Adjustable Bone Fixation Device with Curved Support Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fixation devices for correcting joint deformities, such as hammertoe, lack effectiveness in providing stable and adjustable compression, leading to inadequate correction and potential loosening of implants.

Innovation Solution

The development of a fixation device comprising adjustable clamping members with curved support surfaces and coaxial helical members, along with a contractible tubular woven mesh and bone implants with helical threaded members and blades, to apply axial and radial compression, ensuring stable joint alignment and correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixation devices are used for correcting joint deformities, then the device structure is simple, but the compression stability and joint alignment effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device is divided into multiple functional segments: a proximal clamping member with first curved support surface, a distal clamping member with second curved support surface, and coaxial helical members connecting them. Each segment performs a specific function (compression, alignment, stabilization), allowing the device to achieve reliable joint correction while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If traditional fixation devices are used, then the implant structure is simple, but the compression force application is inadequate leading to implant loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression forceVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates curved support surfaces (first and second curved support surfaces) that conform to the anatomical geometry of the phalanges. These curved surfaces distribute compression forces more effectively across the joint surfaces, enhancing the strength of compression force application and preventing implant loosening while maintaining a relatively simple implant structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The coaxial helical members can be adjusted to modify the compression force parameters applied to the joint. By changing the helical configuration and tension, the device allows for adjustable compression strength, enabling optimal force application without requiring complex implant structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional fixation methods are used, then the procedure is quick to perform, but the joint alignment stability is insufficient leading to inadequate deformity correction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint alignment stabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping members are pre-configured with curved support surfaces that match the anatomical geometry of the phalanges. This preliminary design allows for rapid placement and immediate joint alignment stabilization during surgery, achieving reliable deformity correction without significantly increasing procedural time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides effective axial and radial compression, stabilizes joints, and prevents implant loosening, effectively correcting deformities and supporting recovery from surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a tube comprising a contractible tubular woven mesh configured to contract radially under longitudinal tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial contraction under longitudinal tension: Poisson's Effect

Implementation Method 2

At least one helical yarn or fiber is fastened at or near a first end of the tube and woven helically through the mesh and extends from a second end of the tube opposite the first end of the tube, such that the yarn is capable of applying radial compression to the tube when placed under tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial compression from helical tension: Poisson's Effect

Implementation Method 3

a curved distal end adapted to apply a compressive force in a proximal direction to a distal end of the distal phalanx

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10123898B2Device and method for fixation for bone or soft tissue deformity of digits

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A fixation device comprises a first clamping member having an adjustable clamping collar and a first curved support portion attached to the adjustable clamping collar. The first clamping member is adapted to receive a digit. The first curved support portion is adapted to support an inferior surface of a proximal phalanx of the digit. A distal member is adjustably attachable to the first clamping member. The distal member has a second curved support surface adapted to support an inferior surface of a distal phalanx of the digit and a curved distal end adapted to apply a compressive force in a proximal direction to a distal end of the distal phalanx.