Bone Manipulator System with Axial and Lateral Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face difficulties in positioning fractured bones accurately with existing bone plates, as they often require precise axial and lateral alignment to promote healing and prevent complications, which current technologies fail to facilitate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bone manipulator system with a bone plate that allows two degrees of motion, including axial and lateral translation, using a fastener-arm and foot-arm mechanism with a handle lock and ratcheting mechanism to securely position and align fractured bones, enabling compression, distraction, and rotation for optimal fracture gap management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional bone plate is used to secure fractured bones, then the bone plate can provide basic stabilization, but the surgeon cannot achieve precise axial and lateral alignment of the fractured bone portions
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates movable components including a sliding mechanism that allows the distal segment to move axially and laterally relative to the proximal segment. This dynamic capability enables precise alignment adjustment during surgery by allowing the surgeon to translate and rotate bone portions to achieve optimal fracture gap management and anatomical reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate is divided into multiple segments including a proximal segment, a distal segment, and intermediate components. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of each segment, providing the surgeon with multiple degrees of freedom to achieve precise alignment of complex fractures while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Measurement precision
If the bone manipulator allows two degrees of motion for positioning, then precise axial and lateral alignment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator mechanism uses dynamic components such as sliding interfaces and rotating joints that provide two degrees of motion (axial translation and lateral translation). These mechanical degrees of freedom are achieved through well-defined kinematic pairs and constrained motion paths, allowing precise control of bone portion positioning without requiring overly complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator system is segmented into distinct functional modules including the bone plate with movable segments, fastening mechanisms, and manipulation tools. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity, making the complex two-degree-of-freedom motion achievable through coordinated action of simpler individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastener coupler cavity opening diameter is larger than the fastener head diameter, then the bone manipulator can be translated or rotated about the fastener while maintaining engagement, but the engagement stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener coupler is designed with a cavity opening diameter larger than the fastener head diameter, creating a deliberate clearance that allows the bone manipulator to perform translational and rotational movements about the fastener axis. This dynamic clearance enables the two degrees of motion required for precise fracture alignment while the fastener itself remains securely engaged through its threading and head geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener coupler acts as an intermediary component between the fastener and the bone manipulator body. The enlarged cavity opening provides the necessary clearance for motion while the coupler maintains engagement with the fastener head, mediating between the stable fastener connection and the required manipulator mobility. This intermediary structure allows motion capability without compromising fastener engagement stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone manipulator system incorporates a bone manipulator and bone plate that enables two degrees of motion to position a fractured bone, including axial and lateral translation of a bone portion. The bone manipulator system incorporates a bone plate having a plurality of apertures and a bone manipulator having a fastener-arm and a foot-arm for engagement with the bone plate. The fastener coupler of the fastener-arm is configured for rotational engagement with a fastener inserted through one of the apertures of the bone plate and secured into the bone thereunder. The foot-arm has a flared foot end for engagement with a separate aperture of the bone plate. The fractured bone is manipulated by movement of the bone plate by the flared foot end while the bone plate slides and/or rotates about the fastener in the slotted aperture.