Intramedullary Nail with Converging Diverging Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intramedullary nail implantation systems face challenges such as susceptibility to implant failure, difficulty in alignment of fixation screws, and issues like axial cutout, cephalad cutout, proximal fragment rotation, and nonunion, which can lead to complications during bone fracture treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of intramedullary nails with proximal and distal locking mechanisms, including interlocking fixation devices that provide converging and diverging purchase, along with the use of headless fasteners and advanced insertion tools featuring a ratchet-like mechanism to prevent backout and improve alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional intramedullary nails are used for fixation, then the implantation procedure is simple, but the reliability is poor due to susceptibility to implant failure, cutout, and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation functions into a single integrated intramedullary nail device. The nail includes both proximal and distal locking mechanisms, interlocking fixation devices with converging and diverging purchase, and headless fasteners all in one unified structure. This merging approach improves reliability by providing comprehensive stabilization while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary nail is divided into distinct functional segments: proximal locking mechanisms for proximal fragment stabilization, distal locking mechanisms for distal fragment fixation, and interlocking fixation devices for additional stability. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the overall system to achieve high reliability through specialized sub-components that address different failure modes independently.
2Measurement precision
If fixation screws are inserted to stabilize bone fractures, then the alignment of fixation devices is achieved, but the precision is insufficient leading to difficulty in alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary nail incorporates pre-configured locking mechanisms and fixation devices that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. The proximal and distal locking mechanisms are pre-positioned at optimal angles, and the interlocking fixation devices are pre-shaped with converging and diverging purchase patterns. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex intraoperative alignment adjustments, improving both precision and ease of operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If intramedullary nail is inserted into medullary cavity, then the bone fracture immobilization is achieved, but the duration of action is insufficient leading to nonunion and implant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to the healing process. The interlocking fixation devices with converging and diverging purchase provide progressive stabilization as bone healing occurs. The headless fasteners and locking mechanisms are designed to maintain fixation integrity throughout the extended healing period, preventing both early implant failure and late nonunion through sustained mechanical support.
Data Source
AI summary
Intramedullary nails, aiming guide assemblies, and methods. The aiming guide assembly can include an aiming guide having an elongate proximal handle portion. A generally arcuate distal implant alignment tip connector portion is connected to the proximal handle portion and has a distal implant alignment tip extending along a tip axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the proximal handle portion. A recon module may be releasably attached to a proximal end of the proximal handle portion. An oblique module may be releasably attached to the distal implant alignment tip portion.