Radiolucent Bone Plate Alignment Template with Radiopaque Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning bone plates relative to fractured bones are inadequate, relying heavily on surgeon experience and requiring multiple iterations, which increases resource utilization and infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate alignment template with a radiolucent main body and a radiopaque outer portion, featuring distal and proximal ends, central openings, and alignment features for precise placement and verification of bone plate alignment using radiographic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple plate placement iterations are performed to verify proper alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The template provides preliminary guidance for plate placement by defining the correct position, orientation, and depth before the actual plate is implanted. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple iterative adjustments, as the plate is placed correctly on the first attempt using the template as a guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The template acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone plate, providing a physical reference framework that mediates the placement process. The template translates the surgeon's intent into precise plate positioning without requiring repeated fluoroscopic verification.
2Measurement precision
If multiple plate placement iterations are performed to verify proper alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template enables preliminary and definitive plate positioning in a single surgical action, minimizing the duration of surgical site exposure. By establishing correct alignment beforehand through the template's guidance features, the need for repeated opening and closing of the surgical site is eliminated, thereby reducing infection risk.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plate placement relies on surgeon experience and ability, then flexibility in handling complex cases is improved, but consistency and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The template is self-aligning through its geometric features (edges, holes, contours) that automatically conform to anatomical landmarks and bone geometry. This self-service mechanism eliminates variability in placement precision that arises from differences in surgeon experience, while the template's design can be adapted to different bone types and fracture patterns.
4Measurement precision
If additional staff and equipment resources are allocated for multiple iterations, then verification accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template extracts and incorporates all necessary alignment verification functions directly into the placement tool itself. Features such as radiopaque markers for imaging verification, guide holes for screw placement, and geometric alignment features are integrated into the template, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment and staff interventions.
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 alignment template enables more efficient and accurate alignment of bone plates, reducing the need for multiple iterations and minimizing resource consumption and infection risk, while ensuring proper bone plate placement and fracture reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a radiopaque outer portion that may extend around the main body
Implementation Method 2
an at least radiolucent main body
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic repair system includes a bone plate and an alignment template. The alignment template includes a bone-facing lower surface, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, and a cavity extending inwardly from the lower surface towards the upper surface. The cavity is configured to receive the bone plate. The cavity includes a wall corresponding to a side surface of the bone plate such that the wall closely surrounds the bone plate and the bone plate moves either one of or both longitudinally and laterally with the alignment template when the bone plate is received in the cavity. The alignment template includes a radiolucent main body and a radiopaque outer portion extending around the main body.