Bone Plate with Combined Threaded Hole for Single-Screw Fixation and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation and compression technologies require multiple screws to achieve simultaneous fixed-angle fixation and compression, complicating surgery and increasing the number of bone perforations.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate design with offset circular holes of differing diameters, where one hole has an internal thread and the other a crescent-shaped expansion, allowing a single screw to perform both fixation and compression by engaging a conical external thread with the internal thread, reducing the number of screws needed and simplifying the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bone screws are used to achieve both fixed-angle fixation and compression, then both fixation and compression functions are achieved, but the number of bone screws increases and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation function and compression function into a single integrated hole structure. The hole combines a first portion with an internal thread for fixation and a second portion with a conical surface for compression, allowing one bone screw to perform both functions simultaneously that previously required separate screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole is designed as a multi-functional element that can provide both fixation (through the threaded portion) and compression (through the conical portion) capabilities within a single structural feature, making the bone plate system more versatile and reducing the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If multiple bone screws are used to achieve fixed-angle fixation and compression, then both functions are achieved, but the number of bone perforations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining fixation and compression capabilities into a single hole, the invention reduces the number of bone perforations from multiple holes (required for separate fixation and compression screws) to a single perforation site, thereby minimizing damage to the bone while achieving the same therapeutic effect.
3Reliability
If multiple bone screws are used to achieve fixed-angle fixation and compression, then both functions are achieved, but the dimensions of the bone plate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fixation and compression functions into a single hole reduces the overall space required on the bone plate surface. Instead of allocating separate hole positions for fixation and compression screws, the combined hole structure compactly accommodates both functions, allowing for smaller bone plate dimensions.
4Reliability
If multiple bone screws are used to achieve fixed-angle fixation and compression, then both functions are achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The combined hole structure simplifies the surgical procedure by requiring only a single perforation and insertion step for each fixation-compression unit, rather than coordinating multiple separate screw insertions. This reduces surgical time, minimizes procedural complexity, and lowers the skill threshold while maintaining reliable fixation and compression.
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
This design enables simultaneous fixation and compression using fewer components in a smaller space, reducing surgical complexity and bone perforations, while allowing precise compression control and improved stiffness and strength of the bone plate.
Implementation Method 1
the inner wall of the large hole is provided with an internal thread that runs from the top side to the underside and extends to the edges, and the crescent-shaped expansion is designed without a thread, wherein the bone screw fixes the bone in the center of symmetry of the small hole by being screwed in, and the threaded head also has a conical external thread which, when screwed in, engages with the internal thread of the large hole and induces relative displacement of the plate toward the bone
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the fixed-angle fixation and compression of a fracture site or osteotomy of a bone includes a bone plate having a plurality of holes and bone screws with a threaded head. The bone screws accommodated in the holes are screwed into the bone. At least one of the holes is a combination of two circular holes of different diameter. As screwing of the bone screw into the bone proceeds through a final stage, engagement of the threads on the head with threads in the combination hole effects relative longitudinal displacement between the plate and the bone whereby it is possible to simplify simultaneous fixed angle fixation and compression of the fracture or osteotomy with use of a single screw. Threads on the head of the bone screw engage threads in the hole which is a combination of the two hole to effect relative motions.