Bone Fixation with Hardenable Bridging Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation methods using metal plates and screws are limited by the design of the plate, restricting the placement of holes and flexibility in fixing bone fragments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving bone fixation elements with a hardenable material applied in an unhardened state to bridge anatomical bodies, allowing for independent placement and subsequent hardening to form a stable construct, independent of plate geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal plates and screws are used for bone fixation, then the fixation construct is stable and reliable, but the placement is limited to the plate design geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate components: individual fixation elements (screws, pins, or staples) that can be independently placed into the bone, and a hardenable material that is applied separately to bridge the elements. This segmentation allows each fixation element to be positioned independently according to anatomical needs rather than being constrained by a pre-designed plate geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardenable material undergoes a parameter change from a soft, moldable state during application to a hardened state after setting. In the unhardened state, the material can be freely shaped and positioned to connect fixation elements at various locations and orientations. After hardening, it provides rigid structural support, achieving both placement flexibility and fixation stability.
2Strength
If traditional plate designs are used, then the fixation construct provides structural support, but the design geometry constrains hole placement and fixation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, pre-configured plate structure to a dynamic assembly process. Fixation elements are first placed independently into the bone at optimal locations determined during surgery. The hardenable material is then applied in a flexible, unhardened state to connect these elements, allowing the construct to adapt to the specific anatomical geometry and fracture pattern before achieving its final structural strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixation elements are placed independently in anatomical bodies, then placement flexibility is improved, but the elements require a method to bridge and stabilize them together
Solution Approach 1:
The hardenable material serves as an intermediary substance that connects the independently placed fixation elements. It is applied in an unhardened state that allows it to flow and conform to the space between elements, then hardens to create a unified construct. This intermediary material simplifies the overall system by replacing the need for complex pre-designed plate structures with a straightforward two-step process: place elements, then apply and harden the bridging material.
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
Enables flexible and stable fixation of bone fragments without the limitations of traditional plate designs, allowing for precise adjustment and stabilization of fractures.
Implementation Method 1
A hardenable material is applied to the portion of each of the fixation elements that extends out from the exterior surface of the respective anatomical body when the hardenable material is in an unhardened state. The hardenable material is hardened such that the hardenable material forms a hardened construct together with the bone fixation elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of bone fixation comprises the steps of implanting at least one first fixation element into a respective first anatomical body such that a portion of the first fixation element extends out from an exterior surface of the first anatomical body, and implanting at least one second fixation element into a respective second anatomical body that is adjacent the first anatomical body, such that a portion of the second fixation element extends out from an exterior surface of the second anatomical body. A hardenable material is applied to the portion of each of the fixation elements that extends out from the exterior surface of the respective anatomical body when the hardenable material is in an unhardened state. The hardenable material is hardened such that the hardenable material forms a hardened construct together with the bone fixation elements that bridges the anatomical bodies.