Bone Plate Dynamic Wire Compression for Fracture Healing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation systems fail to provide effective dynamic loading across tissue discontinuities, such as fractures or osteotomies, which hinders proper healing and stabilization of bones and soft tissues.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate assembly with obliquely oriented draw holes and fastener holes that utilize wires to apply compressive forces across tissue discontinuities, allowing for dynamic loading and stabilization through a combination of wire engagement surfaces and threaded fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixation systems are used to stabilize bones or tissue portions, then mechanical stability is provided, but dynamic loading across the discontinuity is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by incorporating a dynamic element (spring or elastomer) within the bone plate structure that enables continuous motion and force application across the bone discontinuity. This dynamic element allows the system to transition from static stabilization to dynamic loading, providing therapeutic compression or distraction forces that promote healing while maintaining mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by utilizing a spring or elastomer with specific mechanical properties (k-value, elasticity) that can be selected and adjusted to provide the desired magnitude and direction of force. By changing the physical parameters of the dynamic element, the system can deliver controlled compressive or tensile forces across the discontinuity, transforming the fixation system from purely stabilizing to therapeutically active.
2Reliability
If compression force is applied to stabilize bone fragments, then healing is promoted, but the fixation system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Merging principle by integrating the dynamic element (spring or elastomer) directly into the bone plate structure, combining the stabilization function and the dynamic loading function into a single unified device. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide therapeutic compression forces for healing promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Self-service through the dynamic element's automatic force application mechanism. Once the bone plate is installed with the spring or elastomer in place, the element automatically generates and maintains compression forces across the bone fragments without requiring external power sources, control systems, or additional components. The elastic properties of the element provide self-regulating force delivery, simplifying the overall system.
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 bone plate assembly effectively stabilizes and applies therapeutic mechanical load to tissue discontinuities, promoting healing by compressing or distracting tissue pieces, thereby facilitating bone fusion or soft tissue repair.
Implementation Method 1
The wire engagement surface of the one or more draw holes may be oriented obliquely such that motion of the wires through their respective draw holes exerts a compressive force against the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate assembly may include a bone plate with an obverse side, a reverse side, a fastener hole formed through the bone plate from the obverse side to the reverse side, a first draw hole formed through the bone plate from the obverse side to the reverse side, with a wire engagement surface, a fastener insertable through the fastener hole and into tissue, and a first wire insertable into the first draw hole, with a distal end anchorable in the tissue and a proximal end with a retention portion that is retainable in the first draw hole. The wire engagement surface may be oriented obliquely relative to a pilot hole formed in the tissue to receive the wire such that motion of the first wire through the first draw hole exerts a compressive force against the tissue.