Minimally Invasive Pelvic Stabilization Using Internal Fixators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for unstable pelvic fractures, such as external fixation, are associated with high risks of pin tract infections, patient discomfort, and difficulties in obese patients, while internal fixation is complex and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive method combining anterior and posterior internal fixators using threaded rods, elongated plates, and sacral screws for pelvic stabilization, allowing for definitive stabilization without the drawbacks of external fixators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external fixation is used for unstable pelvic fractures, then speed of deployment and ease of operation are improved, but pin tract infections and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation pins from the external environment and places them internally within the patient's body. The pins are inserted through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the external frame to the pelvic bones, thereby eliminating pin tract infections associated with external fixation while maintaining the ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the external fixation frame within the patient's body by inserting pins through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the frame to the pelvic bones. This nesting approach eliminates the harmful effects of external pins while maintaining the structural stability and ease of operation of external fixation.
2Ease of operation
If external fixation is used for unstable pelvic fractures, then ease of operation is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation pins from the external environment and places them internally within the patient's body. The pins are inserted through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the external frame to the pelvic bones, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining the ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the external fixation frame within the patient's body by inserting pins through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the frame to the pelvic bones. This nesting approach reduces patient discomfort while maintaining the structural stability and ease of operation of external fixation.
3Ease of operation
If external fixation is used for unstable pelvic fractures, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to obese patients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation pins from the external environment and places them internally within the patient's body. The pins are inserted through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the external frame to the pelvic bones, thereby improving adaptability to obese patients while maintaining the ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the external fixation frame within the patient's body by inserting pins through the skin and soft tissues to anchor the frame to the pelvic bones. This nesting approach improves adaptability to obese patients while maintaining the structural stability and ease of operation of external fixation.
4Reliability
If internal fixation with plates and screws is used for unstable pelvic fractures, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but surgical complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of internal and external fixation by combining internal pins inserted through the skin and soft tissues with an external frame. This combination provides effective pelvic stabilization while reducing surgical complexity and invasiveness compared to traditional internal fixation with plates and screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional system that combines the stabilization effectiveness of internal fixation with the ease of operation of external fixation. The pins serve both as internal anchors and as connection points for the external frame, providing universal applicability to various pelvic fracture patterns.
5Reliability
If internal fixation with plates and screws is used for unstable pelvic fractures, then pelvic stabilization is improved, but surgical invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of internal and external fixation by combining internal pins inserted through the skin and soft tissues with an external frame. This combination provides effective pelvic stabilization while reducing surgical invasiveness compared to traditional internal fixation with plates and screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional system that combines the stabilization effectiveness of internal fixation with the ease of operation of external fixation. The pins serve both as internal anchors and as connection points for the external frame, providing universal applicability to various pelvic fracture patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention is a novel method for construct for temporary or definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Fixation means are affixed to the ilia and both a rigid, subcutaneous anteriorly bowed elongated plate and a subcutaneous posterior plate are connected between the fixation means.