Bone Plate Cover Preventing Tissue Ingrowth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation devices fail to prevent tissue and bacterial ingrowth into the apertures and through holes of bone implants, leading to complications such as re-fracturing and additional surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device with covers that can be placed in through holes to prevent tissue and bacterial ingrowth, featuring elastic and hydrophobic materials that adapt to the shape of the implants, and a kit that includes a gel to fill microspaces, ensuring sterile packaging and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If through holes are provided in bone fixation devices for fastener insertion, then fastening functionality is enabled, but tissue and bacterial ingrowth into these holes occurs causing complications
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole is divided into two functional zones: an inner region that remains open for fastener insertion and an outer opening that is sealed by a closing cover. This segmentation allows the hole to simultaneously provide fastening access while preventing tissue ingrowth at the external interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of the outer opening (tissue ingrowth pathway) is extracted and separated from the useful function (fastener insertion). A closing cover is applied to remove the harmful ingress pathway while preserving the inner hole functionality for surgical fastening.
2Strength
If inserts are placed in through holes to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but complete coverage of outer openings is not achieved allowing tissue ingrowth
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the through hole are assigned different functional qualities: the inner region maintains structural support properties provided by inserts, while the outer opening receives a closing cover with tissue-preventive properties. This local differentiation ensures both mechanical strength and biological protection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If bone fixation device is left in place for long term fixation, then fracture healing is supported, but tissue ingrowth makes removal difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closing cover acts as an intermediary element between the bone tissue and the fixation device. During long-term fixation, it prevents tissue ingrowth while allowing the device to remain in place. During removal, the cover can be extracted first, eliminating the tissue adhesion barrier and facilitating easy device extraction.
4Ease of operation
If through holes remain open for fastener access, then surgical procedure is simplified, but bacteria can invade and cause infection
Solution Approach 1:
The closing cover is pre-applied to the through hole before the surgical procedure begins. During surgery, the cover can be temporarily opened or accessed for fastener insertion, then restored to its closed state. This preliminary protection prevents bacterial invasion while maintaining surgical accessibility.
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 solution effectively prevents tissue and bacterial ingrowth, facilitating easier removal of the bone fixation device, reducing the risk of re-fracturing and implant damage, while maintaining sterility and ensuring efficient packaging and use.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one closing cover (7) is made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The closing cover (7) can be made of a hydrophobic material which prevents adhesion of bacteria to the closing cover (7) and minimizes soft and hard tissue adhesion
Data Source
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AI summary
A bone fixation device (1) comprising: A) a first bone implant (2) with at least one through hole (11) having an upper opening (3) with the area A and a lower opening (4) in the case of a bone plate (10) as the first bone implant (2); or an outer opening with the area A and an inner opening in the case of a hollow intramedullary nail as the first bone implant (2); B) at least one second bone implant (5) with a head (6) and a shaft for insertion into one or more of said through holes (11); and C) at least one closing cover (7) for closing said upper opening (3) or outer opening of said through hole (11) for preventing bone and soft tissue ingrowth and / or bacterial invasion into said through hole (11) and into said second bone implant (5) wherein said closing cover (7) is D) removably attachable to said first bone implant (2); and E) dimensioned and shaped in such a way that upon attachment to said first bone implant (2) it is apt to cover at least the entire area A of said upper opening (3) or outer opening and of any of said second bone implants (5) if inserted into said through hole (11).