Bone Plate Versatile Screw Holes Locking Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone plates are limited in their ability to combine rigid and flexible osteosynthesis, requiring multiple plates or specific hole arrangements for locking and non-locking screws, which complicates fracture treatment and increases the number of holes needed, weakening the plate.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate with versatile screw holes that can accommodate both locking and non-locking screws, allowing for simultaneous fixation and compression, reducing the number of screws and holes required, and enabling flexible selection based on bone location and health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bone plate has separate sets of holes for non-locking screws and locking screws, then both compression and fixation functions are achieved, but the number of holes increases which weakens the plate structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal screw holes that can accommodate both locking and non-locking screws through the same opening. The hole design includes a countersunk portion and a threaded portion that work together to accept different screw types, allowing a single hole to perform multiple functions (compression with non-locking screws, fixation with locking screws) without requiring separate hole sets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate functions of compression holes and fixation holes into a single versatile hole design. By combining the countersunk geometry (for non-locking screw compression) and threaded geometry (for locking screw fixation) within the same hole structure, the plate reduces the total number of holes while maintaining both functional capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If a bone plate has a predetermined arrangement of locking and non-locking screw holes, then specific fixation patterns are achieved, but the user cannot modify screw locations relative to the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the previously static hole arrangement. The versatile holes can be configured to accept different screw types based on surgical needs, allowing the functional arrangement to be dynamically adjusted during surgery without changing the physical plate structure. This enables users to modify which holes receive locking versus non-locking screws based on bone quality, fracture pattern, and anatomical considerations
3Reliability
If multiple plates are used to achieve desired locking and compression effects, then comprehensive fixation is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The versatile hole design allows a single bone plate to replace multiple specialized plates by providing both compression and fixation capabilities in each hole. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate plates needed in the surgical procedure while maintaining comprehensive fixation and compression effects
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate for the compression of a fracture site or osteotomy of a bone includes a bone plate body having a plurality of screw holes and bone screws accommodated in the screw holes. At least one of the screw holes is teardrop shaped having a wide portion and a narrow portion. The bone screw selected for use in the screw hole can be either a locking screw or a non-locking screw, as the screw hole can accept both types.