3D-Printed Bone Fracture Guide Plate for Millimetric Realignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for realigning fractured bone portions lack precision and reliability, particularly in cases requiring millimeter-level alignment, and standard fastening plates cannot be adapted to individual fracture scenarios, leading to potential misalignment and prolonged surgical times.
Innovation Solution
A process involving 3D printing of a guide plate and a permanent plate, where the guide plate is designed from pre-surgical images to align bone fragments virtually, and the permanent plate is constructed to match the aligned configuration, ensuring precise alignment and reproducibility through 3D printing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard metal fastening plates are used for fixing fractured bone portions, then the surgical procedure is simplified and equipment availability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates and cannot be adapted to individual fracture scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-surgical simulation and planning to create a customized 3D model of the fractured bone and determine the optimal alignment and positioning of fastening plates before the actual surgery. This allows the surgical guide to be designed and manufactured in advance with precise anatomical measurements, ensuring millimeter-level alignment precision while adapting to the specific fracture scenario of each patient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating a digital 3D replica of the patient's specific fracture anatomy through imaging and simulation, then using this virtual model to design and manufacture a physical surgical guide that precisely copies the required alignment and fastening plate positioning. This customized copy ensures both high precision and adaptability to individual fracture scenarios
2Reliability
If manual realignment of bone portions is performed during surgery, then operator flexibility is improved, but the reliability and repeatability of achieving precise alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surgical guide as an intermediary device that mediates between the pre-surgical plan and the actual surgical execution. This guide physically transfers the precise alignment information from the virtual simulation to the real surgery, ensuring reliable and repeatable alignment while simplifying the surgical procedure by providing clear guidance for hole drilling and plate placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical realignment process with a computerized simulation and guided execution system. The pre-surgical software calculates the optimal alignment virtually, and the 3D-printed surgical guide translates this digital plan into precise physical guidance during surgery, substituting operator-dependent manual manipulation with automated, precision engineering
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-surgical simulation and customization is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing modern 3D printing technologies that can rapidly manufacture customized surgical guides from digital models. The build parameters, material selection, and post-processing steps are optimized to reduce manufacturing time while maintaining millimeter-level precision, making the customized approach feasible within surgical planning timelines
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 method achieves millimetric alignment and reliable fixation of fractured bone portions, minimizing manual errors and reducing surgical time by using 3D-printed plates tailored to individual bone anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
printing the guide plate obtained at points (d) and (e), and the permanent plate obtained at point (f), by using 3D printing methods
Data Source
AI summary
Guide plate for the anatomical realignment of a plurality of fractured bone portions, comprising a back surface configured such as it can be distinctively coupled to the surface anatomy of the area of said plurality of fractured bone portions and characterized by a first plurality of holes placed on a first portion of the guide plate and a second plurality of holes placed on a second portion of the guide plate, wherein the first plurality of holes is misaligned with respect to the second plurality of holes.