Modular Platform Fracture Fixation Implants for Anatomical Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant options for long bone fractures lack a standardized approach due to variations in patient anatomy, fracture patterns, and health conditions, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes and healing rates.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform fracture fixation implant system with asymmetric proximal and distal portions, varying sizes, and engagement mechanisms, including anchoring points and humeral head supports, designed to accommodate different fracture types and patient anatomies, allowing for customizable reconstruction of long bone fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple implant options with different designs and sizes are provided for various fracture patterns, then adaptability to different patient anatomies and fracture types is improved, but device complexity and inventory management become worse
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into modular components including proximal portions, distal portions, and intermediate portions that can be independently selected and combined. Each module comes in multiple sizes and configurations, allowing surgeons to assemble customized implants for specific fracture patterns without managing entirely different implant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system is designed with universal engagement mechanisms and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic implant types to be used across multiple fracture patterns and bone types. The modular architecture enables a single implant platform to serve multiple functions through different component combinations.
2Manufacturing precision
If implant designs are customized for specific fracture types and patient anatomies, then treatment precision and healing outcomes are improved, but surgical time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Implant components are pre-manufactured in multiple standardized sizes and configurations, with engagement mechanisms and attachment points prepared in advance. This allows surgeons to select and assemble the appropriate implant configuration during surgery without requiring custom fabrication or complex intraoperative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow modification of the implant configuration during surgery to match the specific fracture pattern, while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures through standardized interfaces and engagement mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A proximal portion of an implant for repairing a multipart fracture of a proximal humerus includes an asymmetric body having a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side, a lateral side, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge a medial surface extending along Sat least a portion of the medial side and having a proximal end and a distal end; a protrusion forming the lateral side of the asymmetric body, offset in an anterior direction, and pointing toward a bicipital groove of the humerus when the proximal portion is implanted in the humerus, an anterior support surface configured to support a lesser tuberosity; a posterior support surface configured to support a greater tuberosity; an angled surface having a first side defined by the medial surface, a second side defined by the anterior support surface, and a third side defined by the posterior support surface; and an anchoring point.