Controlled Impact Fracture Creation for Realistic Bone Specimens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing bone fractures in human specimens are non-reproducible and lack realistic soft tissue injuries, leading to inadequate training and development of medical instruments and implants, as well as inefficient surgical training due to the inability to simulate actual accident scenarios accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing defined bone fractures with accompanying soft tissue injuries by applying a controlled force impact, limiting the length change of the specimen to a maximum of 80 mm along the force vector, using a defined compression and optional damping, and adjusting the mass, speed, and positioning to achieve a reproducible fracture probability of at least 50%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct force introduction using tools (saw, chisel, hammer) is applied to produce bone fractures, then the targeted area can be visually targeted, but the soft tissue is severely damaged and the fracture does not correspond to actual accident patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (impact device with controlled mass and height) between the operator and the specimen. This intermediary allows force application that simulates actual accident mechanisms rather than direct manual tools, thereby producing fractures that match real-world patterns while minimizing soft tissue damage through controlled impact parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies parameters such as impact mass, drop height, and angle to achieve different fracture patterns. By controlling these parameters, the method produces reproducible fractures that match actual accident mechanics while limiting soft tissue injury through precise parameter selection and standardization.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual introduction of force with tools is used, then fracture production is possible, but the results are non-standardized and vary due to unique specimen morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the specimen in a standardized apparatus with adjustable clamps and guides. This preliminary setup ensures consistent positioning and orientation before force application, eliminating variability caused by manual handling and ensuring reproducible fracture patterns across different specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact device is designed with universal applicability through adjustable parameters (mass, height, angle) and standardized clamping mechanisms that work across different specimen types and sizes. This multi-functional design allows the same apparatus to produce standardized fractures in various anatomical regions while accounting for unique morphologies through adjustable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If human specimens are used for surgical training with preserved soft tissue, then realistic training conditions are achieved, but the bones remain unharmed and osteosynthesis materials cannot be adequately practiced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first producing the bone fracture and associated soft tissue injuries in the specimen before the training procedure begins. This preliminary injury creation enables subsequent surgical training to proceed on realistic, damaged bone structures with accompanying soft tissue injuries, making the training scenario authentic and reliable for practicing osteosynthesis materials and procedures.
4Force
If large amounts of energy are exerted on the specimen to produce bone fractures, then fracture production is achieved, but collateral damage occurs and fracture quality is deficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling impact parameters (mass, height, angle, and rate of application) to achieve the minimum necessary force for fracture production. This optimized parameter selection produces the required fracture while minimizing excessive energy input that would cause collateral damage to surrounding soft tissues and structures.
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
Reproducibly produces defined bone fractures with accompanying soft tissue injuries in human specimens, enabling standardized and ethical training and development of medical instruments and implants, reducing the need for patient practice and minimizing specimen damage.
Implementation Method 1
a) Select a defined bone fracture; b) Select a Specimen 106; c) Adjust a defined mass and position the defined mass in a defined alignment in relation to Specimen 106 using a Holding Mechanism 114, 214; d) Align Specimen 106 in a defined geometry in relation to the direction from which the defined mass impacts Specimen 106 when the Holding Mechanism 114, 214 is released, using Means to Secure Specimen 101, 102; e) Adjust a defined speed with which the defined mass impacts Specimen 106 when the Holding Mechanism 114, 214 is released; f) Adjust a defined compression to which Specimen 106 is exposed when the defined mass impacts when the Holding Mechanism 114, 214 is released; g) Adjust a defined damping with which the defined mass is decelerated when impacting Specimen 106 when the Holding Mechanism 114, 214 is released
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention relates to a method of reproducible production of defined bone fractures with accompanying soft tissue injuries in specimens, in particular in human specimens, apparatuses for applying the method and the specimens, in particular human specimens, produced with the aid of the method and characterized by a defined bone fracture with accompanying soft tissue injuries. The specimens produced with the method according to the invention, in particular human specimens, can be used in the schooling, teaching and development of medical staff, for the development and validation of medical instruments, implants and prostheses, for the analysis of accidents and for expert opinions.