Dual Bone Plate Compression Mechanism for Distal Humerus Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for restoring function to damaged musculoskeletal tissues, such as fractures in the distal humerus, lack effective solutions for stable and efficient compression to facilitate bone healing and tissue repair.
Innovation Solution
A compressive distal humerus plating system comprising two bone plates with a compression mechanism, including a pivot device and an expansion member, that allows for controlled movement to compress fractures, utilizing biocompatible materials like titanium or stainless steel, and a system of throughbores and bone fasteners for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used for restoring function to damaged musculoskeletal tissues, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but stable and efficient compression to facilitate bone healing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The plating system is divided into multiple independent bone plates (first bone plate and second bone plate) that can be separately positioned and secured to the fractured bone. Each plate can be independently fastened using bone fasteners, allowing the system to achieve stable compression through the coordinated action of separate components rather than requiring a single complex compression device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a compression mechanism with movable components including a compression member that can translate between retracted and extended positions, and a pivot device that allows rotational movement between 0 and 180 degrees. This dynamic design enables the application of controlled compressive force to the fracture site while maintaining the ability to adjust and stabilize the compression as healing progresses.
2Force
If an expansion member is added to the plating system to enable compression, then compression capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is integrated with the existing bone plate structure by coupling the compression member to both the first and second bone plates. The pivot device serves multiple functions by enabling both the compression action and the stabilization of the plates in their compressed position. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate, independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-compressing through the interaction of the bone fasteners, compression member, and pivot device. Once the bone plates are secured to the fractured bone, the compression mechanism automatically applies and maintains the necessary compressive force without requiring continuous external intervention or complex control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bone fasteners are used to secure the bone plates, then fixation stability is improved, but the surgical procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fasteners are designed with universal applicability, serving both to secure the bone plates to the fractured bone and to enable the compression mechanism to function. The fasteners incorporate features that allow them to perform multiple functions: anchoring the plates, providing compression, and maintaining stability, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member is nested within the structure formed by the bone plates and bone fasteners. The pivot device is positioned within the arrangement of fasteners, allowing it to rotate and apply compression without requiring additional external structures. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact configuration that simplifies the overall surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for compressing a fracture can include a first bone plate having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and a second bone plate having a second proximal end and a second distal end. The second bone plate can be spaced apart from the first bone plate. The system can include an expansion member coupled to the second proximal end of the second bone plate. The movement of the expansion member relative to the second bone plate can cause the first distal end of the first bone plate and the second distal end of the second bone plate to move toward each other to compress the fracture.