Orthopedic Bone Plate with Securing Mechanism for Anti-Backout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic bone plate systems face challenges in securely stabilizing and aligning bone fragments post-osteotomy, particularly in maintaining proper alignment and preventing the bone plate from backing out during the healing process.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic bone plate with a central securing mechanism featuring a base portion and opposing extension members with wedges and cavities, designed to be inserted between bone fragments, which engages the cortical wall to stabilize the plate and prevent backing out, combined with a method for inserting and securing the plate during osteotomy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bone plate system is used to secure bone fragments, then the plate can be attached to the bone, but the plate may back out during the healing process and fail to maintain proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate system is divided into separate functional components: a plate body with attachment openings for screws, and a distinct securing mechanism with opposing extension members that can be independently inserted and engaged. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the plate provides attachment points while the securing mechanism provides anti-backout protection through cortical wall engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the bone plate and the cortical wall. Rather than relying solely on screws to prevent backout, the securing mechanism with its opposing extension members inserts into the osteotomy site and engages the cortical wall, providing an additional intermediary layer of security that prevents plate displacement while maintaining bone fragment alignment.
2Reliability
If the bone plate is designed with additional securing features, then the plate stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is integrated with the bone plate as a unified system, where the extension members are part of the plate structure itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate external securing devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of the securing features. The opposing extension members are built into the plate design, creating a cohesive structure that provides both attachment and anti-backout functionality.
3Reliability
If the securing mechanism is designed to engage the cortical wall, then the plate remains securely in place, but the insertion procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The opposing extension members are pre-configured in the bone plate design, positioned and oriented to facilitate straightforward insertion into the osteotomy site. This preliminary arrangement of the securing mechanism components allows the surgeon to simply insert the mechanism without complex assembly steps, reducing procedural complexity while ensuring reliable cortical wall engagement for secure plate fixation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses an orthopedic bone plate and locking tab apparatus and method of use. The orthopedic plate includes a body with a first end, a second end, and a central portion extending between the first end and the second end, a first pair of lobes at the first end, a second pair of lobes at the second end, and a securing mechanism extending away from a bottom surface of the central portion. The securing mechanism includes a base portion projecting from the body portion of the bone plate and two opposing extension members projecting from the base portion. A method for inserting the bone plate is also disclosed.