Segmented Bone Fixation Implant with Barbed Interference Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation devices for interphalangeal joints, such as those used to correct deformities like hammer toe, often result in post-surgical misalignment, swelling, inflammation, and infection due to the use of Kirschner wires, and lack sufficient surface roughness for bone growth and stability.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation implant with a segmented design featuring a first and second segment coupled by an intermediate segment, having a polygonal cross-sectional shape with barbs and tapered portions to enhance bone and tissue interference, promoting stability and bone ingrowth, and made from biocompatible materials like titanium or PEEK to facilitate 3D printing and surface roughness for better integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Kirschner wire is used to fixate the joint, then the joint can be maintained in corrected anatomical position, but post-surgical misalignment, swelling, inflammation, and infection may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the exposed external portion of the fixation wire that causes infection and inflammation, retaining only the embedded portion within bone tunnels. This extraction of the harmful external segment eliminates the source of post-surgical complications while preserving the fixation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation wire is nested entirely within bone tunnels created in the phalanges, with no external exposure. The wire is contained within the bone structure like a nested doll, eliminating contact with external environment that would cause infection while maintaining internal fixation stability.
2Reliability
If smooth metallic prosthetic device is used, then biocompatibility is achieved, but stable construct and bone growth promotion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous or roughened surface structures on the fixation wire or implant surfaces to promote bone ingrowth and osteointegration. This porous architecture allows bone tissue to penetrate and anchor to the implant, providing both stability and biocompatibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may utilize composite material structures combining different properties - such as metallic core for strength with porous coating for bone growth - to achieve both construct stability and osteointegration in a single integrated solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex surgical technique with multiple components is used, then precise fixation can be achieved, but surgical complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated fixation device - alignment guidance, fixation, and bone growth promotion - eliminating the need for separate components and reducing surgical steps while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fixation system into simple sequential steps: creating bone tunnels, inserting the fixation wire, and allowing natural bone healing. This segmentation into straightforward steps reduces surgical complexity compared to complex multi-component assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant including a first segment at a first end, a second segment at a second end, and an intermediate segment coupled to the first segment on a first end and coupled to the second segment on a second end. The first segment may include an insertion tip at the first end of the implant and a body portion adjacent to the insertion tip, the insertion tip extending out from the body portion. The second segment may include an end member at the second end of the implant and a body portion adjacent to the end member, the end member extending out from the body portion. The second segment may include a plurality of tip portions spaced about a longitudinal axis of the second segment, and the tip portions each including at least one barb formed by a taper portion and an engagement portion extending radially into the tip portion.