Bone Fixation Implant With Segmented Fastening Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation methods, such as sternum closure systems, face challenges with loose or broken cables, requiring rapid re-access for potential complications, and existing implants do not efficiently secure bone parts with a low profile and high stability.
Innovation Solution
An implant with an elongated member wound around bone parts, featuring a fastening member composed of separate pieces with polymeric coupling and visual indicators for easy separation, designed to provide secure fixation with reduced height and enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cable or wire is used for primary closure of the sternum, then the fixation can be applied quickly, but the cable may become loose or break under load
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member is divided into separate pieces (first piece and second piece) that are coupled together. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute loads more effectively across multiple engagement points while maintaining quick application. The separate pieces can be independently secured to the bone parts, preventing single-point failure that occurs with simple cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different materials with complementary properties: the elongated member and engagement member use high-strength materials for load bearing, while the coupling material has lower strength to allow controlled separation if needed. This composite approach optimizes both the strength required for reliable fixation and the flexibility for emergency access.
2Reliability
If a bone plate is used for secondary closure to stabilize the sternum, then the fixation stability is improved, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant allows dynamic transition between states: the coupling material enables the fastening member to be separated into individual pieces for implantation, then later reassembled for removal. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex secondary closure procedures while maintaining stable fixation throughout the healing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators provide self-evident guidance for surgeons during implantation and removal, reducing procedure time and complexity. The indicators clearly show where to cut the elongated member and how to separate the pieces, making the system self-explanatory and reducing the need for complex surgical planning or additional stabilization procedures.
3Length of moving object
If the implant components are made close together to reduce height, then the profile is lowered, but the flexibility and ease of separation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling material is strategically positioned between the fastening member pieces at specific locations where separation is needed. This localized placement of lower-strength material allows the overall structure to maintain a low profile while preserving flexibility at the critical separation points. The rest of the structure can be compact without compromising the ability to separate when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling material acts as an intermediary element between the fastening member pieces. It provides a controlled interface that allows the pieces to be close together for a low profile, yet easily separated when needed. The coupling material mediates between the conflicting requirements of compactness and separability, enabling both characteristics to coexist.
4Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show where to cut the implant, then the ease of separation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators (such as color-coded features or visible markers) are incorporated into the implant structure to clearly indicate where cutting and separation should occur. These indicators add minimal structural complexity while dramatically improving ease of operation by providing intuitive visual guidance to surgeons during implantation and removal procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implant for bone fixation comprising an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed, an engagement member coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts, and a fastening member arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least two separate pieces each comprising one opening for receiving a bone fastener, wherein the separate pieces are coupled to each other by a material having a lower material strength than a material from which the separate pieces are made.