Modular Bone Fixator With Removable Frame for Trauma Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation technologies struggle with severe soft tissue damage and complex bone fractures, particularly in traumatic injuries, requiring effective short-term stabilization before definitive treatment, especially in emergency or military settings, and addressing various fracture patterns and wound care needs.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixator with removable portions and multi-axial, multi-planar movement capabilities, featuring telescoping rod assemblies and adjustable fixator joints for optimal placement and stabilization, allowing for non-weight bearing fixation and wound protection, with quick release mechanisms and locking systems for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bone fixator is designed for short-term stabilization of traumatic injuries, then it provides effective temporary fixation for fractured bones, but it requires additional procedures and device changes for definitive treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator is divided into modular components including a unilateral frame structure with separate adjustable elements that can be configured for temporary stabilization and then reconfigured or removed for definitive treatment, eliminating the need for complete device replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator incorporates telescoping rods with adjustable lengths and movable joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the device geometry to accommodate different treatment phases and patient positioning requirements during temporary stabilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bone fixator allows multiaxial movement for optimal placement, then it achieves proper anatomical alignment, but it increases device complexity and difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator employs telescoping rods with smooth-bore construction that allow frictionless multiaxial movement and rotation, enabling the device to be easily positioned in various orientations and then locked into place, providing both flexibility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of multiple parameters including rod length, joint angles, and connection point positions through telescoping mechanisms and movable joints, enabling optimization of placement geometry without requiring complex adjustment procedures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a bone fixator is designed as a unilateral device for non-weight bearing fixation, then it protects wounds and reduces pressure on skin, but it limits weight-bearing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The unilateral fixator design isolates the wounded area by providing stabilization on only one side of the bone, allowing the contralateral side to bear weight if needed, while still effectively protecting the wound through strategic placement of pins and rods
Solution Approach 2:
The fixator components are designed to be adaptable for both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing applications, allowing the same device to serve multiple functions depending on injury severity and patient needs
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixator as disclosed herein includes at least one removable portion, and is particularly suitable for external fixation of the bones of the femur and tibia (knee joint), the tibia to the foot (ankle joint), the lower leg, the lower thigh, or the forearm and hand. Embodiments allow multiaxial, multiplanar movement, as well as procurvatum and recurvatum, on the anatomy to achieve optimal placement. Embodiments of the fixator includes four fixator joints, each of which is articulating with multiple degrees of freedom. Some fixator joint(s) include a linkage bar connectable to a multi-pin clamp having a quick connect mechanism. The multi-pin clamp is configured for fixation to a bone. Other fixator joint(s) may be connected to the multi-pin clamp in a semi-permanent or non-detachable manner. A telescoping rod assembly allows adjustment of the length of the fixator by a single individual.