Intramedullary Nail Locking and Alignment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intramedullary nail implantation systems face challenges such as implant failure, difficulty in alignment of fixation screws, and issues like fragment rotation and backout during the implantation procedure, which affect the stability and effectiveness of bone fracture fixation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intramedullary nail system with proximal and distal locking features, including two interlocking fixation devices and a friction retention assembly within the insertion tool to prevent backout, along with a cannula system for precise alignment and fixation, addresses these challenges by providing enhanced stability and alignment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional intramedullary nail implantation is performed without specialized alignment tools, then the implantation process is simpler, but alignment of fixation screws with respect to the intramedullary nail becomes difficult and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment tool as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the intramedullary nail implantation process. This tool includes alignment features that guide the positioning of fixation screws relative to the intramedullary nail, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex surgical techniques. The alignment tool acts as a mediator that translates surgical intent into accurate physical placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is designed to be positioned and secured to the intramedullary nail before the fixation screws are inserted. This preliminary positioning establishes reference features and alignment guides in advance, allowing subsequent screw placement to be performed with greater accuracy. The alignment features are pre-configured to match the geometry of both the nail and the fixation screws.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation methods are used without retention assemblies, then the insertion tool is simpler, but guide sheaths are prone to backout during the implantation procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly incorporates a friction retention mechanism that applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent the guide sheath from backing out during insertion. The friction retention features create resistance opposite to the direction of potential backout, securing the guide sheath in place before the fixation screw is fully inserted. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful backout motion from occurring in the first place.
3Stability of the object's composition
If simple intramedullary nails without locking features are used, then the nail design is simpler, but implant failure and fragment rotation occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates locking features directly into the intramedullary nail structure, merging the function of the nail with the function of the fixation mechanism. The locking features are combined with the nail body to create a unified implant that provides both structural support and rotational stability. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking components while enhancing fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and emphasizes specific stabilization functions by incorporating dedicated locking features into the nail design. These locking features are designed to engage with corresponding structures on the fixation screws, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents implant failure and fragment rotation. The locking features are taken out as distinct functional elements within the overall nail structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Intramedullary nails, systems, and methods. The intramedullary nail may include a generally elongate body extending from a first, distal end to a second, proximal end. The distal end may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the distal end intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the distal end of the nail. The proximal end may also include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the proximal end of the nail.