Distal Radius Fixation Assembly With Removable Insertion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture fixation devices require complex connecting means and multiple skin incisions, leading to a lengthy and complicated surgical procedure with increased patient morbidity.
Innovation Solution
A distal radius fracture fixation assembly with a separate insertion device that easily connects to and decouples from the fracture fixation device, allowing for a single skin incision and simplified manufacturing, utilizing removable rigidifying elements for increased rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex connecting means are used to connect the insertion device to the fracture fixation device, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means is divided into two functional segments: a connection element integrated with the fracture fixation device and a separate insertion device. These segments connect through a simple interface that allows easy attachment and detachment, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection strength during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is designed to be temporary and single-use, optimized for the surgical procedure only. The insertion device connects to the fracture fixation device during implantation, performs its function, and is then removed, eliminating the need for complex permanent connecting mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple skin incisions are made to implant the fracture fixation device, then the device can be properly positioned and secured, but the surgical procedure time and patient morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device and fracture fixation device are combined into a single integrated assembly that can be inserted through one skin incision. The insertion device acts as a delivery mechanism that guides the fracture fixation device through the medullary canal, eliminating the need for multiple separate incisions while ensuring proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracture fixation device is pre-assembled with the insertion device in the operating room, with bone screws and other components prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to perform the implantation through a single incision without needing to make separate incisions for each component, reducing surgical time and patient trauma.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insertion device is integrally formed with the fracture fixation device, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to easily disconnect after implantation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the insertion device and fracture fixation device as separate but easily connectable components. The connection interface is designed to be simple to assemble during implantation and equally simple to detach after the procedure, providing both manufacturing simplicity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device serves as a temporary delivery mechanism that is discarded after use. It connects to the fracture fixation device during implantation, performs its guiding function, and is then easily removed and discarded, while the fracture fixation device remains implanted to provide long-term stabilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a distal radius fracture fixation device (3) for securing at least two fractured bone segments together. The device (3) comprises: a body portion (15) comprising at least two insertion channels (25) each extending through the body portion and each being configured for receiving a bone fixation element therethrough; and an insertion device connection portion (17) connected to the body portion (15), and for coupling a separate insertion device (5) to the fracture fixation device (3). The insertion device connection portion (17) is arranged to be decoupled from the body portion (15).