stimulation can activate osteoblasts, promoting their proliferation and differentiation, thereby accelerating the formation of new bone matrix.

[0013] The traction device within the system is connected to a control unit, which includes a built-in power supply and controller. Sensors, such as strain sensors, are installed at the deformable plates of the traction device. These sensors monitor biomechanical data, such as micro-motions and pressure changes at the fracture ends, in real time and transmit the data to the controller. The controller analyzes and processes the collected data, combining it with artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis technology to accurately determine the progress of fracture healing. Based on the healing status, the controller can automatically adjust the movement of telescopic rod one and telescopic rod two, thereby changing the magnitude and direction of the traction force, providing doctors with personalized treatment plans, and achieving precision treatment.

[0014] The deformable plates in the traction device are made of shape memory alloy (SMA). Shape memory alloys possess unique physical properties, allowing them to change shape when electrically stimulated. When the controller issues a command based on data from the sensors, electrical stimulation causes the deformable plates to deform, thereby moving telescopic rods one and two to achieve traction on the fracture site. This traction method provides a stable, low-intensity traction force and can intelligently adjust the magnitude and direction of the traction force based on the fracture healing progress reported by the sensors. Furthermore, the system can be configured with different traction modes according to different stages of fracture healing, such as an initial stabilization mode, a moderate load mode, and a bone growth enhancement mode, to meet the mechanical stimulation requirements at different stages of fracture healing.

[0015] The support device is made of biodegradable polylactic-co-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) and manufactured using 3D printing. During fracture treatment, the support device provides additional structural support to the fracture site, ensuring the stability of the fracture ends. As the bone tissue gradually heals, the PLGA scaffold gradually degrades and is eventually absorbed by the body. The use of this biodegradable scaffold avoids the need for a second surgery to remove traditional fixation devices, reducing patient pain and medical risks.

[0016] This device simulates physiological load to enhance osteoblast activity, promote new bone matrix deposition, and accelerate fracture healing. Simultaneously, it dynamically adjusts mechanical stimulation to prevent excessive stress from causing fracture misalignment, ensuring healing of the fracture ends in a stable mechanical environment and improving the fracture healing rate. Traditional rigid fixation can lead to complications such as nonunion. This invention simulates a natural load environment through biomimetic mechanical traction, reducing the risk of nonunion. It also avoids the need for secondary surgery to remove traditional fixation devices, reducing the probability of postoperative infections and other complications. Combined with a sensor monitoring system, it can automatically adjust the traction force according to the patient's healing progress, providing personalized rehabilitation plans. This intelligent real-time control method can meet the needs of different patients and different healing stages, improving treatment effectiveness. Compared to traditional external traction devices, this invention is smaller and does not restrict the patient's range of motion. Patients can engage in appropriate activities after surgery, reducing complications such as muscle atrophy and joint stiffness caused by prolonged bed rest or restricted activity, thus improving quality of life. The remote intelligent adjustment function reduces hospitalization time and lowers medical costs. Furthermore, the use of a biodegradable stent avoids the cost of secondary surgery for removal, further alleviating the patient's financial burden. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary device for fracture healing provided in an embodiment of the present invention when applied at a fracture site;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a support device for an auxiliary device for fracture healing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Support device; 2. Traction device; 3. Fixing block one; 4. Fixing block two; 5. Buckle; 6. Support column; 7. Mounting block; 8. Serrated edge; 9. Mounting groove; 10. Connecting hole; 11. Arc rod; 12. Telescopic rod one; 13. Sliding block; 14. Telescopic rod two. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0021] Example:

