FIXING ARRANGEMENT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a fixation arrangement for fixing a bone or a bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Especially in older patients, fractures often occur even with minor external loads. One reason for this is the weakening of the bone substance due to osteoporosis. Such fractures must be surgically fixed, usually using so-called bone plates or stabilization plates that are screwed into the bone. For example, it is known to fix a bone with two such angle-stable stabilization plates, as is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 110 633 A1. In addition to fixing the individual bone plates with screws that are screwed into the bone, opposing bone plates are also connected using bone-penetrating screws. However, this measure, which is very complex surgically, weakens the bone enormously, so that a corresponding fixation device can fail under external forces.

[0003] For example, it is also known from DE 10 2020 116 610 A1 to fix bone plates using loops placed around the bone. US 4,003,376 discloses an arrangement in which a single stabilizing plate is held by curved threaded rods placed around it. Corresponding fastening sections on the other side of the bone serve as abutments, to which one end of each curved threaded rod is fixed with a lock nut. This arrangement has a similar effect to the loops mentioned above. The disadvantage, however, is that such loops, which are usually made of wire, have to be laboriously guided through the soft tissue surrounding the bone during the surgical procedure and then pulled together and fixed. Usually, several such loops have to be used. This can reduce the blood supply to the bone, which ultimately hinders the healing of the fracture.

[0004] EP 2 340 777 A1 discloses an osteosynthesis plate consisting of three sections. Two ends are comparable to stabilization plates connected by the central section. This plate is constructed in one piece. This arrangement is disadvantageous because it is only suitable for a specific bone geometry. Furthermore, this arrangement presents surgical difficulties. For example, if a femoral fracture is to be fixed using this arrangement, the two stabilization plates must be attached to the outer and inner sides of the femur. Due to the uniform design, the relative position of the two stabilization plates is predetermined, and intraoperative correction of this arrangement is no longer possible. THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a fixation arrangement with which the disadvantages described above do not occur and, in particular, further weakening of the bone is avoided.

[0006] This object is achieved by a fixing arrangement having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a fixation arrangement for fixating a bone or a bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component is proposed, which comprises at least two stabilization plates and at least one force-transmitting element designed to transmit forces from one stabilization plate to the at least one further stabilization plate. The stabilization plates are connected or connectable to one another via the at least one force-transmitting element in such a way that the force-transmitting element can be fastened or is fastened to one stabilization plate with a first section and can be fastened or is fastened or is integrally formed with the further stabilization plate with a second section. In this way, the force-transmitting element can be regarded as a so-called fixed clamping in the mechanical sense.This enables the force transmission element to absorb and transmit forces, i.e., torques and linear forces. As a result, forces acting on one stabilization plate are transmitted to the force transmission element and thus to the other stabilization plates. By mechanically coupling the stabilization plates via the force transmission element according to the invention, external forces acting on the bone fixed by the fixation arrangement can be distributed across the existing stabilization plates. This force distribution makes the fixation arrangement according to the invention more gentle on the bone or component to be fixed.

[0008] The force transmission element connected to the stabilization plates can be positioned entirely outside the bone to be fixed with the fixation assembly, or outside the bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component to be fixed with the fixation assembly. In this way, forces absorbed by the force transmission element are not directly transferred to the bone to be fixed. In particular, this can prevent pressure on the bone to be fixed, which could disrupt blood flow in the bone.

[0009] The stabilization plates can therefore be connected or connectable to one another via the at least one force transmission element in such a way that a bone fixed with the fixing arrangement or a bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component fixed with the fixing arrangement is partially enclosed by the force transmission element and the stabilization plates in a cuff-like manner.

[0010] At this point, it should be noted that, according to the invention, a plurality of force transmission elements can also be used, all of which can be designed in the same way as the subsequent force transmission element. In this way, the distribution of the forces acting on the stabilizing plates is evenly distributed across multiple force transmission elements.

[0011] In addition, the fixing arrangement according to the invention comprises one or a plurality of connecting means with which the stabilizing plates and the at least one force transmission element can be or are fastened to one another and which are designed for the force-transmitting connection of the stabilizing plates via the force transmission element.

[0012] According to the invention, the above-mentioned first section, preferably a first end, of the force transmission element can be or is fastened to one stabilizing plate via a first connecting means, and the above-mentioned second section, preferably a second end, of the force transmission element can be or is fastened to the further stabilizing plate via a second connecting means that is different from the first connecting means and not directly mechanically coupled thereto. In this context, "not directly mechanically coupled" means that the two connecting means are different components and are not directly connected to one another. The connecting means are advantageously, preferably angle-stable, screws.

