Modular Fracture Fixation Plate with Interlocking Set Screw Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fracture fixation systems, particularly for metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures, face challenges in maintaining proper alignment and stability, especially in cases with multiple bone fragments or osteoporotic bones, and often require separate plates that can lead to unsupported bone regions and potential irritation.
Innovation Solution
A modular fracture fixation system that includes customizable distal radius and diaphyseal plates, and proximal humerus and diaphyseal plates, which are coupled using set screws independent of bone engagement, ensuring a stable and rigid assembly without relying on bone quality, and featuring designs that eliminate play between components to distribute load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate metaphyseal and diaphyseal plates are used, then the fracture can be fixed with appropriate plate for each region, but unsupported bone between the plates results in concentrated load on the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate metaphyseal and diaphyseal plates into a single integrated plate structure that provides continuous support across the entire bone region, eliminating unsupported bone areas and distributing loads evenly along the plate length
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular plates interconnected via dovetail slot and bone screws are used, then the system can be assembled, but the integrity is subject to loosening through micromotion and bone quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines modular adaptability with a unified integrated structure that eliminates micromotion interfaces, providing both customization options and reliable load-bearing integrity without dependence on bone quality for component connection
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated plate incorporates segmented functional regions (metaphyseal and diaphyseal portions) with different geometric characteristics optimized for each bone region, allowing region-specific adaptation within a single reliable structure
3Strength
If metaphyseal plate is made significantly thicker and wider to receive diaphyseal plate, then the connection is strengthened, but it creates undesirably thick plate and potential tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated plate features local geometric variations with thicker metaphyseal portion for structural connection and thinner diaphyseal portion for tissue compatibility, optimizing both connection strength and reducing soft tissue irritation in the appropriate regions
Data Source
AI summary
A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.