[0022] like Figure 1 The illustrated auxiliary device for fracture healing comprises a support device 1 and a traction device 2 as its core components. Figure 2 The support device 1 shown consists of a pair of hinged fixing blocks 3 and 4. This design cleverly utilizes the flexibility of the hinge, allowing fixing blocks 3 and 4 to close smoothly, forming a stable ring structure that tightly wraps around the bone at the fracture site, providing necessary fixation and support. On the surfaces where fixing blocks 3 and 4 abut after closing, latches and buckles 5 are respectively provided to ensure a tight fit. The design of the latches and buckles allows for quick locking of the device, improving installation efficiency and stability. An arc-shaped support column 6 is fixedly connected to the top of fixing block 3, and a mounting block 7 is fixedly connected to the top of the support column 6. This structural layout gives the support device 1 better overall mechanical performance and stability, enabling it to better withstand the force applied by the traction device 2. Furthermore, the inner walls of fixing blocks 3 and 4 are evenly provided with several serrations 8. These serrations 8 increase the friction between the device and the bone, further improving the fixation effect and preventing slippage during use. The inner wall of the second fixing block 4 has a mounting groove 9 that mates with the mounting block 7. When the first fixing block 3 and the second fixing block 4 are closed, the mounting block 7 can be accurately embedded in the mounting groove 9, further enhancing the overall structural stability of the support device 1. In order to achieve an effective connection between the traction device 2 and the support device 1, the outer walls of both the first fixing block 3 and the second fixing block 4 have connection holes 10.

[0023] The traction device 2 includes a pair of arc-shaped rods 11, both ends of which are connected to a pair of telescopic rods 12. A pair of sliders 13 are fixedly connected to both ends of the telescopic rods 12, and a second telescopic rod 14 is mounted on each slider 13. A connecting block that mates with a connecting hole 10 is fixedly connected to the free end of the second telescopic rod 14, and a deformable piece is fixedly connected to the outer side of the connecting block. Through this structural design, the traction device 2 can be tightly connected to the support device 1, and the extension and retraction of the first telescopic rod 12 and the second telescopic rod 14 achieves a traction effect on the fracture site. When the two support devices 1 are combined, they can firmly wrap around the fracture site, restricting the displacement of the fracture ends. However, due to its special structural design, the fracture ends still have some room for movement in the vertical direction. The traction device 2 can restrict the vertical movement of the fracture ends, thereby achieving complete fixation of the fracture site. Simultaneously, the movement of the first telescopic rod 12 and the second telescopic rod 14 not only fixes the fracture ends but also achieves a traction effect, providing necessary mechanical stimulation for fracture healing.

[0024] The support device 1 is made of biodegradable PLGA, a material with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. In actual use, the support device 1 can be precisely manufactured using 3D printing according to the patient's specific condition, such as the size and shape of the fracture site. This personalized customization ensures that the support device 1 fits perfectly to the patient's fracture site, providing optimal support. Moreover, the support device 1 made of biodegradable PLGA material can provide additional support to the bone tissue after surgery. As the bone tissue gradually heals, the support device 1 will gradually degrade and eventually be absorbed by the body, thus avoiding the need for a second surgery to remove traditional fixation devices, greatly reducing patient pain and medical burden.

[0025] During installation, the fixing blocks 3 of a pair of support devices 1 are fitted onto both ends of the fractured bone using snap fasteners 5. Snap fastener 5 is an elastic spring with a protrusion at its front end, while the locking slot is a fixing groove with several evenly spaced slots that mate with snap fastener 5. By pushing snap fastener 5 into the locking slot, the protrusion smoothly enters the slot, thus locking the device and ensuring that the fixing block 4 accurately covers the fracture site. Next, the mounting blocks 7 of support devices 1 are placed in their respective mounting slots 9, completing the support and fixation of the fracture site. When installing the traction device 2, the length of the telescopic rod 12 needs to be adjusted first. Then, by moving the telescopic rod 14, the connecting block at the free end of the telescopic rod 14 can be accurately inserted into the connecting hole 10 of the support device 1. Once all connecting blocks are inserted into their corresponding connecting holes 10, the device is further secured. The deformable plate at the connecting block is made of shape memory alloy (SMA), a material with unique shape memory properties that deforms under electrical stimulation. A strain sensor is also installed at the deformable plate to monitor its deformation in real time, providing feedback on the stress level and allowing doctors to accurately understand the specific fracture situation. Simultaneously, when traction is needed, force is applied to the support device 1 by moving telescopic rods 12 and 14, and by applying electrical stimulation to the deformable plate, thus achieving the traction effect. Furthermore, a miniature pressure sensor is installed at the connecting block to sense the pressure at both ends of the fracture. Through the synergistic action of these sensors, the mechanical state of the fracture site can be monitored more comprehensively, providing doctors with more accurate diagnostic information. Simultaneously, the magnitude and direction of the traction force can be adjusted in real time based on the monitoring data to achieve the best treatment effect.

