Active Bone Plate with Resilient Anvils for Dynamic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bone plates do not allow for relative motion between bone fragments, which can hinder the bone healing process by not stimulating remodeling tissue, unlike the nailing approach that promotes secondary bone healing through axial displacement.
Innovation Solution
The bone plate system includes a plate frame and anvils with gaskets that allow for axial displacement, enabling movement of bone fragments and promoting bone growth by incorporating resilient materials that allow for dynamic response to loading conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bone plates are used to fixate bone fragments, then mechanical stability is provided, but relative motion between bone fragments is prevented which hinders bone healing
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates resilient elements (springs or elastomeric materials) between the plate body and bone fragments, transforming the static fixation system into a dynamic one that permits controlled relative motion. This dynamic capability allows bone fragments to move relative to each other during healing, promoting callus formation and secondary bone healing while maintaining overall mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient elements change the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by introducing compliance and elasticity. The resilient material allows for controlled deformation and energy absorption, enabling the system to transition from rigid fixation to flexible fixation that accommodates physiological movement and stimulates bone regeneration.
2Strength
If rigid fixation is used to stabilize bone fragments, then structural support is maintained, but axial displacement and bone remodeling stimulation are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements enable controlled dynamic movement between bone fragments while maintaining structural support. This allows the system to provide strength when needed while permitting the axial displacement and micromotion necessary for bone remodeling and accelerated healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate combines rigid plate material with resilient elements to create a composite fixation system. The rigid portion provides structural support and stability, while the resilient portions enable controlled motion and stimulate bone healing, achieving both strength and productivity goals simultaneously.
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
This design facilitates faster and stronger bone healing by allowing relative motion of bone fragments, stimulating bone growth and promoting healing through compression and movement in a predefined direction.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating resilient materials that allow for dynamic response to loading conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are bone plates, bone plate systems, and methods of use thereof that can include a bone plate that includes a plate frame and first and second anvils. The plate frame can have a first surface and define a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first and second anvils can include first and second plates, and a body located in between the first and second plates. The first plate can have a first surface arranged to rest against the first surface of the plate frame when the bone plate is implanted. The second plate can be sized to pass into each of the first and second openings. The body can define a through hole sized to receive a fastener. When the bone plate is implanted, the plate frame can be moveable relative to the first and second anvils.