Active Tension Bone Stabilization Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone and joint stabilization devices in orthopedic surgery lack continuous compression and often require removal, as they can cause adverse reactions and loosen over time due to migration or loosening of features.
Innovation Solution
A tensioned orthopedic surgery system using an elongate spring member with anchoring heads and a distal foot, allowing for minimal incision removal and featuring a superelastic NiTi alloy and a sheath to prevent tissue ingrowth, providing continuous compression without twisting motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid stabilization devices (screws, staples, plates) are used for bone fusion and joint stabilization, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the risk of adverse reactions and loosening over time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring member that maintains continuous active tension on the bone or joint, allowing the device to adapt and maintain stabilization over time rather than being a static rigid structure. This dynamic mechanism prevents loosening by continuously engaging the bone surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is tensioned to a specific force parameter during implantation that optimizes both structural strength and long-term stability. The tensioning creates sufficient compression force for stabilization while avoiding excessive force that could cause adverse reactions or bone damage.
2Reliability
If traditional stabilization devices are implanted, then immediate stabilization is achieved, but device removal becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separable components: the spring member can be independently removed from the bone anchors. This allows the spring to be extracted through a small incision while leaving the anchors in place, simplifying the removal procedure compared to removing an integrated rigid device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is designed to be extractable as a separate component. The anchors remain implanted in the bone providing continued support, while the tensioning spring can be removed through minimal incision, avoiding complex surgical procedures for device retrieval.
3Reliability
If the anchoring head incorporates two teeth for spring member engagement, then secure retention is improved, but the device profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two teeth are positioned in an opposite facing configuration that engages the spring member from opposite directions. This dimensional arrangement provides secure retention while maintaining a compact profile by utilizing opposing engagement rather than stacking teeth linearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth configuration uses asymmetric opposite-facing positioning rather than symmetric stacking, allowing efficient space utilization that secures the spring member while minimizing the overall device profile and cross-sectional dimensions.
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
The system maintains axial tension for continued compression, facilitating easy removal and minimizing adverse reactions, while allowing for flexible positioning and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate spring member comprising a plurality of beams, each including a lateral component free to deflect for stretching the spring member axially
Implementation Method 2
the rod advantageously comprises Nitinol that is superelastic (SE) at body temperature (i.e., having an Af below about 37° C.) so that its distal end may be pulled from such location or engagement without fracture
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of use for bone and joint stabilization devices are described in which the devices are tensioned after anchoring during a medical procedure and remain active in maintaining axial tension for continued compression of the subject anatomy.