Modular External Fixation Device for Emergency Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixation devices and surgical equipment are complex, expensive, and require high expertise, making them unavailable for rapid stabilization of fractures in mass casualty situations, especially in locations lacking proper medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable orthopedic fixation device comprising a frame with elongate members, carriers, and fixator members that can be adjusted and deployed to stabilize fractures, allowing for immediate on-site treatment with minimal damage to surrounding soft tissue, and can be used by a single practitioner without additional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate modular components including an elongate member, multiple carriers that can be independently positioned, and fixator members. Each component can be assembled and adjusted independently to achieve the desired stabilization configuration without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate member with carriers and fixator members is designed to treat various fracture types and locations along long bones. The same basic device structure can be adapted for different anatomical sites and fracture patterns through selective positioning of carriers and adjustment of fixator members, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but availability in resource-limited settings decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is composed of separate, manufacturable components that can be produced using standard medical device manufacturing processes. The modular nature allows for simplified production of individual elements (elongate member, carriers, fixator members) that can be assembled in the field, improving availability in resource-limited settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is designed as a disposable single-use system that can be rapidly deployed in emergency situations. The simplified design and modular construction enable cost-effective manufacturing of disposable units that eliminate the need for expensive, complex reusable systems requiring sterilization and maintenance infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If high expertise is required for device operation, then treatment precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriers are designed to be movable along the elongate member, allowing practitioners to dynamically adjust the positioning of fixator members according to the specific fracture location and patient anatomy. This dynamic adjustment capability provides treatment precision without requiring complex pre-planning or specialized expertise, as the device adapts to different clinical scenarios through simple repositioning.
4Reliability
If complex surgical equipment is used, then fracture treatment effectiveness is improved, but portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate components that can be packaged and transported efficiently. The elongate member, carriers, and fixator members can be stored in a compact configuration and rapidly assembled at the point of care, providing effective fracture treatment without requiring transport of heavy, complex surgical equipment to remote or resource-limited locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for stabilizing a fracture in a long bone, and more particularly, a fixation device configured to stabilize a fracture in a long bone. The fixation device includes a frame a frame including an elongate member, a first carrier configured to be coupled to a first fixator member and configured to be coupled to the elongate member, and a second carrier configured to be coupled to a second fixator member and configured to be coupled to the elongate member.