Curved Bone Plate for Ulna Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical plating systems for stabilizing distal radius and ulna fractures lack optimal anatomical articular reduction and stable fixation, particularly in the upper extremity, leading to inadequate stress distribution and potential complications during healing.
Innovation Solution
The development of a stabilization system comprising a bone plate with a curved transition region and various types of fasteners, including locking, non-locking, and polyaxial fasteners, designed to securely attach to the bone, allowing for dynamic compression and adjustable placement to accommodate different fracture types and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a plate is used to stabilize distal radius and ulna fractures, then the bone is reinforced during healing, but stress concentration occurs in the bone leading to potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates a curved transition region between the elongated portion and enlarged head portion, matching the natural anatomy of the distal radius. This curved design distributes stress more evenly across the bone surface, reducing stress concentration points while maintaining reinforcement strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate features an enlarged head portion with multiple through holes positioned to target specific fracture locations, while the elongated portion provides structural support. This localized design allows different regions of the plate to serve different functions - the head for fracture fixation and the elongated portion for stress distribution.
2Reliability
If traditional plating systems are used for distal radius fractures, then fixation is provided, but anatomical articular reduction and stable fixation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition region of the plate is specifically designed to match the anatomical contours of the distal radius, enabling precise anatomical reduction. The curvature allows the plate to conform to the natural bone shape, improving both the precision of fit and the stability of fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate incorporates multiple types of through holes (enlarged head portion with holes, elongated slot) that can accommodate various fastener types (locking, non-locking, polyaxial). This multi-functionality allows the same plate design to achieve both anatomical reduction and stable fixation across different fracture patterns.
3Strength
If rigid plating is used to stabilize fractures, then bone reinforcement is achieved, but tendon disruption occurs and blood supply is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition region follows the natural anatomy of the distal radius, creating a low-profile design that minimizes interference with overlying soft tissues and tendons. This anatomical contouring reduces the risk of tendon disruption while maintaining the structural strength needed for bone reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design concentrates the rigid fixation function in the enlarged head portion where fractures occur, while the elongated portion provides more flexible support. This localized rigidity reduces overall stress on surrounding soft tissues and preserves blood supply to the fracture site.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for bone stabilization, especially ulna head stabilization. The stabilization system may include a bone plate having an elongated portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The bone plate defines a plurality of through holes extending through the elongated portion. A plurality of fasteners are configured to extend through one or more of the plurality of through holes in the bone plate and configured to secure the bone plate to the bone. The proximal end of the elongate portion has an arcuate configuration.