Patient-Specific Bridging Plates with Cross-Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plating systems face challenges in securing multiple bones adequately, particularly in cases like osteoporosis or Charcot deformities, where insufficient screw holes and alignment issues lead to inadequate fixation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A bone plating system comprising first and second bone plates, a cross-connector, a cutting guide, and a targeter device, which includes a cross-connector extending along a longitudinal axis to apply compressive force across bones, with a pivotable insert and threaded portions for secure engagement, and a targeter device with spring-loaded arms for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple bone plates with multiple bone screws are used to treat Charcot or midfoot deformities, then the coverage and support for multiple bones is improved, but the risk of inadequate securing increases and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bone plates with a connecting rod into a single integrated construct. The connecting rod links the bone plates together, creating a unified stabilization system that distributes load across all components, thereby improving fixation reliability while maintaining extensive coverage of multiple bones.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod acts as an intermediary element between the bone plates. It mediates the mechanical connection, allowing proper alignment to be maintained while enabling the bone plates to be securely attached to multiple bones. The rod transfers and distributes forces, reducing the risk of inadequate securing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bone plates are attached with a connecting element, then the stability of bone plate assembly is improved, but the alignment precision required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plates are pre-contoured with specific geometries and the connecting rod is designed with matching interfaces. This preliminary preparation of components allows for simplified alignment during assembly, reducing the precision requirements while maintaining high assembly stability through the interconnected design.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a bone plating system (100) and a method for utilizing the same. The bone plating system includes first (110) and second (120) bone plates in contact with respective first and second bones, a cross-connector (130), a cutting guide (600) and a targeter device (400). The cross-connector has a first end and an opposite second extending along a longitudinal axis (L1) from the first bone plate to the second bone plate. The cutting guide has an elongate body placed on one of the first or second bones. The targeter device has a drill guide to align the cross-connector with the first and second bone plates. A method for fixing the bone plating system to the first and second bone may include using the targeter device.