Segmented Blade Anchor for Foot and Ankle Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation devices, particularly in foot and ankle surgeries, often require extensive sets of screws for temporary or permanent fixation, which can be costly, time-consuming, and inefficient in terms of bone conservation and visibility at the fixation site.
Innovation Solution
The development of fixation blades that can be used instead of screws, which are designed to be low-profile or 'no-profile' to conserve bone, reduce insertion time, and provide adequate fixation with a smaller set of devices, allowing for compression of bone portions and visibility at the fixation site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used for bone fixation, then adequate fixation strength is achieved, but bone conservation is poor and insertion time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into multiple blades that can be inserted independently into the bone. Each blade provides fixation capability, allowing the device to achieve adequate fixation strength while requiring less overall material and insertion time compared to traditional screws
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential fixation function from traditional screw designs and implements it through a simplified blade configuration. By removing unnecessary screw components and retaining only the critical fixation elements, the device achieves adequate fixation strength with reduced insertion time and improved bone conservation
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used for bone fixation, then fixation stability is achieved, but bone conservation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fixation function into multiple separate blades rather than using a single large screw. This segmentation allows each blade to be minimally invasive while collectively providing stable fixation, thereby conserving more bone tissue
Solution Approach 2:
Each blade is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function - sharp edges for insertion, flattened portions for stability, and specific geometries for bone engagement. This local optimization provides fixation stability while minimizing overall bone removal
3Reliability
If extensive sets of screws are used, then adequate fixation coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade device is designed as a universal fixation tool that can be used across multiple foot and ankle bone locations and configurations. The standardized blade design with consistent dimensions and features allows a single device type to provide adequate fixation coverage for various applications, reducing the need for extensive sets of different screw types
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single blade device design. The blade combines insertion capability, fixation provision, and compression functionality in one integrated component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate fixation coverage
4Strength
If screws are used for fixation, then fixation provision is achieved, but visibility at fixation site is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the head and threading components of traditional screws that obstruct visibility. By extracting only the essential fixation function and implementing it through low-profile blades, the device provides adequate fixation while maintaining clear visibility of the fixation site for surgical assessment
Data Source
AI summary
Fixation devices for the foot and ankle are based on a design with a central portion between a pair of blade anchors. The central portion may include sharpening, apertures, notches, or protrusions. The fixation devices may engage two or more bone portions.