Bone Plate Through-Openings for Dynamic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for plating systems that provide stabilization to anatomical areas while offering appropriate locking and/or unlocking capabilities for dynamic compression of bones, particularly in trauma applications such as ankle fractures.
Innovation Solution
The stabilization system includes a bone plate with through-openings that can accommodate both locking and non-locking fasteners, allowing for dynamic compression of bones. The plate design features various types of through-openings, including threaded and non-threaded portions, and syndesmotic holes that can accept different types of fixation devices such as screws and suture buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plate design with multiple types of through-openings (threaded and non-threaded) is used to accommodate both locking and non-locking fasteners, then the adaptability and versatility of the plate system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is designed with multiple types of through-openings (threaded and non-threaded portions) that can accommodate both locking and non-locking fasteners. This multi-functional design allows a single plate to serve multiple fixation needs, enabling surgeons to choose appropriate fastener types based on specific fracture requirements without needing separate plates for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-openings are segmented into distinct threaded and non-threaded portions along the longitudinal axis of the plate. This segmentation allows different sections of the plate to serve different functions - threaded portions for locking fasteners providing rigid fixation, and non-threaded portions for non-locking fasteners allowing dynamic compression, thereby managing complexity through functional division.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking fasteners are used to provide rigid fixation, then the stability of the bone-plate construct is improved, but the capability for dynamic compression of bone is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate system incorporates both locking and non-locking fastener options, allowing the fixation construct to transition between static (locking) and dynamic (non-locking) states. Non-locking fasteners enable dynamic compression that adapts to bone healing stages, while locking fasteners provide static stability when needed, making the overall system dynamically adaptable to different healing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the bone plate are designed with specific through-opening types (threaded vs. non-threaded) based on local fixation requirements. Locking fasteners are used in regions requiring stable rigid fixation, while non-locking fasteners are used in regions where dynamic compression is beneficial, allowing each local area to have the quality appropriate for its specific functional need.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-locking fasteners are used to enable dynamic compression, then the adaptability for bone compression is improved, but the stability of the fixation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate design incorporates non-threaded through-openings in specific locations where dynamic compression is desired, while maintaining threaded through-openings in other locations for stable locking fixation. This local differentiation allows the plate to provide both dynamic compression capabilities and stable fixation simultaneously at different anatomical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-openings are segmented along the plate's longitudinal axis into threaded and non-threaded sections. This segmentation separates the functions of dynamic compression (non-threaded) and stable fixation (threaded), allowing each segment to optimize its performance for its intended purpose without compromising the overall system stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a through-opening with both threaded and non-threaded portions is used, then the versatility of fastener options is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is segmented into distinct threaded and non-threaded portions with clearly defined transitions. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by breaking down the complex geometry into manageable sections that can be produced using standard machining operations, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to a fully integrated complex geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional through-opening design consolidates multiple fastener accommodation capabilities into a single feature, reducing the total number of different hole types needed across the plate. This consolidation, while appearing complex, actually simplifies manufacturing by using uniform hole locations that can be drilled and tapped in standardized sequences.
Data Source
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.