Self-Retaining Bone Fixation With Tensioned External Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic surgical procedures face challenges in maintaining bone fragments in a desired position during fracture reduction and fixation, particularly in unscheduled trauma situations where additional clinical assistance may be unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tensioning element and a fixation element, where the tensioning element applies tension between a connection element and an anchoring element, and the fixation element secures to bony tissue, allowing for automatic retention of bone fragments in a fixed position using mechanisms like clamps, pins, or sutures, with adjustable angles and distances for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tensioning element and fixation element system is used to automatically apply tension and retain bone fragments, then the reliability of fracture fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element is configured to automatically apply tension to the fixation element, which secures the bone fragment. The system uses the elastic recovery force of the tensioning element itself to maintain fixation without requiring additional active components or continuous external intervention, making the device self-regulating and reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a tensioning element that applies force and a fixation element that secures the bone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, balancing complexity with effectiveness
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixation elements are used to provide rotational stability, then the stability of bone retention is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixation elements are combined with a single tensioning element that applies tension to all of them simultaneously. This merging approach provides rotational stability through multiple attachment points while using one force-application mechanism, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate tensioning mechanisms for each fixation element
3Ease of operation
If the tensioning element is configured to be removably coupled to the fixation element, then the ease of operation for installation and removal is improved, but the strength of the connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tensioning element and fixation element transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable coupling. This allows the connection to be strong during the surgical procedure when stability is needed, yet easily removable when the procedure is complete, adapting to the changing operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a tensioning element and a fixation element, the tensioning element including a connection element configured to be coupled to a fixation element and an anchoring element configured to be coupled to an external fixation point, the tensioning element being operable to apply a tension between the connection element and the anchoring element, the fixation element including a first portion configured to be coupled to the tensioning element and a second portion configured to be coupled to a bone, the tensioning element and the fixation element being configured to cooperate to apply a tension between the bone and an external fixation point when the anchoring element of the tensioning element is coupled to the external fixation point, the second portion of the fixation element is coupled to the bone, and the tensioning element is operated to apply the tension, thereby retaining the bone in a fixed position.