External Fixation Bar with Varying Curvature for Bone Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic external fixation systems face challenges in stabilizing fractured bone fragments effectively, particularly in nonbridging external fixation of distal radius fractures, where existing systems often require bending or distorting wires, leading to wobble, shift, torque, and shear stress.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a distal bar with varying curvature, proximal and distal embedding members, and connectors that allow for direct or indirect attachment to bars, enabling flexible positioning and secure fixation of K-wires without bending, using a distal bar with an uncurved and curved portion to stabilize bone fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external fixation systems use straight bars with bent wires, then the fixation structure is simple, but the wires experience wobble, shift, torque, and shear stress
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is divided into multiple segments with different curvature characteristics. The proximal bar portion has a first curvature while the distal bar portion has a second curvature, allowing each segment to independently manage stress and provide stabilization without requiring wire bending
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved configurations to the bar portions instead of straight bars. The proximal bar portion curves in a first direction while the distal bar portion curves in a second direction, enabling the bar to conform to bone anatomy and distribute mechanical stresses more effectively, eliminating wire bending requirements
2Ease of operation
If embedding members are attached directly to bars, then the fixation is secure, but the positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Connectors are introduced as intermediary components between the embedding members and the bar portions. These connectors feature engagement features that attach to both the embedding members and the bar, allowing for adjustable positioning while maintaining secure fixation. The connectors can be positioned at various locations along the bar, providing flexibility in embedding member placement
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic external fixation system may include a distal bar having a curvature that varies along its length, an uncurved proximal bar, a plurality of proximal embedding members, and a plurality of distal embedding members. The proximal and the distal embedding members, sized and shaped for embedding in bone, may attach directly or indirectly to the proximal bar and the distal bar, respectively.