Dynamic Intramedullary Nail with Self-Aligning Distal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intramedullary nail systems face challenges in accurately securing the distal end, leading to reduced reliability and increased radiological exposure, with existing external guides and jigs becoming less accurate as distance from the proximal end increases, and bioresorbable materials providing insufficient strength and stability for bone healing.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary nail with internal anchoring mechanisms, such as engaging elements and a flexible rod system, that engage the cortical bone directly, reducing the need for external drilling and screwing, and allowing for improved stability and alignment of bone fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external guides and jigs are used to align bone fixtures and drill to the intramedullary nail, then alignment accuracy at the proximal end is improved, but alignment accuracy at the distal end deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces self-aligning distal fixation elements that automatically position themselves within the distal holes of the intramedullary nail without requiring external guides. These elements act as intermediaries that eliminate the need for complex external alignment devices, thereby maintaining accuracy at the distal end where external guides fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal fixation elements are designed to self-align and self-position within the distal holes through mechanical guidance features integrated into the intramedullary nail structure. This self-service mechanism eliminates reliance on external guides, ensuring consistent alignment accuracy regardless of distance from the proximal end.
2Measurement precision
If repeated x-raying is performed to locate distal holes, then hole location accuracy is improved, but radiological exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary nail incorporates pre-marked alignment features and guidance structures that allow surgeons to locate and align with distal holes using visual inspection and mechanical guidance rather than repeated x-raying. This preliminary incorporation of alignment aids eliminates the need for multiple radiological checks during the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bioresorbable materials are used for the intramedullary nail, then bone healing is improved through controlled weakening, but structural strength and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where only specific portions of the intramedullary nail (such as distal segments) are made from bioresorbable materials, while the majority of the nail structure retains strong metallic or polymer materials. This localized application of bioresorbable materials allows controlled weakening at specific sites to promote bone healing while maintaining overall structural strength and rigidity throughout the nail.
4Strength
If transverse bone fasteners are used to secure the nail, then attachment strength is improved, but nail removal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic fixation elements at the distal end that can be easily deployed and secured during insertion but are designed for simplified removal. The fixation elements feature mechanisms that allow them to be engaged with bone and nail structure firmly during healing, yet can be quickly released and removed when needed, reversing the traditional difficulty of removal associated with transverse bone fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
An intramedullary nail comprising an outer tubular sheath, a flexible rod and a driver element mobile within the sheath longitudinally with an engagement element formed out of the wall of the tubular sheath. After the nail has been inserted, distal end first, into the intramedullary cavity, the flexible rod is pulled, thereby engendering the driver element to advance the engagement element into the cortical bone, thus keeping the intramedullary nail in position within the intramedullary cavity.