Bone Staple Storage and Inserter for Precise Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fusion hardware lacks precision, stability, and ease of implantation, leading to issues such as mal-union and non-union during arthrodesis procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising super-elastic shape memory bone staples stored in an unsplayed configuration on a storage block and inserted using an inserter that opens the staple legs to 90°, allowing secure anchoring in bone segments with a spring-biased sliding lock to maintain the splayed position during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional pins, plates, and screws are used for bone fusion, then fixation is provided, but precision and ease of implantation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is made from super-elastic and shape memory materials that change their mechanical properties (elastic modulus, shape) in response to temperature or stress changes during implantation, enabling precise positioning and secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The staple transitions from a flexible, insertable state to a rigid, load-bearing state through shape memory activation, allowing easy implantation followed by stable fixation
2Reliability
If bone fusion hardware provides stability, then fixation is improved, but implantation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple automatically activates its shape memory properties upon implantation to achieve self-expansion and self-locking, eliminating the need for complex activation mechanisms or multiple implantation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The staple is pre-formed with the desired final shape and properties, requiring only insertion and automatic activation, rather than requiring complex assembly or adjustment during surgery
3Manufacturing precision
If super-elastic and shape memory staples are used, then precision and stability are improved, but storage and insertion difficulty arise
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is divided into functional segments (legs, web, barbs) that can be independently configured for storage and activation, with each segment serving a specific function during implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The staple is stored in the opposite configuration (collapsed or bent) from its final deployed shape, requiring inversion or reversal during implantation to achieve the functional position
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise, stable, and comfortable bone fusion with improved implantation ease, reducing the risk of mal-union and non-union by providing a stable and strong fusion between bone segments.
Implementation Method 1
self-compressive orthopedic bone staples which derive this characteristic from the super-elastic and/or shape memory material from which they are made
Implementation Method 2
self-compressive orthopedic bone staples which derive this characteristic from the super-elastic and/or shape memory material from which they are made
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a fusion implant system for a generally u-shaped bone staple in which the staple is provided on a storage block with the two side legs in an un-splayed position, and an inserter having two triangular shaped pivoting handles has detachable tips that engage the staple on the storage block such that when the handles are aligned one over the other in a congruent position, the tips force the side legs into a splayed configuration at 90° and a sliding block holds the handles in this position to allow the staple to removed from the storage block and tamped using the inserter handles into respective bone.