Angulatable Bone Fixation Plate with Threaded Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anterior cervical plating systems face conflicts between achieving spinal stability and ease of use, with bulky designs obstructing intra-operative and postoperative imaging, and issues with screw loosening and limited angular freedom.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system featuring a fixation plate with angulatable fasteners that include a coupler and shank, allowing selectable angular orientation and preventing rotation, combined with non-angulatable fasteners for stability and a viewing window for clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fusion plate is made bulky to meet strength requirements, then spinal stability is improved, but intra-operative and postoperative viewing is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation plate utilizes a thin film design that maintains structural strength through strategic reinforcement elements and material properties, allowing it to provide spinal stability while remaining radiolucent for clear MRI and x-ray imaging. The thin profile eliminates the bulkiness that would obstruct viewing without compromising the mechanical strength needed for spinal fusion.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the fixation plate is made thin for clear imaging, then imaging clarity is improved, but spinal stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation plate employs composite material construction combining radiolucent materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the plate to maintain a thin profile for clear imaging while incorporating reinforcement structures and material properties that ensure adequate spinal stability and load-bearing capacity.
3Reliability
If bone screws are securely locked to prevent loosening, then reliability is improved, but angular freedom of bone screws is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that secures the bone screw to the fixation plate while preserving angular freedom. The mechanism allows the screw to be locked at various angles relative to the plate, providing both reliable retention and adaptability for different anatomical configurations and surgical requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the plating system is designed for easy removal of bone screws, then ease of operation is improved, but locking mechanism reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates an intermediary element that provides a controlled interface between the bone screw and fixation plate. This intermediary allows for easy removal through a simple unlocking action while maintaining reliable locking during the healing period, balancing ease of operation with structural integrity.
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 provides enhanced spinal stability, easy surgical access, and clear imaging capabilities while preventing screw backout and allowing adjustable angular freedom, addressing the conflicts of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole and the shank is angulatably retained by the coupler
Implementation Method 2
the requirements associated with spinal stability and system reliability
Implementation Method 3
a fixation plate having a viewing window and a plurality of fastener-receiving threaded holes
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation system. The bone fixation system includes a fixation plate including at least one fixation hole, and at least one fastener, the fastener including a coupler and a shank for engaging a bone. The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole. The shank is angulatably retained by the coupler and orientable relative to the fixation plate at a selectable angle.