Long-Bone Repositioning Forceps and External Fixator for Cortical Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external fixators for long bone fractures face challenges such as invasiveness, risk of infection, instability, and prolonged healing due to penetration of the medullary canal, and lack of quick and safe repositioning capabilities, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A reposition and penetration forceps system with a three-point mechanism and interchangeable, conical-tipped pins that do not penetrate the medullary cavity, combined with a spring-lever mechanism and a modular tubular system for stabilization, allowing for rapid and stable fracture repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pins are inserted through the medullary canal for stable fixation, then stability of fracture fixation is improved, but risk of infection and medullary canal penetration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of fracture fixationVSAvoidrisk of infection and medullary canal penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful medullary canal penetration from the pin fixation process. Instead of inserting pins through the medullary canal, the pins are inserted only into the cortical bone (outer layer), leaving the medullary canal intact. This extraction eliminates the risk of medullary canal infection while maintaining fixation stability through cortical bone anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin insertion process is segmented into two distinct approaches: cortical bone insertion (safe zone) versus medullary canal insertion (hazardous zone). The invention mandates segmentation by designing pins and insertion techniques that engage only the cortical bone layer, physically separating the fixation function from the medullary canal space to eliminate infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional pin fixation methods are used for rapid stabilization, then speed of application is improved, but invasiveness and soft tissue damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of applicationVSAvoidinvasiveness and soft tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating pin insertion into specific safe zones on the cortical bone surface, avoiding sensitive areas. The pins are designed with specific tip geometries and insertion angles that engage only the cortical layer, providing rapid fixation while minimizing soft tissue disruption and preserving bone vascularization in the medullary region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If external fixator stiffness is increased for better stabilization, then fracture stability is improved, but fracture healing time increases due to excessive rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilityVSAvoidfracture healing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamics by designing an external fixator system with adjustable stiffness characteristics. The fixator allows controlled micromotion at the fracture site through adjustable connection mechanisms and elastic elements, providing stability while permitting physiological movement that stimulates fracture healing. The system can be tuned between more rigid and more flexible states based on healing progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides safe, quick, and stable fracture repositioning with reduced risk of infection and medullary cavity penetration, enhancing fracture healing and reducing patient discomfort by minimizing invasiveness and allowing real-time monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The sharp points of the fixator resemble a clip that is applied to the bone in a rolling motion and they should only penetrate the bone compacta

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

A reposition and penetration forceps system with a three-point mechanism and interchangeable, conical-tipped pins combined with a spring-lever mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4578410A1Reposition and penetration forceps and external fixator for long bone fractures

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 TECHNICKA UNIVERZITA V KOSICIACH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
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AI summary

Reposition and penetration forceps for fractures of long bones, in particular traumatic fractures of tibia in centre line, that comprise two jaws forming a three-point system in opposition, wherein the first movable jaw (1) comprises two threaded pins (7) with tips (21) and the second firm jaw (2) comprises one threaded pin (7) with a tip (21). An external fixator for fractures of long bones, in particular traumatic fractures of tibia in centre line, which comprises at least two sets of forceps according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sets of forceps are arranged identically or in a mirror image to each other.