Periprosthetic Bone Plate Targeting for Variable-Angle Fastener Openings

Solution Overview

Problem

Periprosthetic fractures surrounding a previous surgically implanted orthopedic implant pose unique fixation challenges due to interference from the previous implant, osteoporosis, and bone defects, complicating the placement of subsequent bone fixation plates.

Innovation Solution

A targeting system with an alignment guide and plug is used to accurately locate and insert fasteners into variable angled openings in a periprosthetic bone plate, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of surgical instruments without dislodging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a periprosthetic bone fixation plate is implanted to treat periprosthetic fractures, then the fracture can be stabilized and function restored, but the previous orthopedic implant interferes with the placement of the bone fixation plate and fastener insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilizationVSAvoidfastener insertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment guide is pre-configured with combo-slots that define predetermined trajectories for fastener insertion. These trajectories are calculated to avoid interference with the previous orthopedic implant while ensuring proper fastener placement. The alignment guide is positioned and secured to the bone plate before fastener insertion, establishing the correct insertion paths in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the fastener insertion process. It provides a physical guide structure with combo-slots that translate complex trajectory requirements into simple insertion motions. The alignment guide mediates the interference between the previous implant and the new fastener placement by providing alternative insertion paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable angled openings are used in the bone plate to accommodate previous implants, then placement flexibility is improved, but targeting precision and insertion accuracy become more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidtargeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment guide is pre-configured with combo-slots that define predetermined trajectories for fastener insertion. These trajectories are calculated to avoid interference with the previous orthopedic implant while ensuring proper fastener placement. The alignment guide is positioned and secured to the bone plate before fastener insertion, establishing the correct insertion paths in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the fastener insertion process. It provides a physical guide structure with combo-slots that translate complex trajectory requirements into simple insertion motions. The alignment guide mediates the interference between the previous implant and the new fastener placement by providing alternative insertion paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a targeting system with alignment guide and plug is used, then fastener insertion accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener insertion accuracyVSAvoidtargeting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The targeting system is divided into separate functional components: the alignment guide that provides trajectory guidance, the plug that blocks the combo-slot to define the insertion path, and the surgical instrument for fastener insertion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the fastener insertion process. It provides a physical guide structure with combo-slots that translate complex trajectory requirements into simple insertion motions. The alignment guide mediates the interference between the previous implant and the new fastener placement by providing alternative insertion paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250359905A1Targeting system for a periprosthetic bone plate

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

A targeting system is disclosed. In use, the targeting system is configured to target (e.g., aim, locate, etc.) a fastener opening in a bone plate, more particularly, a variable angled fastener opening formed in a periphery of a periprosthetic bone plate. In one embodiment, the targeting system includes an alignment guide including a plurality of combo-slots for targeting a plurality of openings formed in the periprosthetic bone plate. In addition, the targeting system includes a plug configured to be positioned within the combo-slots formed in the alignment guide. In use, positioning the plug into the combo-slot formed in the alignment guide transforms the combo-slot into a substantially circular hole or opening with a predefined trajectory aligned with one of the variable angled openings formed in the periphery of the periprosthetic bone plate thereby defining a trajectory from the alignment guide to the variable angled opening.