Bone Fixation Buckle and Cord System for Fracture Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation methods, such as cerclage and traditional bone clamps, often result in poor bone unions, boney erosion, and loss of fixation due to wire migration, especially in femoral fractures during total hip arthroplasty, and fail to provide adequate reduction and stabilization of complex fractures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a buckle and cord, where the cord is secured around the bone using lock bars and a tensioner to apply controlled, multi-planar forces for fracture reduction, allowing for adjustable tension and secure fixation without the need for bulky tools or stiff wires, using materials like stainless steel, surgical grade plastic, or UHMWPE for compatibility and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cerclage wires are used for bone fixation, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but bone union quality deteriorates and wire migration occurs causing boney erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into discrete components: a buckle element with lock bars and a separate cord element. This segmentation allows the buckle to provide stable fixation while the cord can be adjusted and repositioned to maintain optimal tension without causing wire migration or bone erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord element can be dynamically adjusted by passing it through the lock bars and repositioning it as needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing healing requirements while maintaining stable fixation, preventing the rigid wire migration problems of traditional cerclage.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional bone clamps are used for fracture reduction, then fracture alignment is achieved, but device bulk increases and access to fracture site is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle element fits within the fracture site anatomy, and the cord passes through the lock bars of the buckle. This nested configuration allows the fixation system to be compact and minimally invasive, providing precise fracture alignment without the bulk of traditional external clamps that restrict access to the fracture site.
3Force
If solid cerclage wire is used for fracture reduction, then circumferential forces are applied, but wire manipulation becomes difficult and the wire cannot be repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the force application mechanism (buckle with lock bars) from the flexible cord element. This allows the cord to be easily manipulated, cut, and repositioned while the buckle maintains the necessary circumferential forces through its lock bar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord can be changed in length and position by passing it through the lock bars and adjusting its tension. This parameter flexibility allows the system to adapt to different fracture patterns and healing stages while maintaining effective circumferential forces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional tensioning methods are used, then wire fixation is achieved, but specialized bulky tools are required and the wire becomes extremely stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle element with its lock bars provides a self-contained tensioning mechanism. The cord can be tensioned by simply passing it through the lock bars and adjusting its position, eliminating the need for specialized bulky tensioning tools while maintaining secure wire fixation.
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
This system enhances bone union by minimizing erosion and loss of fixation, providing improved fracture reduction and stabilization, allowing for dynamic adjustment and secure temporary or permanent fixation, reducing the risk of malalignment and wire irritation.
Implementation Method 1
a cord (40) extending around bone (20)... proximal end (48) of cord (40) may be pulled by a user in a direction opposite from hook (50) to pull cord (40) through and past locking bars (70)
Implementation Method 2
A path of cord (40) around locking bars (70) may provide a frictional resistance to a release of cord (40) from locking bars (70)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fixating a bone includes a buckle having a plurality of lock bars and a hook. A cord may connect the hook with an opposite end of the buckle and around a bone. The buckle may include lock bars on the opposite end of the buckle to receive the cord and allow a frictional resistance to a loosening of the cord around the bone to facilitate a reduction of a fracture of the bone.