Modular Bone Fixation Center Post with Interchangeable Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fixation devices often limit fixation to specific points or orientations, making them unsuitable for locations with varying skeletal geometry, such as the midfoot, where multiple small bones need to be stabilized.
Innovation Solution
A modular bone fixation system comprising a center post with interchangeable secondary components and a locking screw, allowing for customizable fixation at various angular locations, including staple, bone plate, and spacer components, which can be secured using a locking screw to accommodate individual anatomical variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bone fixation devices with fixed arrangement of fixation points are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate variation in skeletal geometry between patients and in complex anatomical locations
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fixation device is divided into multiple modular components including a center post, secondary components (staple, bone plate, spacer), and locking mechanisms. Each component can be independently selected and assembled to match the specific anatomical geometry, allowing customization without requiring entirely different device designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The center post serves as a universal base component that can accommodate multiple types of secondary components (staple, bone plate, spacer) through standardized engagement features. This universal interface allows a single center post design to work with various anatomical configurations by simply changing the secondary component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components with interchangeable secondary components are used, then the adaptability to anatomical variations is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary components are designed to nest within or around the center post structure. The staple, bone plate, and spacer components can be sequentially added to and removed from the center post, with each component engaging through the same aperture and locking mechanism, reducing the need for separate fixation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixation functions (stapling, plating, spacing) are merged into a single integrated system centered around the universal center post. The locking screw and aperture mechanism serve as a common interface for all secondary components, consolidating what would otherwise require separate fixation devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed orientation bone plates are used, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the device cannot provide adjustable angular positioning for different anatomical locations
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fixation device transitions from a static, fixed-orientation design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The modular components can be assembled at various angular orientations around the center post and locked in place, allowing the device to adapt to different anatomical angles while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bone fixation implant includes a center post having exterior bone engaging features and configured to be implanted within a bone. The center post includes an aperture at an outer end of the center post. One or more interchangeable modular components may be placed within the bone and anchored to the aperture of the center post. Interchangeable modular components may include staples, bone plates, and spacers, each having at least a first end including a post engaging arm sized and shaped to seat within an interlocking feature of the aperture. A locking screw is provided to anchor all components to the center post when the interchangeable modular components have been placed.