Bone Fixation Load Distributor With Smooth Bone-Contact Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation devices cause harm to the periosteum due to their design, particularly when the load distributor is pulled across the bone surface during application.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device with a load distributor featuring smooth contact surfaces and optional recesses on lateral sides, designed to minimize trauma by allowing for easy adjustment and secure fixation without damaging the bone or periosteum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the load distributor is made with separated segments and edges for structural integrity, then the device provides sufficient strength, but the periosteum is damaged during application
Solution Approach 1:
The load distributor features a smooth contact surface specifically at the bone-contacting region while maintaining structural integrity through the molded body. This local differentiation allows the contact area to be trauma-free while the overall structure remains strong enough to distribute loads effectively during sternum closure
Solution Approach 2:
The load distributor is pre-formed as a single-piece molded component with an integrated smooth contact surface before application. This preliminary formation ensures that no sharp edges or segmented interfaces exist that could harm the periosteum during the pulling and tightening process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the load distributor has a smooth contact surface to protect the periosteum, then trauma is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to molding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface parameter of the load distributor by incorporating a smooth contact surface through injection molding. This parameter modification protects the periosteum during application while the molding process, though added, is a standard manufacturing technique that balances the complexity increase with the significant reduction in surgical trauma
3Ease of operation
If the load distributor is pulled longitudinally across the bone surface for positioning, then proper placement is achieved, but the bone and periosteum are damaged by indentations and edges
Solution Approach 1:
The load distributor is designed with differentiated surface properties: a smooth contact surface at the bone-contacting area to prevent damage during pulling and positioning, while other areas may have features like injection points or structural variations that do not interfere with the smooth gliding action across the bone surface
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation device (1) is presented, comprising a wire (7) and a load distributor (9), the load distributor comprising: a contact side (2) having a contact region (11) which is pressed against the bone to be fixed upon tightening of the wire (7), and two opposite lateral sides (4) that are not in contact with the bone upon tightening of the wire (7). At least one of the lateral sides (4) is provided with a plurality of recesses (5) which do not extend into the contact sides (2). The contact side (2) of the load distributor (9) has a continuous smooth surface which is configured to slide across the bone without damaging the bone when the load distributor (9) is pulled longitudinally across the bone during application.