Bone Anchor Cannula Embraces Fragments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fixing distal radius fractures, particularly volar ulnar corner fractures, face challenges in stabilizing small bone fragments without compromising flexor tendons and achieving optimal alignment, which is crucial for preventing malalignment, mid-carpal instability, and the risk of osteoarthritis.

Innovation Solution

A bone fixation system comprising a bone plate, a bone anchor with a cannula, and an elongated fixation member that can be secured to the bone anchor. The elongated member has an anchor connector portion that engages within the cannula and a fragment connector portion that embraces or embeds into small bone fragments, providing rotational stability without drilling into the fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If drilling into bone fragments for fixation, then anchoring stability is improved, but bone fragment integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidbone fragment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of drilling into the bone fragment (invasive approach), the invention uses a smooth elongated member that embraces the bone fragment from the outside (non-invasive approach). The fixation is achieved by the anchor connector portion engaging with the bone anchor through the bone fragment, rather than by drilling into the fragment itself, thus maintaining fragment integrity while achieving stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a bone anchor as an intermediary element between the elongated fixation member and the bone fragment. The bone anchor engages with the bone plate and the elongated member, while the elongated member embraces the bone fragment, creating a stable fixation system without directly drilling into the fragment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If using a low profile fixation device, then access to fracture site is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to fracture siteVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device is divided into three distinct segments: a bone plate for attachment to the bone surface, a bone anchor with cannula for engagement, and an elongated fixation member with specific connector portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining a low overall profile that facilitates access to the fracture site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated fixation member is inserted through the cannula of the bone anchor, creating a nested configuration. The anchor connector portion of the elongated member engages within the cannula, allowing the components to be compactly arranged and reducing the overall profile of the device while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250127546A1Bone fixation system and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

Bone fixation systems for use with fractured bones having at least one fragment are disclosed, along with kits and systems containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof. The bone fixation systems include a bone anchor that matingly engages with an opening in a bone plate and that has a cannula extending through at least a portion of the bone anchor. The bone fixation systems also include at least one elongated member that is configured and adapted to extend between the interior of the bone anchor and an outer surface of the bone to embrace and/or anchor the at least one bone fragment in place against the remainder of the fractured bone.