Distal Radius Plate Extension for Ulnar Fragment Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current volar plating techniques for distal radius fractures face challenges in securely fixing small bone fragments at the ulnar/volar corner without irritating or rupturing flexor tendons, particularly due to the risk of tendon irritation and the need for additional fixation methods that may not provide rigid enough support.

Innovation Solution

A distal radius fixation plate with a plate extension that is at least 20% thinner than the plate body, positioned proximal to the watershed line, extends distally to curve around and buttress the ulnar/volar corner, minimizing tendon irritation while providing secure fixation using a hooked end and obliquely angled screw holes for additional stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the volar fixation plate is positioned distal to the watershed line to secure small bone fragments at the ulnar/volar corner, then the fixation strength is improved, but the risk of flexor tendon irritation and rupture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidflexor tendon irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into two distinct segments: a thicker plate body positioned proximal to the watershed line for structural support, and a thinner extension portion extending distal to the watershed line for fragment fixation. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function while minimizing overall harm to tendons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the plate have different thicknesses tailored to their specific functions. The plate body has greater thickness for strength where needed, while the extension portion has reduced thickness (at least 20% thinner) to minimize tendon irritation in the distal region where tendons are more vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the volar fixation plate is positioned proximal to the watershed line to minimize tendon irritation, then the risk of flexor tendon rupture is reduced, but the ability to securely fix small bone fragments at the ulnar/volar corner is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexor tendon rupture riskVSAvoidfragment fixation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The plate extends in the distal direction beyond the watershed line through a thinner extension portion, allowing fixation of distal fragments while keeping the main plate body proximal to the watershed line. This dimensional extension solves the contradiction by reaching into the distal region without placing the bulk of the plate where it would irritate tendons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The thickness parameter of the plate is changed along its length, with the extension portion being at least 20% thinner than the plate body. This parameter change allows the plate to provide fixation capability distally while minimizing the harmful effect of plate prominence on tendons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a thicker plate is used to provide sufficient distal buttressing for volar marginal fragments, then the fixation stability is improved, but the risk of contact with flexor tendons increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidtendon contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate exhibits varying thickness along its length, with the plate body having greater thickness for stability and the extension portion having reduced thickness to minimize tendon contact. This local quality variation allows the plate to provide distal buttressing where needed while avoiding excessive prominence in tendon-prone areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The plate is segmented into a thicker stable body and a thinner extension, allowing the stable portion to remain proximal while the thinner extension reaches distally to support fragments without excessive tendon irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11350975B2Distal radius volar locking plate with extension for ulnar volar fragment

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 GLICKEL STEVEN

AI summary

A distal radius fixation plate for volar plating may comprise a distal radius fixation plate body configured to be placed adjacent a fractured volar distal radius and proximal to a watershed line of the volar distal radius and a distal radius fixation plate extension approximately 60 to 80% thinner on average than the distal radius fixation plate and projecting from the distal radius fixation plate body and configured to be placed so that it extends distal to the watershed line, the plate extension configured to curve around an ulnar/volar corner of the distal radius bone so as to engage the volar lip preferably without curving around other parts of the volar lip of the distal radius. The plate extension may have a hook at its upper end. The plate body may have an obliquely angled screw hole to buttress a radial styloid fragment.