Bone Fixation Plate With Compression Slots For Metatarsal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bunionectomy surgeries face challenges in securely fixing cut metatarsal bone sections, leading to potential misalignment, malunion, nonunion, and ongoing pain due to inadequate compression and stability provided by traditional fixation methods like screws and staples.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system and method involving a plate with compression slots and claw members that secure bone segments together using screws or staples, applying compressive force to maintain alignment and promote bone fusion, while allowing for angulation and offset positioning to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional fixation methods like screws and staples are used to secure cut metatarsal bone sections, then the fixation device can be simple in structure, but the compression ability is limited and uniform compression across the bone interface cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates compression slots that allow dynamic adjustment and distribution of compressive force. The slots enable the plate to adapt to varying bone interface geometries and apply uniform compression across the entire contact surface rather than at fixed points, resolving the contradiction between achieving high compressive force and maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device changes the parameter of force distribution from concentrated (at screw/staple insertion points) to distributed (across the entire bone interface through compression slots). This parameter change enables uniform compression while the plate's flexible design maintains relative structural simplicity.
2Force
If screws are placed in small distal bone segments to achieve compression, then compressive force can be applied, but the bone may split due to the small size of the bone segments
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is segmented from discrete screw insertion points to a continuous distribution along the compression slots. This segmentation allows the compressive force to be applied across multiple small bone segments without concentrating stress at single insertion points, preventing bone splitting while maintaining compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression slots act as intermediaries between the plate and the bone segments. Instead of screws directly inserting into small bone segments (which risks splitting), the slots provide a distributed interface that mediates the force application, spreading the load across the bone interface safely.
3Ease of operation
If staples are used for fixation to maintain a low profile, then the device is less invasive, but compression ability is limited to less than a millimeter and only at the tip
Solution Approach 1:
The plate design combines multiple functions: it provides the low-profile insertion capability of staples while incorporating compression slots that enable significant compression ability. The device becomes universal, achieving both the ease of low-profile insertion and the force application capability that neither staples nor traditional screws alone could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the advantages of staples (low profile, minimally invasive) with the compression capability of screw fixation systems. The compression slots are integrated into the plate structure, combining functions that were previously separate, enabling both low-profile insertion and substantial uniform compression.
4Device complexity
If compression is applied only at the tip of the bone segment, then the fixation device remains simple, but the fusion surface contact is altered and alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression slots provide local quality variation in force application. Different regions of the bone interface receive appropriate compression based on the slot geometry and bone contact, ensuring uniform distribution rather than concentrated tip-only compression. This local adaptation maintains precise alignment while the overall plate structure remains relatively simple.
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 system effectively secures bone segments, reducing the risk of misalignment and promoting successful bone fusion by applying consistent compressive force, thereby minimizing post-operative pain and complications.
Implementation Method 1
At least one bone screw is screwed into the first bone segment through at least one compression slot of the plate causing an application of compressive force to secure the first bone segment and the second bone segment
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In a method and system for corrective surgery of a bone, a bone is cut into a first bone segment and a second bone segment. A plate is positioned over the first bone segment and the second bone segment such that at least one member of the plate is positioned to engage the second bone segment. The at least one member of the plate is inserted into the second bone segment. At least one bone screw is screwed into the first bone segment through at least one compression slot of the plate causing an application of compressive force to secure the first bone segment and the second bone segment to form a corrective construct. The at least one member is positioned at an angle or an offset from the second plate segment.