Asymmetric Trochanteric Hook Osteosynthesis Plate Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current osteosynthesis plates for the upper end of the femur fail to manage tearing forces from muscle traction optimally and lack sufficient muscle-bone-plate cohesion, leading to inadequate compression and increased risk of rupture under muscular efforts.

Innovation Solution

A new osteosynthesis plate design featuring two parts: a longitudinal part with through holes for fixation and an upper end part with curved hooks arranged at specific angles to provide a 'stay-stayed' effect, optimizing compression forces and reducing the forces borne by the plate, with the second hook offset to cover the posterior trochanter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the osteosynthesis plate uses a conventional lateral positioning of the trochanteric hook, then the plate structure is simple, but it creates an inability to maintain the fracture site in compression under muscular efforts, leading to ruptures of the osteosynthesis material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintain compression at fracture siteVSAvoidplate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the trochanteric hook not purely laterally but with a specific angular orientation (5-15 degrees relative to the lateral axis) to align with the muscle force vectors. This asymmetric positioning allows the hook to effectively resist posterior muscular forces while maintaining structural feasibility of the plate design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the osteosynthesis plate uses conventional hook arrangement, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it does not allow optimal management of tearing forces in muscle traction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement of tearing forcesVSAvoidhook arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the trochanteric hook positioning from the conventional lateral-only arrangement to a specific angle (5-15 degrees relative to the lateral axis). This parameter modification optimizes the hook's ability to resist muscle traction forces while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the osteosynthesis plate lacks the 'stay' effect, then the plate structure is simpler, but it is subjected to excessive bending stresses leading to ruptures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to bending stressesVSAvoidplate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a counterbalancing effect by positioning the trochanteric hook at a specific angle that generates a compressive 'stay' effect opposing the bending moments. This angular positioning allows the hook to function as a counterweight that balances the muscular forces, reducing the net bending stress on the plate without requiring additional structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentEP3043729B1Plate for osteosynthesis of the top end of the femur
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 UNKNOWN
  • EP3043729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3043729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3043729B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a plate (1) for osteosynthesis of the top end of a femur (F), said plate (1) comprising a top end portion (3) to be positioned onto the greater trochanter (T) of said femur (F), comprising two hook arms (7, 8) arranged such that: (i) the median plane (75) of a first (7) of said arms defines a maximum angle (A1) of 15° relative to the longitudinal axis (2') of said longitudinal portion (2), and (ii) the median plane (85) of a second (8) of said arms defines an angle (A2) of 50° to 110° relative to the longitudinal axis (2') of said longitudinal portion (2). The arms (7, 8) are thus arranged such that said first arm (7) is to cover the side portion of the greater trochanter (T) and that said second arm (8) is to cover the rear portion of the greater trochanter (T).