Internal Joint Stabilizer for Pin Tract Pain Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged external fixators for joint stabilization are bulky, painful, and complicated, limiting joint mobility and functionality due to pin tract issues and requiring open surgery for installation, which is not ideal for maintaining joint reduction and motion post-dislocation.
Innovation Solution
An internal joint stabilizer device with a rotating portion attached to a plate on one bone and a fixable portion on another, allowing internal placement to prevent pin tract problems, while a trajectory guide helps locate the joint's axis of rotation for precise stabilization and motion preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hinged external fixators are used for joint stabilization, then joint stability is improved, but device bulkiness and pin tract pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixator is divided into separate components: a frame structure with adjustable struts and a hinged joint mechanism. This segmentation allows the stabilizing function to be distributed across multiple elements while eliminating the need for pin tracts that cause pain, as the internal stabilizer uses bone-anchored plates instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal stabilizer as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the need for external stabilization and the desire to avoid pin tract complications. This internal device uses plates anchored to bone with screws, serving as a mediator that provides stability without the harmful pin tract effects of external fixators.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hinged external fixators are used for joint stabilization, then joint stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixator incorporates a hinged joint mechanism that allows dynamic motion along the natural axis of rotation of the joint. This dynamic capability provides stability while permitting controlled movement, reducing the complexity of requiring complete immobilization while maintaining joint stability throughout the healing process.
3Measurement precision
If open surgery is performed to install hinged external fixators, then proper axis identification is improved, but surgical invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-operative imaging and planning techniques to identify the axis of rotation before surgery. This preliminary action allows for precise axis identification without requiring extensive open surgery, as the surgical team can prepare guides and templates based on pre-operative measurements and imaging studies.
4Stability of the object's composition
If external fixators are used for joint stabilization, then joint reduction maintenance is improved, but patient mobility and quality of life worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged external fixator is designed with a joint mechanism that allows motion along the natural axis of rotation of the stabilized joint. This dynamic capability enables patients to move the joint within a controlled range while maintaining reduction, significantly improving ease of operation and patient mobility compared to rigid immobilization devices.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A device is provided including a rotating portion that can be attached to a plate affixed to a first bone forming a joint and a portion that can be affixed to a second bone of the joint. The device is placed internally in order to prevent pin tract problems and to stabilize the joint while allowing motion of the joint along its natural trajectory. Additionally, a method for using the device is provided that includes attaching the rotating portion to a plate attached to a first bone forming a joint, and attaching the fixable portion to a second bone of the joint.