Modular Bone Fixation Linkage with Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation implants face challenges in achieving a proper anatomical fit and mechanical strength, particularly in mandibular reconstruction, due to the difficulty in shaping rigid materials to conform to individual patient bone contours, which can lead to discomfort and altered occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation linkage system comprising interconnected links with in-plane and out-of-plane angulation capabilities, featuring locking ribs that mate to lock the links in position, allowing the system to be custom-fitted to the patient's bone structure while maintaining mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials are used for bone fixation implants to provide mechanical strength, then the implant can withstand significant mechanical stress, but the implant becomes difficult to fashion to a particular patient's bone contour
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple modular components including a body portion, extension portions, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard rigidity while the assembled system can be configured to match patient-specific anatomy through selective positioning and angulation of the modular segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through features such as adjustable extension portions and reconfigurable locking mechanisms. This allows the implant to be adapted intraoperatively to achieve optimal anatomical fit while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigid material strength and ease of customization.
2Reliability
If the implant is made highly rigid to maintain proper occlusion, then mechanical stability is improved, but the implant cannot be easily adapted to individual patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The implant body is segmented into modular portions that can be independently positioned and angled. This allows the overall implant to be configured for precise anatomical adaptation while each rigid segment maintains its structural integrity to ensure stable occlusion once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant includes dynamic adjustment features such as movable extension portions and reconfigurable locking mechanisms that enable intraoperative adaptation to patient-specific anatomy. Once positioned, the rigid structure maintains stable occlusion, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability.
3Shape
If custom-shaped implants are created to fit individual patient bone contours, then anatomical fit is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing each implant as a custom-shaped monolithic piece, the design segments the implant into standardized modular components. These components are manufactured using conventional processes and then assembled in patient-specific configurations, achieving anatomical fit without increasing manufacturing complexity for each individual implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized geometries that can be used across multiple patients. The same basic components can be configured differently to accommodate various anatomical requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining anatomical adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bone fixation linkage includes a plurality of interconnected links that can angulate with respect to an adjacent one of the links in-plane or out-of-plane. The links can further include fixation holes that are configured to receive fixation members that secure the links to an underlying anatomical structure.