Patient-Specific Fracture Plates With Bone-Fragment Screw Orientation Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating complex bone fractures, particularly periarticular fractures, are limited by the need for intraoperative trial and error, leading to complications, high revision rates, and associated infections and impaired bone healing.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for generating patient-specific preoperative planning that uses quantitative parameters, including geometrical and personal patient factors, to optimize the positioning and fixation of bone fragments, thereby reducing subjective evaluations and improving surgical outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard implants and precontoured anatomic specific implants are used, then the capability to fix fractures is improved, but intraoperative trial and error increases leading to complications and high revision rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D imaging, virtual fracture reduction, and fixation planning before surgery. The optimal screw orientation and plate positioning are determined in advance through computerized simulation, eliminating intraoperative trial and error while ensuring reliable fracture fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D copy of the patient's fractured bone and fracture fragments. This digital model allows for precise planning and simulation of the fixation procedure, enabling the surgeon to optimize the fixation construct before the actual surgery without time loss during the operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced planning software with virtual 3D models is used, then personalized planning capability is improved, but the process remains restricted by standard implant specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates optimal screw orientation parameters (angle, depth, position) based on the specific fracture geometry and bone fragment characteristics. These customized parameters allow adaptation to each patient's unique anatomy while maintaining compatibility with standard implant specifications through precise parameter optimization.
3Loss of information
If surgical planning relies on surgeon judgment and experience, then subjective evaluation is performed, but quantitative measures and objectivity are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides quantitative feedback on screw orientation, plate positioning, and fixation strength based on computerized analysis of the 3D fracture model. This objective data complements surgeon experience by providing measurable parameters for evaluation, reducing subjectivity while preserving expert judgment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for generating a bone fixation implant and related preoperative planning. The method comprises a first step of determining at least the orientation and the position of the fixation means, based on a 3D model of the bone fragments. The method may include a second step of defining the shape of one or more bone plates, based on the output of the first step. The method may further include a third step determining tools for applying fixation means during surgery, according the optimized configuration defined in the first step and applying the bone plates from the second step. The method may even further include a fourth step, quantifying construct stability for a given patient following surgery, thereby allowing early weightbearing.