Calcaneal Screw Capture System with Transverse Support Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing calcaneal fractures involve large incisions, which can lead to wound complications and nerve damage.
Innovation Solution
A screw capture system that includes an elongate nail with through-openings and support posts, along with set screws to secure the support posts, allowing for reduced incision size and improved fixation of bone fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large destructive expansile incisions are used to repair calcaneal fractures, then adequate exposure for fracture fixation is achieved, but wound complications and nerve damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fixation process into separate components: an intra-medullary nail inserted through a small incision, and support posts with screws inserted through separate transverse openings in the nail. This segmentation allows each component to be inserted through minimal incisions rather than requiring one large incision for all fixation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The intra-medullary nail serves as an intermediary structure that provides a platform (with transverse openings) for inserting support posts and screws. This intermediary allows the fixation system to be introduced through multiple small incisions rather than requiring direct access to all fracture sites through a large incision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple screws are used to fixate bone fragments, then fracture stability is improved, but the number of incisions and complexity of insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of multiple fixation elements by attaching support posts with screws to the intra-medullary nail through transverse openings. This allows multiple screws to be positioned and secured from a central platform (the nail), reducing the need for multiple separate incisions and simplifying the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The intra-medullary nail serves multiple functions: it provides structural support within the medullary canal, serves as a platform for attaching support posts, and allows multiple screws to be inserted through its transverse openings. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the fixation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw capture system for calcaneal repair is provided. The system includes an elongate nail having a hollow body with a longitudinal axis extending through the body and a through passage extending along the longitudinal axis. The body has a plurality of through-openings formed therein transverse to longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of through-openings defined by an internal wall. At least one support post is sized to be inserted into each of the plurality of through-openings. At least one set screw is inserted into the through passage. Each of the at least one set screw biases one of the at least one support posts against the internal wall of the respective through-opening.