Acromioclavicular Hook Plate with Rounded Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing osteosynthesis plates are not specifically designed for treating acromioclavicular joint dislocations, leading to difficulties in optimal placement and potential complications such as subacromial impingement and osteolysis due to anatomical mismatch.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate with a rounded shaft and a hook member that can be angled to fit the patient's specific anatomy, allowing the hook member to be positioned under the acromion while maintaining contact with the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle without protruding, and a reduction device for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard osteosynthesis plate is used to treat AC joint dislocations, then the plate can be applied to lateral clavicle fractures, but the hook member cannot be optimally placed under the acromion while positioning the shaft on the lateral clavicle
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft portion of the hook plate is designed with a rounded cross-section specifically at the region that contacts the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle, while other portions maintain standard geometry. This localized modification enables rotational adjustment and optimal positioning of the hook member under the acromion without compromising the overall plate function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded shaft design allows the hook plate to be dynamically adjusted during surgery by rotating the shaft around the clavicle until the hook member achieves optimal positioning under the acromion. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the placement difficulty while maintaining secure fixation.
2Reliability
If a standard osteosynthesis plate is used for AC joint dislocations, then general clavicle fixation is achieved, but complications such as subacromial impingement and osteolysis occur due to anatomical mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded shaft portion makes localized contact with the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle without protruding beyond the clavicle surface. This localized geometric modification prevents subacromial impingement and osteolysis while maintaining reliable fixation stability through the hook member's secure positioning under the acromion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed with a rounded cross-section that conforms to the curved superior aspect of the lateral clavicle. This curvature ensures the plate sits flush against the bone surface without creating protruding edges that could cause subacromial impingement or osteolysis, while maintaining fixation reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made flat for stable positioning, then manufacturing is simplified, but the hook member cannot be rotated to optimize contact with the acromion
Solution Approach 1:
Only the specific region of the shaft that contacts the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle is rounded, while other portions of the shaft and the hook member maintain standard geometric shapes. This localized rounding achieves rotational adjustability for optimizing hook-acromion contact without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bone plate for treating acromioclavicular dislocations includes a shaft including a lateral portion sized and shaped to be positioned along a superior aspect of a lateral clavicle, the shaft including a plurality of openings extending therethrough for receiving bone fixation elements therein and a hook member extending from the shaft so that, in an operative position, the hook member is hooked under an acromion and the lateral portion of the shaft is positioned on the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle, the lateral portion of the shaft being substantially rounded so that the hook member is movable in one of an anterior direction and a posterior direction while the shaft maintains contact with the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle without any portion of the lateral portion of the shaft protruding beyond a surface of the lateral clavicle.