Elastic Rib Prosthesis with Transverse Grooves for Curvature Restoration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for replacing or stabilizing ribs often compromise the natural curvature and elasticity of the rib cage, leading to functional and aesthetic issues, and are not suitable for elderly patients with anterior third rib fractures.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis designed to replace all or part of a rib, featuring a curved shape with transverse grooves on the convex face, allowing for fixation without piercing the rib and enabling manual cutting for length adjustment, thereby reducing operating time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If straight nails or agrafes are used to stabilize rib fractures, then mechanical stability is improved, but the natural curvature and elasticity of the rib are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with a curved shape that replicates the natural arc of the rib, replacing the straight stabilization devices (nails and agrafes) with a contoured structure that restores both mechanical stability and the natural curvature of the rib cage
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis changes the physical parameters of the stabilization device from rigid and straight to elastic and curved, matching the mechanical properties and geometric shape of natural ribs to maintain both stability and physiological function
2Shape
If metal splints are molded manually to replace rib sections, then curvature can be achieved, but perfect curvature is difficult to obtain and removal requires additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed as a permanent implant that eliminates the need for removal surgery, replacing the temporary metal splint approach where second surgery was required for removal
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is pre-formed with the correct curvature and geometry before implantation, eliminating the need for manual molding during surgery and ensuring perfect fit without requiring additional surgical intervention for adjustment or removal
3Strength
If methacrylate sandwiches are used to replace large rib resections, then structural support is provided, but the wall becomes rigid with a bulky foreign body
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis uses a thin-walled elastic structure that provides structural support while maintaining flexibility and physiological movement, replacing the rigid and bulky methacrylate sandwich construction
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is made from composite material combining polymeric matrix with reinforcing elements, achieving both strength and flexibility to match natural rib properties rather than the rigid methacrylate construction
4Stability of the object's composition
If intramedullary nails are used in elderly patients with anterior third rib fractures, then stabilization is achieved, but the wires become loose due to spongy bone
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis replaces the intramedullary nail approach with an extramedullary device that fits over the rib surface, eliminating the problem of wire loosening in spongy bone by avoiding insertion into the medullary canal
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shape of the prosthesis allows it to conform to the rib anatomy and maintain stable positioning without relying on wire fixation in spongy bone, providing reliable stabilization through geometric fit rather than penetration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A prosthesis for splinting or replacing a rib, wherein it comprises a piece (60) curved in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse sense, which defines a concave face and a convex face, said prosthesis having a warping on its longitudinal axis and two or more transverse grooves (61) on its convex face to support the means for fixing the ribs. The prosthesis may eventually contain a line of radiopaque material that facilitates its radiological visibility.