Orthopedic Bone Plate with Embedded Electromagnetic Field Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for bone fractures, particularly unstable and misaligned fractures, often result in non-unions or delayed unions due to factors like disrupted blood supply, co-morbidities, and technical issues with fixation, leading to prolonged healing times and increased healthcare burdens.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic treatment device with an embedded electromagnetic field emitter is implanted near the fracture site, emitting therapeutic frequencies to accelerate healing, powered by an internal power source and externally charged, allowing for close proximity to the fracture without the need for bulky external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electromagnetic field generators are used to treat bone fractures, then therapeutic electromagnetic fields can be delivered to the fracture site, but the equipment becomes bulky and cumbersome requiring the patient to wear it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic field generator with the internal fixation device (bone plate or intramedullary nail). The generator, coils, and power source are integrated into the fixation construct itself, eliminating the need for separate external wearable equipment. This merging allows the therapeutic field to be delivered directly at the fracture site while the patient moves freely without compliance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field generator and coils are nested within or attached to the internal fixation device. The power source is contained within the fixation construct, with coils positioned to deliver fields through the bone. This nesting approach embeds the therapeutic system within the existing surgical hardware, making it compact and patient-friendly.
2Reliability
If external electromagnetic field generators are used, then therapeutic fields can be applied, but electromagnetic field strength is lost due to distance from the fracture site
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electromagnetic field generator with the internal fixation device that is already in contact with or adjacent to the fracture, the system eliminates the distance gap. The coils are positioned immediately at the fracture site through the bone plate or nail, ensuring maximum field strength without signal loss from distance.
3Ease of operation
If internal power sources are embedded in the fixation device, then the system becomes self-contained and portable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source, electromagnetic field generator, and fixation device are merged into a single integrated system. The power source is contained within the fixation construct, eliminating the need for external power supplies or batteries carried by the patient. This consolidation makes the system portable while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
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 solution significantly accelerates fracture healing, reduces the incidence of non-unions and delayed unions, improves patient recovery, and decreases morbidity by providing a more effective and user-friendly treatment option for bone fractures.
Implementation Method 1
activating the electromagnetic field emitter to deliver an electromagnetic field proximate the bone fracture
Implementation Method 2
a receiving coil positioned within the body unit, the receiving coil configured to receive power from an external power source
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an orthopedic treatment system. In one aspect, the system includes a body unit configured to attach to an orthopedic bone plate, an electromagnetic field emitter positioned within the body unit, the electromagnetic field emitter configured to project an electromagnetic field at a therapeutic frequency for a therapeutic duration. The system may further include an internal power source positioned within the body unit, the internal power source configured to provide electrical current to the electromagnetic field emitter. The system may also include a receiving coil positioned within the body unit, the receiving coil configured to receive power from an external power source, the external power source positioned outside the body unit.