Fixture

Abstract

A fixation device for fixing a bone (5), or a structural member in place of a bone, or a structural member for stabilizing a bone, comprises at least two stabilizing plates (1) and at least one force transmission element (2), which is configured to transmit forces from one stabilizing plate (1) to at least one other stabilizing plate (1). The stabilizing plates (1) are connectable or connected to each other via the at least one force transmission element (2), such that the force transmission element (2) is fixable or fixed to or integrally formed with one stabilizing plate (1) with a first section (21) and with another stabilizing plate (1) with a second section (21).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixation device for fixating bone, or a structural member that replaces bone, or stabilizes bone. [Background technology]

[0002] Fractures often occur even with mild external stress, especially in elderly patients. One reason for this is weakening of bone quality due to osteoporosis. Such fractures must be surgically fixed, typically using so-called bone or stabilization plates that are screwed into the bone. For example, as known from Patent Document 1, fixation of bones using two such angularly stable stabilization plates is known. In addition to fixing individual bone plates with screws threaded into the bone, opposing bone plates are also connected with screws that penetrate the bone. However, this surgically complex procedure significantly weakens the bone, and as a result, the corresponding fixation device may fail when exposed to external forces.

[0003] It is also known, for example from US Pat. No. 5,629,499, to fix bone plates using loops that are guided around the bone. However, the drawback is that the corresponding loops, which are usually made of wire, must be laboriously guided through the soft tissue surrounding the bone during the surgical procedure and then pulled together and fixed. Often, multiple such loops must be used. This can reduce the blood supply of the bone, ultimately hindering the healing of the fracture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102019110633 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102020116610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a fixation device which does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular which avoids further weakening of the bone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a fixing device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a fixation device for fixing a bone, or a structural element that replaces a bone, or a structural element that stabilizes a bone, comprising at least two stabilizing plates and at least one force transmission element configured to transmit a force from one stabilizing plate to at least one other stabilizing plate. In this case, the stabilizing plates are connectable or connected to each other via the at least one force transmission element, such that the force transmission element is fixable, fixed, or integrally formed with a first section of one stabilizing plate and a second section of another stabilizing plate. In this way, the force transmission element can be considered a so-called fixation clamp in a mechanical sense. This allows the force transmission element to absorb and transmit forces, i.e., torque, and linearly acting forces. This allows a force acting on one stabilizing plate to be transmitted to the force transmission element and thus to another stabilizing plate. Mechanically connecting the stabilizing plates via the force transmission element according to the present invention allows external forces acting on the bone fixed by the fixation device to be distributed via the existing stabilizing plates. Due to this distribution of forces, the fixation device according to the invention does not generally damage the bone to be fixed or the structural member to be fixed.

[0008] In this case, the force transmission element connected to the stabilization plate is positioned completely outside the bone to be fixed by the fixation device, or on a structural element that replaces or stabilizes the bone to be fixed by the fixation device. In this way, the force absorbed by the force transmission element is not transmitted directly to the bone to be fixed. In particular, this can prevent pressure on the bone to be fixed, which could disrupt the blood circulation in the bone.

[0009] The stabilizing plates are connected or connectable to one another via at least one force transmission element such that the bone to be fixed by the fixation device or a structural element in place of or stabilizing the bone to be fixed by the fixation device is partially sleeve-like surrounded by the force transmission element and the stabilizing plate.

[0010] In this regard, it should be noted that, according to the present invention, multiple force transmission elements may also be used, all of which may be configured like the force transmission elements described below, in this way the forces acting on the stabilizing plate are evenly distributed by the multiple force transmission elements.

[0011] The fixation device of the present invention can be constructed in one piece, in which case multiple stabilizing plates and force transmission elements can be manufactured as one structural member. It is also contemplated that only one stabilizing plate and force transmission element can be constructed in one piece, in which case the free section of the force transmission element can be connected to another stabilizing plate via a connecting means as described below.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the fixation device according to the invention comprises one or more connecting means by which the stabilizing plate and at least one force transmission element are fixable or fixed in contact with each other and are configured to connect the stabilizing plate so that forces are transmitted via the force transmission element. In this case, the first section, preferably the first end, of the force transmission element is fixable or fixed to one stabilizing plate via the first connecting means, and the second section, preferably the second end, of the force transmission element is fixable or fixed to another stabilizing plate via a second connecting means that is different from the first connecting means and is not directly mechanically connected to the first connecting means. In this context, not being directly mechanically connected means that the two connecting means are different structural members that are not directly connected to each other. The connecting means are preferably screws, preferably angle-stable screws.

