External Fixator Ball Joint for Transverse Fracture Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation devices for fractures near the ankle lack the ability to make fine adjustments transverse to the longitudinal axis once the fixator is secured, requiring loosening and re-tightening, and offer limited flexibility in pin placement and orientation, making them cumbersome and less versatile, especially in trauma settings.
Innovation Solution
An external fixation apparatus with a lockable ball joint and pin clamp system that allows translation and multi-axis rotation, enabling precise adjustment and flexible placement of bone pins without requiring the fixator to be loosened, featuring various lockable joint configurations for secure attachment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing external fixation devices are used to secure fractures, then the fracture can be fixed and stabilized, but fine adjustment of fracture reduction transverse to the longitudinal axis cannot be made without loosening the fixator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fixator components adjustable after initial placement. The modular design with movable connections allows the fixator to transition from a static secured state to a dynamic adjustable state, enabling fine-tuning of fracture reduction without complete loosening. This resolves the contradiction by allowing precision adjustment while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted. By segmenting the structure into adjustable components, the patent enables localized fine-tuning of fracture reduction at specific joints without requiring loosening of the entire fixator, thus improving both precision and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If existing external fixation devices are designed to be secure and stable, then they provide reliable fracture fixation, but they lack flexibility in pin placement and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustable joints and movable connections that allow the fixator to adapt pin placement and orientation after initial placement. This maintains reliability through secure locking mechanisms while providing versatility through adjustable positioning, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator design incorporates universal joints and multi-axis rotation capabilities that enable the same device to accommodate various pin placements and orientations. This multi-functionality allows the fixator to maintain reliable fixation while adapting to different anatomical requirements, thus improving both reliability and versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing external fixation devices require loosening and re-tightening for transverse adjustment, then fracture reduction can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow continuous fine-tuning without complete loosening. This enables precise fracture reduction adjustments to be made quickly by simply actuating the adjustable joints, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional loosen-retighten cycles while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator is pre-configured with adjustable components and locking mechanisms that are prepared in advance for quick adjustment. This preliminary preparation allows clinicians to make precise fracture reduction adjustments without time-consuming loosening and re-tightening procedures, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If existing external fixation devices are simplified for ease of use, then they are easier to operate, but they lack versatility in fixator configurations and pin orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixator into standardized modular components with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation maintains ease of operation through simple assembly and disassembly while enabling versatile configurations by allowing different modules to be combined in various arrangements, thus resolving the contradiction between usability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator incorporates universal connection joints and standardized interfaces that enable a single simplified device to perform multiple functions and configurations. This universality maintains ease of operation while providing adaptability for different pin placements and orientations, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for externally fixing and precisely adjusting fractures, such as fractures near the ankle, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an external fixation apparatus includes a first member attachable to a first bone segment through pins, a second member coupled to the first member through a lockable ball joint, wherein first and second ends of the second member may be translated transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the second member, and a pin clamp coupled to and rotatable about the second member through a lockable joint and attachable to a second bone segment. The pin clamp and the second member may be releasably coupled.