Internal Beam Plate Fixation for Stiff Two-Plane Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for bone abnormalities and fractures lack efficient methods to stabilize and align bones, particularly in procedures like arthrodesis and osteotomy, with a need for improved strength and stiffness across fusion sites.
Innovation Solution
Internal beam plates with integrated beams and cutting guides that allow for precise bone preparation and fixation, enhancing strength and stiffness in two planes, using a monolithic structure without mechanical attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bone plates are used for stabilization, then bones can be fixed, but the strength and stiffness across fusion sites are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple beams arranged in parallel, where each beam can be independently positioned within a prepared slot in the bone. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple structural elements, increasing both the strength and stiffness of the fixation while maintaining reliable stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal slot dimension into the bone structure, allowing the beams to be inserted and positioned within this third dimension. This dimensional change enables precise positioning of multiple beams at different depths and orientations, enhancing the mechanical properties of the fixation without increasing the overall plate profile.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex instrumentation is used for precise bone preparation, then alignment can be improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting guide integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides the longitudinal cutting slot for bone preparation, includes positioning features for aligning the bone plate, and incorporates registration elements for establishing accurate spatial relationships. This merging of functions achieves precise bone preparation while reducing the number of separate instruments needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting guide acts as an intermediary tool that mediates between the surgeon's requirements for precision and the actual bone preparation process. It translates surgical intent into precise cuts through its structured geometry and positioning features, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex instrumentation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for bone fixation, then adaptability can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate design with multiple beams and a longitudinal slot serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, allows for precise positioning within the bone, enables compression across the fusion site, and accommodates varying anatomical configurations. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for variations in the number, size, and positioning of beams within the plate structure, as well as adjustments to the slot dimensions. These parameter changes enable the same basic design to adapt to different anatomical situations and surgical requirements, providing versatility without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Internal beam plates and associated instrumentation may be utilized for performing arthrodesis procedures, bone fracture procedures, osteotomy procedures, etc. Exemplary surgical methods that may be performed using the internal beam plates and associated instrumentation include, but are not limited to, Lapidus bunionectomy procedures, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) procedures, chevron procedures, fracture repair procedures, etc. The exemplary internal beam plates incorporate an integral beam that is configured to increase strength and stiffness in two planes across a fusion site. The exemplary cutting guides are configured to allow surgeons to prepare bones for receiving the beam of the internal beam plate.