Bone Plate Holder for Percutaneous Insertion and Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current distal tibia plating systems for fractures are limited in their ability to conform to the anatomy of the bone, provide insufficient support for the subchondral bone, and are associated with complications such as skin sloughing, infection, non-union, malunion, and osteoarthritis due to their fixed angle constructs and limited flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A distal tibia plating system comprising anterolateral and medial plates with pre-assembled drill guides and adjustable tabs that allow for customization to fit specific bone fragments, along with a plate holder for minimally invasive insertion, enabling better support and contouring of the articular surface while minimizing soft tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If current plates are made with fixed angle constructs to support fractures, then the plate provides structural support, but the plate cannot conform to the anatomy of the bone and has limited flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidconformability to bone anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates adjustable tabs that can be bent and repositioned to conform to the specific anatomy of the distal tibia bone. The tabs transition from a fixed configuration to an adjustable, dynamic structure that can be customized during surgery to match the patient's unique bone geometry while maintaining structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate is divided into modular segments including adjustable tabs that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each tab to be optimized for its specific location on the bone surface, enabling the plate to conform to complex anatomical contours while preserving overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If current plates use pre-determined fixed angle screws in threaded holes, then the plate provides stable fixation, but the plate cannot be customized to fit specific bone fragments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidcustomization to bone fragments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the plate is manipulated off the bone for bending, then the plate can be shaped, but it is difficult to approximate the shape to a specific bone without significant trial and error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate shapingVSAvoidapproximation to bone shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is pre-contoured with pre-formed tabs and channels that are designed to match the anatomy of the distal tibia. This preliminary shaping reduces the need for extensive trial and error during surgery, as the plate already contains features that can be directly applied to the bone surface with minimal adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the plate is inserted using traditional methods, then the plate can be securely fixed, but significant soft tissue trauma occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidsoft tissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plate holder tool is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the insertion and positioning of the plate. The plate holder enables minimally invasive placement by providing a controlled interface between the surgeon and the plate, reducing direct manipulation that would cause soft tissue damage while ensuring secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate holder tool replaces traditional manual manipulation methods with a specialized mechanical insertion system. This substitution allows for more precise and less traumatic placement of the plate, reducing soft tissue damage while maintaining the security and stability of the fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8911443B2Plate holder for manipulating bone plate

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 BIOMET CV

AI summary

A plate holder is provided to facilitate percutaneous introduction of a bone plate, positioning of the plate on a bone surface, and stabilizing the plate while a fastener is inserted through the plate into the bone. The plate holder includes a proximal handle, a distal mount, and an arm extending between the handle and the mount. The mount includes a first portion which seats within a slot on the shaft of a plate, and a second portion at which the shaft is coupled and which includes a tapered proximal side. A set screw hole is provided through the first and second portions, and a set screw is provided therein. When the first portion is seated in a compression slot of a plate and the set screw is driven to seat, the set screw locks the mount to the plate.