Hinged Osteosynthesis Plate for Radius Fracture Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing osteosynthesis plates for reducing distal fractures of the radius lack the ability to reorient the diaphyseal part after initial fixation of the epiphyseal part, leading to potential lateral misalignment and discomfort for the patient, as they do not allow for adequate lateral adjustment or secure fixation of the bone fragments.

Innovation Solution

An osteosynthesis plate with an adjustable articulation system between the epiphyseal and diaphyseal parts, allowing for angular adjustment of the diaphyseal part relative to the epiphyseal part, which includes locking mechanisms to secure the bone fragments in the correct position, preventing lateral protrusion and ensuring solid fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the epiphyseal part is rigidly fixed to the bone first, then secure fixation of bone fragments is achieved, but lateral misalignment and discomfort occur due to inability to adjust diaphyseal part orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidlateral adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into two separate parts: an epiphyseal part that is rigidly fixed to the bone first for secure fixation, and a diaphyseal part that can be laterally adjusted and oriented. This segmentation allows the epiphyseal part to provide stable fixation while the diaphyseal part can be positioned optimally without interference from the fixed epiphyseal section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphyseal part is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be reoriented laterally after the epiphyseal part is fixed. This dynamic feature enables the surgeon to adjust the diaphyseal part's orientation to achieve proper alignment and avoid lateral protrusion, while the epiphyseal part remains statically fixed for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the plate allows lateral adjustment of the diaphyseal part, then misalignment is avoided, but the structure becomes more complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral adjustment capabilityVSAvoidarticulation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing full multi-axis articulation, the plate implements partial adjustment capability - specifically lateral orientation adjustment of the diaphyseal part relative to the epiphyseal part. This partial action approach provides the necessary lateral adjustment to avoid misalignment while keeping the mechanism simple and avoiding unnecessary complexity from excessive degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If existing plates are used without reorientation capability, then the structure remains simple, but lateral protrusion causes patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlateral protrusion discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diaphyseal part is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be reoriented laterally after the epiphyseal part is fixed. This dynamic feature enables the surgeon to adjust the diaphyseal part's orientation to achieve proper alignment and avoid lateral protrusion, while the epiphyseal part remains statically fixed for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2544613B1Hinged osteosynthesis plate
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I LLC
  • EP2544613B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2544613B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2544613B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to an osteosynthesis plate (1) for reducing a distal fracture (2) of an elongate bone (3). The plate comprises a widened, pallet-shaped epiphyseal portion (4), provided with first attachment holes (6) for first anchoring screws (7), and an elongate diaphyseal portion (8), provided with second attachment holes (9) for second anchoring screws (10). The plate comprises a hinge, between the epiphyseal portion and the diaphyseal portion, within the plane of said diaphyseal portion between two angle values that are predetermined relative to a central alignment position (18).