Modular Femoral Neck Plate Tip for Anatomical Fit and Stable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plate-based prophylactic stabilization methods for the femoral neck are economically infeasible due to anatomical variations and limited intraoperative design opportunities, leading to increased stress points and fracture risks, particularly in geriatric patients.
Innovation Solution
A modular extension plate system that includes a connection portion and anchoring portion, allowing for adjustable length and secure attachment to a bone plate, with features like locking elements and angled surfaces to fit the femoral neck's curvature, enabling intraoperative design and modification for optimal stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-shaped plates are used for prophylactic stabilization, then plate fit to bone is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases due to high degree of anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The plate system is divided into a base plate and multiple interchangeable extension plates, each designed for specific anatomical regions. This segmentation allows standardization of the base plate while accommodating anatomical variations through modular extensions, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precision fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate system transitions from a static pre-shaped design to a dynamic modular configuration where extension plates can be selectively attached to the base plate during surgery. This allows the plate to adapt to different anatomical variations without requiring custom manufacturing for each patient, optimizing both fit and manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If extended plate length is used to follow the shape of the vastus ridge, then stabilization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented across multiple independent components: a base plate and multiple extension plates. Each extension plate covers a specific segment of the bone, and they can be selectively combined to achieve the required total coverage. This modular approach maintains comprehensive stabilization while reducing the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves as a universal platform that can be combined with different extension plates to accommodate various anatomical configurations and stabilization requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single base plate design to support multiple stabilization scenarios without increasing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking elements are added to secure extension plate to bone plate, then fixation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the connection interface between the extension plate and base plate, combining the attachment and stabilization functions into a single integrated feature. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining fixation stability, as the locking element works in conjunction with the connection geometry rather than requiring additional independent elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An extension plate, attachable to a bone plate and a bone, includes a body having a connection portion connectable to a bone plate and an anchoring portion attachable to a bone. The connection portion has a top surface configured to face away from a bone and a bottom surface configured to face toward the bone. The bottom surface of the connection portion has a first shelf extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface at a first side of the bottom surface and a second shelf extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface at a second side of the bottom surface. The second shelf includes a rail extending toward the first shelf, such that the second shelf defines an undercut between the rail and the bottom surface.