[0013] Preferably, the force transmission element is configured to absorb tensile and compressive forces. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the force transmission element is configured to transmit torque acting about at least one axis and / or linear force actions in at least two spatial directions and is connectable or connected to a stabilizing plate.

[0014] The less a force transmission element deforms when subjected to a linear force or torque, the better it can distribute forces that arise on the stabilizing plate connected to that force transmission element.

[0015] The structure of the force transmission element should be selected in accordance with the expected mechanical loads. With regard to the choice of material, at least one force transmission element is advantageously made of a metallic material, preferably steel or titanium.

[0016] The geometric shape must be adjusted to absorb and transmit the anticipated forces or torques. An advantageous embodiment provides for at least one force-transmitting element to have a strip, bracket, or clamp shape. These shapes, at least with an appropriate material thickness, already have a certain inherent stiffness, so that such a structural element can absorb and dissipate forces at least in the spatial / rotational directions required here.

[0017] The above-mentioned sections of the force transmission element can be configured for abutting, preferably form-engaging, with the stabilizing plates. In this way, forces can be more effectively transmitted from one stabilizing plate to another. It is also preferably contemplated that the sections of the force transmission element are configured for attaching or passing through a connecting means.

[0018] Preferably, each stabilizing plate comprises at least one receiving portion, preferably a threaded hole, for receiving the connecting means. In this case, it may be useful if the force-transmitting element comprises an opening, preferably with an internal thread, for passing the connecting means, which is aligned with the receiving portion of the stabilizing plate. In preferred cases, the connecting means in the form of a screw passes through the opening and is screwed into the respective receiving portion in the stabilizing plate.

[0019] The fixation device according to the present invention is a method comprising: a. The bone to be fixed, or a structural member in place of the bone, or a structural member that stabilizes the bone, is fixed in the target position; b. the stabilizing plate is attached, preferably with screws, to the bone or a structural member in place of or stabilizing the bone at the target location; c. before or after step b, said at least one force transmission element is attached to the stabilizing plate using a connecting means; It is installed according to

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1-5. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a bone fixed with a fixation device according to the invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross section along the line AA in FIG. 1 of a force transmission element according to the invention with a first mounting possibility. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross section along the line AA in FIG. 1 of a force transmission element according to the invention with a second mounting possibility. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a force transmission element according to the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a force transmission element according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an example of application of the fixation device according to the present invention. The bone 5 to be treated is surrounded on the left and right by two stabilization plates 1. In this case, one of the stabilization plates 1 (on the left side of the figure) is fixed to the bone using fixation elements 4, which are preferably bone screws. More precisely, the bone 5 or bone fragment to be treated is fixedly positioned on the left stabilization plate using the fixation elements 4. Such fixation is supported by another stabilization plate 1 placed on the bone 5 opposite the first stabilization plate 1 to stabilize the bone 5 from the other side. In principle, two stabilization plates 1 can also be fixed to the bone using bone screws.

[0023] In this case, the second stabilizing plate 1 is connected to the first stabilizing plate 1 by means of force transmission elements 2. This is done by means of connection means 3, preferably screws, by means of which the force transmission elements 2 are firmly screwed to the respective stabilizing plate 1. By means of the force transmission elements 2, forces are transmitted from one stabilizing plate 1 to the other stabilizing plate 1 without having to pass through the bone 5. A direct screw connection through the bone would also achieve this direct force transmission, but would further weaken the bone 5 through which the screws must pass.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the section line AA in FIG. 1 . It shows a bone 5 surrounded on the left and right by stabilization plates 1. The right stabilization plate 1 is connected to the left stabilization plate 1 via a force transmission element 2. Two curved 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 curved end sections 21 of the force transmission element 2 are designed to abut, in a form-fitting manner, or at least approximately form-fitting manner, against the sides of the stabilization plate 1. In the illustrated embodiment, openings, preferably threaded openings, are arranged in the curved sections of the end sections 21. These openings are aligned with corresponding screw holes in the stabilization plate 1, which are then fixed to the stabilization plate 1 using connecting elements 3, preferably screws. This fixation allows forces, such as compressive, tensile, or torsional forces, acting on one stabilization plate 1 to be transferred to the other stabilization plate 1 without placing any load on the bone 5 or fracture.

