Anchor-in-Anchor Bone Fixation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems face challenges in securely attaching fixation devices to underlying bone, as screws can become dislodged during normal anatomical function, compromising the attachment and stability of the fixation devices.
Innovation Solution
An anchor-in-anchor fixation system comprising a first bone anchor with a shaft and head, and a second bone anchor that is inserted into the head of the first anchor, forming a stable triangular load-bearing plane to enhance stability and prevent migration, allowing for secure attachment of fixation devices to bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone screws are used to attach fixation devices to bone, then the attachment can be compromised when screws become dislodged during normal anatomical function, but using larger or more complex fixation devices increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by inserting a second bone anchor into the head of a first bone anchor, creating an anchor-in-anchor configuration. The second anchor's shaft passes through the bore of the first anchor's head, and both anchors engage the bone structure, forming a nested arrangement that enhances attachment reliability without requiring larger external fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second anchor-in-anchor system that operates in a different spatial dimension or orientation. The second anchor is inserted at an angle relative to the first anchor, creating a triangular load-bearing plane with the bone structure. This dimensional addition provides enhanced stability and prevents screw dislodgement by distributing loads across multiple axes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional single-anchor fixation is used, then fixation stability is limited, but increasing the number of anchors increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests a second bone anchor within the head structure of a first bone anchor, allowing two anchors to occupy overlapping spatial volumes. This nesting arrangement enhances fixation stability by creating a triangular load-bearing plane without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or complexity, as the second anchor utilizes the space within the first anchor's head.
Solution Approach 2:
The second anchor is oriented at an angle relative to the first anchor, introducing a dimensional change that creates a triangular configuration with the bone structure. This angular arrangement enhances stability by distributing mechanical loads across multiple axes and preventing rotation or dislodgement, while the anchors share common insertion pathways that limit the increase in procedural complexity.
3Force
If larger fixation devices are used to withstand higher loads, then load-bearing capacity increases, but the size of auxiliary fixation devices must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The nested anchor configuration allows two anchors to work together within a compact arrangement, where the second anchor is inserted through the head of the first anchor. This nesting enables the system to withstand higher loads through combined anchor strength and triangular load distribution without requiring larger external fixation hardware, thereby maintaining a compact overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the second anchor at an angle to create a triangular load-bearing plane, the system distributes mechanical loads across multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional load distribution increases load-bearing capacity without requiring larger anchor diameters or longer fixation elements, as the stability is achieved through geometric configuration rather than increased component size.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.