Bone Fracture Fixation With Adjustable Tension Washers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fracture stabilization methods, such as using rigid metal plates and screws, may not provide optimal stability and flexibility for healing, particularly in complex fracture sites.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation apparatus comprising a plate with fastener holes, a wire with a smooth and toothed portion, a tension washer, a tension washer positioner, a cannulated screw, and a lock washer, which allows for adjustable tension and secure coupling of bones through angled positioning and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metal plates and screws are used for bone fracture stabilization, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and adaptability for complex fracture sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stabilization system adjustable and adaptable. The bone fixation plate includes multiple fastener holes arranged in different patterns (collinear, converging, diverging) that can be selected based on fracture geometry. The wire can be tensioned to different degrees, and the tension washer can be positioned at various angles, allowing the rigid structure to adapt to complex fracture configurations while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing variation in several key parameters: the number and arrangement of fasteners, the tension applied to the wire, the angle of the tension washer, and the position of fastener holes. These adjustable parameters enable the same basic device to accommodate different fracture patterns and anatomical variations, providing both strength and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a simple plate and screw system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stabilization effectiveness for complex fractures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional bone fixation system. The plate serves multiple functions: providing structural support, accommodating multiple wire passages, and offering various fastener hole patterns. The wire system can function in different configurations (tensioned, angled, positioned at different depths). This multi-functionality allows a single device to address complex fracture stabilization needs without requiring multiple separate implants, maintaining relative simplicity while enhancing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the stabilization function into multiple independent components: the plate provides structural support, the wire provides tension and adaptability, the tension washer provides angular adjustment, and the fasteners provide secure attachment. Each component can be optimized independently while working together as a system, achieving high reliability without excessive overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed tension is applied to the wire, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different fracture geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wire tension adjustable rather than fixed. The wire can be tensioned to different degrees based on the specific fracture geometry and clinical requirements. The tension washer can be positioned at various angles and depths, allowing the system to adapt to different anatomical variations and fracture patterns while maintaining secure stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the wire tension, tension washer angle, and fastener position to be varied. This enables the same device to be optimized for different fracture geometries by changing these parameters intraoperatively, providing both manufacturing precision for the components and adaptability for the overall system.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus for stabilization of a bone fracture site, including a wire that is configured to be positioned through corresponding holes of a first bone and an adjacent second bone; and a tension washer coupled to a first end of the wire, the tension washer rotatable about the first end of the wire, wherein the wire is configured to be positioned through the corresponding holes of the first and the second bone, the tension washer is configured to be positioned proximate a first surface of the second bone, wherein the tension washer includes a first surface having a length longer than a diameter of the corresponding holes of the first and the second bones, wherein the tension washer is configured to rotate such that the first surface of the tension washer abuts the first surface of the second bone.