Hybrid Bone Fixation System for Supracondylar Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating supracondylar fractures of the humerus, such as interfragmentary pins, plates, and screws, face challenges including tenuous fixation, structural rigidity issues, soft tissue irritation, and complications due to large bending forces and poor bone quality, leading to prolonged immobilization and joint stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two implants with elongate components that cooperate to maintain bone parts in a desired set relationship, with one implant placed intramedullary and the other on the bone surface, using locking components and fixation elements to stabilize the bone fragments and distribute bending loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If interfragmentary pins are used for fixation, then the procedure is simple, but the fixation is tenuous and lacks structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation methods by using both intramedullary nails (providing internal structural support) and external fixators (providing external stabilization) together with plates and screws. This hybrid approach merges the advantages of simple insertion (intramedullary) with strong fixation (external fixator and plate-screw combination) to achieve both procedural simplicity and fixation stability.
2Strength
If plates and screws are used for fixation, then structural rigidity is improved, but soft tissue irritation and bulky hardware are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixation system into multiple components: intramedullary nails for internal support, external fixators for external stabilization, and plates/screws for localized fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with minimal soft tissue disruption, avoiding the need for a single bulky plate that would cause extensive soft tissue irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional plate fixation on the bone surface to three-dimensional stabilization by adding the intramedullary dimension (internal nail) and external dimension (external fixator). This multi-dimensional approach provides structural rigidity without requiring large surface-area plates, thereby reducing soft tissue irritation.
3Strength
If large bending forces are resisted by traditional fixation, then fixation strength is maintained, but prolonged immobilization and joint stiffness result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by using an intramedullary nail that acts as a load-bearing component resistant to bending forces, combined with an external fixator that provides additional stabilization. This parameter change allows the bone to be stabilized in a way that permits earlier mobilization and rehabilitation, reducing immobilization time while maintaining fixation strength.
4Reliability
If fixation is provided in poor bone quality, then stable fixation is achieved, but bulky hardware and complex construction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary nail acts as an intermediary component that distributes fixation forces along the length of the bone, reducing the burden on any single fixation point in poor quality bone. This intermediary structure allows the use of smaller, less bulky plates and screws at critical locations while maintaining overall fixation stability, thereby reducing hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for treating a fracture of a bone that produces first and second bone parts separated by a fracture line. A first implant has a first body. A second implant has a second body, A first elongate component can be directed through the bone to cooperate with each of the first and second bodies so that the first and second bodies and first component together act to maintain the first and second bone parts in a desired set relationship. The first component has a lengthwise axis and cooperates with the first body so that the operatively positioned first component is stabilized by the first body in a direction that is transverse to the lengthwise axis of the first component. The first component cooperates with the second body so that the first component is stabilized by the operatively positioned second body.