Internal Hip Distraction via Fastener Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint distraction systems require high force loads and often cause collateral damage to peripheral nerves and tissues, limiting their effectiveness and safety in treating damaged or diseased articular joints.
Innovation Solution
Minimally invasive medical devices and methods that form tunnels in bones and use fastener assemblies with direct force application to distract joints, employing twisting or rotating forces to separate joint bones with reduced collateral damage, such as through the greater trochanter, and utilizing cannulated fasteners and suture-anchor constructs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing joint distraction systems are used to separate joint bones, then joint distraction is achieved, but high force loads cause collateral damage to peripheral nerves and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
A fastener assembly acts as an intermediary device implanted within the bone structure to transmit distraction forces internally. The fastener assembly includes a first fastener engaged with the acetabulum and a second fastener engaged with the femoral head, creating an internal force transmission path that avoids external compression and reduces collateral tissue damage while achieving effective joint distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional external mechanical distraction systems with an internal biological-mechanical hybrid system. By utilizing the bone's own structure as the distraction platform and applying forces through implanted fasteners, the system substitutes external mechanical compression with internal tensile forces, thereby reducing the harmful effects on surrounding soft tissues and nerves
2Reliability
If high force loads are applied to distract joints, then joint separation is achieved, but peripheral nerves and tissues suffer collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from external to internal force application by implanting fasteners within the bone structure. This dimensional shift allows forces to be applied along the bone's internal axis rather than from external compression, enabling reliable joint distraction while minimizing damage to surrounding soft tissues and nerves that would be compressed by external systems
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention relates to medical procedures and force application distraction devices for internal joint distraction.