Curved Plantar Bone Plate with Oblique Compression Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fusion technologies face challenges in effectively stabilizing and compressing metatarsal bones, particularly in treating fractures such as Jones, Pseudo Jones, and Avulsion fractures, where existing solutions may not adequately align with the anatomical curvature of the plantar aspect of the foot, leading to suboptimal fusion and stability.
Innovation Solution
A plantar bone plate with a curved design featuring fixation apertures and a compression slot, configured to receive fasteners at an oblique angle, is used to compress adjacent bone portions, matching the anatomy of the metatarsal bone, thereby promoting bone fusion. The plate includes a combination of bends along its longitudinal and lateral dimensions to ensure secure attachment and alignment with the plantar aspect of the metatarsal bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight bone plate design is used, then the plate is easier to manufacture, but it does not align with the anatomical curvature of the plantar aspect of the foot, leading to suboptimal fusion and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is designed with a curved configuration that matches the anatomical curvature of the plantar aspect of the foot. The plate includes a longitudinal curve along its length and a lateral curve across its width, allowing it to conform to the contoured surface of the metatarsal bones and provide stable fixation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard curving processes
2Ease of operation
If fasteners are applied perpendicular to the bone plate surface, then the application is simpler, but it does not provide adequate compression at the fracture site for effective bone fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates oblique aperture holes that are oriented at angles relative to the plate surface, allowing fasteners to be inserted at oblique angles. This dimensional change in fastener orientation enables the application of compressive forces at the fracture site while maintaining ease of fastener application through pre-drilled guided holes
3Reliability
If a plantar bone plate with curved design and oblique fastening is used, then compression and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate features a curved design with longitudinal and lateral bends that match the anatomical contour of the plantar foot. This curvature is integrated into a single plate structure that can be manufactured using standard processes, providing enhanced stability without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly procedures
4Strength
If fixation apertures are configured to receive fasteners at oblique angles, then compression at the fracture site is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate includes pre-formed oblique aperture holes that are drilled and countersunk at specific angles during manufacturing. This preliminary action of pre-drilling the oblique holes ensures that fasteners can be inserted at the correct angles to provide optimal compression at the fracture site, while the precision is established during manufacturing rather than during surgery
Data Source
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AI summary
A plantar bone plate and a method are provided for treating fractures of metatarsal bones, The plantar bone plate comprises a generally elongate member having an upper surface and a lower, bone contact surface. Two or more fixation apertures and a compression slot are disposed along a longitudinal dimension of the elongate member. The fixation apertures receive fasteners suitable for fastening the plantar bone plate to a metatarsal bone. The compression slot receives a fastener at an oblique angle for compressing adjacent portions of the metatarsal bone so as to encourage bone fusion. A curvature along the elongate member is configured to mate the plantar bone plate with the anatomy of the plantar aspect of the metatarsal bone. In one embodiment, the curvature is comprised of at least a first bend and a second bend, such that the plantar bone plate mates with the plantar anatomy of the 5th metatarsal.