Absorbable Pins for Single-Stage Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting deformities like hammer toe require a second procedure to remove absorbable pins, leading to additional time, pain, and complications due to the need for multiple surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system using absorbable pins made from materials like polyglycolide or polylactide that dissolve over time, eliminating the need for a follow-up surgery by providing structural support until the bones fuse and become self-sufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-absorbable pins are used to hold bones in desired relationship, then structural support and stability are improved, but the need for a second surgical procedure to remove pins increases device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The pin material's key parameter—biodegradability—is changed from non-absorbable to absorbable materials such as polyglycolide, polylactide, or copolymers thereof. This parameter change allows the pin to maintain structural support during healing then automatically dissolve, eliminating the need for removal surgery and resolving the time loss contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed as a temporary, disposable implant that serves its structural support function only during the critical healing period. After fulfilling its purpose, the absorbable pin degrades and is naturally absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for permanent implants and subsequent removal procedures
2Loss of time
If absorbable pins are used to eliminate second procedure, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability of long-term structural support may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pin's structural properties are made dynamic rather than static. The absorbable pin transitions from a high-strength state during early healing to a gradually degrading state as bone fusion progresses. This dynamic behavior ensures adequate support when needed while automatically reducing support as the bone becomes self-sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The degradation rate of the absorbable pin provides natural feedback about the healing process. As bone fusion progresses, the mechanical load transfers from the pin to the fused bone, and the pin's gradual dissolution reflects the healing timeline, ensuring support is maintained until the bone is ready to bear full load
3Reliability
If multiple surgical procedures are performed, then bone fusion can be achieved, but the number of harmful factors increases due to additional incisions and exposure to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The initial surgical procedure is enhanced to include both bone alignment and pin insertion in a single operation. The absorbable pin is inserted during the primary surgery, combining the functions of structural support establishment and fixation into one procedure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate removal procedure and reducing exposure to surgical complications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables bone fusion and healing with a single surgical procedure, reducing the risk of complications and additional surgeries by using absorbable pins that dissolve naturally, thus eliminating the need for pin removal.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical system using absorbable pins made from materials like polyglycolide or polylactide that dissolve over time
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system for use in correcting hammer toe or otherwise straightening toes or fusing other bones to one another includes a male drill bit and a female drill bit, as well as an absorbable pin. The male and female drill bits are configured to define complementary features from opposed, or facing, ends of bones that are to be fused to one another. The male and female drill bits may also be configured to define channels through the lengths of the bones that are to be fused to one another, with the channels being configured to align and define a continuous channel through the bones when they are assembled. The absorbable pin, which may be absorbed by a subject's body over time, is configured to be positioned in the continuous channel, and may hold the bones in an assembled relationship before and while they fuse to one another.