Adjustable Rib Plate Fixation for Minimally Invasive Fracture Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thoracic orthopedic surgery techniques for rib fracture repair are invasive, requiring large incisions and multiple instruments, which can cause further trauma to the patient and are not suitable for minimally invasive or internal approaches, especially for displaced or telescoped rib fractures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rib plate apparatus with a center plate and movable outer plates, guided by alignment cables and screws, allowing for minimally invasive fixation of rib fractures through a three-plate construct that can be adjusted to fit complex fracture configurations, and a steerable screwdriver for precise placement, enabling internal thoracoscopic surgery with reduced muscle dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgery techniques are used for rib fracture repair, then fracture fixation can be achieved, but surgical trauma and muscle damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rib plate is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The plate includes a first segment, second segment, and third segment connected by articulation points, allowing each segment to be independently placed on different rib fragments without requiring a single large incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib plate incorporates articulation points with rotational freedom between segments, enabling dynamic adjustment and adaptation to the complex three-dimensional geometry of displaced rib fractures. This allows the plate to conform to telescoped or angulated fracture patterns while maintaining fixation stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive approaches are used, then surgical trauma is reduced, but the ability to fixate complex displaced fractures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation points between plate segments provide rotational degrees of freedom, allowing the plate to adapt to various fracture configurations including telescoped, angulated, and displaced patterns. This dynamic structure enables minimally invasive fixation of complex fractures that previously required open surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate segments can be adjusted to different positions and orientations using locking mechanisms at the articulation points. This allows modification of the plate's geometric parameters to match the specific three-dimensional configuration of the fracture, providing versatility for different fracture types through minimally invasive approaches.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple instruments and large incisions are used, then fracture alignment can be achieved, but procedure complexity and operative time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rib plate integrates multiple functions into a single device: alignment references, fixation points for multiple ribs, and articulation mechanisms are all combined in one implant. This eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments and simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining precise fracture alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables fracture alignment through its geometry, allows for multi-rib fixation, and accommodates various fracture patterns through its articulating segments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required instruments and procedural steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an adjustable rib plate apparatus and method are disclosed for rib fracture fixation and repair. The apparatus has a center plate and first and second outer plates that are each attached to but movable relative to the center plate. A pair of bone screws with detachable guidance cables are installed on each of two bone fragments on separate sides of a fracture. The guidance cables are used to guide the first and second outer plates to respective destinations. Locking screws are also guided using the guidance cables and installed in the heads of the bone screws to secure the outer plates. Removable alignment cables with slip knot loops are used to align the center plate with the first and second plates as well as align the bone fragments associated with the fracture. Once aligned, additional bone screws are installed in the first and second outer plates to fully fixate the fracture.