Helical Coil Bone Fixation for Alignment Correction and Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stabilizing adjacent bones do not adequately address the need for correcting the mutual position of two bones prior to stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first element with a thread-like helical coil and a second element, where the coil has a gradually increasing diameter, allowing for repositioning and fixation of adjacent bones by screwing into the bone, with features for guiding and anchoring, and optional additional elements for stabilization and fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing stabilization devices are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but bone position correction capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional elements: a stabilization component and a correction component with the helical coil. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - stabilization and correction - independently and effectively, resolving the contradiction between stabilization reliability and correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines both stabilization and correction functions into a single integrated system. The helical coil enables correction of bone position while the overall structure provides stabilization, making the device universal for both correction and stabilization tasks simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed diameter coil is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adjustment of bone distance and angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The helical coil features a gradually increasing diameter from distal to proximal end, creating a dynamic structure that allows for adjustment of bone distance and angle. This dynamic geometry enables the device to adapt to different correction requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for both correction and stabilization functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correction function (helical coil) and stabilization function are merged into a single integrated device. The helical coil structure itself provides both the correction mechanism through its geometry and the stabilization through its anchoring capability, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual functionality.
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
Facilitates both the correction and maintenance of bone alignment by allowing adjustment of bone distance and angle, promoting fusion with bone material, and enabling independent operation of elements for versatile application.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral structure extending inside the body is inserted, which, as in the implant above, cuts through the bone like an awl
Implementation Method 2
insertion of the instrument, which transmits torsional forces to the face of the spiral lock, until the spiral lock is fully threaded into the adjacent bone
Implementation Method 3
rotating the threads to move the wedge body into the facet joint
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for adapting and maintaining a position of a first bone and a second bone relative to each other is provided, the device comprising at least a first element with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first element comprises at least one helical thread-like coil extending from the sector of the distal end to the sector of the proximal end, and wherein the coil shows at least for a part of the thread closer to the distal end an increasing diameter starting from the distal end towards the proximal end, and at least one guide element is provided within the coil suitable for guiding the device upon placement of the device between two bones.