Bone Fixation Compression Tuned to Measured Bone Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation methods face issues with insufficient or discontinuous compression due to varying bone quality, leading to potential device failure or pullout, especially in patients with poor bone density.
Innovation Solution
A bone quality assessment device measures torque required to shear bone, allowing selection of a suitable fixation device and optimizing compression based on bone quality, ensuring appropriate insertion torque and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high compression force is applied to compress bone fragments, then bone fusion is promoted, but the device may push out of the bone or cause bone deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring bone quality parameters (torque required to shear bone) and adjusting compression force parameters accordingly. The system changes the compression force parameter from a fixed value to a variable that adapts to the measured bone quality, selecting from multiple predefined compression force levels based on the bone's承受能力
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by measuring bone quality before applying compression. The torque measurement is performed in advance to assess bone strength, and this information is used to pre-determine the appropriate compression force level before the actual compression is applied, preventing over-compression that could cause device pushout
2Device complexity
If standard compression devices are used without bone quality assessment, then device simplicity is maintained, but compression performance becomes insufficient or discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a preliminary bone quality assessment step using torque measurement before compression device insertion. This preliminary action provides critical information about bone strength that guides subsequent device selection and parameter setting, ensuring reliable compression performance without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during compression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured torque value to select appropriate compression device parameters. The measurement result feeds back into the decision-making process for choosing compression force levels and device specifications, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to individual patient bone quality
3Strength
If threaded elements are inserted into bone of insufficient quality, then fixation is achieved, but bone deterioration occurs around the threaded elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion torque parameter based on measured bone quality. By adjusting the insertion torque parameter to match the bone's承受能力 as determined by torque shear measurement, the system achieves secure fixation while preventing the harmful effect of excessive torque that would cause bone deterioration around threaded elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary bone quality assessment via torque measurement before inserting threaded elements. This advance knowledge allows selection of appropriate insertion torque values that are sufficient for fixation but below the threshold that would cause bone damage, preventing deterioration before it occurs
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
Enhances patient outcomes by preventing device failure and promoting effective bone fusion through calibrated compression forces tailored to individual bone quality, reducing complications and the need for revision surgery.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a torque value for shearing the first bone portion with the bone quality assessment device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for fixation of bone portions may include a medical device and a bone quality assessment device. According to one embodiment, the bone quality assessment device is used to determine bone quality by measuring the shear strength of the bone at the site of insertion of the medical device. Once bone quality is determined, an appropriate contracting element may be selected that applies compression forces to the bone portions. In certain embodiments, the bone quality determination will also inform the level of torque applied to helical elements to secure the medical device to the bone portions.