Intramedullary Clavicle Fixation with Rotational Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intramedullary devices for treating mid-shaft clavicle fractures lack axial stability and flexibility, leading to issues like shortening, malunion, and implant migration, and often require invasive procedures with high hardware removal rates.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary device comprising a flexible base pin with a primary and secondary fixation element, allowing axial stability while enabling rotation to prevent shortening and migration, and featuring a self-tapping threaded head and resilient locking mechanism for secure fixation without invasive incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixation is provided to prevent shortening, then axial stability is improved, but rotation is restricted leading to hardware failure and implant migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a resilient element that allows dynamic movement between the fixation elements. The resilient element can compress and expand, enabling the distal fragment to rotate relative to the proximal fragment while maintaining axial stability. This dynamic capability prevents hardware failure and implant migration by accommodating physiological movements that would otherwise cause rigid fixation failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stable connection is provided to prevent shortening, then axial stability is improved, but flexibility is reduced leading to malunion
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides dynamic flexibility that allows the fixation construct to adapt to physiological loads and movements. This flexibility prevents malunion by allowing controlled micromovement that stimulates bone healing while maintaining overall axial stability to prevent shortening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient element is introduced to allow rotation, then flexibility is improved, but axial stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different mechanical properties at different locations within the fixation construct. The resilient element is placed specifically at the fracture site to allow rotation and flexibility where needed, while the fixation elements themselves maintain rigid axial stability. This localized approach to mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of both flexibility and axial stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient element is introduced to allow rotation, then flexibility is improved, but axial stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different mechanical properties at different locations within the fixation construct. The resilient element is placed specifically at the fracture site to allow rotation and flexibility where needed, while the fixation elements themselves maintain rigid axial stability. This localized approach to mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of both flexibility and axial stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively re-establishes anatomical alignment, prevents shortening, and reduces hardware failure and migration, facilitating minimally invasive procedures and cost-effective treatment with easier implant removal if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The base pin (1) has a self-tapping threaded head (2a) at one end
Implementation Method 2
The connection part (3) has a resilient element (5) compressible along the longitudinal axis (L)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Intramedullary device for treatment of a mid-shaft clavicle fracture. The device comprises a base pin (1) having a primary fixation element (2) and a connection part (3). A secondary fixation element (6) is provided which is attachable to the connection part (3) at a distance along the base pin with respect to the primary fixation element(2). The connection part (3) of the base pin (1) and the secondary fixation element (6) are rotatable with respect to each other when attached, e.g. using an end cap (7).