Bone Plate Through-Openings for Locking and Compression Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone plating systems for trauma applications lack flexibility in providing dynamic compression options, as they often require either locking or non-locking screws, limiting the ability to adapt to different fracture types and anatomical areas.

Innovation Solution

The development of bone plates with through-openings that accommodate both locking and non-locking fasteners, featuring threaded and non-threaded portions, and co-axial bores for dynamic compression, allowing for fixed angle and polyaxial locking, and the use of self-forming threads for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a bone plate uses only locking screws, then the bone fracture is stabilized, but dynamic compression capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fracture stabilizationVSAvoiddynamic compression capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bone plate is designed with through-openings that can accommodate both locking and non-locking fasteners, allowing the same plate to provide both stabilization and dynamic compression capabilities depending on the fastener type selected for each opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bone plate uses only non-locking screws, then dynamic compression is achieved, but stabilization reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic compression capabilityVSAvoidbone fracture stabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plate design allows selective use of locking or non-locking fasteners in different through-openings, enabling the surgeon to optimize each fastener location based on the specific fracture pattern and anatomical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a bone plate is designed for specific fracture types, then fixation precision is improved, but adaptability to different fracture types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different fracture types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bone plate incorporates multiple through-openings with different configurations (threaded and non-threaded portions) that can accept various fastener types, making a single plate design suitable for multiple fracture types and anatomical locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different through-openings on the plate have different structural characteristics (threaded vs. non-threaded portions), allowing each opening to be optimized for specific fastener types while maintaining overall plate versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10575884B2Fracture plates, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods of bone stabilization. The bone stabilization system includes a bone plate having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to be in contact with bone, the bone plate having an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The opening is configured to receive a fastener, which may be either a locking fastener or a compression fastener. The locking fastener has a threaded head portion configured to engage and lock to the bone plate, and the compression fastener is configured to dynamically compress the bone.