Composite Bone Fixation Plate With Metal Screw Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems fail to effectively address the challenges of composite shaving or debris which are undesirable and difficult to remove from the body.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system comprising a bone fixation system comprising a bone fixation plate formed of a fiber reinforced polymer composite material and a bone fixation plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If titanium-alloy screws are driven through holes in the CFR-PEEK composite plate creating a threaded pathway, then the screws can be securely fastened to the bone, but composite shavings or debris are created which are undesirable and difficult to remove from the body
Solution Approach 1:
A metal insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the composite plate and the screw. The insert is received within a hole in the composite plate and receives the screw, allowing the screw to be fastened to the bone without threading directly through the composite material. This eliminates composite shavings while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a combination of composite material (CFR-PEEK plate) and metal material (metal insert and titanium-alloy screw). The metal insert provides a suitable material for screw threading and engagement, while the composite plate maintains its advantages of matching bone modulus of elasticity and radiolucency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a metal insert is introduced within each hole in the composite plate, then composite shavings are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate functional components: the composite plate provides structural support and bone interface, while the metal inserts provide screw engagement functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bone fixation system includes a fixation plate formed of a fiber reinforced polymer composite material with a plurality of apertures configured to receive screws for fracture fixation. An malleable metallic insert is disposed within each aperture. The inserts may be sized to accept locking or non-locking screws over a range of angles. The inserts may protrude through the plate on the bone side, providing clearance between the composite plate and the bone. The apertures and inserts may have a generally cylindrical or obround shape. In embodiments, the inserts are shaped complementary to the apertures in which they are disposed.