[0013] Preferably, the force transmission element is designed to absorb tensile and compressive forces. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the force transmission element is designed and connectable or connected to the stabilizing plates in such a way that it transmits torques acting around at least one axis and / or linear forces in at least two spatial directions.

[0014] The less the force transmission element is deformed even when subjected to linear forces or torques, the better it can distribute the forces occurring to the stabilizing plates connected to it.

[0015] The nature of the force transmission element should be selected according to the expected mechanical loads. Regarding the material selection, the at least one force transmission element is advantageously made of a metal material, preferably steel or titanium.

[0016] The geometry must be adjusted so that the expected forces or torques can be absorbed and dissipated. Advantageous embodiments provide for the at least one force transmission element to have a strip, bracket, or clamp shape. These shapes already provide a certain inherent rigidity, at least if the material thickness is selected accordingly, so that such components can absorb and dissipate forces at least in the spatial / rotational directions required here.

[0017] The aforementioned sections of the force transmission element can be designed for contact, preferably in a form-fitting manner, with the stabilizing plates. In this way, forces from one stabilizing plate can be transferred even more effectively to another. Preferably, the sections of the force transmission element are also designed for the attachment or passage of a connecting means.

[0018] Preferably, the stabilizing plates each comprise at least one receptacle, preferably a threaded hole, for receiving the connecting means. It may be helpful for the force transmission element to have openings, preferably with an internal thread, for the passage of connecting means that are aligned with the receptacles of the stabilizing plates. In a preferred case, connecting means in the form of screws are passed through the openings and screwed into the respective receptacle in the stabilizing plate.

[0019] The fixing device according to the invention is installed according to the following method (the method does not form part of the claimed invention): a. a bone to be fixed or a bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component is fixed in a desired position, b. the stabilizing plates are fastened to the bone or the bone-replacing or bone-stabilizing component at the intended locations, preferably by means of screws, c. before or after step b. at least one force transmission element described above is fastened to the stabilizing plates by means of connecting means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is described below with reference to Figures 1-5 explained in more detail. Figure 1 - shows a side view of a bone fixed with the fixing arrangement according to the invention, Figure 2 - shows a sectional view along the line AA of Figure 1 with a first fastening possibility of the force transmission element according to the invention, Figure 3 - shows a sectional view along the line AA from Figure 1with a second fastening option of the force transmission element according to the invention, Figure 4 - shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the force transmission element according to the invention, Figure 5 - shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the force transmission element according to the invention. BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Figure 1shows an application example for a fixation arrangement according to the invention. The bone 5 to be treated is enclosed on the right and left by two stabilization plates 1. One of the stabilization plates 1 (the left one in the figure) is fixed to the bone by means of fixation elements 4, which are preferably bone screws. More precisely, the bone 5 or the bone fragments to be treated are firmly arranged on the left stabilization plate by means of fixation elements 4. Such fixation is supported by a further stabilization plate 1, which is arranged opposite the first stabilization plate 1 on the bone 5 in order to stabilize it from the other side. In principle, both stabilization plates 1 could also be fixed to the bone by means of bone screws.

[0022] The second stabilization plate 1 is connected to the first stabilization plate 1 by means of force-transmitting elements 2. This is done using connecting means 3, which are preferably screws, with which the force-transmitting elements 2 are firmly screwed to the respective stabilization plate 1. The force-transmitting elements 2 transmit forces from one stabilization plate 1 to the other without having to pass through the bone 5. A direct screw connection through the bone would also fulfill this direct force transmission, but would further weaken the bone 5 through which the screw would have to pass.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a section through the section line AA of the Figure 1. It shows the bone 5, which is enclosed on the left and right by the stabilization plates 1. The right stabilization plate 1 is connected to the left stabilization plate 1 via a force transmission element 2. The two angled end sections 21 of the force transmission element 2 are connected to a central section 22, which in this embodiment is provided with a bulge. The angulation of the end sections 21 is designed such that the end sections 21 of the force transmission element 2 bear positively or at least almost positively against the sides of the stabilization plate 1. In the embodiment shown, an opening, preferably a threaded opening, is arranged in the angled section of the end section 21, which is aligned with a corresponding threaded hole in the stabilization plate 1 and is then fixed to the stabilization plate 1 with a connecting element 3, preferably a screw.By means of such a fastening, forces acting on one stabilization plate 1, such as compressive, tensile or torsional forces, are transferred to the other stabilization plate 1 without loading the bone 5 or the bone fracture.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a second fastening option for the force transmission element 2 to the stabilization plate 1. The bend in the end sections 21 of the force transmission element 2 is shorter. In this embodiment, the threaded hole is located in front of the bend, as viewed from the central section 22, so that the force transmission element 2 is fixed to the narrow side of the stabilization plate 1 with a connecting means 3.

