Bone Compression Device with Threaded Anchor and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone compression devices often fail to securely hold bone fragments together due to the soft nature of cancellous bone, leading to loosening of screws and nails over time, and compression screws tend to back out, causing discomfort and potentially requiring recurring surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bone compression device featuring an elongated fastener with an externally-threaded portion and an anchor with an internally-threaded bore, along with a locking mechanism to prevent relative rotation, which compresses bone fragments together and includes washers for distributing compressive force, ensuring a strong purchase and preventing backing out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If compression screws are used to compress bone fragments, then compression force is applied to promote healing, but the screws tend to back out due to high loading and soft cancellous bone
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the compression mechanism into separate functional components: a fastener for applying compression force, an anchor for securing the fastener, and a lock for preventing backout. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a system.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is预先 installed into the bone fragment before the fastener is inserted. This preliminary action creates a secure receiving structure that prevents the fastener from backing out, as the anchor engages the bone first and provides a stable base for subsequent fastener insertion and locking.
2Strength
If fixation devices are used to secure broken bone parts, then direct fixation is achieved, but the devices tend to disassemble as screws and nails loosen from soft cancellous bone
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor features a threaded portion that engages locally with the cancellous bone, providing secure anchoring in the soft bone material. The combination of the anchor's threaded engagement, the fastener's compression application, and the lock's positioning creates localized strong fixation points that maintain overall device stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple material properties and structural features: threaded portions for bone engagement, smooth portions for tissue protection, and interlocking mechanical components. This composite approach integrates different functional elements (anchoring, compression, locking) into a unified fixation system that maintains assembly stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If screws and nails are used to hold bone fragments, then bone fragments are clamped together, but the devices loosen over time causing discomfort and recurring surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is预先 installed into the bone fragment before the fastener is inserted. This preliminary action creates a secure receiving structure that prevents the fastener from backing out, as the anchor engages the bone first and provides a stable base for subsequent fastener insertion and locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock component automatically positions itself within the anchor's bore and engages with the fastener's threaded portion, creating a self-locking mechanism. The deformable insert deforms under compression to lock the fastener position, providing self-service stabilization without requiring additional manual intervention.
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 device effectively compresses and stabilizes bone fragments, reducing the risk of loosening and discomfort, while supporting the bone against bending stresses, thereby promoting healing and minimizing the need for additional surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated fastener with an externally-threaded portion, an anchor with an internally-threaded bore for threadedly receiving the externally-threaded portion of the fastener
Implementation Method 2
a lock for locking together the fastener and the anchor against relative rotation
Implementation Method 3
compressing together first and second bone fragments... the anchor shoulder and the fastener head portion compress the first and second bone fragments together
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated methods for repairing first and second bone fragments include a bone compression device characterized by an elongated fastener and an anchor. The fastener includes an externally-threaded shank, an enlarged head, and a bore extending through both. The anchor includes an internally-threaded bore configured to receive the threaded shank of the fastener at a first end of the anchor, and an enlarged shoulder at a second end. The fastener inserts fittedly into a first bore formed in the first and second bone fragments, with the head engaging a rim of the first bore. The anchor inserts fittedly into a second bore formed in the second bone fragment, the anchor shoulder engaging a rim of the second bore. During compression of the bone segments, a small space is maintained between the second end of the anchor and an intersection of the first bore and the second bore.