Bone Plate Hybrid Device with Dowel Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone dowels used for spinal fusions face issues of low strength and migration, especially in loaded applications or with crushed or damaged bones, and existing plates are limited to use with bone pastes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plate with dowel channels and locking screws is used to securely join bone segments by inserting a dowel through the plate, which crosses the joining plane of two segments, and a locking screw is placed on top to lock the dowel in place, providing additional stability and preventing migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bone dowels are used for spinal fusions, then the procedure is simple, but the strength is low and migration risk is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a plate structure with dowel elements to create a hybrid fixation system. The plate provides broad surface area for stabilization while dowels inserted through the plate provide focused mechanical interlocking, thereby increasing overall strength without significantly complicating the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid device integrates different structural elements (plate and dowels) that work together to provide complementary functions. The plate offers distributed load bearing while dowels provide pin-like stabilization, creating a composite structural system with enhanced strength characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bone dowels are used for spinal fusions, then the procedure is simple, but migration risk is high
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the plate structure with dowel elements, the system creates multiple fixation points that work together to prevent migration. The plate provides a stable base while dowels anchored through the plate create additional restraint, significantly reducing migration risk compared to isolated dowel use.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple independent elements (plate with multiple dowel insertion points) that collectively provide stabilization. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to preventing migration in different directions, enhancing overall reliability.
3Strength
If plates are used to fix joints, then strength is high, but they were meant only to be used with bone pastes
Solution Approach 1:
The plate design incorporates multiple dowel holes that can accommodate various types of dowels (metal, ceramic, polymer, biological materials). This multi-functional capability allows the same plate structure to work with different bone graft materials and patient-specific requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining high strength fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows variation in dowel material properties, dimensions, and insertion parameters while using the same plate structure. This flexibility in parameters enables adaptation to different bone qualities, patient needs, and surgical preferences without compromising fixation strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining of biological elements is disclosed. A plate is placed over a first segment and a second segment. The plate is attached to the first segment and the second segment. A dowel channel is drilled thru a dowel hole of the plate. A dowel is inserted into the dowel channel, wherein the dowel crosses a joining plane of the first segment and the second segment. A locking screw is placed on a top side of the dowel to lock the dowel in place.