Bone Plate With Slanted Aperture For Transverse Screw Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusion technologies face challenges in effectively compressing and stabilizing adjacent bones across a fusion site to promote successful bone fusion.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion assembly comprising an elongate plate with fixation apertures and a slanted aperture to receive a bone screw at a predetermined angle, allowing for optimal compression and alignment of adjacent bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bone plate with perpendicular fixation apertures is used, then the fasteners can be easily inserted perpendicular to the plate, but the ability to compress bones at optimal angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plate's aperture system is segmented into two types: perpendicular fixation apertures for stable fastener insertion and slanted apertures for optimized compression angles. This segmentation allows each aperture type to specialize in its function while working together to solve both ease of operation and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional element by introducing slanted apertures at specific angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the plate surface. This angular dimension enables the bone screw to apply compressive forces at optimal angles for bone fusion while the perpendicular apertures maintain ease of insertion.
2Strength
If a fully threaded bone screw is used, then the screw provides strong engagement with bone, but the screw causes more tissue irritation and resistance during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw employs local quality differentiation with a partially threaded design: the distal portion has threads for strong engagement with the distal bone, while the proximal portion is smooth to minimize tissue irritation during insertion and reduce friction. This local differentiation optimizes both strength and reduces harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw shaft is segmented into distinct functional zones: a threaded distal section for anchorage and a smooth proximal section for easy insertion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
3Strength
If a rigid bone plate is used, then the plate provides strong structural support, but the plate cannot adapt to anatomical curvature of bones
Solution Approach 1:
The plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptable structure through incorporation of articulation features that allow relative movement between the plate and bone surface. This enables the plate to conform to anatomical curvatures while maintaining structural integrity through its rigid material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
While the plate itself remains rigid for strength, the articulation features create a flexible interface between the plate and bone, allowing the assembly to adapt to curved anatomical surfaces without compromising the plate's structural support capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for bone compression and fixation, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into integrated components: the plate combines fixation apertures and slanted apertures for both stabilization and compression; the bone screw integrates threading and smooth portions for both anchorage and easy insertion. This merging reduces component count while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides anchorage through distal threads, enables easy insertion through proximal smooth portion, and works with both perpendicular and slanted apertures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized 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
The bone fusion assembly effectively compresses and stabilizes adjacent bones, promoting bone fusion by utilizing a semi-rigid plate and a bone screw with a smooth proximal portion and distal threads, which facilitates secure fixation and minimal tissue irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The distal threads are configured to rotatably engage within a suitably sized hole drilled across the bone fusion site
Implementation Method 2
the proximal smooth portion is configured to pass through the bone with relatively little resistance
Implementation Method 3
one or more teeth that are configured to cooperate with the head portion of the bone screw to compress the adjacent bones
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a bone fusion assembly is provided for compressing adjacent bones across a bone fusion site to encourage fusion thereof. The bone fusion assembly includes a generally elongate member comprising a plate that has one or more fixation apertures to receive fasteners that are configured to be coupled with the adjacent bones. A threaded fastener comprising a bone screw, including a head portion and a shank, is configured to traverse the bone fusion site. A slanted aperture disposed in the plate is configured to receive the bone screw at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the plate. The slanted aperture comprises a smooth countersunk surface and one or more teeth that are configured to cooperate with the head portion of the bone screw to compress the adjacent bones together and encourage bone fusion therebetween.