External Fixator for Humerus Head Fracture Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixators are unable to effectively repair and reduce fractures of the humerus head externally, as they lack the necessary configuration to securely immobilize and align the bone fragments.
Innovation Solution
An external support device with a telescopic support rod and retaining pin system, comprising split yoke assemblies and transverse pins, allows for secure fixation and adjustment to bring bone fragments closer together, facilitating fracture reduction and repair by enabling precise positioning and stabilization of the humerus head and body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external fixators are used, then general bone immobilization is achieved, but fracture repair of the humerus head cannot be performed externally
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is divided into multiple segments including a first support rod and a second support rod that can be assembled together. The retainer assembly is segmented into a first retainer and a second retainer that can be independently positioned and fixed to the support rod, allowing the device to adapt to the complex geometry of humerus head fractures while maintaining reliable fixation through multiple attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly incorporates transverse pins that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support rod, adding a transverse dimension to the fixation. This multi-dimensional approach (longitudinal support rod + transverse pins) enables secure external fixation of the humerus head by engaging bone fragments from multiple directions, resolving the limitation of conventional fixators
2Manufacturing precision
If the support rod length is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but fracture reduction requiring bone fragment alignment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod structure is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The first support rod and second support rod can be longitudinally displaced relative to each other to adjust the overall length, and the retainer assembly can be positioned at different locations along the rod. This dynamic configuration enables precise control of bone fragment alignment during fracture reduction while managing device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing of geometric parameters including the length of the support rod (by adjusting the relative position of first and second rods), the position of the retainer assembly along the rod, and the orientation of transverse pins. These parameter adjustments enable customization for different fracture patterns and patient anatomies, achieving precise bone fragment alignment without requiring a completely different device design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
External holding device for repairing and reducing a fracture of the head of the humerus of a patient by holding the two parts (2a, 2b) of the humerus (2) in place by external means, characterized in that it is composed of a support rod (4) intended to retain at least two retention pins (5a, 5b), which are to be inserted substantially vertically into the head of the humerus and also into the actual body (2b) of the humerus (2).