Intramedullary Nail Fixation Guide for Bone Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plate and screw fixation methods in orthopedics face challenges such as soft tissue irritation, inadequate stabilization at the plantar surface, and prolonged non-weight bearing periods, which can compromise healing.
Innovation Solution
The development of intramedullary nail fixation guides and devices that provide orientation for inserting intramedullary nails, minimizing bone weakening and enhancing plantar stabilization, along with a compression device and alignment guides to secure the nails in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plate and screw fixation is used to stabilize joints and bones, then strength of fixation is improved, but soft tissue irritation occurs due to thick plates and screw heads
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into two separate components: an intramedullary nail inserted into the bone marrow cavity for internal stabilization, and a separate fixation guide device for positioning. This segmentation allows the main load-bearing function to be internal while removing external hardware that causes soft tissue irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful external plates and screw heads are extracted from the fixation system. Instead, the invention uses an intramedullary nail that is inserted through a small incision into the bone marrow cavity, taking out the problematic external components while maintaining fixation strength through internal bone support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plating is performed on the dorsal surface (compression side) to prevent soft tissue irritation, then soft tissue coverage is improved, but gapping occurs at the plantar surface (tension side)
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing plates on the compression side (dorsal surface) as conventionally done, the invention inverts the approach by inserting the fixation device through the bone marrow cavity from the end of the bone. This internal approach provides balanced stabilization to both compression and tension sides simultaneously, preventing gapping at the plantar surface while avoiding soft tissue irritation.
3Strength
If intramedullary nail fixation is used to strengthen joint stabilization, then fixation strength is improved, but precision of nail insertion is compromised without proper guidance
Solution Approach 1:
A fixation guide device serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the intramedullary nail insertion process. This guide device provides precise positioning and alignment during nail insertion, ensuring accurate placement while maintaining the strength benefits of intramedullary fixation. The guide device acts as a mediator that enables precision without compromising the primary fixation function.
Data Source
AI summary
Fixation guide devices and methods for positioning and inserting an intramedullary nail are disclosed. The fixation guide devices include a frame with a first end and a second end, a compression device removably coupled to the first end of the frame, and the intramedullary nail secured to a nail attachment apparatus of the frame. An intramedullary nail including a body with a fastening end, a closed end, and at least two openings is also disclosed. A compression device includes a compression member, a knob, and a bolt secured in the knob and rotatably engaging the compression member is also disclosed. An alignment guide is disclosed and includes a base member, an alignment member, and a fixation guide. A method of inserting an intramedullary nail into two bones for fixation of the two bones is also disclosed.