Intramedullary Nail for Proximal Humerus Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing proximal humerus fractures often lead to humeral head collapse during healing, and existing intramedullary or calcar systems do not provide adequate stabilization, necessitating improved solutions for bone stabilization in trauma applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bone stabilization construct featuring an intramedullary nail with a distal portion and a proximal portion, including a slot with a linear rack and teeth, and a screw with a smaller distal end and threaded proximal end, designed for positioning within the intramedullary canal and humeral head, along with various fasteners and guides for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plating alone is used for proximal humerus fracture fixation, then the bone can be stabilized with a large contact area, but humeral head collapse occurs during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places an intramedullary nail inside the humeral head and intramedullary canal, nesting it within the existing plating structure. The nail extends into the humeral head to provide internal support and prevent collapse, while the plate provides external stabilization with large contact area. This nested configuration combines the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization system is divided into separate components: a plate for external fixation and an intramedullary nail for internal support. The nail is further segmented with a proximal portion extending into the humeral head and a distal portion in the intramedullary canal, allowing each segment to perform its specific function in preventing collapse while maintaining overall stability.
2Reliability
If an allograft fibular strut is inserted through the fracture site to prevent head collapse, then humeral head collapse is prevented, but surgical complexity and the need for additional graft materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from the allograft fibular strut approach and implements it directly through the intramedullary nail made of metal or other biocompatible material. The nail provides the necessary structural support to prevent collapse without requiring additional graft materials or the complexity of harvesting and inserting a fibular strut.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary nail serves as a temporary but effective support structure during the healing period, replacing the need for allograft materials. It provides the necessary mechanical support to prevent collapse and can be removed or left in place depending on healing progress, eliminating the need for complex graft harvesting and insertion procedures.
3Ease of operation
If existing intramedullary or calcar systems are used, then some stabilization is provided, but adequate stabilization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary nail is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the surgeon to modify the position and orientation of the nail during surgery to achieve optimal stabilization. The nail can be adjusted to accommodate varying fracture patterns and anatomical configurations, providing adequate stabilization that static systems cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary nail system is designed to perform multiple functions: providing internal support to prevent collapse, maintaining alignment of fracture fragments, and working in conjunction with external plating. This multi-functional design addresses the limitations of existing single-function intramedullary or calcar systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An intramedullary nail implant for positioning in a bone having a head and a shaft defining an intramedullary canal. The implant includes a distal portion having a shaft extending along a central axis and configured for positioning within the intramedullary canal. A proximal portion extends proximally from the distal portion. The proximal portion defines a contact surface which extends at least in part medially of the central axis such that it is configured to extend within a medial portion of the bone head. A method of implanting the nail is also provided.