Bone Alignment System with Threaded Push Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the fixation of fractured bones using bone plates, surgeons face challenges in maintaining the alignment of bone fragments, as tightening the fixation elements can cause the bone to move closer to the plate, leading to out-of-alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A bone alignment system comprising a bone plate with screw holes, a guide, and a push rod that allows for the realignment and maintenance of bone fragments away from the plate, using a guide and push rod to threadably engage with the plate and adjust the bone fragment's position, preventing it from moving closer during subsequent fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bone fixation elements (screws) are tightened to secure the bone plate to the fractured bone, then the fixation strength and stability are improved, but the bone fragment moves closer towards the bone plate causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary realignment of the bone fragment using a push rod and guide assembly before the bone fixation elements are tightened. The guide is inserted through the bone plate and positioned against the bone fragment, and the push rod is used to medialize the fragment to the desired position. Once alignment is achieved, the guide and push rod are removed, and the fixation elements are secured. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment is established before fixation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly acts as an intermediary tool between the bone plate and the bone fragment during the fixation process. The guide is inserted through the bone plate and positioned against the bone fragment, serving as a mediator that allows controlled manipulation of the fragment's position. The push rod, working through the guide, provides controlled force to realign the fragment without directly contacting the bone plate, thus preventing the plate from interfering with the realignment process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bone fixation device is secured to both ends of the fractured bone first, then the structural stability is improved, but subsequent fixation elements cause the bone to move and become out-of-alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes proper bone fragment alignment as a preliminary step before completing the fixation of all bone fixation elements. The guide and push rod assembly is used to medialize the bone fragment to the correct position while the fixation process is ongoing, not after both ends are secured. This timing ensures that alignment is corrected before the final fixation elements are inserted, preventing subsequent misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic adjustment of bone fragment position during the fixation process. The guide assembly can be inserted and removed, and the push rod can be used to adjust the fragment's position as needed. This dynamic approach enables the surgeon to correct alignment issues at any stage during fixation, rather than requiring perfect initial alignment or accepting misalignment after fixation begins.
3Reliability
If additional bone fixation elements are inserted through the bone plate, then the fixation completeness is improved, but the fractured bone moves closer to the plate causing loss of reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary realignment of the bone fragment using the push rod and guide assembly before inserting the additional bone fixation elements. The guide is positioned against the fragment, the push rod is used to medialize the fragment to the correct position, and then the guide and push rod are removed. Only after this preliminary realignment is complete are the additional fixation elements inserted, ensuring that reduction accuracy is maintained throughout the complete fixation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone alignment system (100) and method for aligning a fractured bone is disclosed. The system enables moving or pushing a bone fragment away from a bone alignment device (e.g., bone plate). Thus arranged, the system may be used to medialize a bone fragment to produce proper reduction and alignment prior to final fixation of the fractured bone. In addition, the system may enable fine adjustment of the bone fragment after provisional fixation without loss of reduction. The system includes a bone alignment device (e.g., bone plate 112), a guide (130), and a push rod (150). The guide being operative coupled to the bone alignment device. The push rod being threadably coupled to the guide. The push rod including a tip to contact, move, and maintain the bone fragment away from the bone alignment device.