Distal Nail and Proximal Plate Repair for Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing fractures near joints, particularly in elderly patients, often result in delayed or non-union of bone pieces and inability to bear weight, leading to loss of fixation.
Innovation Solution
A repair plate system with a distal nail portion and a proximal plate portion, featuring fixation screws and a capture screw acting as a gusset support, designed for minimally invasive implantation to enhance bone union and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current plates and methods are used for repairing fractures proximate to ball joints, then the fracture can be initially stabilized, but delayed or non-union of bone pieces occurs and fixation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The repair plate is divided into two distinct functional segments: a distal nail portion for implantation into the bone marrow cavity and a proximal plate portion for external fixation. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specialized function optimally, with the nail providing internal stabilization and the plate providing external support and weight-bearing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two fixation mechanisms (nail and plate) into a single integrated repair plate system. The distal nail portion and proximal plate portion are connected to form a unified structure that combines the advantages of both internal and external fixation, preventing the complications of delayed union and fixation loss
2Ease of operation
If elderly patients undergo fracture repair, then the fracture can be treated, but the inability to non weight bear leads to loss of fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The repair plate system transitions from static fixation to dynamic weight-bearing capability. The proximal plate portion is designed to accommodate and support weight-bearing loads, allowing elderly patients to gradually bear weight on the affected limb while the fixation remains stable and secure
3Reliability
If a distal nail portion and proximal plate portion are combined, then bone union is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repair plate system is designed as a multi-functional device where the distal nail portion provides internal stabilization within the bone marrow cavity and the proximal plate portion provides external support and weight-bearing capability. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address multiple aspects of fracture repair, enhancing bone union while maintaining practical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A repair plate system includes a body having a distal nail portion configured for implantation into a limb bone and a proximal plate portion attached to the distal nail portion. A first plurality of fixation screws are configured for insertion into the distal nail portion and a second plurality of fixation screws are configured for insertion into the proximal plate portion.