Elastic Rib Fracture Implant for Curved Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for rib fractures, such as those using Kirschner wires, metal splints, or plates, often result in migration, pain, impaired respiratory function, or inadequate bone healing, particularly in osteoporotic bones, and do not allow controlled movement during the healing process.
Innovation Solution
An implant system with a flexible, elastic design and customizable middle and holding pieces made from high-performance polymers, allowing secure fixation and controlled movement of bone fragments, adapted to the curvature of the bone structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid metal implants (Kirschner wires, metal splints, or plates) are used to fix rib fractures, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but migration occurs, pain suppression is insufficient, and respiratory function is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastic polymer, transforming the mechanical properties of the implant. This allows the implant to provide stabilization while accommodating physiological movements and reducing pain, eliminating migration issues associated with rigid implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure with elastic polymer components that combine flexibility and strength. This composite approach enables the implant to maintain fracture stability while allowing controlled movement and reducing respiratory impairment.
2Reliability
If metal plates are used for plate osteosynthesis, then fracture fixation is achieved, but the stiffness of the implant impairs respiratory mechanism and causes loosening in osteoporotic bones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of the implant from high (metal) to optimized elastic range (polymer). This allows the implant to provide sufficient fixation while permitting the controlled micromovements necessary for respiratory function and preventing loosening in osteoporotic bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the implant through elastic polymer material that can adapt to physiological movements. The implant dynamically responds to respiratory movements and bone healing processes, maintaining fixation reliability without causing respiratory impairment.
3Reliability
If Kirschner wires are used for K-wire osteosynthesis, then fracture fixation is achieved, but the wires migrate into bone cavities and require additional plaster cast fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties from rigid wires to elastic polymer implants with optimized dimensional parameters. This eliminates migration into bone cavities and provides sufficient stability without requiring additional plaster cast fixing, simplifying the overall treatment device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The implant system ensures safe, failure-free treatment with effective pain suppression and promotes bone healing while permitting controlled movement, improving treatment outcomes for rib fractures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one middle piece (12) is designed to be elastic in such a way that the at least two holding pieces (14, 16) are bendable relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
the at least two holding pieces (14, 16) are each designed to be flexurally and/or torsionally resistant in such a way as to allow the respective holding piece (14, 16) to rest substantially flat along a particular region of the bone structure (50) assigned to it
Data Source
AI summary
An implant system for treating fractures of a curved bone structure is proposed which comprises the following: an implant body which is provided to be arranged on the bone structure and to be in contact with the latter at least in some regions, wherein the implant body has a rod-like longitudinal extent, wherein the implant body has at least one middle piece which, at both ends, has at least one respective holding piece, wherein the holding pieces are each designed to be flexurally and/or torsionally resistant in such a way as to allow the respective holding piece to rest substantially flat along a particular region of the bone structure assigned to it, and wherein the at least one middle piece is designed to be elastic in such a way that the at least two holding pieces are bendable relative to each other about at least one flexion or torsion axis.