Modular Bone Plate Segmentation for Fracture Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation devices for juxta-articular or peri-articular regions are costly and complex, with limited ability to customize to individual patient anatomy, making them less effective in cost-sensitive environments and less adaptable to diverse fracture patterns.
Innovation Solution
A modular bone fixation device comprising a primary bone plate with an elongate member and an enlarged head, featuring multiple passageways for receiving fasteners, along with secondary bone plates that can be customized to fit various anatomies, allowing for flexible orientation and reduced part inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical bone plate with predetermined morphology is used, then the bone fixation can be achieved, but the adaptability to diverse patient anatomies and fracture patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple modular components including a primary bone plate, secondary bone plates, and connecting links. Each component can be independently selected and assembled to match the specific patient anatomy and fracture pattern, providing customizability without requiring a completely custom-designed plate for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate system allows dynamic adjustment during surgery by enabling the surgeon to select from multiple pre-configured components with different geometries and fastener arrangements. The modular design permits reconfiguration of the plate assembly to adapt to varying anatomical requirements while maintaining a standardized inventory of parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of parts is maintained for customization to patient anatomy, then the adaptability to diverse fracture patterns improves, but the cost effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and configurations. The primary bone plate can combine with different secondary bone plates and connecting links to address various fracture patterns, reducing the need for entirely different plate designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the bone plate into standardized modular components, the system achieves customization through combination rather than requiring a large inventory of completely different parts. The limited set of modular components can be assembled in multiple configurations to match diverse patient anatomies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular bone fixation device with multiple components is used, then the adaptability to diverse fracture patterns improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fixation device is segmented into standardized modular components including primary bone plates, secondary bone plates, and connecting links. Each component is designed with standardized interfaces that simplify the assembly process, allowing surgeons to configure the appropriate combination of modules for different fracture patterns without encountering excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the bone fixation system during surgery. Surgeons can select and assemble different combinations of pre-designed modules to match the specific fracture pattern, providing adaptability while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized connection protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation device may include a primary bone plate. The primary bone plate may include an elongate member having a first fastener-receiving passageway therein to receive a first fastener to anchor the primary bone plate to a long bone of a patient, and an enlarged head member extending from the elongate member and having a secondary bone plate-receiving passageway therein. The bone fixation device may also include a secondary bone plate received in the secondary bone plate-receiving passageway and having a second fastener-receiving passageway therein to receive a second fastener to anchor the secondary bone plate to fractured end portions of the long bone of the patient.