Bone Screw Assembly with Torque Stabilizer for Femoral Neck Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hip fractures, particularly femoral neck fractures, pose a challenge in stabilization due to the narrow neck between the femur shaft and head, requiring effective stabilization and compression of bone segments with minimal invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A bone screw assembly comprising a bone screw portion, a torque stabilizer portion, and a compressor lock portion, which includes distally placed bone screw threads, a tubular torque stabilizer with torsional stops, and a compressor lock to secure and compress bone segments, preventing rotational motion and facilitating fixation with minimal incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a bone screw assembly with torque stabilizer and compressor lock is used to stabilize femoral neck fractures, then the stability and compression of bone segments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into three distinct segments: a bone screw portion for insertion into the femoral head, a torque stabilizer portion with torsional stops for preventing rotation, and a compressor lock portion for applying compression. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex stabilization task to be broken down into manageable components that can be independently optimized and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated fixation device: the bone screw portion provides anchoring, the torque stabilizer portion prevents rotational motion, and the compressor lock portion applies compression forces. This merging of functions into one device reduces the need for multiple separate implants and simplifies the surgical procedure while achieving comprehensive fracture stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a bone screw assembly with multiple portions is used to prevent torsional motion, then the prevention of rotational motion is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw portion is pre-formed with threads and a specific geometry that allows it to be inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the femoral head. The torque stabilizer and compressor lock portions are designed to be advanced over the bone screw portion in a predetermined sequence, with each portion having features (such as positioners and torsional stops) that guide its placement and ensure proper alignment before the next portion is added.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device employs a nested structure where the torque stabilizer portion is advanced over the bone screw portion, and the compressor lock portion is advanced over the proximal end of the bone screw portion. The torque stabilizer portion includes a positioner that fits within a corresponding positioner on the bone screw portion, creating a nested arrangement that simplifies assembly and ensures precise positioning of each component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimal incision is used for surgical access, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the fracture site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw assembly acts as an intermediary tool that is inserted through a minimal incision to reach the fracture site within the femoral neck. The device includes a guide wire that can be inserted through the minimal incision to provide a pathway for the bone screw portion, allowing the surgeon to access the fracture site without requiring a large incision while still being able to properly position and secure the fixation device.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw device for compressing and fixing together a proximal and distal bone part along a surgical axis comprising: a bone screw portion comprising an elongate body inscribed with bone screw threads at a leading end of an outer surface of said body; an elongate tubular torque stabilizer portion for spanning said bone parts and comprising one or more torsion stops to engage each bone part to limit rotational movement between the bone parts and a translation stop on said torque stabilizer to seat against a portion of the proximal bone to limit translation of said torque stabilizer portion along the surgical axis; and a compressor lock portion engaging the bone screw portion and torque stabilizer portion to draw said bone screw portion proximally along the surgical axis toward said translation stop therein compressing said bone parts together.