[0026] The control unit is the core of the entire auxiliary device, housing a power supply and controller. The controller collects data from sensors and uses this data to control the movement of telescopic rod 12 and telescopic rod 14. This intelligent control system enables real-time monitoring and dynamic regulation of the fracture healing process, providing patients with personalized treatment plans.

[0027] Specific implementation process:

[0028] 1. Preoperative preparation: Before surgery, a detailed imaging assessment of the patient's fracture is necessary, including the type, location, and severity of the fracture. This assessment determines whether the patient is suitable for the biomimetic mechanical traction therapy of this invention. If the assessment indicates suitability, then appropriate sizes of the traction device 2 and support device 1 must be selected based on the patient's specific condition, such as the size and shape of the fracture site, and the traction parameters must be precisely adjusted.

[0029] 2. Intraoperative Implantation: During the surgery, the biomimetic traction device 2 is first installed on the support device 1, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. Then, the support device 1 is manufactured using 3D printing. This customized manufacturing method allows for precise adjustment of the size and shape of the support device 1 according to the patient's specific condition, ensuring a perfect fit to the fracture site. Next, the support device 1 is placed at the fracture site to provide additional structural support. After installation, the intelligent control system needs to be activated to monitor the micro-movements at the fracture ends in real time and gradually apply traction. This step requires the surgeon to have extensive experience and a high level of expertise to ensure correct device installation and successful system activation.

[0030] 3. Postoperative Dynamic Adjustment: After surgery, the patient enters the postoperative rehabilitation phase. During this phase, the surgeon needs to dynamically adjust the traction force based on data collected by sensors. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the fracture healing environment, providing the best mechanical conditions for healing. Because the traction device 2 can be adjusted externally, repeated surgical adjustments are unnecessary, significantly reducing patient suffering and medical risks. Furthermore, the 3D-printed scaffold gradually degrades after bone healing and is eventually absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for additional surgical removal, further reducing the burden on the patient.

[0031] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common technical solutions or characteristics known in the schemes are not described in detail here. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application shall be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for fracture healing, characterized by: The application relates to a support device (1), a traction device (2) and a control device, wherein the support device (1) comprises a pair of mutually hinged fixed block one (3) and fixed block two (4), the fixed block one (3) and the fixed block two (4) can form a ring structure after being closed, the abutting surfaces of the fixed block one (3) and the fixed block two (4) are respectively provided with a bayonet and a buckle (5), the top end of the fixed block one (3) is fixedly connected with an arc-shaped support column (6), the top end of the support column (6) is fixedly connected with a mounting block (7), the inner walls of the fixed block one (3) and the fixed block two (4) are uniformly provided with a plurality of sawteeth (8), the inner wall of the fixed block two (4) is provided with a mounting groove (9) matched with the mounting block (7), and the outer walls of the fixed block one (3) and the fixed block two (4) are respectively provided with connecting holes (10); the traction device (2) comprises a pair of arc-shaped rods (11), the two ends of the pair of arc-shaped rods (11) are jointly connected with a pair of telescopic rods one (12), the two ends of the pair of telescopic rods one (12) are fixedly connected with a pair of sliding blocks (13), the sliding blocks (13) are provided with telescopic rods two (14), the free ends of the telescopic rods two (14) are fixedly connected with connecting blocks matched with the connecting holes (10), and the connecting blocks are fixedly connected with deformed sheets; sensors are arranged at the deformed sheets, the traction device (2) is connected with the control device, the control device is internally provided with a power supply and a controller, and the controller can collect data of the sensors to control the telescopic rods one (12) and the telescopic rods two (14) to move.

2. An auxiliary device for fracture healing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the support device (1) is degradable PLGA, and the support device (1) is prepared by means of 3D printing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein: The deformed sheets are made of shape memory alloy materials, and the sensors are strain sensors.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein: Miniature pressure sensors are arranged at the connecting blocks.

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