U-Shaped Compression Bone Staple with Resilient Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing bone segments across a fracture site, such as screws and clips, often require drilling and manual installation, which are time-consuming, imprecise, and may hinder dynamic compression necessary for optimal bone healing, while also increasing surgical trauma and the size of the surgical opening.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped compression staple with resilient legs interconnected by a bridge, allowing for easy deployment and tensioning to apply compressive force between bone segments, minimizing surgical trauma and optimizing bone healing through adjustable compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixation devices (screws, clips) are used to secure bone segments, then rigid immobilization is achieved, but dynamic compression is hindered and surgical trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple incorporates a spring element that enables dynamic compression between bone segments. The spring can be compressed to apply controlled force, allowing the fixation device to adapt to bone movement and healing processes rather than providing rigid immobilization, thereby reducing surgical trauma and promoting bone healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force applied by the staple can be adjusted by varying the compression distance of the spring element. This allows optimization of the compressive force parameter to achieve both stable fixation and dynamic compression, balancing immobilization needs with healing requirements.
2Reliability
If manual installation methods (drilling, hemostats) are used to install clips, then fixation is achieved, but installation time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical installation methods with a powered stapling device that automatically drives the staple into the bone. This substitution of mechanical systems improves installation speed and precision while maintaining reliable fixation, eliminating the need for manual drilling and clip insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid clips are used to maintain distance between bone segments, then structural stability is achieved, but compression force establishment is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element in the staple provides dynamic compression capability, allowing the device to maintain structural stability while simultaneously establishing compressive force between bone segments. The spring can be compressed to apply force while the staple legs maintain the structural connection between segments.
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
The compression staple facilitates quick, precise, and effective bone fixation with adjustable compressive forces, reducing surgical trauma and the size of the surgical opening, while promoting enhanced osseous healing by allowing dynamic compression.
Implementation Method 1
the bridge portion comprises a single bowed spring element... spreading apart of the legs lessens the curvature of the curved portions which brings the staple to a tensioned configuration in which one leg is resiliently urged towards the other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices and techniques for securing bone segments across a fracture site, and more particularly relates to bone staples for achieving compression between segments. A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation uses a compression staple, generally U-shaped, having a pair of legs with proximal ends interconnected by a bridge portion that is resilient and bowed, the staple having an initial configuration and capable of a tensioned configuration by spreading apart the legs by a certain amount causing the curvature of the bowed bridge to lessen and the legs to move towards each other with certain compressive spring force.