[0025] 3 shows a second possibility for fastening the force transmission element 2 to the stabilizing plate 1. The bends in the end sections 21 of the force transmission element 2 are shortened. In this embodiment, the screw holes are located before the bends as seen from the central section 22, so that the force transmission element 2 is fastened to the narrow side of the stabilizing plate 1 using the connecting means 3.

[0026] Other ways of fastening the force transmission element to the stabilizing plate 1 are also possible. For example, the force transmission element 2 can be connected by material engagement with one of the stabilizing plates 1, and can be connected by detachable, form engagement with the other stabilizing plate 1, or the force transmission element can be integrally formed on one of the stabilizing plates 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a force transmission element 2 according to the invention. A slightly outwardly curved central section 22 connects two bent end sections 21, by means of which the force transmission element 2 is fixed to a stabilizing plate 1 (not shown). Openings for the connection means 3 are also not shown. Finally, the transmission of forces between stabilizing plates 1 should always be via the force transmission element 2, and not via the bone 5, which, if possible, should be relieved by such a fixation device. The stiffness of the force transmission element 2 can be further increased by reinforcing its longitudinal sides or by making the force transmission element 2 sufficiently thick in terms of its material thickness.

[0028] Figure 5 shows another possible embodiment of the force transmission element 2. The end sections 21 arranged on the stabilizing plate 1 are of the same or nearly the same configuration, but the central section 22 is formed by a straight section. This tends to be less flexible in terms of compression and tension compared to the embodiment of Figure 4. Again, torsional stability can be achieved by flanged edges, reinforcing material, or other suitable means.

Claims

1. A fixation device for fixing a bone (5), or a structural element that replaces a bone, or a structural element that stabilizes a bone, comprising: The fixation device comprises at least two stabilizing plates (1) and at least one force transmission element (2) configured to transmit a force from one stabilizing plate (1) to at least one other stabilizing plate (1), In the fixing device, The stabilizing plates (1) are connectable or connected to one another via at least one force transmission element (2) in such a way that the force transmission element (2) is fixable or fixed to or integrally formed with one stabilizing plate (1) with a first section (21) and with another stabilizing plate (1) with a second section (21). A fixing device characterized by:

2. 2. The fixation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the force transmission element (2) connected to the stabilization plate is arranged completely outside the bone (5) to be fixed by the fixation device or on a structural element that replaces or stabilizes the bone to be fixed by the fixation device.

3. 3. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening device is formed in one piece and / or comprises connecting means (3) by means of which the stabilizing plate (1) and the at least one force transmission element (2) can be or are fixed in contact with each other and which connecting means (3) are configured to connect the stabilizing plate (1) via the force transmission element (2) in a force-transmitting manner.

4. a first section (21), preferably a first end, of said force transmission element (2) is fixable or fixed to a first stabilizing plate (1) via a first connecting means (3); a second section (22) of the force transmission element (2), preferably a second end, is fixable or fixed to another stabilizing plate (1) via a second connection means (3) different from and not mechanically coupled to the first connection means; 4. The fixing device according to claim 3.

5. 5. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the force transmission element (2) is configured to be able to absorb tensile and compressive forces.

6. 6. The fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the force transmission element (2) is adapted to transmit a torque acting about at least one axis and is connectable or connected to the stabilizing plate (1).

7. 7. The fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the force transmission element (2) is configured to transmit linear force effects in at least two spatial directions and is connectable or connected to the stabilizing plate (1).

8. Fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection means (3) are preferably angularly stable screws.

9. A fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one said force transmission element (2) is made of a metallic material, preferably steel or titanium.

10. 10. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one said force transmission element (2) has the shape of a strip, a bracket or a clamp.

11. 11. The fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sections (21, 22) of the force transmission element (2) are configured for abutting, preferably form-engaging, against a stabilizing plate.

12. 12. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sections (21, 22) of the force transmission element (2) are configured for attaching or passing through a connection means (3).

13. 12. Fixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the stabilizing plates (1) each comprise at least one receiving portion, preferably a threaded hole, for receiving the connecting means (3).

14. 13. The fixation device according to claim 12, characterized in that the force transmission element (2) comprises an opening, preferably with an internal thread, aligned with a receiving portion of the stabilizing plate (1) for passing a connecting means (3).

Images