Augmented Spanning Bone Plate for Multi-Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spanning bone plates struggle to achieve direct and rigid fixation of multiple bones in complex injuries such as those in the hand, wrist, or foot, leading to improper healing, loss of mobility, and pain.
Innovation Solution
An augmented spanning fixation bone plate assembly that combines a spanning fixation bone plate with an augmentation fixation bone plate, which is slidably engaged and detachably attachable to the spanning plate, allowing for augmented fixation of separate bones with lateral wings and directional fastener apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spanning bone plate is used to span the joint, then forces across the injury area are neutralized, but direct rigid fixation of multiple bones cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate system is divided into a spanning bone plate component and a separate fixation component. The spanning plate provides force neutralization across the joint, while the fixation component with multiple wings and fastener apertures provides rigid fixation of individual bones. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation component extends in multiple directions (laterally, vertically) from the spanning plate, creating a three-dimensional fixation structure. The wings can extend in different orientations to accommodate multiple bones at various positions, transforming the single-plane spanning function into a multi-dimensional fixation system.
2Device complexity
If a single bone plate design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate complex injuries involving multiple bones
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate assembly combines multiple functions in a single system: the spanning plate provides force neutralization, while the detachable fixation component with multiple wings and directional fastener apertures provides multi-bone fixation capability. This universal design allows the same assembly to handle complex injuries involving multiple bones without requiring completely different plate designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation component is designed to be detachably attachable and slidably engaged with the spanning plate, allowing dynamic adjustment and repositioning during surgery. The wings can be positioned and secured at different locations, and the modular design allows for adaptability to various injury patterns while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
3Strength
If direct rigid fixation is attempted with a spanning plate, then bone fixation is achieved, but improper healing and loss of mobility occur
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the force neutralization function (spanning plate) from the fixation function (detachable component with wings), the system achieves proper bone fixation without the complications of direct rigid spanning plate fixation. Each component can be optimized for its specific function, improving healing outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable fixation component acts as an intermediary between the spanning plate and the bones. It provides the necessary fixation while allowing for proper healing, and its modular design enables appropriate positioning and securing of multiple bones without the adverse effects of direct rigid fixation across the joint.
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented spanning fixation bone plate assembly combines an augmentation fixation bone plate with a spanning fixation bone plate. The augmentation fixation bone plate may be detachably attachable to the spanning fixation bone plate and may be slidably engaged with the spanning fixation bone plate to allow the augmentation fixation bone plate to be positioned for augmented fixation, wherein one or more separate bones are fixed with respect to the spanning fixation bone plate. An augmentation fixation bone plate may have one or more wings that extend laterally from the spanning fixation bone plate. An augmentation fixation bone plate may have two wings that extend in opposing lateral directions from the spanning fixation bone. A wing has a fastener aperture that may be slotted and may have an insert to enable directional fixation, wherein the fastener extends in an offset angle.