Bone Fixation Clamp with Spring-Loaded Radial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bone fixation devices for long bones face challenges when previous metal prostheses interfere with the insertion of fixation elements, and existing solutions like cables lose effectiveness due to bone resorption.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system comprising a first and second clamp member, where the second member has a spring feature that applies radial compression to the bone, maintaining fixation even as the bone resorbs, using a fixation plate and clamp assembly that extends around the bone's periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used for bone fixation, then the fixation can be applied, but the cables lose effectiveness due to bone resorption
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts to bone resorption. The spring feature allows the clamp to maintain continuous radial compression on the bone even as the bone cross-sectional area decreases during healing, transforming a static fixation device into a dynamic one that adapts to changing bone dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the fixation system by introducing elastic deformation through the spring feature. This allows the clamp to undergo reversible dimensional changes in response to bone resorption, maintaining optimal compression force throughout the healing process without losing fixation effectiveness.
2Strength
If fixation devices extend into the bone, then strong fixation is achieved, but previous metal prostheses interfere with proper insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into two parts: a fixation plate that sits on the bone surface and a clamp that encircles the bone. This eliminates the need for fixation elements to penetrate deep into the bone, avoiding interference with previous prostheses while still achieving strong fixation through the combination of plate and clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to encircle and nest around the bone and fixation plate combination. The first clamp member is mounted over the fixation plate, and the second clamp member with spring feature deflects away from the bone, creating a nested configuration that provides strong fixation without requiring deep insertion into the bone.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixation structure is used, then initial stability is achieved, but the structure cannot adapt to bone resorption during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring feature transforms the rigid fixation structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to bone resorption. The elastic element allows the clamp to maintain stable fixation while accommodating changes in bone dimensions, providing both initial stability and long-term adaptability throughout the healing process.
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 clamp system provides continuous radial compression to the bone, ensuring effective fixation and stability during healing and bone resorption, even in cases where previous prostheses interfere with traditional fixation methods.
Implementation Method 1
the second clamp member including a spring feature biased toward an initial configuration and deflectable toward a second configuration away from the bone
Implementation Method 2
the fixation clamp maintaining a radial compression about the bone as the second clamp member reverts toward the biased configuration as a cross-sectional area of the bone is reduced during healing of the bone
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treating a bone includes a first clamp member sized and shaped to be mounted over a bone laterally across a fixation plate positioned along a length of the bone. In addition, the device includes a second clamp member coupleable to the first clamp member so that, when the first and second clamp members are coupled together in an operative position, the first and second clamp members extend about at least a portion of a periphery of the bone. The second clamp member includes a spring feature biased toward an initial configuration and deflectable toward a second configuration away from the bone.