Bone Alignment Tool With 3D Planning for Fracture Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating bone fractures and deformities, such as traction and surgical tools, lack accuracy in force measurement, are bulky, costly, and pose risks of complications like neurologic injuries and soft tissue damage, and are unsuitable for distal fractures or amputated limbs.
Innovation Solution
A software-assisted method combined with a specialized tool for precise bone correction, using a 3D model from CT scans to plan osteotomy and deformity correction, employing a tool with mechanical or electrical power for high force resistance, and minimally invasive fixation to correct bone overlap and deformities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional traction methods are used to reduce bone displacement, then the bone fragments can be pulled into alignment, but the force cannot be accurately measured and has limited force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical traction systems with a motorized actuation system that includes a motor, gear mechanism, and screw mechanism. This substitution enables precise control and measurement of the forces applied during bone reduction, overcoming the limitations of manual or weight-based traction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that provide feedback on the forces applied during traction. This feedback mechanism allows for accurate measurement and adjustment of forces, ensuring that the correct magnitude is applied to reduce bone fragments without causing damage to surrounding tissues.
2Reliability
If traction tables are used to provide continuous traction, then bone alignment can be maintained, but the device is bulky, not easily portable and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traction system into separate modular components: an external fixator frame that remains on the patient and a portable actuation device that can be moved between visits. This segmentation allows continuous traction to be maintained through the external fixator while the actuation device can be easily transported and replaced if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an external fixator as an intermediary structure that provides a stable framework for maintaining bone alignment. This external fixator acts as a mediator between the portable actuation device and the bone fragments, allowing continuous traction to be applied without requiring a bulky traction table.
3Manufacturing precision
If open reduction with cutting skin and soft tissue is performed, then precise bone alignment can be achieved, but the risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preoperative planning using CT scan data and 3D modeling to determine the optimal reduction trajectory and parameters before surgery. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to plan the exact steps needed to achieve precise bone alignment, potentially reducing the need for extensive soft tissue dissection during the actual procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional open reduction techniques with a closed reduction method using a specialized reduction tool. This tool can apply precise forces and moments to realign bone fragments without requiring large incisions or extensive soft tissue dissection, thereby achieving accurate alignment with minimal soft tissue damage.
4Reliability
If multiple separate procedures are performed for complex fractures, then comprehensive treatment can be achieved, but the treatment time and number of surgeries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a unified reduction tool and method that can handle various types of fractures and bone deformities with a single device. The tool incorporates multiple functions including applying traction, rotation, and complex spatial transformations to bone fragments, allowing comprehensive treatment of complex fractures to be achieved in a single procedure rather than multiple separate surgeries.
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
Enables accurate, minimally invasive correction of bone deformities and fractures with reduced complications, allowing for precise bone alignment and rotation, applicable to all body parts.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a method and tool for measuring and correcting deformities during osteotomy and treatment of fractures. The tool designed to restoring, alignment and correcting deformities of bone and joints is based on preoperative imaging and calculation of the deformity angle and planning for the deformity correction, the tool has a mechanism and power to force the bone to move according to the planning trajectory aiming at normal alignment during osteotomy and treatment of fracture and dislocation, it has a gauge to measure the degree of correction and the value of the bone displacement needed to overcome the bone overlapping and deformity angle in the fracture zone.