Humeral Nail Rotation for Proximal Fracture Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating proximal humeral fractures are inadequate, particularly for complex fractures, as they often require surgical replacement of the shoulder joint and do not effectively reduce and retain fragments to their anatomical positions without causing damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A humeral nail system that allows for percutaneous insertion and rotation within the medullary canal to adjust the position of bone fragments, using an aiming device to position screws and avoid the articular surface, with the humeral head retained by anatomical features rather than screws, facilitating minimal invasiveness and precise fragment alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional percutaneous pinning or plating is used to fixate proximal humeral fractures, then the fracture fragments can be secured, but the fragments cannot be effectively reduced and retained in anatomical positions without causing damage to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction device with a reduction member is introduced through a percutaneous approach to serve as an intermediary tool. The reduction member engages the fracture fragment and allows for precise reduction and positioning of the fragment without requiring extensive surgical exposure or manipulation that would damage surrounding tissues. The device acts as a mediator between the surgeon's control and the fragment positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical reduction techniques (which require direct surgical exposure and manual manipulation) with a percutaneously introduced reduction device that uses a controlled mechanical system. The reduction member with its specific geometry and engagement features provides precise mechanical control over fragment positioning through minimally invasive access, substituting the need for extensive surgical exposure.
2Reliability
If surgical replacement of the shoulder joint is performed for complex fractures, then joint function can be restored, but extensive surgical exposure and tissue damage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of fragment reduction and fixation from the complex shoulder replacement procedure. By introducing a dedicated reduction device that can percutaneously reduce and fixate fragments, the need for complex surgical exposure and potential joint replacement is avoided, simplifying the overall treatment approach while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction device performs preliminary reduction and stabilization of fracture fragments before definitive fixation is required. By establishing proper fragment alignment and positioning early in the procedure through percutaneous access, the foundation is laid for reliable healing without requiring subsequent complex interventions such as joint replacement.
3Strength
If screws are used to secure fracture fragments, then fragments can be fixedated, but screws may not be accurately located and fragments cannot be adjusted relative to the humeral head
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to engage the fracture fragment and provide controlled movement and adjustment. The geometry of the reduction member enables it to accommodate fragment positioning adjustments while maintaining secure engagement, allowing the surgeon to optimize fragment location relative to the humeral head before final fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction member serves as an intermediary between the screw fixation system and the fracture fragment. It provides a controlled interface that allows for precise positioning and adjustment of the fragment relative to the humeral head, while the screw system provides the ultimate fixation strength. The reduction member mediates the positioning process, enabling accurate localization and adjustment before final securing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of reattaching a bone fragment to a proximal humerus of a humerus in a shoulder joint. The method includes introducing a distal end of the humeral nail into a medullary canal of the humerus. A first proximal screw is engaged with the bone fragment and a first proximal bore in the proximal end of the humeral nail to move the bone fragment toward the proximal humerus. The humeral nail and the attached bone fragment are rotated relative to the medullary canal of the humerus to position the bone fragment to an anatomically optimal location. The bone fragment is preferably one of a greater or lesser tuberosity of the proximal humerus. The method and apparatus can be used to reattach bone fragments in a variety of other joints.