Humeral Nail With Stabilizing Element For Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humeral nails fail to withstand forces at the humeral head and rotator cuff when patients are mobilized early, leading to instability and potential secondary tilting of the humeral head.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a through hole in the nail shaft for an additional stabilizing element, which forms a triangular connection with the fixation elements, providing enhanced stabilization by absorbing forces and preventing axial displacement and torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional humeral nails with pin-shaped fixation elements are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stability and force absorption capability at the humeral head is insufficient for early patient mobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into two distinct segments: traditional pin-shaped fixation elements for basic anchoring, and a separate L-shaped stabilizing element for enhanced stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped stabilizing element is inserted through a through-opening in the nail shaft, with one end extending into the humeral head and the other end receiving a pin-shaped fixation element. This nested configuration allows the stabilizing element to be housed within the nail structure while still providing external stabilization function
2Strength
If additional stabilizing elements are added to enhance force absorption, then the stability and force absorption capability improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped stabilizing element features a curved configuration with a first arm extending longitudinally and a second arm extending transversely, forming an L-shape that optimally distributes mechanical stresses. This curved geometry provides superior force absorption compared to straight elements while remaining manufacturable using standard bending or forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped stabilizing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural brace within the nail, provides a mounting platform for fixation elements via its receptacle, and extends into the humeral head to distribute loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The nail has an oblong nail shaft (1) provided with multiple boreholes (5) in a proximal area (4) for accommodating pin-shaped fixing elements i.e. bone screws (2). A passage opening is formed in the nail shaft for accommodating a stabilization element (3). A retainer is provided in the stabilization element to retain a section of the fixing elements arranged in one of the boreholes for connecting the stabilization element with the fixing elements. The retainer is designed as a drilling. A curved gradient is provided in the passage opening.