Lockable Intramedullary Fixation Device with Telescoping Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic fixation devices for long bones, such as femur fractures, lack versatility and effectiveness in securely engaging and disengaging bone fasteners at variable angles, which complicates fracture fixation and reconstruction procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary implant with a cannulated movable member that telescopically moves within a longitudinal bore, featuring guiding bores for bone fasteners at variable angles, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of multiple fasteners, and a locking mechanism with a resilient portion for stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed intramedullary implant is used, then the structure is simple, but the versatility in engaging bone fasteners at variable angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a telescoping mechanism that allows the intramedullary implant to change its configuration dynamically. The implant includes a proximal segment and a distal segment that can move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, enabling variable angle engagement of bone fasteners while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility without requiring multiple separate implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the intramedullary implant into multiple segments (proximal segment and distal segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for specific functions while providing overall versatility through their relative movement. The segmented structure enables variable angle fastener engagement while keeping individual segment complexity manageable.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure bone fasteners, then the fixation stability is improved, but the ease of operation for engagement and disengagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a locking mechanism that acts as a mediator between the telescoping segments and the bone fasteners. This locking mechanism provides reliable fixation stability while maintaining ease of operation through its designed engagement and disengagement features. The intermediary locking mechanism translates the relative movement of segments into secure fastener fixation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guiding bores at variable angles are provided, then the adaptability for different fracture patterns is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guiding bores adjustable through the telescoping mechanism rather than fixed. This allows the guiding bore angles to be adjusted post-manufacturing to match specific fracture patterns, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high adaptability for different fracture configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and versatile fixation of bone fragments at various angles, facilitating effective fracture reduction and reconstruction by allowing easy adjustment and locking of bone fasteners, enhancing procedural efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient portion couplable to the movable member
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic device is provided. The orthopedic device can include an intramedullary implant (2000) defining a longitudinal bore along a longitudinal axis. The intramedullary implant can define at least one bore formed along an axis for receipt of a fastener (104). The orthopedic device can include a fixation device (2004) receivable within the longitudinal bore. The fixation device can have at least one guiding bore formed along a guiding axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The orthopedic device can include at least one collet (2002) received within the at least one guiding bore for positioning and locking the fastener at a variable angle relative to the guiding axis of the fixation device and the axis of the intramedullary implant.