Adjustable Washer Assembly for Bone Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical tools and procedures for fracture reduction, fracture fixation, and crack propagation prevention are time-consuming, complex, and difficult to perform, lacking efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A washer assembly and system that supports a cable extending through or around a bone, featuring adjustable washers and stems to secure the cable in place, allowing for adjustable tension and alignment to facilitate fracture stabilization and bone fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cables or sutures are used to secure damaged skeletal tissue, then tissue stabilization is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stabilization function into separate components: a cable for tensioning and a washer assembly with bone-engaging surfaces for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall procedure by enabling modular installation
Solution Approach 2:
The washer acts as an intermediary element between the cable and the bone. It distributes the cable's tensile force across a broader bone surface area through its bone-engaging surfaces, preventing cable cut-through while maintaining effective tissue stabilization
2Reliability
If conventional sutures are used for fracture fixation, then tissue connection is achieved, but the procedure becomes difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex knot-tying and suturing mechanics with a simpler cable-tensioning system. The cable is threaded through the fracture site and tensioned using the washer assembly, eliminating the need for skilled suturing techniques while maintaining reliable tissue connection
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the mechanical parameter from distributed suture tension to concentrated cable tension. This parameter change simplifies the application process by allowing direct tensioning of the fracture fragments through the cable-washer system rather than requiring multiple suture passes
3Reliability
If cables are wrapped around bone for fracture reduction, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but cable penetration and secure anchoring become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The washer assembly adds a dimensional element by distributing cable forces across the bone surface rather than relying on circumferential wrapping. The bone-engaging surfaces extend the anchoring interaction from a linear wrap into a two-dimensional contact area, improving securement without increasing cable complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washer assembly for use with a bone. The washer assembly comprises a first portion, comprising a first washer, a first stem non-movably fixed to and extending from the first washer, and a first internal channel defined by the first washer and the first stem. The washer additionally includes a second portion, comprising a second washer, a second stem non-movably fixed to and extending from the second washer, and a second internal channel defined by the second washer and the second stem. The first portion is movable relative to the second portion, to adjust a distance between the first washer and the second washer, and the first internal channel of the first washer is retained in coaxial alignment with the second internal channel of the second washer as the first portion moves relative to the second portion.