Bone Joining Device with Adjustable Connector and Self-Tapping Stems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone joining technologies for conditions like hammertoe deformity are limited in their ability to effectively fuse bones, especially when the deformity becomes fixed, requiring more invasive procedures such as PIP fusion or joint replacement, and existing implants may not provide adequate stability or flexibility in alignment.
Innovation Solution
A bone joining device comprising a female and male component with elongated stem portions and a connector that allows for adjustable angular positioning, featuring a spiraling thread for self-tapping and a spring collet mechanism for secure locking, enabling flexible alignment and fusion of bones, including vertebrae or toe joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone joining implants are used for fixed hammertoe deformity, then bone fusion can be achieved, but the procedure becomes more invasive and requires joint replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bone joining device is divided into separate male and female components that can be independently inserted into each bone, allowing for less invasive surgical procedures while maintaining effective bone fusion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is inserted within the opening of the female component, creating a nested structure where the male component's connector fits inside the female component's opening, enabling secure bone joining without requiring extensive joint replacement
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid implants are used for bone joining, then stable fixation is achieved, but flexibility in alignment adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a bendable connector that can be adjusted to different angles before final insertion, allowing the alignment to be dynamically modified during surgery while maintaining stable fixation once positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The connector can be bent to change its angular parameter relative to the second top, enabling adjustment of the alignment angle between bone pieces while maintaining secure mechanical connection
3Ease of operation
If self-tapping spiraling threads are used for bone insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spiraling threads on the male and female components are designed to self-tap into the bone during insertion, automatically creating their own threading path without requiring pre-drilled holes or separate tapping operations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.