Midfoot Orthopedic Plate with Segmented Tabs and Compression Slot
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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 those with arthritis or more rigid bone structures, and can cause harm to the bone and surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic plate with a dumbbell or peanut-shaped footprint, featuring two rounded tabs and a compression slot, is designed for use in a single ray of the midfoot, providing improved compression and pull-out resistance with less bone damage, and is configured for use in various midfoot procedures, including Lisfranc fractures, using self-starting, self-tapping screws and a biocompatible material like surgical grade stainless steel or titanium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pins, wires, and screws are used to stabilize midfoot bones, then bone stabilization is achieved, but bone damage and harm to surrounding tissues occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic plate is divided into multiple tabs (at least two tabs) that can be positioned at different locations on the bone surface. Each tab can independently engage with the bone, distributing the stabilization force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at single insertion points, thereby reducing localized bone damage while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate features a contoured surface with varying geometry across different regions. The tabs have specific shapes and positions optimized for local bone contact, allowing the device to adapt to the specific anatomy of the midfoot bones. This localized optimization provides effective stabilization while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues in each specific area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixation methods are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but compression and pull-out resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into multiple tabs that can be positioned at different locations on the bone. This segmentation allows for distributed load bearing across multiple contact points, improving both compression resistance (by spreading compressive forces) and pull-out resistance (by creating multiple anchoring points) compared to single-point fixation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate features a contoured, curved surface designed to conform to the natural curvature of midfoot bones. This curvature improves contact area and distribution of forces, enhancing compression resistance by better distributing compressive loads across the bone surface and improving pull-out resistance through increased surface engagement.
3Shape
If orthopedic plate requires extensive pre-surgical contouring, then custom fit is achieved, but surgical complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is manufactured in advance with pre-formed contours and tab configurations that are optimized for midfoot anatomy. This preliminary shaping during manufacturing eliminates or minimizes the need for extensive intraoperative contouring, reducing surgical complexity and procedure time while still achieving a custom-fit appearance that conforms to the bone surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design with multiple tabs and contoured surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, conforms to bone anatomy, and requires minimal customization. This universal design can be adapted to various midfoot configurations without requiring extensive modification, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining good anatomical fit.
Data Source
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 a set 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 extends in a direction toward a screw hole in the opposing tab.