Multiaxially Oriented Bioabsorbable Plates for Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioabsorbable polymeric plates for fracture fixation in bone surgery lack sufficient strength, isotropic mechanical properties, and are prone to internal delamination, making them inadequate for shaping and maintaining bone fragments effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiaxially oriented bioabsorbable plates through solid state drawing and compression deformation, allowing for deformation at room temperature without losing dimensional stability, and maintaining shape post-implantation, which enhances their mechanical isotropy and resistance to splitting and delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bioabsorbable polymeric plates are used for fracture fixation, then they avoid the need for second surgery to remove metallic implants, but they lack sufficient strength and are prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining multiple polymeric layers with different properties. The multilayer plate construction includes at least two essentially superimposed plates where individual layers can have varying thicknesses, material compositions, and mechanical properties to optimize both strength and bioabsorbability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal parameter changes by heating the polymeric plate to above its glass transition temperature (Tg) to make it deformable, then cooling it to below Tg to make it rigid for fixation. This temperature-dependent property change allows the plate to be shaped intraoperatively while maintaining sufficient strength during fixation
2Ease of operation
If polymeric plates are heated to deform them, then they become pliable for shaping, but the thermal conductivity is poor making the process slow and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymeric materials as a critical parameter. By heating the plate above Tg, the material transitions from a rigid glassy state to a rubbery deformable state, allowing easy shaping. After deformation, cooling below Tg returns the plate to its rigid state for stable fixation. This parameter-based approach enables controlled deformability without requiring prolonged heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mechanical properties of the plate dynamic by utilizing temperature-dependent transitions. The plate can be temporarily softened for shaping during surgery, then rapidly re-hardened for fixation, allowing the material to adapt its properties to the operational requirements at different stages of the surgical procedure
3Shape
If multilayer plate construction is used to fit curved bone surfaces, then the plate can be shaped without heating, but the plates easily slip in relation to each other before fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a multilayer construction where each individual plate layer can independently conform to the bone surface through differential motion along coinciding surfaces. This allows localized adaptation to curved surfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing slippage between layers through proper interfacial design
4Volume of moving object
If the plate is made thinner for cranio maxillofacial applications, then cosmetic disturbance is reduced, but the strength and resistance to splitting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material strategy by constructing the plate as multiple thin layers bonded together. Each layer can be made sufficiently thin for cosmetic applications, but the combined multilayer structure provides enhanced strength and resistance to splitting that would be impossible in a single thin layer. The layered construction allows optimization of both cosmetic appearance and mechanical performance
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 multiaxially oriented plates provide improved mechanical properties, allowing for precise shaping and secure fixation of bone fragments, reducing the risk of delamination and inflammatory responses, while being easily manufacturable and biocompatible.
Implementation Method 1
The development of multiaxially oriented bioabsorbable plates through solid state drawing and compression deformation
Implementation Method 2
The development of multiaxially oriented bioabsorbable plates through solid state drawing and compression deformation
Implementation Method 3
molecular chains, domains of molecular chain assembly or crystals of the polymer are oriented along a large number of reference axes having random axial directions
Data Source
AI summary
A bioabsorbable surgical osteosynthesis plate operable to be secured by at least one fastener through at least one fastener opening formed in the plate to a bone. The plate includes a flat section having first and second surfaces defining a main plane of the plate. The plate includes a polymer material that is oriented multiaxially and is substantially rigid and substantially deformable at a first thermochemical state. In the multiaxially oriented structure of the plate the polymer material is arranged according to at least three different orientation axes along the main plane of the plate as a result of solid state drawing of the plate. The polymer material of the plate has isotropic mechanical tear properties in different directions along the main plane of the plate.