Intramedullary Nail With Interference Sections for Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing small bone fractures, such as open reduction internal fixation and intramedullary K-Wire nail fixation, often result in complications like infection and require multiple surgeries, increasing healthcare costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary nail system with a nail and compression screws, featuring a threaded section with interference grooves that secure the nail within the bone canal, allowing for minimal invasive insertion and potential long-term placement without the need for secondary surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open reduction internal fixation is used for small bone fractures, then the bones can be securely fixed in place, but the procedure requires opening the affected area and performing a two-part surgery with plates and screws that remain in the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The nail is divided into distinct functional sections: a threaded proximal end for insertion and securing, a smooth intermediate section for maintaining bone alignment, and a distal section with interference features for anchoring. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall surgical procedure compared to traditional plate and screw fixation.
2Device complexity
If intramedullary K-Wire nail fixation is used, then the procedure is simpler, but the wire must be removed after healing requiring a second surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The interference sections on the nail create self-locking engagement with the bone canal, preventing the nail from migrating or becoming loose over time. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for secondary surgery to remove the fixation device, as the nail remains securely in place permanently without requiring additional surgical intervention.
3Reliability
If traditional fixation methods are used, then bone fractures can be stabilized, but complications such as infection occur and healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic elements of traditional fixation methods - removing the need for extensive open surgery, multiple components (plates and multiple screws), and temporary K-wires that require removal. By using a single intramedullary nail with integrated interference features, the solution reduces the number of foreign bodies introduced into the body, thereby reducing infection risk and eliminating the need for second surgery to remove hardware.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple sized nails are stocked for different bone sizes, then precise fit for various bones is achieved, but inventory complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nail design incorporates adjustable features and interference sections that allow a single nail model to effectively fit various bone sizes and configurations. The threaded portion can be engaged at different depths, and the interference features adapt to different canal dimensions, enabling one nail design to serve multiple bone sizes (small, medium, and large bones) without requiring separate inventory for each size category.
Data Source
AI summary
An intramedullary (IM) nail system for the fixation of fractured bones in a patient comprising a nail and compression screws. The length of the body is divided into a distal section and a proximal section with the distal section containing multiple interference sections having a diameter less or greater than that of the body. The threads adjacent the nail head have an apex generally greater than the diameter of the body. The compression screws are dimensioned to be inserted through the bone and contact the nail, pressing it against the bone canal. The nail, once inserted, lies below the surface of the bone.