Intramedullary Implant with Independent Compression and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intramedullary nailing systems lack the ability to provide independent and efficient compression and locking mechanisms for bone fixation, particularly in procedures like ankle arthrodesis, which can compromise the stability and alignment of bone segments during healing.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary fixation device with preassembled two-component compression and locking devices, featuring a longitudinal bore, elongated slot, and transverse apertures, allows for independent operation of compression and locking functions using threaded components and snap-fit arrangements, enabling precise alignment and stabilization of bone segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated locking mechanism is used in intramedullary nailing systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide independent compression and locking functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary nailing system is divided into separate functional components: a compression device with compression aperture and a locking device with locking aperture. This segmentation allows independent operation of compression and locking functions while maintaining overall system integration through the shared intramedullary implant structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate compression and locking devices are used, then independent compression and locking functions are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device and locking device are merged into a single integrated intramedullary implant structure with shared longitudinal bore, elongated slot, and transverse apertures. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining independent functional capability through carefully designed aperture configurations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the stability and alignment of bone segments during healing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary implant features locally optimized aperture configurations: a compression aperture positioned to provide axial compression force at a specific location, and a locking aperture positioned to provide transverse locking at a different location. This local quality differentiation ensures both ease of operation and superior stability/alignment for bone segment fixation.
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 enables effective tibio-talar compression and calcaneal locking, providing stable bone alignment and alignment during procedures like ankle arthrodesis, allowing for precise control and versatility in fracture reduction and other long bone fixation applications.
Implementation Method 1
The compression device includes a first component threadably coupled to the longitudinal bore of the intramedullary implant
Implementation Method 2
Both devices are preassembled in the longitudinal bore
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
An intramedullary fixation device (100) includes an intramedullary implant (102) having a longitudinal bore (104) along a longitudinal axis (A), a two-component compression device (200,210,240) and a two-component locking device (300,310,340), both devices preassembled in the longitudinal bore. The intramedullary implant includes an elongated slot (110) and first (112) and second (114) apertures transversely crossing the longitudinal axis. The compression device is movable along the longitudinal axis and defines an end opening (246) aligned with the elongated slot of the intramedullary implant. The locking device includes first (346) and second (344) openings aligned along the first and second apertures of the intramedullary implant.