Contoured Distal Radius Plate for Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating distal radial fractures, such as external stabilization and internal fixation, often result in misalignment, loss of function, and early onset of arthritis due to the complex anatomy of the radius bone and the dense surrounding tissue, with existing plates being either cumbersome or insufficiently stable.
Innovation Solution
A custom-designed orthopedic plate with a distal head that mimics the shape of the radius bone, featuring a complex topography and oblique linking areas to ensure precise placement, and a proximal portion that spirals along the bone, providing optimal stabilization while being minimally invasive, with peg holes of fixed or variable angles to accommodate individual bone variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional external stabilization methods (casts, external fixators) are used, then the treatment is easier to apply, but misalignment and loss of function occur due to inability to maintain proper fragment positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical stabilization (casts and external fixators) with an internal fixation system consisting of a contoured plate and screws that directly secure bone fragments from within, eliminating the need for external support structures and providing reliable internal stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed with a complex contoured shape that self-adapts to the specific geometry of the distal radius bone, requiring minimal adjustment during implantation and providing automatic alignment stabilization through its pre-configured contoured structure
2Reliability
If internal fixation with wires and screws is used, then alignment stability is improved, but the construct becomes time-consuming to assemble and may lack sufficient stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation elements (plate, contoured shape, and multiple screws) into a single pre-assembled unit that is implanted as one piece, eliminating the time-consuming process of assembling wire and screw constructs intraoperatively while maintaining alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is pre-contoured and pre-shaped to match the specific anatomy of the distal radius bone before implantation, so that no intraoperative shaping or adjustment is needed, significantly reducing construction time while ensuring proper fit and stability
3Ease of operation
If standard plates are used for internal fixation, then ease of implantation is improved, but stability is insufficient due to inability to accommodate individual bone variations
Solution Approach 1:
The plate features a complex contoured shape with varying thickness and curvature distributed throughout its structure, with each region specifically designed to match the local anatomy of the distal radius, providing both ease of implantation and high stability through localized adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed with an asymmetric contoured shape that specifically matches the asymmetric geometry of the distal radius bone, including variations in curvature, thickness, and surface topology, ensuring optimal fit and stability for individual bone anatomy
4Reliability
If thicker and more rigid plates are used to withstand tendon and ligament forces, then fixation stability is improved, but tissue disruption increases due to intrusion into dense surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The plate features variable thickness distributed throughout its structure, with thicker regions positioned only where structural support is needed to withstand tendon and ligament forces, and thinner regions in areas where tissue preservation is critical, optimizing the balance between stability and tissue protection
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed with a complex contoured shape that follows the curved surface anatomy of the distal radius bone, allowing it to distribute loads through curved surfaces rather than rigid flat surfaces, reducing stress concentration and minimizing intrusion into surrounding soft tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A distal radius plate having a head with a complex palm shaped profile which flares from the sides of the plate to a leading edge that includes a central oblique linking area that helps to mark the placement of the plate relative to the radius. Further, the plate includes an oblique depression that extends from the rounded pinky side of the head and gradually morphs into the elevated styloid prominence in one diagonal direction, and rises less gradually upward into the lunate prominence on the other side of the head. A proximal plate portion mimics the spiral of the radial bone as it spirals along the longitudinal axis, and includes a tighter radial bend. The head includes holes or bores for pegs which extend into the distal portion of the radius to lock fragments into position. In the first embodiment, the angles of the pegs are fixed. In a second embodiment, one or more of the peg holes are provided with a variable axis locking mechanism assembly and the remaining holes are fixed.