Modular Bone Fracture Plate With Locking Ball-and-Socket Contouring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating complex bone fractures using plates and screws are complicated by the need for manual contouring of plates to match bone shape, leading to imperfect fixation and increased healing time and decreased patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
A self-contouring plate system with flexible, rigid elements that can bend and rotate, featuring a ball-and-socket connection for secure locking and fastening to the bone, allowing for precise contouring and full range of motion without material deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual contouring of plates is performed during surgery, then the plate can be adapted to match the bone shape, but the contouring is difficult and imperfect resulting in only partial fracture reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently positioned and connected. Each segment can be adjusted to match the complex curvature of the bone, and the segments are connected through articulating joints that allow precise angular adjustment. This segmentation enables accurate contouring without manual bending during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the surgeon to modify the plate's shape and angle after it is attached to the bone. The articulating joints and adjustable connectors enable real-time refinement of the plate's contour to achieve precise fracture reduction, eliminating the need for perfect pre-contouring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual contouring is performed during surgery, then the plate can be shaped to fit the bone, but the contouring process is time-consuming and results in increased healing time
Solution Approach 1:
The plate segments are pre-manufactured with standardized connection interfaces and pre-set angular configurations. The surgeon selects and assembles the appropriate segments before surgery, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual contouring during the procedure. The pre-engineered modular design allows rapid assembly that conforms to the bone's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the plate into standardized modular segments with quick-connect interfaces, the assembly process becomes significantly faster than manual contouring. The segments can be rapidly attached and adjusted during surgery, reducing operative time and allowing earlier patient mobilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional plates are used with screw fixation, then the bone can be fixed in position, but imperfect contouring causes loss of reduction obtained prior to applying the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the surgeon to modify the plate's shape and angle after it is attached to the bone. The articulating joints and adjustable connectors enable real-time refinement of the plate's contour to achieve precise fracture reduction, eliminating the need for perfect pre-contouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate system allows for post-attachment adjustment of geometric parameters including segment angles, inter-segment distances, and overall plate curvature. These parameter changes can be made after the plate is fixed to the bone, ensuring that the final configuration perfectly matches the bone's anatomy and maintains reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contouring plate system for bone fractures comprises a plurality of rigid plate elements connected by ball-and-socket joints. Each plate element includes a ball at one end and a socket at an opposite end for receiving a ball from an adjacent plate element. A single fastener for each plate element serves the dual function of securing the plate to bone and compressing the ball into the socket to lock the joint. The fastener includes bone threads for engaging bone and a head with a lower surface that directly contacts and compresses the ball. The system allows initial flexibility for contouring to complex bone shapes, then locks into position when the fasteners are tightened. The length is adjustable by adding or removing plate elements. Each plate element maintains substantially uniform thickness without protruding elements, and the balls are solid spherical members without through-holes to maximize strength and range of motion.