Deflectable-Tab Bone Plate for Intramedullary Nail Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in securely attaching intramedullary nails to bones, particularly in cases of poor bone quality or periprosthetic settings, where additional bone fixation is required, and proper placement of bone plates can be difficult without appropriate holding instruments.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate system comprising a plate body with tabs that can deflect for fixation, a bone plate adjustment tool to transition tabs from a pre-fixation to a fixation position, and a bone plate holder to facilitate secure attachment to the bone and intramedullary nail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone anchors are inserted through the bone and into the intramedullary nail to fix the nail to the bone, then the intramedullary nail is fixed to the bone, but additional bone fixation is required in cases of poor bone quality or periprosthetic settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation methods into a single integrated system: bone anchors inserted through the intramedullary nail are merged with a bone plate attached to the external surface of the nail. This dual fixation approach provides both internal fixation (through the nail) and external fixation (through the plate), thereby enhancing overall fixation reliability in challenging bone conditions without requiring separate independent fixation procedures
2Reliability
If a small plate or washer is linked to the distal end of the nail by means of bone screws, then additional bone fixation is provided, but proper placement of the washer presents difficulty without appropriate holding instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder instrument as an intermediary device that temporarily grasps and positions the bone plate during the surgical procedure. This holder acts as a mediator between the surgeon's manipulation and the final placement of the plate, enabling precise positioning and secure attachment to the intramedullary nail while maintaining ease of operation throughout the implantation process
3Reliability
If tabs are designed to deflect from a pre-fixation position to a fixation position, then secure attachment to bone is achieved, but the connection may not be rigid enough or attachment may present difficulty to operating personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tabs that can transition between a pre-fixation position (during insertion and positioning) and a fixation position (after placement). This dynamic characteristic allows the tabs to be flexible during the surgical procedure, facilitating easy attachment and adjustment, while providing rigid secure attachment once in the final fixation position. The dynamic design reduces the perceived complexity during operation while ensuring reliable fixation
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
Enhances the stability and rigidity of the attachment between the bone anchor and bone, providing improved fixation and reducing the loading on individual bone anchors, especially in cases of osteoporosis or other bone conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is configured to deflect with respect to the plate body so as to move the head between a pre-fixation position and a fixation position spaced from the pre-fixation position
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate comprises a plate body and at least one tab. The plate body defines an inner body surface configured to face an underlying bone, an outer body surface opposite the inner body surface, and an outer side surface that extends between the inner body surface and the outer body surface. The outer side surface defines an outer perimeter of the plate body. The at least one tab includes a head and an arm that extends from the plate body to the head. The tab defines a tab aperture that extends through the head and is configured to receive a bone anchor. The bone anchor can be coupled with a screw hole in the nail. The arm is configured to deflect with respect to the plate body so as to move the head between a pre-fixation position and a fixation position spaced from the pre-fixation position.