Threaded Locking Cap Prevents Wire Backout in Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture fixation systems often fail to adequately secure wires to bone plates, leading to potential bone deformities and tissue irritation due to wire backout, which compromises the stability and alignment of bone fragments during the healing process.
Innovation Solution
A locking cap with internal and external threads is designed to securely attach a wire to a bone plate, allowing for variable angle locking and preventing wire backout, thereby enhancing fragment stability and reducing tissue irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If wires are used to provisionally stabilize bone fragments, then bone fragment stability is improved, but wire backout occurs leading to tissue irritation and loss of fragment stability
Solution Approach 1:
A locking cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the wire and bone plate. The locking cap has internal threads that engage with external threads on the wire, and external threads that engage with the bone plate, creating a secure three-component connection that prevents wire backout while maintaining bone fragment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The simple wire insertion mechanism is replaced with a threaded mechanical fastening system. The locking cap and wire incorporate threaded portions that provide controlled, reversible, and secure mechanical engagement, replacing the unreliable friction-based wire retention with a positive mechanical lock
2Reliability
If a locking cap with internal and external threads is used to secure the wire to the bone plate, then wire backout is prevented and fragment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cap combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides internal threading for wire engagement, external threading for bone plate engagement, and a structural body that maintains the connection. This merging of functions into one component simplifies the overall system compared to using separate fastening mechanisms
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
The locking cap effectively secures wires to bone plates, promoting improved stability of bone fragments and minimizing tissue irritation by preventing wire backout, thus facilitating effective bone repair and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A locking cap for a fracture fixation system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cap body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An external thread extends around at least a portion of the cap body. A passage extends inside the cap body from the distal end toward the proximal end. An internal thread extends about a periphery of the passage along at least a portion of a length of the passage.
Implementation Method 2
A locking cap for a fracture fixation system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cap body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An external thread extends around at least a portion of the cap body.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking cap for a fracture fixation system may include a cap body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An external thread extends around at least a portion of the cap body. A passage extends inside the cap body from the distal end toward the proximal end. An internal thread extends about a periphery of the passage along at least a portion of a length of the passage.