Intramedullary Nail With Integrally Formed Breakaway Insertion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation systems using intramedullary nails require separate insertion devices that need to be detached post-insertion, which can be cumbersome and may cause complications during the removal process.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary nail system with an integrally formed insertion device that can be snapped off after nail fixation, eliminating the need for separate tools and ensuring secure connection points that break easily, allowing for straightforward implantation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate insertion device is used to insert the intramedullary nail, then the insertion function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the removal process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is merged with the intramedullary nail by integrally forming the insertion device base portion with the nail body. This integration eliminates the need for separate insertion tools and simplifies the removal process, as the entire assembly can be extracted as one unit or the insertion device can be broken away at predetermined connection points after nail insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated insertion device is designed with predetermined connection points that can break at specific locations after nail insertion. This segmentation allows the insertion device to be divided into removable portions, enabling easy separation from the implanted nail while maintaining structural integrity during the insertion process.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion device is integrally formed with the intramedullary nail, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integral design incorporates predetermined connection points with controlled thickness that are designed to break at specific locations. These segmented weak points are strategically placed to allow controlled separation after insertion, making the manufacturing process manageable while achieving the desired post-insertion separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection points are designed with specific dimensional parameters (reduced thickness) and material properties that make them susceptible to breaking at predetermined locations. By controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the device achieves easy separation after insertion without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Ease of operation
If connection points are designed to break easily, then the ease of removal improves, but the strength of the connection during insertion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into a strong integrated body during insertion, providing sufficient strength to hold the nail securely. After insertion, the predetermined weak points in the connection points allow controlled breaking to facilitate removal, achieving both strong connection during use and easy detachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connection structure have different properties: the main connection body has high strength to ensure secure nail holding during insertion, while the predetermined connection points have reduced thickness and lower strength to enable easy breaking for removal. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between connection strength and ease of detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating a bone fracture includes an intramedullary nail sized and shaped to be inserted through a medullary canal of a bone to extend across a fracture site of the bone, the intramedullary device extending from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending laterally therethrough, the openings sized and shaped to receive bone fixation elements therethrough, and an insertion device including a base portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, the base portion integrally formed with the intramedullary nail and connected thereto via a plurality of connection points which, when a force is exerted thereon, break to disconnect the insertion device from the intramedullary nail, the base portion including a plurality of guide channels extending therethrough, each of the guide channels being aligned with a corresponding one of the openings of the intramedullary nail.