Flexible-to-Rigid Intramedullary Bone Fixation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone fracture fixation methods, such as intramedullary rods and external fixation, are invasive, cause tissue damage, and lead to complications like infection and prolonged recovery times, while lacking ease of insertion and minimizing trauma.

Innovation Solution

A bone fixation device with a flexible-to-rigid body and actuatable grippers that can be inserted through a single portal, deployed to engage the bone intramedullary space, and remotely actuated to stabilize fractures with minimal tissue disruption, using materials like titanium and nitinol for biocompatibility and strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional intramedullary rods and external fixation methods are used, then bone fractures can be stabilized, but tissue damage and invasion increase leading to infection risk and prolonged recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilizationVSAvoidtissue damage and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible-to-rigid bone fixation device that can be inserted in a flexible state through minimal incisions and then transformed to a rigid state for stabilization. This eliminates the need for large incisions and extensive tissue disruption required by conventional rigid rods, thereby reducing infection risk and tissue damage while maintaining fracture stabilization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a flexible insertion state to a rigid fixation state through actuation mechanisms. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be inserted minimally invasively and then provide reliable fracture stabilization, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and stabilization reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional fixation devices are inserted, then fractures can be stabilized, but the insertion process becomes complex and traumatic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture fixationVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible-to-rigid device can be inserted through a single small portal in a flexible collapsed state, dramatically simplifying the insertion process compared to conventional rigid devices that require large incisions and complex positioning. After insertion, actuation transforms it to rigid for effective fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device can be collapsed or nested within itself during insertion and then deployed to its expanded fixation configuration. This nesting capability allows simple insertion through minimal access while providing robust fixation once deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixation methods are used, then bone stability is achieved, but recovery time is prolonged due to tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone stabilityVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By enabling insertion through minimal incisions in a flexible state, the device significantly reduces surgical trauma and associated recovery time compared to conventional methods requiring large incisions. The rigid fixation state ensures bone stability is maintained throughout healing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides both minimal invasive insertion and reliable stabilization through its transformation capability, eliminating the need for separate large incision procedures and reducing overall recovery time while maintaining bone stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides effective, minimally invasive bone reinforcement and fracture fixation, reducing trauma, infection risk, and recovery time, while allowing for easy insertion and deployment, promoting faster healing with reduced complications.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible-to-rigid body and actuatable grippers that can be inserted through a single portal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible-to-rigid transformation:

Implementation Method 2

deployed to engage the bone intramedullary space, and remotely actuated to stabilize fractures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement:

Data Source

PatentUS8961516B2Straight intramedullary fracture fixation devices and methods

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

A straight intramedullary bone fracture fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis for deployment in a long bone, such as a clavicle. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a hub on another side of the fracture, and engaging an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Various configurations and designs may be used in combination with other fixation device components.