Movable Bone Screw Securing Element for Orthopedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone screw systems require multiple securing elements for each potential bone screw attachment point on a bone plate, leading to unnecessary elements when not all are used, increased operation time, and risk of loss during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bone screw design where the securing element is movable and integrated with the screw, allowing it to automatically switch between securing and non-securing positions without external forces, reducing the number of required elements and simplifying the surgical process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple securing elements are provided at each bone screw receiving means, then the bone plate can be securely locked at all potential attachment points, but the number of securing elements increases unnecessarily when not all attachment points are used
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be movable between a non-securing position (allowing insertion) and a securing position (providing locked engagement). This dynamic positioning allows the same securing element to serve multiple bone screws sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple static securing elements at each potential attachment point while maintaining reliable locking capability where needed.
2Reliability
If all securing elements are pre-positioned in the securing position, then immediate locking is available, but operation time increases when not all bone screws are used due to unnecessary repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is pre-positioned in the non-securing position by default, allowing the bone screw to be inserted without prior repositioning. When locking is required, the securing element can be quickly moved to the securing position. This preliminary positioning strategy eliminates unnecessary repositioning time while maintaining the capability for immediate locking when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If securing elements are arranged at all bone screw receiving means, then complete coverage is provided, but device complexity increases and risk of loss during surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single securing element is designed to serve multiple functions by being movable between different positions and capable of engaging with multiple bone screws sequentially. This universal design allows one securing element to replace multiple dedicated securing elements, reducing device complexity and the number of components that could potentially be lost during surgery while maintaining coverage of all attachment points.
4Ease of operation
If the securing element is made movable on the bone screw, then the number of securing elements is reduced and operation is simplified, but the securing element must be reliably held in position
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be self-retaining through its interaction with the bone screw structure. The movable securing element engages with features on the bone screw that automatically hold it in the securing position without requiring additional external retention mechanisms. This self-service design simplifies the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for separate retention operations while ensuring reliable position stability through the inherent mechanical interaction between the securing element and bone screw.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve a bone screw with a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and with a head which can be brought into engagement with a bone screw receiving means of a bone plate for the releasable connection of the bone screw to the bone plate, wherein a securing element for securing a connection between the bone screw and the bone plate is provided, wherein the bone screw can be brought from a position of engagement, in which the bone screw is held on the bone plate, into a release position, in which the bone screw can be released from the bone plate, wherein the securing element can be brought from a non-securing position, in which the bone screw can be brought into the release position, into a securing position for securing the connection between the bone screw and the bone plate, in which the bone screw takes up the position of engagement, such that a bone plate can be fixed to bone parts more easily and more securely it is suggested that the securing element be supported on the bone screw so as to be movable.