Variable Angle Bone Plate with Alignment Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation techniques for distal radius fractures lack flexibility in screw placement angles and often fail to provide optimal holding strength and alignment, particularly in osteoporotic bones, due to limitations in variable angle locking screws and holes.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation plate with a triangular profile and a window for fracture alignment, featuring angled screw holes and a combination hole for variable angle screw insertion, along with an aiming device for precise positioning and compression, allowing for adjustable screw placement and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable angle locking screws with variable angle holes are used, then flexibility in screw placement angles is improved, but holding strength and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate divides screw holes into two distinct types: variable angle holes (with multiple orientations) and fixed angle holes (with single precise orientation). This segmentation allows selection of appropriate hole type based on specific surgical requirements, optimizing both flexibility and holding strength for different fracture patterns and bone qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate have different functional characteristics - variable angle holes are positioned in regions requiring flexibility, while fixed angle holes are positioned in regions requiring precise alignment and maximum holding strength. Each local area is optimized for its specific functional requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable angle locking screws with variable angle holes are used, then adaptability is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate segments alignment functions into two categories: variable angle holes for adaptability and fixed angle holes for precision. The fixed angle holes provide predetermined, precisely manufactured alignment references that ensure accurate screw placement, while variable angle holes provide flexibility when precision alignment is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed angle holes act as intermediary reference points that mediate between the need for precision alignment and the need for adaptability. They provide stable, pre-defined alignment paths that guide screw insertion while the variable angle holes provide flexible alternatives when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If a window opening is added for fracture alignment, then alignment assistance is improved, but plate complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window opening utilizes optical properties (transparency/visibility) to aid alignment. By creating an opening that allows visualization of the fracture line and bone anatomy, the surgeon can achieve precise alignment without adding complex mechanical alignment devices or multiple reference markings.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation plate comprises a plate body extending from a first end configured for placement over a shaft of a bone to a second end configured and dimensioned for placement over an epiphysis of the bone, an outer diameter of the plate body increasing from the first end to the second end to substantially conform to dimensions of the bone. An opening extends through the plate from a first surface which faces away from the bone when mounted thereonto to a second surface which faces the bone when in the desired orientation, the opening being positioned so that, when mounted over the bone, a fracture of the bone is visible therethrough to aid in alignment of the bone plate. First and second holes extend through the plate, each of the first and second holes being structured to lockingly engage a threaded head of a bone fixation device inserted thereinto.