Midfoot Orthopedic Plate with Compression Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for stabilizing midfoot fractures and dislocations, such as Lisfranc injuries, often require the use of pins, wires, and screws, which may not be satisfactory for all patients, particularly in cases where there is a need for better pull-out values, compression, and reduced bone harm.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic plate with a dumbbell or peanut-shaped footprint, featuring compression slots and locking screw holes, designed for implantation at the midfoot, allowing for improved compression and stabilization with reduced bone damage, and optionally configured for use in various foot fusion and fracture scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins, wires, and screws are used to stabilize midfoot bones and joints, then acceptable results are achieved for younger and more plastic patients, but pull-out values are insufficient and bone harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple tabs (typically three tabs) that can be positioned at different locations on the bone surface. Each tab can independently engage with the bone, distributing the fixation force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at single pin or screw locations, thereby reducing localized bone damage while maintaining overall stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional point fixation (pins and screws inserted through holes) to two-dimensional surface contact fixation. The plate's tabs contact the bone surface across extended areas, creating a distribution of fixation forces from point contacts to surface contacts, which improves pull-out resistance and reduces stress concentration on the bone.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation methods are used, then surgery can be performed, but compression at the fusion site is insufficient for optimal healing
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates compression slots that allow dynamic adjustment of compression force. By inserting compression screws through these slots, the surgeon can apply and adjust compressive forces at the fusion site post-operatively, enabling optimization of healing conditions based on patient response and healing progress rather than relying solely on pre-set compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force parameter can be changed and adjusted after surgery through the compression slots mechanism. This allows the compression level to be modified over time as the fusion progresses, providing optimal compression during different healing phases without requiring additional surgical interventions.
3Strength
If a rigid plate design is used for stabilization, then fracture fixation is achieved, but adaptability to different anatomical locations and fracture patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into multiple tabs that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the same plate design to adapt to different anatomical locations (such as various midfoot joints) and different fracture patterns by selectively engaging tabs at appropriate positions, maintaining fixation strength while providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design serves multiple functions: it provides stabilization across different fracture types, accommodates various anatomical locations in the midfoot, enables compression at fusion sites, and allows for post-operative adjustment. This multi-functionality makes a single plate design universally applicable to diverse clinical scenarios rather than requiring specialized plates for each situation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic plate is specifically configured for implantation at the mid-foot and can be used for a variety of indications. The plate has either one or two sets of tabs comprising one longer tab and one shorter tab opposing each other along the length of the plate. In each set of tabs, one tab includes a compression slot that allows a compression to be exerted in an associated bone fragment in a direction toward a screw hole in the opposing tab.