Low-Profile Multi-Threaded Screws for Close-Proximity Bone Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone fixation screws lack a low-profile design that allows for close proximity stabilization without damaging cortical shells, and do not provide mating features for multiple screws, leading to potential irritation and inefficient healing.

Innovation Solution

The development of low-profile, multi-threaded screws with mating features and a cannulated lumen, enabling self-tapping and self-threading capabilities, and allowing for close proximity stabilization with minimal tissue damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If standard helical thread configurations are used, then bone fixation is achieved, but cortical shell damage occurs and screws cannot be placed in close proximity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fixation stabilityVSAvoidcortical shell damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw thread is divided into multiple distinct series (first series and second series) with different diameters and pitches. This segmentation allows each thread series to engage with different bone structures, providing secure fixation while distributing mechanical loads to avoid cortical shell damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the screw shaft have different thread characteristics - the first series of helical threads has a first diameter and first pitch, while the second series has a second diameter and second pitch. This local variation in thread quality enables optimized engagement with specific bone regions, achieving stable fixation without damaging the cortical shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If standard screw designs are used, then fixation is achieved, but multiple screws cannot be placed in close proximity due to lack of mating features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidclose proximity stabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines traditional helical thread fixation with innovative mating features (scallops) on the screw shaft. These mating features allow multiple screws to interlock when placed in close proximity, merging individual screw functions into a coordinated system that provides enhanced stabilization while maintaining the ability to place screws close together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If conventional screw profiles are used, then bone attachment is achieved, but soft tissue and vascular damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone attachmentVSAvoidsoft tissue and vascular damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw incorporates self-tapping and self-threading capabilities that allow it to create its own engagement paths in the bone. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for pre-drilling and aggressive thread engagement, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding soft tissue and vascular structures while still achieving secure bone attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250213283A1Low Profile Fixation Screws

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 KI ORTHOPEDICS INC

AI summary

The invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for an improved bone fixation screws used as fastening devices to stabilize bone to its adjacent substrate. More particularly, the invention relates to methods, devices and systems for an improved, low profile, multi-threaded screw with mating features adapted to allow other multi-threaded screws in close proximity.