Modular External Fixation Stabilizer with Replaceable Footing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved external fixation stabilizers, systems, and kits that provide effective fixation and immobilization of bones while allowing for modular configuration and easy replacement of components to accommodate varying patient needs and anatomical requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of external fixation stabilizers with non-metallic base members, connector members, and footing members, along with spacers, that can be modularly assembled and easily attached to external fixation plates, using materials like hard plastics for base members, soft plastics for footing members, and metals for connector members, allowing for adjustable configurations and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal stabilizers are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but bacterial growth on the ground-contact surface causes infection risks and metal detection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is constructed as a composite device combining a metal base member (providing structural strength) with a non-metallic footing member (providing bacterial resistance). The footing member is attached to the lower surface of the metal base member, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the advantages of both material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-metallic footing member is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily detached and replaced when worn or contaminated. This allows the expensive metal base member to be reused while the cheaper footing member is replaced periodically, reducing overall cost and infection risk.
2Reliability
If metal stabilizers are used, then structural strength is maintained, but MRI compatibility is compromised due to metal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer combines metal and non-metallic materials in a composite structure where the metal base member provides necessary structural strength for bone fixation, while the non-metallic footing member provides MRI compatibility for ground-contact portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is divided into distinct functional segments: a metal base member for structural support and bone attachment, and a non-metallic footing member for ground contact. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stabilizers are designed as fixed units, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to varying patient anatomical requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system is segmented into modular components including base members, footing members, and intermediate members that can be independently selected and combined. This modular architecture enables customization for different patient anatomies without requiring completely different device designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces and connector members allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and be configured for various anatomical locations (tibia, fibula, foot). This universal design approach increases adaptability while controlling system complexity through component standardization.
4Ease of repair
If stabilizers are made as integrated units, then manufacturing is easier, but component replacement when worn is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is segmented into a permanent metal base member and a replaceable non-metallic footing member connected by a detachable connector. This segmentation enables easy replacement of the footing member when worn or contaminated without replacing the entire stabilizer assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member provides a dynamic, detachable connection between the base member and footing member, allowing the footing member to be easily attached and detached as needed. This dynamic connection facilitates maintenance and replacement while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to orthopedic medical devices for fixating, immobilizing, and manipulating bones, components of these medical devices, and methods. Specific examples relate to external fixation stabilizers and assemblies suitable for spacing a footplate from the ground. An external fixation stabilizer assembly includes a base member that defines an upper cavity and a lower cavity, a spacer defining a passageway, a connector member partially disposed in the lower cavity and extending into the upper cavity and through the spacer passageway, and a footing member attached to the lower surface of the base member. The spacer is movable between a first orientation on the connector in which a portion of the spacer extends into the upper cavity and a second orientation in which no portion of the spacer is disposed in the upper cavity. The disclosure also relates to external fixation systems, external fixation kits, and various related methods.