Olecranon Tension Band Wire Guide for Precise K-Wire Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tension band wiring techniques for olecranon fractures are prone to complications due to inaccuracies and require significant surgical skill, leading to issues like cartilage damage and prolonged operating times.

Innovation Solution

A tension-band-aiming device comprising a main member with adjustable guides and arms for precise placement of K-wires, allowing for minimal invasive and reproducible fixation, reducing the need for C-arm imaging and minimizing complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the classical tension band wiring technique is used with simple K-wires and wires, then the operation is simple and cost-effective, but the accuracy and reliability of fracture fixation deteriorate due to operative imperfections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidaccuracy of fracture fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aiming device performs preliminary positioning and guidance of K-wires before the actual fixation procedure. The device includes pre-configured guide channels and positioning elements that ensure accurate K-wire placement along the intended trajectory, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative adjustments and reducing operative imperfections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aiming device acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone structure. It provides a mechanical interface with guide channels, positioning sleeves, and reference elements that mediate the placement of K-wires, ensuring they follow the correct path without requiring the surgeon to directly judge the complex three-dimensional geometry during the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multiple operative imperfections occur in tension band wiring, then the operation remains simple, but the reliability and success rate of fracture fixation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of fixation techniqueVSAvoidprecision of K-wire placement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates pre-configured guide channels, positioning sleeves, and reference markers that are prepared in advance. These elements establish the correct K-wire trajectory, insertion points, and angles before the actual fixation begins, ensuring precision without requiring complex intraoperative techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the reliance on surgeon skill and manual positioning with a mechanical guidance system. The aiming device uses fixed geometric relationships, guide channels, and positioning elements to mechanically ensure accurate K-wire placement, substituting human judgment with predetermined mechanical precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional tension band wiring is performed without specialized aiming devices, then the equipment required is minimal, but the operating time increases due to need for C-arm verification and correction of imperfections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of equipment piecesVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The aiming device establishes all critical positioning and trajectory information before the fixation procedure begins. The pre-configured guides and references eliminate the need for repeated intraoperative imaging and adjustments, allowing the surgeon to proceed directly to fixation without time-consuming verification steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aiming device is designed to be self-contained with integrated positioning, guidance, and verification capabilities. The device itself provides the reference framework and guidance necessary for accurate placement, eliminating the need for external equipment like C-arms for routine verification, thereby reducing operating time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12611218B2Device for tension band wiring fixation of fractures, particularly of olecranon, and olecranon osteotomy and method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 ARISTOTLE UNIV OF THESSALONIKI E L K E (EIDIKOS LOGARIASMOS KONDILION EREVNAS)
  • US12611218B2 patent drawing
  • US12611218B2 patent drawing
  • US12611218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to the application of the tension-band-aiming device for olecranon fracture osteosynthesis. The device may also be used in cases where osteotomy of the olecranon is needed. It comprises a main part and five other adjuvant elements one of which assists for the osteotomy. The device offers precision for optimal results and is easy to use. The invention also relates to a method for the application of the tension-band-aiming device for olecranon fracture osteosynthesis and to its use.