[0025] Other fastening options for the force transmission element to the stabilization plate 1 are also possible. For example, it is possible for the force transmission element 2 to be integrally connected to one of the stabilization plates 1, while it is detachably connected to the other stabilization plate 1 by a form-fitting connection; it is also possible for the force transmission element to be formed integrally with one of the stabilization plates 1.

[0026] Figure 4shows an embodiment of a force transmission element 2 according to the invention. The central section 22, which may be slightly curved outwards, connects the two angled end sections 21, with which the force transmission element 2 is fixed to the stabilization plates 1 (not shown). No opening for the connecting means 3 is shown either. Ultimately, the force transmission between the stabilization plates 1 must always take place via the force transmission elements 2 and, if possible, not via the bone 5, which is precisely what such a fixing arrangement is intended to relieve. The rigidity of the force transmission element 2 can be further increased by reinforcing the long sides of the force transmission element 2 or by making the force transmission element 2 sufficiently thick in terms of its material thickness.

[0027] Figure 5shows another conceivable embodiment of a force transmission element 2. While the end sections 21, which are arranged on the stabilizing plates 1, are designed identically or almost identically, the middle section 22 is formed by a straight section. This shows less spring tendency compared to the embodiment of Figure 4 regarding compressive and tensile forces. Here, too, torsional stabilization can be achieved by flanging the edge, reinforcing the material, or other suitable measures.

Claims

1. Fixing arrangement for fixing a bone (5) or a bone replacement or bone-stabilizing part wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least two stabilizing plates (1) and at least one force transfer element (2) which is configured to transfer forces from one stabilizing plate (1) to the at least one further stabilizing plate (1), wherein the stabilizing plates (1) are or can be connected to one another via the at least one force transfer element (2) in such a way that the force transfer element (2) is or can be fixed with a first section (21) on the one stabilizing plate (1) and is or can be fixed, or is formed integral, with a second section (21) on the further stabilizing plate (1) characterised in that the fixing arrangement comprises connecting means (3) with which the stabilizing plates (1) and the at least one force transfer element (2) are or can be fastened to one another and which are designed for the force-transferring connection of the stabilizing plates (1) by way of the force transfer element (2), wherein the first section (21), preferably a first end, of the force transfer element (2) is or can be fastened via a first connecting means (3) on the one stabilizing plate (1), and the second section (22), preferably a second end, of the force transfer element (2) is or can be fastened on the further stabilizing plate (1) via a second connecting means (3) which is different from the first connecting means and is non-mechanically coupled to the latter.

2. Fixing arrangement according to Claim 1 characterised in that the force transfer element (2) connected to the stabilizing plates can be arranged entirely outside of a bone (5), that is to be fixed with the fixing arrangement, or entirely outside of a bone replacement or bone-stabilizing part that is to be fixed with the fixing arrangement.

3. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the force transfer element (2) is designed so that it can take up tensile and compressive forces.

4. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the force transfer element (2) is designed and is or can be connected with the stabilizing plates (1) so that it transfers torques acting about at least one axis.

5. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the force transfer element (2) is designed and is or can be connected to the stabilizing plates (1) so that it transfers linear forces acting in at least two spatial directions.

6. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the connecting means (3) are screws, preferably fixed-angle screws.

7. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the at least one force transfer element (2) is made from a metal material, preferably from steel or titanium.

8. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the at least one force transfer element (2) has a strip-shape, U-shape, or bracket-shape.

9. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the sections (21, 22) of the force transfer element (2) are designed for preferably form-locking abutment against the stabilizing plates.

10. Fixing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the sections (21, 22) of the force transfer element (2) are designed for attaching or guiding a connecting means (3).

11. Fixing arrangement according to Claim 9 or 10 characterised in that the stabilizing plates (1) each comprise at least one socket, preferably a threaded hole, for receiving the connecting means (3).

12. Fixing arrangement according to Claim 11 characterised in that the force transfer element (2) has openings, preferably having an internal thread, for guiding the connecting means (3) which align flush with the sockets of the stabilizing plates (1).