Bone Plate Guide Coupling for Adjustable Angular Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating angular deformities in long bones, particularly in patients with active growth plates, are inadequate in providing precise and adjustable fixation and guidance during the treatment process.

Innovation Solution

A bone plate system with an instrument coupling and a flexible element, allowing for adjustable fixation and guidance through a guide feature that can change angles relative to the bone plate, facilitated by a threaded connection and tension application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-angle guide feature is used in the bone plate system, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different angular deformities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular adjustment capabilityVSAvoidguide feature structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide feature is designed to be movable relative to the bone plate, allowing it to transition between fixed and adjustable configurations. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate various angular deformities while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than complex multi-component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid connection between the guide feature and bone plate is used, then the fixation stability is improved, but the adjustability for different treatment angles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular positioning flexibilityVSAvoidfixation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the guide feature and bone plate is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than statically rigid or completely loose. This allows the system to achieve stable fixation at selected angles while maintaining the capability to adjust between different angular positions during the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate guide components are used to achieve angular adjustments, then the adaptability for various deformities is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular configuration optionsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide feature is integrated as a single component that combines multiple functional capabilities including angular adjustment, positioning guidance, and fixation stability. This merging of functions into one component achieves the adaptability of multiple separate guides while reducing the overall device complexity and number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12533168B2Bone implant and method for treating long bone angular deformities

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 ORTHOALIGNMENT LLC

AI summary

Bone plate and instrument systems include interconnections and locking mechanisms to fix the bone plates to the instruments, and guide features that aim k-wires, drills, and/or fasteners to pass through holes in the bone plates when the bone plates are fixed to the instruments. The locking mechanisms include elongated flexible elements that connect to the bone plates.