Kirschner Wire Fixating Device for Osteosynthesis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kirschner wires used in osteosynthesis are prone to loosening and migration, leading to instability and complications such as pseudoarthrosis and implant-associated infections, with existing devices failing to simultaneously prevent these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fixating device with a design featuring a planar or domed opening that securely retains Kirschner wires by allowing them to project partially through a longitudinal hole, reducing the need for additional anchoring and minimizing soft tissue pressure, made from materials like stainless steel or titanium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Kirschner wires are used for osteosynthesis, then the operation has low expense and low invasiveness, but the wires are prone to loosening and migration due to their flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixating device as an intermediary component between the Kirschner wire and the bone. This device has a U-shaped body that receives the Kirschner wire and anchoring elements that secure it to the bone, preventing loosening and migration while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of the overall procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The fixating device is designed with a U-shaped body that receives and nests the Kirschner wire within its structure. The wire is positioned in the receiving space of the U-shaped body, which then provides external support and prevention of wire deformation, thereby enhancing stability without adding significant complexity
2Reliability
If additional anchoring elements are used to prevent wire loosening, then wire stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from complex multi-component systems and implements it through simple U-shaped body with integrated anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are designed to be inserted through the bone and secured with knots, providing effective retention without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fixating device utilizes parameter changes in the form of adjustable U-shaped body dimensions and anchoring element configurations. The receiving space dimensions can be adapted to different wire diameters, and the anchoring elements can be positioned at optimal locations to provide effective retention with minimal complexity
3Ease of operation
If Kirschner wires protrude from bone to allow tensioning, then tension band wiring can be performed, but soft tissue damage occurs due to punctiform pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixating device features a U-shaped body with curved surfaces that distribute the pressure from the protruding wire over a larger area of soft tissue. The curved geometry eliminates sharp edges and concentrates force distribution, reducing punctiform pressure and preventing soft tissue damage while maintaining wire functionality
4Reliability
If Kirschner wires are bent to prevent loosening, then wire stability improves, but wire rotation occurs leading to construction failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of preventing loosening and preventing rotation into a single integrated fixating device. The U-shaped body simultaneously restrains the wire from pulling out and limits rotational movement, while the anchoring elements provide dual protection against both loosening and rotation occurring separately
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixating device composed of plastic or metal for medical care, which fixating device interacts with a Kirschner wire (9) as a fastening means, comprising an opening for accommodating the fastening means and at least two further openings for accommodating fastening material in the form of stitches (13) and wires. The Kirschner wire (9) reaches through the one opening and is retained in the one opening in a positionally stable manner by the fastening material. The fixating device can be designed as a plate (101), be domed on all sides (1), or be designed as a sphere segment (211). The invention further relates to the use of the fixating device for osteosynthesis.