Bone Compression Rack and Pinion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment for bone segmental shortening techniques, such as those used in cubitus osteotomy, face challenges in maintaining optimal alignment and compression of bone fragments during surgical procedures, leading to potential misalignment and complications in osteosynthesis.
Innovation Solution
A surgical equipment comprising an osteosynthesis plate with oblong openings and a compression mechanism featuring a rack and pinion system, allowing for precise approximation and permanent holding of bone fragments, which includes a guiding device for cutting and compression, optimizing the alignment and fixation of bone parts without the need for additional rack structures on each plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cutting device is removed to add an osteosynthesis plate, then the bone parts can be accessed for plate fixation, but the two bone parts are no longer held with respect to each other, causing rotation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting device and osteosynthesis plate into a single integrated unit. The plate is fixed to the bone with screws while the cutting device remains attached, allowing the plate to be secured without removing the cutting device. This merging eliminates the misalignment problem that occurs when the cutting device is removed, as the bone parts remain held in position throughout the entire procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The osteosynthesis plate is prepared and positioned in advance while the cutting device is still attached to the bone. The plate is fixed to the bone with screws before the cutting device is removed, ensuring that the bone parts are already secured in the correct position. This preliminary action prevents rotation and misalignment that would otherwise occur during the transition between devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rack structures are added to each osteosynthesis plate for compression functionality, then bone approximation can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the compression functionality from the plate itself by using a dedicated compression device that works in conjunction with the plate. The compression device contains the rack structure and pinion mechanism, while the plate remains a simple fixation component. This segmentation allows the plate to be manufactured easily without complex rack structures, while still achieving bone approximation through the separate compression device.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual operation and the bone approximation process. Instead of requiring rack structures on each plate, a single compression device with a pinion and rack mechanism is introduced as a mediator to translate rotational motion into linear compression force. This intermediary approach provides the needed versatility without increasing plate manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple fixation orifices are created on the bone for the compression device, then secure fixation is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The osteosynthesis plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bone, acts as an anchor for the compression device, and enables fixation without requiring separate attachment points. The plate's existing screw holes are used for both structural fixation and as attachment points for the compression device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional fixation orifices while maintaining secure fixation reliability.
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 equipment ensures efficient and permanent holding of bone fragments, facilitating precise alignment and compression, thereby improving bone regeneration and reducing the risk of misalignment and operative complications, while also simplifying the surgical process by minimizing the number of fixation orifices required on the bone.
Implementation Method 1
the head includes, centered on a same axis, an end rod topped with a pinion, which end rod is intended to be introduced into a hole formed in said bone material underlying said opposite oblong openings, to define a fixed rotation axis of said head, and which pinion is intended to mesh with said rack, so that the rotational operation of said head about said fixed rotation axis causes a translation movement of said base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for moving together and compressing two bone parts, consisting of: a) a plate (2) provided with a plurality of through-openings (12, 14, 16, 17); and b) a means (3, 4) for moving said two bone parts together, including: a base (20), suitable for being attached to said plate (2), comprising at least one oblong through-opening (28), at least one of the side edges (28b) of which comprises a rack (28b′); and a control tool (4) including a head (46) provided with (i) an end rod (47) to be inserted into a hole made in said bone material and (ii) a pinion (48) for meshing with said rack (28b′) of the base (20), such that rotating said head (46) about said stationary axis of rotation (4′) causes the translation of said base (20) and of said associated plate (2) relative to said head (46), so as to achieve the sought action of moving together and compressing.