Intramedullary Nail With Nested Rotatable Shafts for Angle Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intramedullary nailing techniques for bone fractures often result in unstable corrections and incorrect angle placement, leading to potential long-term impairment and disability, especially in complex fractures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a laser-guided, angle-correcting intramedullary nail system that includes a top and bottom two-component nail with internal rotating mechanisms and a laser alignment device to precisely adjust and secure the angle of the distal limb to the natural physiological angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional intramedullary nailing is used, then the procedure is simpler and quicker, but the angle alignment precision deteriorates leading to incorrect angle placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested rotatable shafts where a first rotatable shaft is disposed within a second rotatable shaft, both being coaxial with the intramedullary nail. This nested configuration allows multiple degrees of freedom for angle adjustment while maintaining a compact structure that fits within the intramedullary nail's coaxial channels, thereby achieving precise angle alignment without excessive external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through rotatable shafts that can be rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail. The first and second rotatable shafts enable dynamic modification of the nail's angular orientation during surgery, allowing precise angle alignment to be achieved and adjusted intraoperatically rather than being fixed preoperatively
2Reliability
If manual angle adjustment is used, then the device is simpler, but the correction stability deteriorates causing the fracture to slip out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a laser alignment device that provides real-time feedback during angle adjustment. The laser device projects alignment references that allow the surgeon to verify the angular position of the intramedullary nail and distal limb, ensuring that the desired physiological angle is achieved and maintained. This feedback mechanism enhances correction stability by enabling verification of proper alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely manual mechanical angle adjustment with a hybrid system that combines mechanical rotatable shafts with optical laser guidance. The laser alignment device substitutes for purely tactile or visual estimation, providing more accurate and reliable angle verification that enhances correction stability while maintaining ease of operation through the rotatable shaft mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal part is fixed to the proximal portion, then the structure is simpler, but the angle adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the intramedullary nail into separate proximal and distal parts that can move independently relative to each other. The distal part is not permanently fixed to the proximal portion,而是 connected through coaxial channels that accommodate rotatable shafts. This segmentation allows the distal part to be rotated and positioned at the desired angle while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed connection between proximal and distal nail parts into a dynamic adjustable connection. The rotatable shafts within the coaxial channels enable the distal part to rotate relative to the proximal portion, allowing angle adjustment capability to be implemented while the overall nail structure remains integrated and stable when locked in position
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
This system allows for precise angle adjustment and stabilization of bone fractures, reducing the risk of malrotation and malunion, and enabling weight-bearing support, thereby minimizing long-term impairment and healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser alignment device emitting a laser beam, the laser beam aligning the intramedullary nail with a bone having the bone fracture, a foot of a subject having the bone fracture, or both
Data Source
AI summary
Intramedullary nails can be used for the treatment of a bone fracture. In some embodiments, such intramedullary nails can include an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal nail component, and a proximal nail component. In some embodiments, the intramedullary nails include a first rotatable shaft and a second rotatable shaft. In some embodiments, the intramedullary nails include a handle coupled to the first and second rotatable shafts.