Lockable Intramedullary Nail with Angled Fastener Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nailing systems for femur fractures lack versatility and effectiveness in internal fixation, particularly for long bones, as they do not efficiently manage the orientation and engagement of bone fasteners, which is crucial for stable fracture fixation and reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an orthopedic device featuring an intramedullary implant with a longitudinal bore and a cannulated movable member that can telescopically move between fastener engagement and disengagement positions, incorporating guiding bores at various angles to accommodate multiple bone fasteners, and a securing device that locks or unlocks the fasteners within the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional nailing system is used for femur fracture fixation, then the structure is simple, but the versatility and effectiveness in managing bone fastener orientation and engagement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cannulated movable member is received within the longitudinal bore of the intramedullary implant, creating a nested configuration where one component fits inside another. This allows the securing device to be integrated within the implant structure while maintaining independent functionality for engaging multiple bone fasteners at different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary implant is divided into distinct functional components: the longitudinal bore for structural support, the cannulated movable member for fastener engagement, and the locking member for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enhancing versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bone fasteners are engaged at angled positions, then the fracture fixation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple guiding bores and movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The cannulated movable member serves multiple functions: it provides guiding bores for multiple bone fasteners, allows telescopic movement for engagement and disengagement, and works with the locking member to secure fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, managing complexity while achieving stable multi-fastener fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannulated movable member is designed to move telescopically within the longitudinal bore, transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt during surgical procedures, enabling easy engagement of multiple fasteners at angled positions while maintaining the ability to adjust or remove fasteners if needed.
3Ease of operation
If a telescopic movable member is used to engage and disengage fasteners, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the locking mechanism and movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to engage with the cannulated movable member through self-aligning features, where the resilient portion automatically interacts with the movable member's surface upon insertion. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external locking procedures, allowing surgeons to secure fasteners with a single locking action while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion of the locking member acts as an intermediary between the locking nut and the cannulated movable member. It translates the rotational motion of the locking nut into linear motion that secures the movable member in place, simplifying the locking mechanism while ensuring reliable engagement of the bone fasteners.
4Reliability
If angled guiding bores are incorporated for multiple fasteners, then the fracture fixation effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding bores are positioned at specific angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary implant, with each bore optimized for its specific function of guiding a bone fastener at the required orientation. This local quality approach allows precise angular positioning only where needed for fastener guidance, rather than requiring precision throughout the entire implant structure, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while ensuring fixation effectiveness.
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
This solution provides a versatile and effective internal fixation system that securely engages and disengages bone fasteners at angled positions, enhancing stability and ease of use in procedures such as trochanteric, retrograde, and piriformis femoral fixations, while allowing for active compression of fractures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient portion couplable to the movable member
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail and an insert telescopically received in the intramedullary nail. The insert includes at least two guiding bores for corresponding bone fasteners that can be locked at an angle to the intramedullary nail. A locking set screw can be coupled to the insert and move the insert to a position that locks the bone fasteners to the nail.