Bone Plate Accessory Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plate systems for fracture stabilization may require additional support after initial implantation, and existing designs often necessitate specialized plates or modifications for optimal fracture management.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, polyaxial fasteners, and accessory elements such as bone hooks, suture anchors, and plate extenders, which can be secured using various locking elements and retainers to provide additional stabilization without the need for a modified plate, allowing for post-implantation determination of additional support requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard bone plate is used for initial fracture stabilization, then the plate can be implanted with basic fastening functionality, but additional support structures cannot be added later without requiring a modified plate design
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stabilization structure into modular components: a standard bone plate, separate accessory elements (hooks, extenders, suture anchors), and coupling mechanisms (locking elements, retainers). This segmentation allows the plate to remain simple while enabling flexible addition of support structures through separate implantation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static plate design to a dynamic, multi-stage implantation process where accessory elements can be added or removed based on healing progression. The polyaxial fasteners and locking mechanisms enable this dynamic reconfiguration without requiring plate modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized bone plate with pre-integrated accessory elements is designed, then additional support can be provided, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing integrated plate-accessory structures, the system manufactures separate standard components that are assembled in the operating room. The plate is manufactured as a simple fastening plate, while accessory elements are separate components, eliminating complex integrated manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard bone plate with polyaxial fasteners serves multiple functions: it provides basic fracture stabilization and also serves as a platform for attaching various accessory elements. This universal base design eliminates the need for specialized plate variations for different support requirements.
3Reliability
If accessory elements are attached during initial implantation, then comprehensive support is provided, but the surgical time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a staged approach where only essential fasteners are implanted initially to achieve basic stabilization, and accessory elements are added later only if clinically indicated. This partial action approach reduces initial surgical time while maintaining adequate stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard bone plate with polyaxial fasteners is implanted first to establish basic stabilization and create the foundation for future accessory element attachment. This preliminary action separates the essential stabilization step from optional enhancement steps, reducing initial surgical complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the bone plate is designed with fixed fastener holes, then manufacturing is simplified, but post-implantation adjustment of fastener angles is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system transitions from fixed-angle holes to dynamic polyaxial fasteners that can be inserted at multiple angles (e.g., ±35° relative to the fastener hole axis) and then locked in position. This enables angle adjustment while maintaining simple hole geometry in the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the insertion angle parameter from a fixed value to a variable range by using polyaxial fasteners with conical or spherical interfaces. The fastener hole remains simple in shape, but the fastener itself provides angular adaptability through its geometry and locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate assembly is provided for stabilizing a bone fracture. The bone plate assembly includes a bone plate, a first fastener, a second fastener, and an accessory element. The bone plate has a bone contacting, lower surface and an opposite upper surface, and a plurality of screw extending through the bone plate from the upper surface to the lower surface. At least one of the screw holes, a first fastener extends through the bone plate and into an underlying bone or bone fragment. Further, at the same screw hole, a second fastener is received to couple the accessory element to the upper surface of the bone plate to stabilize the accessory element on the bone plate. In at least an embodiment, the accessory element extending over a perimeter of the bone plate and into contact with the bone.