Deformable Abutment in Surgical Fixation for Rod Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical fixation systems face issues with unstable fixation due to line and point contacts between stabilization elements and anchoring elements, leading to loosening and corrosion, especially when adapting to different rod diameters and materials.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fixation system with an abutment element that deforms in response to the fixing force, allowing for better adaptation of stabilization elements with varying qualities, ensuring a surface-to-surface contact and equalization of forces, thereby enhancing stability and reducing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a U-shaped abutment element is used to adapt to different rod diameters, then adaptability is improved, but fixation stability deteriorates due to line or point contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment element incorporates a deformation region with different material properties (higher deformability) compared to the rest of the structure. This localized change in quality allows the abutment to deform and adapt to different rod diameters while maintaining stable surface contact through the distributed deformation across the deformation region rather than line or point contacts.
2Strength
If fixing forces are applied to stabilize the stabilization element, then fixation strength is improved, but loosening and corrosion effects worsen due to line and point contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the contact parameter from line or point contact to surface contact by introducing a deformation region that distributes the fixing forces across a larger area. This parameter change reduces the stress concentration that causes loosening and corrosion while maintaining the necessary fixation strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bent rod elements are fixed to achieve clinically appropriate fixation, then adaptability is improved, but unfavorable abutment occurs leading to constraining forces and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment element incorporates a deformation region that is designed to be dynamically adaptable - it can deform elastically or plastically to accommodate bent rod elements while maintaining stable contact. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various rod element configurations without creating unfavorable abutment or constraining forces.
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 a reliable and versatile fixation by adapting to different stabilization elements, ensuring a secure and stable connection while minimizing loosening and corrosion, thus improving the overall fixation quality.
Implementation Method 1
The abutment element has at least one deformation region for deforming in dependence on a fixing force of the fixing element acting on the stabilization element
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical fixation system includes at least one anchoring element with an anchoring portion for anchoring to a bone and with a receiving portion for a stabilization element for connecting to a further anchoring element. The stabilization element is arrangeable and fixable in the receiving portion with a fixing element. The fixation system includes an abutment element arranged on the receiving portion. The receiving portion abuts against the anchoring portion for the placement of the stabilization element. The abutment element has at least one deformation region for deforming in dependence on a fixing force of the fixing element acting on the stabilization element.